How far we went: 1 mile up + 1 mile down = 2 total
How long it took us: About 3 hours
Elevation reached: 7,040 ft
Weather: VERY COLD (Never was about 6 degrees F) I'm making this post after my other Hanging Lake post, but we actually did this one a year before and I'm just now getting around to posting it. This was a very cold trip but it's totally worth it. Take in the pictures and enjoy. 2 miles if you go from bottom to top, and then back down. I wouldn't make this a first-time winter hike. It's not too challenging but the last scramble to the top is too much to handle for some, especially with all the ice and snow. Make sure you have appropriate footwear such as yaktrax. I posted this already but I will do so again.... There is a large parking lot with ample spaces but you should make a note that YOU CANNOT ACCESS HANGING LAKE FROM I-70 EASTBOUND. YOU MUST TURN AROUND AT EXIT 121.
Don't get pissed off and confused, turning around adds 5-10 minutes in
the trip, maybe more in awful weather but I promise it is well worth the
wait. Also, here is a video of Hanging Lake. Only this is from a year later, not on the day these pictures were taken.
Made my first trip to Loveland Ski Area a few weeks ago to check out how it is. If you're coming from I-70 East/Denver it it the first skiing area you will come to during your beautiful drive on the nation's highest interstate. This is my review and I hope most can find it helpful!
The trip: Driving on I-70 can be a complete nightmare in the winter. Rock slides, ice, heavy snowfall, and ridiculous wind gusts are all possible when heading through the high-country. Even if you plan your trip accordingly you can still hit a snag in traffic which can easily ruin a nice day on the slopes. Make sure to leave enough time for you to properly park your vehicle, get into your gear, use the restroom, etc. After you've planned your route check the weather and road reports. If they're calling for multiple inches of snow, leave early. Also make sure you have plenty of snacks if you get stuck on the road and of course, make sure you have the proper equipment should you have a break down. You do not want to be unprepared in the high country. As you very well know, shit happens.
Rentals: As the early bird gets the worm, this philosophy should be your plan of attack should you need rental gear. The process went pretty smoothly. You fill out your info on a computer then take a space in the line where they will look up what info you just typed in under your name. The staff was pretty friendly, my friend and I were suited up in no time, however, my wife had some issues with the staff telling her she did not need two pairs of socks. She insisted that it was cold as shit and she did but the gentleman told her she was a specific boot size and that two pair of socks would not be appropriate. I have never heard this before but it bothered my spouse as her feet were frozen 2 runs in. So all in all helpful and friendly, but I did find the sock issue quite odd.
Slopes: As a novice, I enjoyed what Loveland Ski Area had to offer, especially when compared with Eldora Ski Resort in Nederland, CO (About 20 miles up Boulder Canyon). There were an ample amount of runs/lifts opened and their groomed runs felt just fine to me. I don't do anything more difficult than a Black Diamond, so I can't speak for some of the more extreme runs. There are plenty of variations in terrain and plenty of my personal favorite, trees!
Cons: A lot of the runs were in the shade all throughout the day which turned to ice very quickly. This is exacerbated by some of the grueling winds. The lifts were a little slow/dated and the slopes were a little crowded towards midday, but what can you really expect during a Friday in the middle of peak season?
Overall: All-in-all don't let any of the cons deter you. Loveland Ski Area is a great place to visit from Denver and it's relatively affordable. If you are debating visiting Eldora or this place, definitely take the trip to Loveland Basin. You won't get bored as there will be plenty of runs for those of all skill levels. If you're a novice like me, or are just on the Front Range for a few days and want to experience high country skiing then this is the place for you.
