Loveland Ski Area, one of Colorado’s most beloved local mountains, is investing in the next generation of skiers and snowboarders with the construction of its brand-new Lift 7 — a major project that signals the resort’s commitment to staying accessible, comfortable and family-friendly for decades to come.

Slated to open for the upcoming 2025–26 season, the new Lift 7 will replace Loveland’s oldest chair — a 42-year-old fixed-grip double — with a modern Leitner-Poma fixed-grip quad designed specifically with beginners in mind.

The upgrade is especially important for Loveland Valley, the resort’s gentle, beginner-focused learning zone that’s set apart from the main mountain to give new skiers and riders a calm place to practice. The old double chair had been a workhorse for generations of families and school groups — but like many legacy lifts across North America, it needed an overhaul to keep pace with modern standards and comfort.

Work is well underway: the concrete foundations for the lift’s top terminal and towers have already been poured, keeping the project on track for a fall 2025 opening. The new quad will feature extra-wide carriers but will typically load only three passengers at a time to give learners more breathing room and reduce the anxiety that sometimes comes with riding a lift for the first time.

Serving the gentle greens of Loveland Valley, Lift 7 is more than just a chair — it’s the backbone of Loveland’s ski school and beginner programs, which have helped generations of Coloradans discover the joy of sliding on snow.

The lift upgrade is just one part of Loveland’s wider plan to keep its slopes family-friendly and competitive in a state brimming with mega-resorts. Improvements to the popular Zig Zag trail — a favorite for progression from beginner to intermediate runs — are also in the works, along with new parking infrastructure to help early-morning visitors snag a spot during the bustling fall and winter weekends.

Known for its high elevation and abundant early-season snow, Loveland regularly boasts one of the longest ski seasons in North America. The resort’s snowmaking system typically fires up by late September, with a target opening day by late October or early November — long before many other mountains spin their lifts.

While Loveland may not have the luxury lodging or glitzy base villages of larger resorts, it has earned a loyal following for its laid-back vibe, affordable lift tickets and commitment to keeping skiing accessible. Many Front Range families make their first turns at Loveland Valley before graduating to the wide-open bowls and steeper terrain on the main mountain.

By investing in modern lifts and better facilities, Loveland’s management is betting that a strong beginner experience will pay dividends for the resort’s long-term sustainability — ensuring that first-timers come back season after season and pass on the love of skiing and riding to the next generation.

In a ski industry where upgrades often mean high-speed detachable lifts and high-end amenities, Loveland’s Lift 7 project is a reminder that simple, reliable improvements focused on comfort and the needs of new skiers can be just as important as glitz and speed.

The 2025–26 season may be months away, but for Colorado skiers who learned at Loveland and still bring their kids back every fall, the new Lift 7 is already something worth looking forward to.

Originally reported by Patrick Thorne in Snow-forecast.com.