Echoing the Past
Echo Mountain was originally opened from 1960-1975 as Squaw Pass Ski Area and was a Denver family favorite as it was closer to the Front Range than areas further into the mountains. When the Eisenhower Tunnel opened in 1973, ski areas on the west side of the Continental divide began to expand.
In October 2016, Echo Mountain changed ownership once again with a renewed vision for the area to broaden its appeal and offer a close, affordable option for snow sports and outdoors enthusiasts in Colorado’s rapidly growing front range. In 2017 Echo renovated their kitchen and lodge, added a brand new tubing hill, expanded the beginner area and updated their brand identity.
- Summit Elevation: 10,650′
- Vertical Drop: 600’
- Skiable Acres: 226+
- Annual Average Snowfall: 280″
- Trails: 13
- Lifts: 2
- Beginner: 3
- Intermediate: 6
- Expert: 4
For the Love(land) of Skiing
Loveland Ski Area has something for every age and ability with 10 lifts and 93 trails. For the intermediate/advanced skier or boarder, Chair Lift 9 offers wide open bowls, powder packed chutes and free Snowcat skiing access by Loveland’s RidgeCat. For the beginners, Loveland Valley offers a separate, non intimidating learning area to work on your technique. And Loveland is bigger than you think with 1,800 acres of vast high alpine terrain to get your heart pumping. They hide the good stuff in the back of the mountain where vast blue skies and rolling, expansive terrain await your exploration.
- Summit Elevation: 13,010′
- Vertical Drop: 2,210′
- Skiable Acres: 1,800
- Annual Average Snowfall: 422″
- Trails: 93
- Lifts: 10
- Beginner: 13%
- Intermediate: 41%
- Expert: 46%
Discover Berthoud Pass Backcountry
Berthoud Pass traverses the Continental Divide in upper Clear Creek Canyon, making it the perfect high-elevation spot for unparalleled backcountry skiing and snowboarding. Although the beloved Berthoud Pass Ski Area officially closed back in 2002, you can still come here to take on a range of challenging and mellow routes with varying conditions.
Some interesting Berthoud Pass facts include:
- Elevation Range: 11,306’-12,242’
- Vertical Drop: 600’-1,200’
- Skiable Acres: 1,200
- Annual Average Snowfall: 500”
- Trails: 35+
- Lifts: N/A
- Beginner: N/A
- Intermediate: N/A
- Expert: N/A
Discover Loveland Pass Backcountry
You’ve no doubt driven by Loveland Pass, a pristine winter playground, on your way to one of Colorado’s many ski areas west of the Divide. Those “in the know” have been enjoying the steep and deep for years – for FREE. On any given day, you might run into 20 other snowboarders and backcountry skiers in this huge bowl the size of most major ski areas.
Hiking is reduced to a minimum due to road access all the way to the top via Loveland Pass (US 6). If you want the extreme terrain though, hike about an hour around the cirque. From here, you can also drop into some steep and technical terrain.
The pass is usually ridable from November into July. Avalanches are possible at any time in the backcountry, so always use proper backcountry travel techniques and have the proper equipment (beacon, shovel & probe) and know how to use them.
- Elevation Range: 11,991’
- Vertical Drop: 2,210’
- Skiable Acres: 1,800
- Annual Average Snowfall: 400”
- Trails: N/A
- Lifts: N/A
- Beginner: N/A
- Intermediate: N/A
- Expert: N/A
Wherever you end up skiing, we salute you to ride on and have fun!
Clear Creek County is the gateway to the Rocky Mountains. Located just west of Denver along Interstate 70, Clear Creek has 396 square miles of public lands to explore, as well as four mountain peaks above 14,000 feet. Clear Creek is comprised of charming mountains towns Idaho Springs, Downieville, Lawson, Empire, Georgetown, and Silver Plume, which are all along the I-70 corridor. Learn more about Clear Creek County here.