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!5 / 5Nov 24, 2017
JVJustin V.
advanced snowboarder
Incredible terrain for all types of riders. The little city at the bottom of the hill makes the resort cozy and makes you really feel like you're in a winter wonderland. Easy access with buses to all the towns nearby on I-70 and friendly people everywhere at a great price. ... More
Fabulous!4.2 / 5Nov 22, 2017
CConnor
expert skier
One of the most accessible places in Colorado to ski a wide variety of great terrain. I've spent 4 years going here 30+ days a year and never seem to run out of great lines and fun runs. They have great lodging specials and a very relaxed and unpretentious vibe in the villages at the base.... More
Fabulous!4.3 / 5Nov 21, 2017
RFRob F.
expert skier
Copper is great, probably my favorite resort. There are so many options for skiers of all levels, from a great back bowl to a learn to ski zone. One of the best parts of Copper is that there is a free snow cat for those of you who love the backcountry experience. ... More
Fabulous!4.2 / 5Nov 21, 2017
CJCollin J.
advanced snowboarder
I grew up riding at copper mountain, it was a great place to learn how to ride. There is a wide variety of terrain, and I was able to progress from riding groomers to riding steep glades and cliff drops. I still enjoy going back to copper!... More
Fabulous!4.3 / 5Nov 21, 2017
JBJeffrey B.
advanced snowboarder
After staying at the resort for five days and experiencing other resorts from Vancouver to Mt Killington. Very good snow with a very good bass very good grooming nice park The best half pipe I've ever seen 20 feet walls. ... More
Fabulous!4.5 / 5Nov 20, 2017
DSDavis S.
expert snowboarder
I love Copper, they have a variety of terrain and a free cat for some back country fun. They also have a good begginer terrain park as well as an awesome terrain park for the much more advanced.... More
Fabulous!4.4 / 5Nov 19, 2017
CBCody B.
advanced snowboarder
Copper has been my go to resort in the past. The terrain has many different features. The village had standard resort fare for lunch/dinner. I would recommend Copper to my family and friends. ... More
Superb!5 / 5Nov 18, 2017
CJCaleb J.
expert skier
Copper mountain is the best of the non-big resorts! It's small enough that you don't get the crowds of Breck and Keystone, but big enough that you get a great variety of terrain.... More
Superb!5 / 5Nov 13, 2017
IFIsaiah F.
beginner snowboarder
This is a great place can't wait to come back. Brought the family and the kids a couple years ago loved it. They are still talking about it and keep asking when we can come back. ... More
Fabulous!4.2 / 5Nov 12, 2017
AHArtie H.
advanced skier
Naturally divided terrain gives skiers and riders of all abilities top to bottom skiing. Just off I-70 its extremely easy to get to. Only unfortunate part is you must take a shuttle from the free parking lot or pay to park in a lot close to the hill. ... More