Find and Navigate Backcountry Skiing on Loveland Pass

If you’re looking for something new or maybe just a quick ticket-free ski trip, Loveland Pass is a great spot to check out. This backcountry destination can get well over 400 inches of snow and offers a variety of different terrain in a highly trafficked area. If you don’t mind making some new friends and the occasional ride in the back of a pick-up you will be able to ski for most of the day.

To get you started, we put together this quick guide to help you find and navigate backcountry skiing on Loveland Pass.

Season

The typical season is from November to July in most years. Though January – April will be your best months.

The best days to go are clear sky blue bird days and right after some fresh snow. Definitely avoid snowy days as Loveland Pass will often close. To find if it’s currently close check out CDOT’s updates

If you’re brave enough to head out on a full moon you won’t be disappointed as the entire forest will be illuminated by the moon. This trip is better with 2 cars and some friends to enjoy it with. Keep in mind, you probably won’t be able to hitch hike at this time of day.

One of the benefits of backcountry skiing here is that dedicated people can still get runs well outside the normal winter season.

Getting There

If you can make it to Loveland Resort or are near the Eisenhower Tunnel at all, you’re nearly there. See our tips below depending on where you’re coming from.

From I-70/Denver

Head up the glorious westbound I-70 towards Loveland Ski Resort. Once there, take Highway 6 toward Loveland Pass. As you head up the pass you should see other cars parked on the small side lots. This is the parking lot where you will end up. See image below.

From A-basin/Keystone

If you come from west of the continental divide through a-basin, you will summit Loveland Pass first, then drive down to the side lots mentioned above. Don’t just park at the summit and ride down unless you’re sure you can catch a ride back up.

Parking

This is where everything funnels down to. It’s free parking but can fill up on busy days. Keep an eye out for cars once you make it down. They are not expecting skiers to shoot out on the road, so don’t.

Catching a Lift

Plan ahead here. You don’t want to get caught outside without a car. This is why we believe the best plan is to leave your car at the bottom lot and catch a ride when you can. This way you always have your car available. Don’t let this deter you. This isn’t normal hitch-hiking as people will often pick you up as they drive to A-Basin or Keystone. I have never waited for more than a few minutes. Certainly quicker than a weekend line at the resorts.

If you’re ever going over the pass and see some thumbs up in the air, consider giving them a ride to the top. They are just trying to get some runs in the most Colorado way possible.

Where To & NOT To Go

Stay on the I-70 side and make sure you know where you are going. There are a variety of options, but they do come with an increased risk. Once you get to the pass summit you can either trek around to some bowl skiing, or head straight to the trees.

Tree Run

The safest option is to head for the trees. This will be pretty much self explanatory once you’re there as it’s the easiest path down and doesn’t require hiking. In full season the entire ride in the trees is pretty easy to intermediate terrain for anyone experienced. Since it can draw a decent crowd through the year there are a handful of natural rails and jumps that get built during the season.

If you search enough, you might even be able to find the shack that’s built out there. If you find it, stop by, but always pack out any trash you bring.

Old Reliable/Saddle Run

This can be some great bowl skiing for ONLY those experienced and skilled with avalanche gear. This is NOT a safe-zone and can still be prone to slides. To get here, hike out across the ridge before the cornice and drop in where it looks good.

If you are looking for some out of season skiing, this run has some gullies that can still hold runs late in the year. Make sure to only bring gear that can get beat up.

Idiot’s Cornice

If you do decide to get some bowl skiing in, AVOID IDIOTS CORNICE. This is all caps and bold for a reason, the avalanche risk here can get incredibly high and should always be avoided. Any cornice is dangerous, but this one in particular still tempts people even though it can grow over 20 feet tall and breaks to a 40 degree slope. Don’t be an idiot!

Backcountry Safety

This is not resort skiing! As a result, they don’t regularly control avalanches here and they can become a big risk, primarily for those who are bowl skiing. There can also be unmarked obstacles to watch out for. It’s important that you are an experienced skier or snowboarder and are always aware of your surroundings.If you are going to the bowl, it’s important to understand how to use an avalanche beacon and probe. You should also have a shovel and avalanche ready pack. People have died out there, be careful!

Other Great Backcountry Skiing

Colorado is home to world-class skiing, much of which can be found outside of the typical over crowder expensive resorts. Loveland Pass is a great starting point due to the ease of finding, variety of terrain, and the amount of other people enjoying the snow. If you’re new to this, seeing others should inspire more confidence.

For other top back country skiing check out these peaks and passes:

• Quandary Peak
• Berthoud Pass
• Red Mountain Pass

Out of the winter season? Check out Paradise Cove instead