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!4.6 / 5Nov 12, 2017
JJason
intermediate skier
This is the last great family friendly resort in Colorado that has not been ruined by Vail Resorts. The resort is great for families that have a mixture of different levels. The lodging and facilities are top notch and won't break the bank. ... More
Superb!4.5 / 5Nov 10, 2017
CEChris E.
advanced skier
I love going to Copper Mountain for my annual ski vacation. It never disappoints! There are plenty of runs and the lifts move quickly. Definitely love the powder days that are relatively frequent at Copper. I can't wait for this season. ... More
Fabulous!4.5 / 5Nov 10, 2017
KGKevin G.
expert skier
I've been a ski instructor at Copper for the past 5 years. The division of terrain is great for all levels of skier. The ski school and people who run the resort are top notch and very eager to make their resort even better. Great snow, great terrain, easy to get to, and great people! What else could you want?!... More
Fabulous!4.2 / 5Nov 10, 2017
SKScott K.
advanced snowboarder
Copper Mountain is the best mountain in Colorado in my opinion. It's unique layout from East, Center & West village allows for skiers/riders of all levels to pick which side they want to explore. Great mountain!!... More
Fabulous!4.5 / 5Nov 09, 2017
ABAdam B.
advanced skier
Terrain is varied and has something for everyone. A solidly designed lift system allows wick access from different parts of the mountain affording the opportunity to ski vastly different terrain without ridding multiple lifts. ... More
Fabulous!4.5 / 5Nov 09, 2017
RRyan
advanced snowboarder
This was one of the most memorable snowbaording experiences ever. We went as a group there was 5 of us my brother,a buddy of mine and two dudes from the Metherlamds. We stayed up on the mountain and had the time of our lives. I just happened to be college week and there was plenty going on far as entertainment after a day of boarsing. We also sat... More
Superb!5 / 5Nov 09, 2017
NANick A.
intermediate snowboarder
Copper Mountain was amazing! It was well groomed and had amazing tree runs -with unbelievable amounts of fresh powder. Short lines also made for plenty of runs. It was overall the best experience i've had at any resort... More
Fabulous!4.2 / 5Nov 08, 2017
ESEric S.
intermediate snowboarder
Plenty of space and runs for all skill levels. Holds snow well throughout the whole season. Great variety of food and drink spots with many affordable options. The health club is also a great perk of lodging.... More
Very Good!3.9 / 5Nov 08, 2017
AWAustin W.
intermediate skier
Copper Mountain has been a great resort to visit. The lifts are generally top of the line and the lines move quickly. The snow at copper is on par with any major resort in Colorado. The only thing I wish there were more of is restaurants and apres ski.... More
Superb!4.8 / 5Nov 08, 2017
JFJames F.
intermediate snowboarder
Love all the resorts in Colorado. Wish I could quit my job and live up there for half the year. Lol. Some of the best snow I have been on is here!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!... More