Georgetown

Downhill Skiing and Snowboarding

Loveland Ski Area. Because of its proximity to Denver (an hour's drive), lack of resort facilities and hotels, and few high-speed lifts, Loveland Ski Area is often overlooked by out-of-staters, but that's just the way locals like it. Loveland has some of the highest runs in Colorado spread across a respectable 1,670 acres serviced by 10 lifts. It's split between Loveland Valley, a good place for beginners, and Loveland Basin, a good bet for everyone else. Loveland Basin has excellent glade and open-bowl skiing and snowboarding, especially on the 2,210-foot vertical drop. Best of all, it opens early and usually stays open later than any other ski area except Arapahoe Basin. I-70 Exit 216, 12 mi west of Georgetown, Georgetown, CO, 80444. 303/571-5580 or 800/736-3754. www.skiloveland.com. Mid-Oct.-May, weekdays 9-4, weekends 8:30-4.

Facilities

2,410-foot vertical drop; 1,365 skiable acres; 80 runs; 13% beginner, 41% intermediate, 46% advanced; 10 lifts; 3 doubles, 2 triples, 3 quads, 1 surface, and 1 magic carpet (ski school only).

Lessons and Programs

Loveland Ski School. Loveland Ski School offers 2½-hour group "Newcomer Packages" beginning at 10 am and 1 pm for $84 including all rental gear and an all-day lift ticket; advanced half-day lessons (a maximum of four people per group) are $57 or $85 with rental gear. Georgetown, CO. 303/571-5580.

Lift Tickets

In the early season, from opening to December 14, tickets are $45, but $56 is the regular season price. Discount tickets are on sale at local Safeway and King Soopers stores.

Rentals

Loveland Rentals. Loveland Rentals has two on-mountain locations. Sport packages are are $30, and performance packages are $45. Snowboard packages are $35; helmets run $15. Georgetown, CO. 303/569-3203.