Front Range Ski Areas/ Sidecountry

OK, not directly related to climbing but we're all friends here:

I'm heading to CO for February and part of March. I'm gonna buy a pass to get some resort skiing in when I don't have backcountry partners. So my question is which is a superior ski area: Loveland or Arapahoe Basin?

Better sidecountry? Better backcountry off the resort? Ski mountaineering opps?

Thanks all, both are a great deal as far as a pass goes
Nick

Both of those are pretty comparable. They both offer extensive side country options, and are at similar elevation with similar snow right now. Loveland is faster to get to by about 15 minutes if coming from Denver area, and I think slightly bigger. I would go to Loveland..

http://ski-resorts.wanderbat.com/compare/18-90/Arapahoe-Basin-Ski-Area-vs-Loveland-Ski-Area

Have fun!

Edit: Check out Montezuma near Keystone for great touring and open bowls.

Thanks very much Andy. That website is pretty sweet too!

Abasin is pretty rowdy...

One aesthetic difference - Loveland is right at the Eisenhower Tunnel entry, so I-70 is right there, and somewhat noisy when you are low on the mountain. Arapahoe Basin is in an isolated valley, far from traffic. Both have a mix of above and below treeline skiing. It seems to me that A-Basin has more above treeline. That's a negative when the light is bad, but when the weather is good, the scenery is fantastic. Subjectively, it seems like A-Basin has more expert terrain, but I wouldn't make a bet on it.
I prefer A-Basin, because it's simply a nicer alpine environment. From a pure skiing perspective, they are about the same.

Read up on conditions. CO has the most dangerous snow pack in the lower 48. Check CAIC website for forecasts and avi conditions.

doug haller wrote:Read up on conditions. CO has the most dangerous snow pack in the lower 48. Check CAIC website for forecasts and avi conditions.

Thanks for all the good info guys! Hoping to be at one of those resorts 2 days a week.

Thanks Doug, yes I'm aware of the treacherous CO snowpack, having said that I'll be looking for ski touring partners as well. I've taken Avy Level 1, and have extensive backcountry experience in the San Juans, Tetons, Sawtooths, and Sierra. Frankly I just need the resort to get my legs in shape faster haha.