Loveland Ski Area opens in Colorado for skiers and snowboarders

UPDATE: Check out this photo from opening day.

Loveland Ski Resort will become the second ski resort to open in Colorado when it drops the ropes on Tuesday (Oct. 23) to launch its 75th season.

Here’s what the resort is reporting it will have for skiers and snowboarders: “Our opening day run will consist of Catwalk, Mambo, and Home Run, for a combined total of nearly 1,000 vertical feet.  The opening day run will be from tree-to-tree with an 18 inch base.  We will also have 5 terrain park features ready to go on opening day.” Get more details.

Loveland joins Arapahoe Basin, which became the first Colorado resort to open for the season on Oct. 17.

Wondering how much snow we might get this season? Here’s the forecast.

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Copper Mountain, Loveland Ski Area making snow in Colorado

Snowmaking at Copper Mountain (RealVail)

Good news: They are making SNOW at Colorado ski resorts!

Copper Mountain started first on Tuesday (Story on RealVail) and has a contest that will let two lucky winners ski the mountain before it opens (Enter). They were followed by Loveland Ski Area, which fired up the snow guns at 2 a.m. this morning (Oct. 4). Get more photos and updates on its Snowmaking page.

Arapahoe Basin, generally a strong contender in the race to open first, has yet to fire up the guns. But we’re guessing they’ll be there soon.

If the weather holds, there could be skiing in about two weeks!

Wondering how much snow we might get this season? Here’s the forecast.

Swany Gloves is dedicated to bringing you the best of outdoor adventure. Like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter.

Find love on the ski lifts this Valentine’s Day

Is love on a lift in your future?

UPDATE: Check out the photos and story on the marriage ceremony held on Valentine’s Day at a snowy (yes!) Loveland Ski Area. And don’s miss Loveland’s AWESOME video of the event and conversations with some of the 60 couples who participated.

We’ve always thought that riding a lift “single” was a great way to meet people. After all, you have SOMETHING in common with the person next to you, even if they ski and you ride (or vice versa).

So it makes complete sense to us that ski areas across the country are offering “Speed Dating” events in honor of Valentine’s Day, which is coming up next Tuesday (you’ve been warned, guys).

Here’s a look at just a few opportunities for “love on the slopes” that we found:

• Okemo Mountain in Vermont will host The Running of the Bridesmaids on Valentine’s Day. Skiers and riders who show up at the ticket window wedding finery and formal wear get a discounted day ticket ($59), free chicken wings, and a photograph. Wedding gowns, bridesmaid dresses, and tuxedos are among the suggested items.
• Black Mountain in New Hampshire beats the Valentine’s Day rush by hosting Chairlift Speed Dating from 2-4 p.m. on Saturday (Feb. 11).  The lift will give you 10  minutes to fall in love.  Sign-up at 12:30 p.m. and is free with purchase of a lift ticket. Cheap Date? Half-date tickets for $30 after 12:30 p.m.).
• Bear Creek Ski Resort in Pennsylvania hosts Lift of Love on Tuesday. Singles will be randomly paired on a lift, then have seven minutes to get to know each other. At the top, ‘ski daters’ can ski off together or take another lift ride. ‘Lift of Love’ runs from 6-10 p.m., free with the purchase of a lift ticket. Daters can mingle in the VIP area, which includes Cupid’s Fire, tarot card readings, a s’mores buffet and more.
• Snowbird Resort in Utah is rolling out a Valentine’s Day Singles Line on the Peruvian Express chairlift. And it doesn’t have to be a costly experience: Adult, all-day tickets will be just $40 on Valentine’s Day. After the lift closes, singles can attend a singles social at El Chanate, Snowbird’s Mexican restaurant, where they just need to mention the singles line to earn a buy-one-get-one-free appetizer and entree.
• Loveland Resort in Colorado skips the dating and goes straight to the (snowy) altar on Tuesday with its 21st  Annual Mountaintop Matrimony. That’s right, a mass wedding for those getting married or renewing their vows  takes place at noon outside the Ptarmagin Roost Cabin at 12,050 feet. Couples must sign in Tuesday morning and be at the cabin 30 minutes early. Important to note: skiing is FREE if you’re signed in, but you HAVE to ride or ski. No rides up or down.

There are many other Valentine’s Day deals out there. Just check with your local resort.

Swany Gloves is dedicated to bringing you the best of outdoor adventure. Like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter.