Summit County Citizens Voice

First session scheduled for Friday, Feb. 8

A new ridge-top snowcat service will ease access to some of Lovelend’s best terrain.

By Summit Voice

FRISCO — After some trial runs last year, Loveland Ski Area says it’s ready to fire up its new snowcat ridge tours for full-time operation, offering skiers and snowboarders easier access to some of the tasty terrain along the Continental Divide, topping out around 13,000 feet.

Ski area reps said the first snowcat ridge run is tentatively slated for 10 a.m. Friday (Feb. 8), with all operations dependent on weather and snow conditions. Best of all, the cat service is free, although passengers will need to sign a waiver and obtain a special snowcat pass at the base area ticket office.

The Ridge Cat will pick up a groups of skiers and riders at Gate 1 North, accessible off Chair 9. The terrain is only accessible by foot or snowcat — there is no lift access.

The snowcat tours may be offered when conditions are considered to be suitable and to coincide with open terrain north along the ridge from Chair Nine, above Chair Four, and toward Marmot. Riders must observe and obey all posted information to include closed terrain and stay outside the rope closure at the pickup point.

Anyone wanting to access the Loveland Ridge Cat must have a valid 2012-2013 Season Pass/Lift Ticket.  Riders MUST also have a 2012-2013 Loveland Ridge Cat Access Pass before being allowed to board the Ridge Cat. The passes can be picked up at no charge at the Loveland Basin Season Pass Office 7 days a week between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Filed under: Colorado, Ski Resorts, skiing and riding Tagged: | Colorado, Colorado snowcat skiing, Loveland Ski Area, snowcat tours