Skiing and snowboarding in Colorado is a winter activity… right? What many people do not know is that Colorado’s winter is long-lasting, sometimes seemingly never-ending, and extends well into the spring months. Even when the snow has melted and flowers are blooming, the town of Georgetown is situated at the ideal spot to enjoy late-season turns. Some would even say the best powder days of their life have come after the month of March. We are talking about the amazing spring skiing on Loveland Pass at both Loveland Ski Area and Arapahoe Basin Ski Area, two ski areas with the longest seasons in North America. Their vibe is immaculate, their terrain is steep, their snow is soft, but, most importantly, their base elevation is HIGH. Here is the secret sauce to what makes Loveland Pass the home of the best spring skiing in North America, and why Georgetown is its gateway.
Above: Loveland, image credit: @lovelandskiarea via Instagram
Loveland Ski Area is a simple 18-minute drive up Interstate 70 from downtown Georgetown. If the highway isn’t your flair, you can even zip up the frontage road and avoid all the fast cars. With 1,800 skiable acres and 94 trails, Loveland is large enough for the entire family to find their groove. From cruiser greens and blue-rated runs all the way to double black hike-to areas, Loveland has it all. What makes it a spring skiing destination is its base elevation of 10,800’ and summit of 13,010’. Being situated so high in the sky, the snow simply lasts longer. Cold nights keep the snowpack intact, and warm spring days so close to the sun keep people ripping the slopes in their t-shirts! Opening day usually arrives in late October, and closing day is estimated to be mid-May, depending on snow conditions. On a good snow year, people cruise Loveland Ski Area well into the month of June.
The hill is known for its family-friendly, laid back atmosphere. Tickets are affordable (don’t miss out on the famed Loveland 4-Pack sold before every season) and they even have a “side area” called Loveland Valley that hosts a learning area magic carpet and a few mellow lift-serviced slopes specifically groomed for beginners. Atop the mountain, expert terrain is accessed via the free Ridge Cat, a snowcat that whisks skiers to the summit of the pass free of charge, saving skier’s legs for the steep terrain and soft powder. The parking at the base area is free (a rarity these days), and visitors take part in a lively après ski scene from the tailgate of their cars. Grills and coolers are welcome! Inside the lodge, the Wedge Bar and Rathskeller are the best places to find locally brewed craft beer and handmade bites, with reasonable prices that will not break the bank.
Above: Loveland, image credit: Flickr user Jeremiah LaRocco
Above: Arapahoe Basin, image credit: @arapahoe_basin via Instagram
Arapahoe Basin Ski Area, a place with many nicknames, is just a 12-minute drive beyond Loveland Ski Area (30 minutes from Georgetown), a quick zip up and over the pass on US-6, the original way over the mountains before the Eisenhower Tunnel was built. Known to the locals as The Legend, A-Bay, or A-Basin, it is the definitive spot for the longest season in Colorado, usually opening a few weeks before Loveland and staying open a few weeks later. The Legend has been known to stay open even up to the Fourth of July, and in the 1995 ski season, it held enough snow to keep skiers out until August 10! The ski area offers its own season pass for access, but is also a partner of the popular Ikon Pass, which gives passholders 5 days of enjoyment.
A-Basin has a base area of 10,520’, a summit of 13,050’, and is famous not only for its long season but for its steep expert terrain and hike-to areas. Less beginner-friendly than Loveland, it is an expert-skier’s dream. In fact, 73% of the ski area is rated black or double-black diamond. Adventurous skiers and riders should not miss the famed East Wall or Pallavicini Lift. When it comes to après ski, A-Basin has a mind of its own. Come springtime, the free parking lots transform into a phenomenon known as “Spacin’ at the Basin” where you are just as likely to find a keg as you are a grill. The well-known Arapahoe Basin Beach borders the slopes at the base area and is reservable ahead of time for private parties. Inside the old A-frame lodge is the 6th Alley Bar and Grill with a bounty of heady taps and full-service food. For spring skiing, A-Basin is the place to be, be seen, and be skiing.
Above: The Beach, image credit: @arapahoe_basin via Instagram
Once most of the winter tourists have departed and the residents of Denver have long packed away their skis, Loveland Pass comes alive with the squeals of delighted skiers and riders. It is a culture that sees the same people returning to the slopes day after day, and you will often end up fast friends with the people in the parking spot next to you. Whether you enjoy the slushy snow or the après scene, everyone skiing in the spring has something in common. Both of these ski areas are just a quick jaunt up the hill from Georgetown, so there is no other town with more access to skiing until the last ounces of snow are melted and sent downstream. Bring out the swimsuits and catch some rays! After all, nothing says “ski bum” quite like a goggle tan in late-June.
Immerse yourself in everything that Georgetown has to offer—make it your home! Bighorn Crossing Townhomes are right in the middle of all of this outdoor wonder, with luxury 2- and 3-bedroom units, gear closets, and modern finishes. Click here to get more information or join the waitlist below!
