Heading to Colorado in the winter is the best time to be there, especially for those powder days! Not sure which mountains to check out? Not into the crowds and cost of Vail or Breckenridge or Aspen? Want a more laid-back vibe with great terrain?
Then I highly recommend Copper Mountain. Not only is it an Ikon Mountain, but its layout is also perfect for everyone’s needs with green circles in one area, all the blues are together, and all the black diamonds are together. It’s like a perfect gradient moving from left to right.
Here’s what you need to know.
Mountain Stats
- Elevation – 12,441 ft (3,792 m)
- Vertical feet – 2,738 ft (835 m)
- Skiable acres/Ski area – 2,507 (1,014 hectares)
- 140 marked trails
- 21% beginner, 25% intermediate, 36% advanced, 18% expert
- Lift tickets – adults range from $140-200 per day, depending on the time of year
- Terrain parks – the terrain parks are run in conjunction with Camp Woodward who maintains the parks. The most challenging of the parks is Catalyst Terrain Park, but you can head down to the Woodward copper barn at the base of Copper Mountain to learn more
- Average annual snowfall – 305 inches (774 cm)
- Equipment rentals – if you book early you can save 20-30% on the cost of rentals. Depending on the level of skier you are (expert skiers vs beginners), they have ski and snowboard packages for various abilities and age groups. Check out the Copper Mountain Resort website for all updated pricing
- Private lessons – Copper Mountain offers not only private lessons (regular season $1099 full day or $849 for a half day) but also group lessons ($219 full day; $189 half day) which is a great way to spend a day on the ski slopes
What are the lift hours?
- Base area lifts – 9am-4pm daily
- Chair lifts: Resolution, Blackjack and Mountain Chief close at 3pm daily
- Chair lifts: Excelerator, Storm King t-bar, Timberline Express, Sierra, Rendezvous, Celebrity Ridge poma lifts close at 3:30pm daily
How do you get there?
Copper is just 75 miles from Denver, so flying into the Denver airport is ideal. It’s also close to Vail and Arapaho Mountains, so if you are planning to check out more than one mountain, you have options.
I would recommend renting a vehicle that has good tires (ideally snow tires or chains) and 4-wheel drive. Winter gets messy and the roads can shut down.
The Turo app is great for getting a reliable vehicle that is mountain ready. Those car rental places are pricey, and they don’t often have what you need.
There is a free parking lot just outside of the resort area with a free shuttle service to take you into the main resort. But it is first come first serve, so getting there early not only gives you first tracks on the trails but also a parking spot.
How difficult is Copper Mountain for skiers and riders?
Copper Mountain has the perfect mix of terrain, so it’s great for all abilities. The mountain set up, as I alluded to in the beginning of this post, bunches all the terrain types together.
So, if you are a beginner you can hang out in one area of the mountain all day and not have to worry about accidentally heading down a more advanced trail.
What is Copper Mountain known for?
It is best known for it’s world class skiing and snowboarding terrain, of course. But it also has a pedestrian only resort with lots of restaurants and shopping options.
When does Copper Mountain usually open and close for the winter season?
Copper Mountain typically opens for it’s winter snow season late November and closes around the end of April. Plenty of time to get some serious riding in!
Things to do at Copper Mountain resort
Cross country skiing through the White River National Forest
With 25 kilometers of trails, it’s the perfect way to spend a day at Copper Mountain and still get out on some terrain. You can bring your own cross country skis or get your rental equipment at the Nordic Center.
Copper Mountain’s Tubing Hill
Of course you have to have a family friendly activity great on a day off from skiing or riding the mountain! Sledding is always a fun option and one you are never too old for.
Snow Maze
Newly added at Copper Mountain is the Snow Maze. Somehow I missed this during my visit, but I only spent one day, and that day was riding the trails on the mountain. But I think this it totally cool and you can get free tickets for it at Guest Services or online.
Dog sledding
This is one of those activities that you can find at just about any mountain and a great way to see the area. Several companies offer the chance to get out and explore. Costs can be around $180 per person, but an unforgettable experience. Visit Colorado Attractions to see the outdoor adventure companies serving Copper Mountain.
Ice Skating
Another one of the best Copper Mountain winter activities is heading to West Lake for some ice skating. If you didn’t bring your skates you can rent them for $14 and they also provide free hockey nets and broomball equipment for free! Another family-friendly activity to take advantage of on your day off.
Sleigh rides
Just 7 miles east of Copper Mountain in Frisco is a great place to go for a horse-drawn sleigh ride. You can do a hot chocolate ride, private sleigh ride or even a dinner sleigh ride. Check out Two Below Sleigh Rides for the most up to date pricing.
Concluding Thoughts
I really enjoyed this mountain, and it quickly became one of my favorites, next to Vail of course. The terrain was fantastic, the crowds were smaller, and I really liked the layout.
