Arapahoe Basin vs Loveland: which should you pick?
Both are high, local favorites on the Continental Divide, an easy drive from Denver. A-Basin is steeper with a famous parking-lot tailgate scene; Loveland is simpler, often cheaper, and right off I-70. As of November 8, 2026, Arapahoe Basin has 0.0" of snow forecast over the next 7 days and Loveland has 0.0".
Pick Arapahoe Basin if…
- You want steep, high-alpine terrain
- Tailgating at the Beach sounds like a great afternoon
- You want one of Colorado's longest seasons
Pick Loveland if…
- You want an easy, budget-friendly day trip
- You want quick access right off I-70
- You're skiing with beginners or kids
Arapahoe Basin vs Loveland by the numbers
| Stat | Arapahoe Basin | Loveland |
|---|---|---|
| Snow next 7 days | 0.0" | 0.0" |
| Snow next 14 days | 0.1" | 0.1" |
| Average annual snowfall* | 350" | 422" |
| Snowiest months | Mar, Apr, Feb | Mar, Apr, Feb |
| Pass (2026-27) | Ikon Pass | Independent |
| Summit elevation | 13,050 ft | 13,010 ft |
| Base elevation | 10,780 ft | 10,800 ft |
| Vertical drop | 2,270 ft | 2,210 ft |
| Nearest airport | Denver International (DEN) | Denver International (DEN) |
| Opening day | Opened Oct 28 | – |
| Location | Colorado | Colorado |
Forecasts are mid-mountain from Open-Meteo, updated every 6 hours. Snowiest months come from 10 seasons of modeled weather data. *Average annual snowfall is resort-reported (sources: Arapahoe Basin, Wikipedia, Loveland, Wikipedia).
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Arapahoe Basin vs Loveland FAQ
Which is better, Arapahoe Basin or Loveland?
Both are high, local favorites on the Continental Divide, an easy drive from Denver. A-Basin is steeper with a famous parking-lot tailgate scene; Loveland is simpler, often cheaper, and right off I-70.
Which gets more snow, Arapahoe Basin or Loveland?
On average, Loveland reports more snow: about 422 inches a year, compared with about 350 inches at Arapahoe Basin (resort-reported averages). As of November 8, 2026, Arapahoe Basin has 0.0" of snow forecast over the next 7 days and Loveland has 0.0".
Which is higher, Arapahoe Basin or Loveland?
Arapahoe Basin has the higher summit at 13,050 ft. Arapahoe Basin tops out at 13,050 ft and Loveland at 13,010 ft.
Which has more vertical, Arapahoe Basin or Loveland?
Arapahoe Basin has more vertical: 2,270 ft from base to summit, versus 2,210 ft at Loveland.
Are Arapahoe Basin and Loveland on the Epic or Ikon Pass?
Arapahoe Basin: Ikon Pass. Loveland: Independent. Pass coverage is for the 2026-27 season; see Ikon vs Epic for blackout dates.
What airports serve Arapahoe Basin and Loveland?
Arapahoe Basin: Denver International (DEN). Loveland: Denver International (DEN).