Amie H
Angel Diva
The more resorts I visit, I find myself developing a sort of "crush" on charming, friendly indie hills.
Loveland is one of those places.
I'd been there in May (!) of 2018, when I booked a lesson to learn how to transition to my new shaped skis. My instructor ended up being more of a guide, as he said, I already knew how to ski. So we just skied all over the mountain, including up chair 9 to the ridge. I ended up with huge bruises, aching muscles, and the fondest skiing and après memories! I knew I had to get back there someday.
My 2022 visit would be different for two reasons: I'm a more practiced skier now, and not much terrain was open. I pulled into the lot before 9am and was in the second row of vehicles to the lift. Totally awesome.
Only Lift 2 and Chet's Dream were open, the latter having a consistent wait time, so I opted to mostly do laps from Lift 2 through Tango/Home Run. Easy stuff, but much less crowded than top of Chet's dream down to the bottom. I considered a blue bump run from the top, but it was in the shade and super hard pack. Maybe another time, with more forgiving snow.
I took a break from the cold in the bar, had a really good Strawberry Rhubarb sour ale by Great Divide, and was with my daughter on Google Chat. She gave me some exciting news (I'll share if/when what we discussed comes to fruition.) Anyway, after that, I ventured up Chet's Dream and took Cat Walk to Mambo. Firm hardpack, but still a fun ride.
You'll notice in the video some folks flying past me. I talked to an over-50 (possibly over 60) passsholder on Lift 2 who remarked on the unusual high volume of skiers, and how fast people were ripping down the runs of the top of Chet's. I agreed, told her I noticed more, uh, "carefree" clientele on that side so I felt more comfortable where we were, even though the runs were much shorter. We talked about the resort a bit, and after sharing a story of a line gone wrong off the ridge she shared this nugget of wisdom: "I don't want my playtime to be work."
Staff were friendly, and the lifties were downright exuberant. The joyfullness was infectious. I left with a smile on my face, and am feeling those warm fuzzies now as I type out this report.
Loveland is one of those places.
I'd been there in May (!) of 2018, when I booked a lesson to learn how to transition to my new shaped skis. My instructor ended up being more of a guide, as he said, I already knew how to ski. So we just skied all over the mountain, including up chair 9 to the ridge. I ended up with huge bruises, aching muscles, and the fondest skiing and après memories! I knew I had to get back there someday.
My 2022 visit would be different for two reasons: I'm a more practiced skier now, and not much terrain was open. I pulled into the lot before 9am and was in the second row of vehicles to the lift. Totally awesome.
Only Lift 2 and Chet's Dream were open, the latter having a consistent wait time, so I opted to mostly do laps from Lift 2 through Tango/Home Run. Easy stuff, but much less crowded than top of Chet's dream down to the bottom. I considered a blue bump run from the top, but it was in the shade and super hard pack. Maybe another time, with more forgiving snow.
I took a break from the cold in the bar, had a really good Strawberry Rhubarb sour ale by Great Divide, and was with my daughter on Google Chat. She gave me some exciting news (I'll share if/when what we discussed comes to fruition.) Anyway, after that, I ventured up Chet's Dream and took Cat Walk to Mambo. Firm hardpack, but still a fun ride.
You'll notice in the video some folks flying past me. I talked to an over-50 (possibly over 60) passsholder on Lift 2 who remarked on the unusual high volume of skiers, and how fast people were ripping down the runs of the top of Chet's. I agreed, told her I noticed more, uh, "carefree" clientele on that side so I felt more comfortable where we were, even though the runs were much shorter. We talked about the resort a bit, and after sharing a story of a line gone wrong off the ridge she shared this nugget of wisdom: "I don't want my playtime to be work."
Staff were friendly, and the lifties were downright exuberant. The joyfullness was infectious. I left with a smile on my face, and am feeling those warm fuzzies now as I type out this report.
