Loveland Ski Area to Close Early Amid Challenging Colorado Season

The resort will welcome its last skiers and snowboarders on April 26, 2026, weather permitting.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 11:36am

A cubist, geometric painting depicting a deconstructed Colorado ski resort scene, with skiers and snowboarders on the slopes amid abstract shapes and planes representing the resort's infrastructure.The challenging Colorado ski season forces an early closure at Loveland, raising concerns about the long-term viability of the state's winter tourism economy.Loveland Today

Loveland Ski Area in Colorado is planning to close days earlier than usual this season, with the last day of operations scheduled for April 26, 2026, weather permitting. The ski area typically averages a May 8 closing date, but this winter's challenging conditions across Colorado have forced the early closure.

Why it matters

This early closure at Loveland is indicative of the broader challenges facing Colorado's ski industry this season. With below-normal snowpack and a heat dome hitting the region, only a small handful of ski areas remain open, raising concerns about the long-term viability of the state's winter tourism economy.

The details

Loveland Ski Area will remain open with over 500 acres of terrain until its planned closing on April 26, 2026. The resort typically opens in late October and is often one of the first ski areas operating in North America each season. However, this winter's lack of snow and unseasonably warm temperatures have forced many Colorado ski areas to close earlier than usual.

  • Loveland Ski Area typically opens in late October.
  • Loveland has averaged a May 8 closing date over the past five years.
  • Loveland will close on April 26, 2026, weather permitting.

The players

Loveland Ski Area

A ski resort located in Colorado that is known for its long seasons, often staying open into June.

Arapahoe Basin

A high-altitude Colorado ski resort that is also known for its long seasons, with a reputation for staying open into June.

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What’s next

Arapahoe Basin will be closely watched to see if it can extend its season further than other Colorado ski areas this year, as it has a reputation for staying open into June.

The takeaway

This early closure at Loveland is a symptom of the broader challenges facing Colorado's ski industry due to this winter's lack of snow and unseasonably warm temperatures. It raises concerns about the long-term viability of the state's winter tourism economy if these trends continue.