LOVELAND SKI AREA, Colo. (AP) -- On Valentine’s Day, a unique event took place at Loveland Ski Area, west of Denver, where dozens of couples exchanged vows at the 34th annual Mountaintop Matrimony. This cherished ceremony occurred on a picturesque snowy beginner's run, situated just below the impressive elevation of 12,000 feet (3,658 meters) in the Colorado Rockies. The event has become a beloved tradition, warming the typically frigid winter air with love and celebration.
Surrounded by breathtaking views of snow-covered trees and craggy peaks, a record gathering of 130 couples participated in the ceremony held on the Forest Meadow run, near the Continental Divide. Participants included those dressed in traditional wedding attire such as tuxedos and gowns, alongside couples in festive costumes like colorful tutus, heart-shaped sunglasses, and even T-shirts mimicking tuxedos. The eclectic mixture of outfits added a fun twist to the occasion, embodying the joyous spirit of the event.
The officiant led the couples through their vows, while music filled the air, creating a lively atmosphere. Sage McCririck, the marketing and events manager at Loveland, noted how this celebration allows participants to embrace their love for both each other and the mountain lifestyle. "They love the idea of being able to celebrate their love while also spending the day on the slopes doing what they love," McCririck remarked. This sentiment resonated deeply with couples like Sander and Kelley Wyjad, who renewed their vows at the same mountain where they wed 20 years ago.
Kelley Wyjad wore her original homemade wedding dress adorned with embroidered snowflakes, reflecting the couple's story of meeting while skiing in 2003. Their shared passion for skiing and the mountains is a significant aspect of their relationship, making the event particularly meaningful. Kelley expressed, "Just being in the mountains, being around all these people... That’s what makes it really special,” highlighting the communal celebration of love and adventure.
The Loveland Ski Area launched its first Valentine’s Day wedding ceremony in 1991, starting with just a single couple at the Ptarmigan Roost cabin. Since then, this event has grown exponentially in popularity, evolving from a handful of couples to hundreds of participants each year. Over the years, at least 300 couples have tied the knot at this scenic location, with around 80% returning to renew their vows.
Despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which resulted in changes to the event's execution, the spirit of love persisted. In 2021, for instance, couples stood in designated red hearts in the snow, six feet apart, as the ceremony transitioned to accommodate social distancing measures. The ingenuity displayed during those times only reinforced the idea that love withstands adversity.
As the pandemic recedes, Loveland Ski Area embraces a return to its celebratory roots. Newlyweds participated in post-ceremony festivities at a cabin at the base, indulging in cider, beer, and wedding desserts amidst heavy snowfall. The event was further personalized with wedding favors that included lift tickets printed with "I do" and "Love," along with photo frames and bottles of Coors Banquet beer featuring a custom logo.
This extraordinary gathering of couples at Loveland Ski Area signifies not only the joy of matrimony but also the blending of love, lifestyle, and community. As couples from various backgrounds congregate to celebrate their commitments, this event continues to be a heartwarming testament to the enduring power of love in an exhilarating winter setting.
