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
Superb!4.7 / 5Dec 06, 2017
PHPeter H.
advanced skier
Wonderful long well kept runs, glorious and beautiful terrain. Definately one of the best resorts in Summit county. Parking and access was easy, lift tickets are 50% off if you have a buddy with a season pass - I did not and paid $105, but the runs made this resort still worth it - even in the early season.... More
Good!3.9 / 5Dec 06, 2017
JOJordan O.
advanced snowboarder
Been riding at Copper for years and it has never disappointed. Great naturally divided terrain keeps everyone pretty separated throughout the mountain. Awesome groomers on those sunny Colorado days, and great back bowls on those deep days. The trees could be a little better but they are there if you know where to go.... More
Fabulous!4.2 / 5Nov 30, 2017
BLBen L.
intermediate snowboarder
Really good back country access! Head to the east part of the mountain for more advanced runs and fun in the bowls. Plenty of areas to hike to and even CAT options available although I only hiked when I went. Some nice areas for beginners too.... More
Fabulous!4.2 / 5Nov 30, 2017
JJustin
advanced snowboarder
Copper seems to have the best overall experience for all levels of any of the Colorado that I've ridden. From gentle greens to cat serviced yet in-bounds Tucker Mountain, this resort has something to offer every level of skier/rider. ... More
Fabulous!4.3 / 5Nov 30, 2017
ECEduardo C.
intermediate snowboarder
What else is there to say about copper mountain besides the fact that is is most definitely huge! There were so many people when I went to snowboard with some friends but nonetheless parking wasn't an issue nor was waiting in a line for a long time at any of the lifts. They had a variety of different terrains ranging from begginer to advanced, also... More
Good!3.7 / 5Nov 27, 2017
ZFZeb F.
advanced skier
Copper is a great mountain for the family and beginners, as it has a ton of mellow terrain for people to learn on. It is also very easily accessible being right off of I-70 a short drive from Denver.... More
Fabulous!4.2 / 5Nov 26, 2017
KDKevin D.
expert skier
Been to most everything in Colorado and Copper is a great, no BS place with great staff and terrain. Always a "go to" when I head to Colorado that I highly recommend. ... More
Superb!4.9 / 5Nov 25, 2017
MGMike G.
intermediate snowboarder
I love this mountain. It is never overcrowded. The trails are challenging and enjoyable. I am currently moving to Breckenridge. If I won a pass...Holy shit that would be wicked awsome.... More
Superb!4.8 / 5Nov 25, 2017
MGMike G.
intermediate snowboarder
I love this place. When other mountains are crowded, Copper is always like a private spot. The trails are challenging and enjoyable. I would definitely move from San Diego to Breckenridge area if I won a pass.... More
Fabulous!4.2 / 5Nov 24, 2017
DJDaniel J.
expert snowboarder
When you are looking for a Colorado ski trip or destination you should definitely consider Copper. Has every type of terrain to suite every level of rider or skier and in abundance. Since the mountain is so expansive you can avoid the crowds most of the time, but of course can wait in lines on typical busier days. Killer trail and facility... More