Eldora Mountain Resort
The Eldora Mountain Resort is a 90-minute drive from Fort Collins. It has a base elevation of 9,200 feet, and a summit elevation of 10,800 feet. The resort is only 21 miles from Boulder, so it attracts many people from that area. Eldora has 12 lifts, which transport visitors to 53 trails. Its 680 acres are divided into 20 percent beginner terrain, 50 percent intermediate, 15 percent advanced and 15 percent expert. The resort gets an average of 300 inches of snow each year. If Mother Nature fails to cooperate, the resort has extensive snowmaking capabilities. There are four restaurants at the resort. As of December 2009, Eldora usually opens in late November and closes in mid-April.
Eldora Mountain Resort
PO Box 1697
Nederland, CO 80466
(303) 440-8700
eldora.com
Loveland Ski Area
Loveland is a two-hour drive from Fort Collins, and is well worth a visit. Free parking is located right near the lifts. The area, which opened in 1936, is an example of a classic, authentic Colorado ski area. The mountain is situated at a base elevation of 10,800 feet, which rises to a summit of 13,010 feet. Of its 77 runs, 13 percent are beginner, 41 percent are intermediate and 46 percent are advanced. The area gets an average of 400 inches of snow each year. Loveland sometimes opens as early as October, and closes as late as June. For a romantic experience, visit on Valentine's Day and participate in Mountain Matrimony, a wedding ceremony conducted on the mountain.
Loveland Ski Area
PO Box 899
Georgetown, CO 80444
(303) 569-3203
skiloveland.com
Berthoud Pass
Berthoud Pass was once a commercial ski resort. The lodge has been torn down, and it is now a back country ski area. There are no lifts and no restaurants. The area does not have a ski patrol. As such, there are no lift tickets. The area has a base elevation of 11,307 feet, and a summit of 12,240. It gets about 500 inches of snow each year. You must have your own back country equipment and avalanche gear to ski here. The terrain is extremely advanced. Berthoud Pass is a two-hour, 15 minute drive from Fort Collins.
Article Written By Lisa Mercer
In 1999, Lisa Mercer’s fitness, travel and skiing expertise inspired a writing career. Her books include "Open Your Heart with Winter Fitness" and "101 Women's Fitness Tips." Her articles have appeared in "Aspen Magazine," "HerSports," "32 Degrees," "Pregnancy Magazine" and "Wired." Mercer has a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from the City College of New York.
