Loveland Planning to Replace Chair 7, Add New Trails for the 2025-26 Ski Season
Loveland’s oldest lift, which holds down service to its bunny hill, is evidently seeing a replacement.
Colorado’s Loveland Ski Area is planning to replace its Chair 7 for the 2025-26 season, according to the a member of Loveland’s ski and ride school. The current Chair 7 is the oldest lift on the mountain, Loveland’s last remaining double chair, and one of two lifts at the satellite, beginner-oriented Loveland Valley base area. This chair is heavily utilized by ski school programs.
The new Chair 7 is expected to feature a revised alignment, extending further up the mountain. The project also includes the addition of several new trails, although their exact locations have yet to be determined.
While specific details about the replacement lift remain unknown, it is likely to be a fixed-grip triple or quad. Both options would increase uphill capacity and improve the loading process, particularly for groups and ski school participants who rely on the lift extensively.
Loveland’s current Forest Service Master Plan shows a small extension to Chair 7, which gives us a look into what this lift replacement could be. However, specific details haven’t been released.
Our Take
Loveland may not be the largest or most iconic destination resort in Colorado, but its beginner experience stands out as one of the best near Denver—especially considering its affordability.
The separation of Loveland Valley’s beginner-focused terrain from the more advanced runs at Loveland Basin creates a quieter, less crowded learning environment. The planned replacement of Chair 7 is expected to enhance this setup, particularly for beginners taking lessons through the ski school.
A member of Loveland’s ski-and-ride school shared that the new lift will “do a ton to fill in the difficulty gap between Lifts 7 and 3,” reducing the need to shuttle students to the Loveland Basin side. This change, they noted, would “create a lot of benefit vis-a-vis teaching opportunities.”
For skiers sticking to the Loveland Basin side, the upgrade means fewer ski-and-ride school groups using Lift 2 and the Ptarmigan lift, which are currently relied upon for progression from beginner to intermediate terrain. The school currently advises instructors to avoid using Lift 3 with students, but the new lift is expected to change that policy, streamlining the learning process.
Perhaps most importantly, replacing Chair 7 addresses the mountain’s oldest and lowest-capacity lift, paving the way for improved lift maintenance and a better guest experience. While Loveland isn’t one of Colorado’s busiest resorts, lines can still form on peak weekends and holidays, making the additional uphill capacity a welcome improvement for all visitors.
Loveland isn’t on the Epic or Ikon Passes, but it recently joined the much cheaper Indy Pass. For those trying out skiing or riding for the first time, Loveland has some great discounts, such as a $50 Loveland Valley only ticket, which might come as quite a relief for those looking at lift tickets in the Rocky Mountains.
Considering a ski trip to Colorado this winter? Check out our comprehensive Colorado ski resort rankings and Loveland ski resort review. You can also check out our Loveland review in video form below.
