Valentine’s Day Sees Dozens of Couples Tie the Knot at Colorado’s Snowy Ski Resort

LOVELAND SKI AREA, Colo.—Nothing quite compares to the sight of numerous couples simultaneously declaring “I do,” filling the chilly Colorado Rockies with warmth in the midst of winter.

This Valentine’s Day, Loveland Ski Area, located west of Denver, once again embraced its name by hosting its 34th annual Mountaintop Matrimony on the gentle incline of a beginner’s run, just below 12,000 feet (3,658 meters) above sea level.

Amidst a backdrop of snow-laden trees, rugged peaks, and curious spectators, an impressive record of 130 couples gathered at the Forest Meadow run near the Continental Divide on Friday, clicking into their skis and fastening their snowboards for the grand wedding ceremony. Attire varied from traditional tuxedos and gowns to a spectrum of unique costumes — vibrant tutus, veils, heart-shaped sunglasses, and even a T-shirt designed to look like a tuxedo — all to commemorate the occasion.

Under the guidance of an officiant, the couples exchanged vows, shared kisses, and danced to celebratory music.

“They cherish the opportunity to celebrate their love for each other while enjoying a day on the slopes, doing what they love in a place they adore. It beautifully integrates several aspects of their lives into one memorable day,” expressed Sage McCririck, Loveland’s marketing and events manager.

Sander and Kelley Wyjad took the opportunity to renew their vows on the very mountain where they first wed 20 years ago. Kelley donned the same handmade wedding dress and veil adorned with embroidered snowflakes from that Valentine’s Day.

The couple first met in 2003 while skiing at another resort in Colorado.

“We met on skis, so getting married on skis was a natural choice,” Kelley Wyjad noted.

This mountaintop matrimony event is unique because skiing plays a significant role in their identities as individuals and as a couple, according to Sander Wyjad.

“Being in the mountains, alongside all these people who are celebrating their special day, all sharing a love for the outdoors and snow – that’s what truly makes it special,” Kelley said.

Loveland Ski Area, named after Loveland Pass, was established in 1937 as the Loveland Ski Tow Company and celebrated its first Valentine’s Day wedding ceremony in 1991. One couple exchanged vows on the deck of the Ptarmigan Roost cabin, a modest wooden structure with breathtaking views of the Rockies. The ski area realized the potential to host a lively gathering during a typically cold, snowy season, leading to the birth of this cherished tradition.

Initially, only a handful of couples participated, but attendance has steadily increased, with many returning each year to marry or renew their vows on Valentine’s Day.

“The event keeps expanding. We’re adding more and more couples every year. The word has definitely spread,” McCririck commented, having been part of Loveland for nearly a decade.

Over 300 couples have tied the knot during the ski area’s Valentine’s Day ceremonies, with a significant proportion returning to renew their vows—approximately 80% of participants.

“One reason guests enjoy it so much is that many may have gotten married here 20 years ago and return every year to celebrate their love in this familiar setting,” she added.

More or less.

When the pandemic struck and Colorado’s ski resorts closed in March 2020, Loveland’s mountain workers had to adapt creatively for the Valentine’s Day ceremony that followed. With skiers and snowboarders mandated to wear masks and practice social distancing, the event was relocated from the Ptarmigan Roost cabin to the more spacious Forest Meadow run. Couples stood within heart-shaped outlines painted in the snow, maintaining a distance of at least 6 feet (1.8 meters), with signs proclaiming, “Love is forever. Social distance is temporary,” as McCririck noted.

This adjusted ceremony marked the only event Loveland hosted that season, illustrating that love does indeed persevere.

Now, with the pandemic behind them, there is a palpable excitement to continue the celebration.

This past Friday, newlyweds congregated at a cabin at the base of the mountain, enjoying cider and beer while indulging in wedding cake as heavy snowflakes descended around them.

And, as is customary, no wedding would be complete without party favors.

Lift tickets printed with “I do” and “Love” were given to couples, who also took home Loveland-branded photo frames and bottles of Coors Banquet beer adorned with a custom logo.

By Thomas Peipert