Copper Mountain

Closed
Susan Brown
SnowPak Local Insider
Susan Brown
Pros
  • Copper Mountain is one of Colorado’s best family friendly resorts with plenty of kids activities
  • An affordable option compared to other Colorado ski resorts
  • Fantastic variety of terrain to suit all ability levels
Cons
  • Not much of a town compared to other Colorado resorts like Breckenridge and Keystone

Overall

4.7

What makes Copper Mountain unique is its natural mountain topography which naturally divides ski areas based on ability. Advanced trails are in the east, beginners in the west and intermediates in between! Beginners don’t need to worry about taking a wrong turn and end up in over their heads, while advanced skiers can go all out without avoiding novices. For the experts, Copper Mountain has some killer off-piste terrain, including bowls and hike-to terrain with CAT access. The resort also has its fair share of terrain parks with everything from a beginner level small sculpted terrain park, to a super pipe for the park rats, to a year-round indoor facility with free-skiing and foam pits.

Best month to go

January to early April

Avoid

December

The best times to go are anywhere from January through early April. While December can be good for snow, the resort can be a little slow to open all of its terrain. During the early part of the season around November, the resort is home to race camps, which can make for a slightly crowded environment. Historically, March tends to be the snowiest month of the year at Copper Mountain, so your odds of catching a powder day are good. On the other hand, it also tends to be one of the resort’s busiest times for lodging, second only to Christmas. If you do brave the crowds to come at Christmas time, though, be sure to enjoy the lights and decorations in the village. The last couple weeks of April can be fun for that spring skiing experience, but be aware that Copper Mountain will start closing parts of the terrain early in the month. The back bowls are usually the first to close due to their southern-facing exposures, which makes them the first to start melting.

FLY TO

Denver International Airport

DRIVE/SHUTTLE TO

Copper Mountain (3-4 hours)

Base of Copper Mountain (Walk)

  • Made up of three compact villages: East, Center and West Village
  • All lodging options are close to lifts, some true ski-in/ski-out
  • Easy to walk between all three villages

Find accommodations around here

Dillon/Silverthorne (10-15 mi)

  • Both towns take around 20 mins to drive to Copper Mountain
  • Inexpensive lodging location
  • Limited nightlife suitable for those who want a quiet lodge

Find accommodations around here

For beginners

Copper Mountain naturally divides the terrain. The west side is perfect for beginners with tons of easy terrain that sits away from the more experienced crowds.

More beginners tips

For intermediates

Intermediates can ski all over the resort but will probably want to hang around the center of Copper Mountain where most of the blues are found. Those looking to take it to the next level can get a taste of the back bowls with Otto Bahn, a solid blue.

More intermediates tips

For experts

The east side is where it's at for advanced and experts. For our favorite run, start off under the Sierra lift and dive into the trees at the bottom of Kaboom, where you'll find the snow stays fresh all thanks to Copper Mountain facing north.

More experts tips

Find freshies

Freshies get tracked out quick at Copper, so take the snowcat and hike up to Tucker Mountain for the best fresh stuff.

Ditch the crowds

The base area lifts can get quite busy and crowded. Instead, opt for lifts like Super Bee, Resolution and Alpine. They sit on the edge of the resort and give access to advanced terrain and long mogul runs.

Non skiers

Non-skiers will have a range of activities to choose from in Copper Mountain, including snowmobiling, tubing and ice-skating. The Athletic Club also offers a gym, hot tub, saunas and steam rooms.

Families

Copper is one of our favorite family-friendly resorts in Colorado! It's got a laid-back kid-friendly atmosphere and has all the activities and facilities to match it such as the Woodward Copper Barn.

Save up to 36% when you book a Copper Mountain package!

View Copper Mountain packages

Copper Mountain Reviews

Fabulous 4.4 / 5
based on 121 reviews

How well the resort caters for beginner skiers / boarders

Beginners

How well the resort caters for intermediate skiers / boarders?

Intermediates

How well the resort caters for advanced skiers / boarders

Advanced

How accessible and convenient it is to get to this resort from a major destination

Accessibility

Quality of the off-piste terrain

Side/Backcountry

Overall value for money of the resort

Value for money

Quality of lifts, lift speed and lift layout in the resort

Lifts

Quantity and quality of the snow

Snow

How uncrowded is the resort

Uncrowded

Après ski and dining options

Town

Services and facilities e.g. child care, tubing, health care, equipment hire

Facilities

How family friendly is this resort?

Family Friendliness
Very Good!4 / 5Oct 17, 2017
EDHErik D. H.
After having taught at Copper for ten years I'm happy to say that it is an awesome place to ride! The culture there is more laid back than most of the surrounding resorts other than A-Basin. The terrain is as advertised, naturally separated, providing increases in overall safety and a great experience. There are few areas where large numbers of... More
Average!3 / 5Oct 17, 2017
EDHErik D. H.
After having taught at Copper for ten years I'm happy to say that it is an awesome place to ride! The culture there is more laid back than most of the surrounding resorts other than A-Basin. The terrain is as advertised, naturally separated, providing increases in overall safety and a great experience. There are few areas where large numbers of... More
Superb!5 / 5Oct 17, 2017
MFMichael F.
Copper has always been so fun from the park to the trees to the steep and deep. Love this mountain and the vibe. Started skiing there when I was a young buck and have continued to ski there because it's so amazing. Great staff, no lines, and such a great all mountain resort.
Superb!5 / 5Oct 16, 2017
JKJustin K.
I went to this ski resort last year and I was amazed at how awesome it was. It was my second time skiing and had a blast. Great service, amazing location, what more could you want? 5/5 would ski here again.
Very Good!4 / 5Oct 16, 2017
WJWake J.
For being off of 1-70 the crowds are low. The terrain is fun and it doesn't feel like the other big resorts off of 1-70. Free parking is great and Spaulding lift is great for all day laps
Superb!5 / 5Oct 11, 2017
EElliot
Copper is my absolute favorite resort ever! From the time I get out of my car, to the time I leave the resort, Copper truly offers the best door to door experience. From skiing world class glades to legendary apres, Copper has it all!
Very Good!4 / 5Oct 10, 2017
DKDavid K.
Copper is my go to resort. It has great steeps, snow and restaurants. The Tucker Mountain snow cat operation is great and you can always find good snow if you're willing to hike a little ways.
Superb!5 / 5Oct 09, 2017
EMEthan M.
Best place to ski in summit county. The lift lines are not like the other mtns. A lot of terrain to choose from, the steeps in the backs the trees, the park, or just a groomer.
Very Good!4 / 5Oct 07, 2017
JJason
Copper Mountain has great terrain for all ability levels. Being along interstate 70 in Colorado, it's easy to get to, especially convenient if you are coming from Denver and don't want to drive over Vail pass.
Superb!5 / 5Sep 29, 2017
DBWDavid B W.
really enjoyed getting buddy passes from friends and only paying 50$ for an all day ticket. that kind of discounting makes me want to get a pass here. really great runs. definitely an undercut to vail but with the prices lower and slightly closer a very good deal for what you get.