Loveland Ski Area, near Georgetown on the east side of the Continental Divide, grew from a portable tow rope installed in 1936 into one of Colorado’s closest major ski areas to Denver and a favorite of local skiers. Its high elevation gives it some of North America’s highest lift-served terrain and often makes it one of the first Colorado areas to open each season. Divided between the advanced terrain of Loveland Basin and the beginner-focused Loveland Valley, it has expanded through steady upgrades while remaining independent and family-owned. Its history also includes Olympic planning and emergency response after the 1970 Wichita State University plane crash.