Loveland - the heart of a ski area, our conversation with a legend, Bud Marolt

Where to Ski

My guest today is Bud Marolt. Bud is a member of the Colorado Ski Hall of Fame; oldest of the Marolt brothers (the others being Max and Bill), all of whom have contributed so much to US skiing. The Marolts grew up in Aspen CO where they began their ski careers and witnessed the exploding growth of skiing. Bud, in his youth was an accomplished ski racer including national downhill champion in 1950, he and his wife Jeannine created the Loveland Ski School’s children’s ski programs that brought 2,500 kids from Denver to ski each winter. Bud also founded the Loveland Basin Ski Club and established the Loveland Derby, the oldest amateur ski race in the U.S.

Why Loveland of all places. I call Loveland the ski area with a heart. It’s the kind of place where you can ski with a family without being worried about where your kids are, you can buy lunch without taking out a loan, the skiing is amazing and they simply care.

Loveland has a summit elevation of 13,010 ft and a vertical drop of 2,210 feet serviced by 9 chairs and substantial off-piste skiing serviced by snowcat. The mountain has 1900 acres of skiing, 96 trails with 13% for Beginners, 41% Intermediate and 46% Advanced spread across two mountains—Loveland Valley (for beginners) and Loveland Basin for all ability levels—with shuttles and chairlift connecting the two.

My Favs

• Best Restaurant – Loveland Grill - solid food at the best prices in the ski world
• Best Hotel - closest is to stay in Dillon /Silverthorn area or Georgetown
• Best Apres - Rathskeller - on the mountain in the base lodge - great gathering spot
• Best Run- Patrol Bowl for the steeps - Rookie Road for the groom and view,
• Don’t miss – Cat trips to some amazing terrain or Loveland Valley for the beginners