Loveland in April

[persee]

Ok ladies. Already have my trip planned to be in CO in April. I got my Loveland 4 pack so the lift tix are in hand and waiting to be used. What I'm looking for is some comments/advice on the area. We'll be in Denver for another event on one side of the skiing, but for skiing Loveland where should we stay? We tend to like moderate level bussiness class hotels - HamptonInn, Courtyards, etc. We also are more groomer/cruiser/blues type skiiers so where on the mountain ought we to start our day(s)? Plenty of time so no rush, jsut looking for hints etc. Thanks!

 

[SkiNurse]

I don't know much about Loveland skiing, but I can tell you there are no places to stay at the ski area. Like Abasin, except for small bar, food area, pro shop, lockers there aren't any amenities.

The closet places to stay are in Georgetown (which I think Loveland has some deals with) or on the other side of the pass in Silverthorne/Dillon. Silverthorne/Dillon will have more of the type of hotels you are looking for. Otherwise, Denver to Loveland is only ~ 45minutes in good weather. So, you could stay in Denver, Golden, Devner West or Lakewood for an easy drive up I70.

Which this all reminds me, I also have a 4 pack for Loveland that I need to use!

 

[Robyn]

Well, SkiNurse, covered all my info. I've only skied 2 days ever at Loveland and they were more about demos and a racing so not much I can tell you. Sorry!

 

[persee]

Eisenhower Tunnel Toll?

Can anyone confirm whether there is a toll for using the Eisenhower Tunnel (I-70) between Silverthorne and Loveland? Considering staying over in Silverthorne, but knowing about the potential toll could make or break that idea. Thanks!

 

[pinto]

Can anyone confirm whether there is a toll for using the Eisenhower Tunnel (I-70) between Silverthorne and Loveland? Considering staying over in Silverthorne, but knowing about the potential toll could make or break that idea. Thanks!

No monetary toll, but sometimes in bad weather, a mental and temporal toll!

(Actually, in April, you should be just fine. Most Coloradans stop skiing by then, so traffic is light.)

 

[persee]

Thanks!

 

[MaineSkiLady]

Persee, you are going to really enjoy Loveland. Take a look at the online trail map: it's divided into 2 separate base areas. They are connected by a long chairlift that goes right over the parking lot. My car was once parked directly beneath it, and although the chair was hardly being used, I kind of thought, what if someone loses a ski? That could do some damage to a car!

Anyway, don't avoid the main part of Loveland - there are tons of mellow, cruising runs (much is above timberline, so "runs" is a loose term here). I haven't been there in awhile, but I'm sure the mountain itself hasn't changed! There's one run where you can get a great shot of being directly over I-70 and the entrance/exit of Eisenhower tunnel. The chair to the summit above timberline is a neat ride.

We did Loveland on the last day of a hectic, burn-out ski trip, and we were beat, so we took it relatively easy (started drive home immediately after) that day and found plenty of mellow terrain to just cruise.

April should be great. When in April? Anyway, we'll talk more soon!

 

[lucine]

No toll, but you could also drive through/stay in Keystone and take US 6 over Loveland Pass -Beautiful drive in beautiful weather.
Closed a lot more often than the tunnel,
Georgetown is the closest.
https://www.bedandbreakfast.com/georgetown-colorado.html
Empire has a few B and B's as well also close to Loveland.

 

[Gina23]

there are some great blue cruisers over on loveland valley... you can take the bus over there. it's a locals hill... make sure to a local microbrew at the Rathskellar bar and enjoy the local Denverites, we're crazy

 

[mcguinncat]

Hi persee
Personally I've not been to Loveland, but my brother and his family ski there almost every weekend. My nephews (Alec 10 and Andrew 8) are on the Loveland Ski Team. Alecs been racing for about 4 years and Andrew is just starting up. They love that mountain. It's fun to ask them about all the aspects of racing..They are so cute. I've been out to see them a couple of times and Evergreen is nearby and might have some lodging you'd like to check out. Georgetown is a awesome mining like town. The brew pub there is lots of fun. We went during Octoberfest and the entertainers were wearing (sp/) leiderhousin...
Hope you have a wonderful time~

 

[persee]

Thanks for all the advice/suggestions. I'm keeping notes! I'm sooo looking forward to skiing out there even though I know I'm gonna tire quickly (seeing as I live less than 100ft above sea level!). We might manage a day at a-basin in addition to the 2 days we've already bought at loveland. This remains to be seen. We'll be staying in Denver for 4 nights and then a night somewhere else so perhaps I can meet up with some of the natives (hey, Kelly, etc.... ) I may also have to go have a look at Outdoor Divas since everyone speaks so highly of them! Advice on brewpubs in LoDo etc is also appreciated as DH and I like to experience the local micro-brews when we travel!

 

[SkiNurse]

The oringinal brew pub downtown is Wynkoops, conveniently located across from Union Station on 18th & Wynkoop.

My personal favorite. Incredible beer, pool hall and good food. This is (was) owned by Denver's Mayor John Hickenlooper. He also owns (ed) 5 other restraunts in the area.

Then, you can head toward Coors Field (east?) oif Wynkoops and you will end up at the Chop House. They also make their own beer. Two door down from the Chop house is Fados, an Irish pub. It is a chain, but they know how to serve up Guiness or a mean Black & Tan.

Continue your little journey around Coor's field and on the (??south) side is the "other" lcoation for the Breckenridge Brewery...the orginal, of course, in Breckenridge.

Now, a couple of blocks east from there was (is) Black Tavern/Flying Dog Brewery. I just hear last week they were closing and moving location.

Now that whole area of LoDos, up town, downtown, mid town are filled with bars & pubs. If you like jazz. El Chupltetec (sp). The orginal jazz club in Denver.

 

[Gina23]

the jazz club is up by me on 38th (up and coming area).

i don't know... if i were you i'd get some local mexican food. in my opinion it's some of the best in the country. over by invesco (broncos stadium) there is a great place called La Loma (26th and Federal). If you want specifics I'd be glad to help. Lodo is fine, but there is sooooooooooooooooooooooo much more to Denver. :D Head up and down Colfax for an interesting time

 

[SkiNurse]

The orginal El Chapultepec is actually @ 19th & Market.

 

[lucine]

https://www.dazzlejazz.com/
I like this spot.
Not a brew pub but great jazz.

 

[SkiNurse]

https://www.dazzlejazz.com/
I like this spot.
Not a brew pub but great jazz.

Fabulous place!

 

[Native Vail Gal]

We'll be staying in Denver for 4 nights and then a night somewhere else so perhaps I can meet up with some of the natives (hey, Kelly, etc.... )

You Got a Deal! PM me when you're ready! :cheer:

 

[Native Vail Gal]

the jazz club is up by me on 38th (up and coming area).

i don't know... if i were you i'd get some local mexican food. in my opinion it's some of the best in the country. over by invesco (broncos stadium) there is a great place called La Loma (26th and Federal). If you want specifics I'd be glad to help. Lodo is fine, but there is sooooooooooooooooooooooo much more to Denver. :D Head up and down Colfax for an interesting time

Ok...as a native....I would like to just warn a little about "Colfax" fun. It is typically known as a remarkable place to find a hooker/escort! But....if that's what you may be looking for....well....there ya' go?

Anyhoo.....I have to second LoDo....only because everything is so close. El Chapultapec is great for Jazz and is frequented by many FAMOUS jazz musicians spontaneously (I've been fortunate enough to be there when Harry Connick popped in for a cocktail and a 2 hour jam session impromptu!)

PM me when you are in town, and we'll set out...with anyone else who wants to join in! :cheer: I'm excited for you!

 

[Gina23]

I was kidding about the Colfax comment, and right on, there are two jazz clubs - awesome!!!

 

[Skimom]

I'm in for an April Diva get together!

MSL - When was the last time you were at Loveland? I haven't seen the chairlift between the two areas running in a long time!

I've only been to Loveland a handful of times. It has some good stuff for an intermedite like me and experts like the rest of my family!