Forest Service Gives Provisional OK To Loveland improvement Plans
Following months of environmental review and public input, the Arapaho National Forest has released a draft decision tentatively approving a proposal from Loveland Ski Area to expand its terrain and parking.
Loveland Ski Area has operated on the Arapaho National Forest through a special use permit since 1937. The improvements would occur entirely within the existing permit area.
Initially announced in early September 2020, the improvements are slated at Loveland Valley, an area of the mountain designed for beginners. The project includes enhancing the Zig Zag and Boomerang ski trails, both green runs, and constructing two new ski trails adjacent to Boomerang.
“The goal is to make these runs easier and more accessible for the beginner skiers who use this terrain,” said Clear Creek District Ranger Scott Haas.
The decision also tentatively approves a new parking lot that could accommodate up to 500 new parking spots near the base of Loveland Valley and builds in design criteria to reduce erosion and sedimentation during construction.
While the feedback received was supportive, people who commented during the public input period have standing to object. The objection period will last for 45 days, at which point a final decision will be recorded. If finalized, implementation could occur as early as this summer.
Loveland Ski Area has operated on the Arapaho National Forest through a special use permit since 1937. The improvements would occur entirely within the existing permit area.
Initially announced in early September 2020, the improvements are slated at Loveland Valley, an area of the mountain designed for beginners. The project includes enhancing the Zig Zag and Boomerang ski trails, both green runs, and constructing two new ski trails adjacent to Boomerang.
“The goal is to make these runs easier and more accessible for the beginner skiers who use this terrain,” said Clear Creek District Ranger Scott Haas.
The decision also tentatively approves a new parking lot that could accommodate up to 500 new parking spots near the base of Loveland Valley and builds in design criteria to reduce erosion and sedimentation during construction.
While the feedback received was supportive, people who commented during the public input period have standing to object. The objection period will last for 45 days, at which point a final decision will be recorded. If finalized, implementation could occur as early as this summer.
The full environmental assessment and draft decision are available at: http://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/LovelandSkiProjects
