Copper Mountain is a year-round, all-in-one destination complete with slopeside villages and lodging at the base of the mountain. It is one of the closest major resorts to Denver with a pedestrian-friendly village. While featuring an intimate environment, Copper provides charming village sights and above-tree-line skiing; there is something for everyone in your group to enjoy.
Slope to Slope
Copper Mountain has 2,465 acres of skiable terrain that includes over 140 marked trails (21% beginner, 25% intermediate, 36% advanced, 18% expert) and 23 lifts. The lift capacity is 32,324 skiers per hour, the average annual snowfall is 269 inches and the longest run is 1.7 miles. The mountain is naturally divided by ability; as your skill increases, you move east across the mountain for more challenging terrain.
Copper’s High Alpine Project— The 12’s—allows you to ski above the tree-line and features expanded terrain, improved lift access and additional cat skiing operations, all designed to provide the iconic Colorado skiing experience.
Woodward at Copper’s Barn is a facility full of trampolines, skate bowls, mini ramps and foam pits, which enable you to test out your tricks before you take them to the terrain park. This special training facility is the only one of its kind in Colorado.
In 2014, Copper Mountain launched a new Apple and android app—Sherpa—the first hands-free, geo-aware mountain guide. Turn it on, plug in your headphones, put it away and Sherpa will alert you with insider tips, directions and information wherever you are on the mountain. This app allows you to know what the real insiders know; it tells you which sides of trails have the snow, which sides are groomed and where trail intersections eventually lead. There is also a Ski Patrol Help button.
Accommodations
Lodging through Copper Mountain Reservations includes standard rooms, studios, one- to five-bedroom condos and town homes. All lodging in Copper is just steps away from the slopes, bars, restaurants and shops. Nearby Summit County lodging includes hotels and condos.
Every group receives a group service manager who is their contact throughout the entire trip assisting with both lodging and lift tickets. This manager also helps with any activities your group may be interested in. Groups can also arrange a free mountain tour via ski or snowshoe.
Getting Here
About 75 miles from Denver, Copper Mountain is a straight shot right off Highway I-70.
Airport shuttles and bus services are available through Hertz, Budget, Summit Stage and Denver Ski Bus. Copper Mountain is about an hour-and-45-minute drive from Denver International Airport.
Activities/Entertainment
There are many convenient meeting places to designate for your group, and the quaint village allows the non-skiers in your group to have an equally exciting vacation. While everything in the village is within walking distance, free shuttle service within the village is available. While in the village, you can also enjoy spa treatments, shopping and ice skating. Fire pits scattered throughout the village allow you to roast marshmallows or simply warm your hands.
Just as the slopes are naturally divided by skill level, so too are the villages. WestVillage is home to Kid’s Ski & Ride School and Woodward at Copper’s terrain parks. East Village features Critterland and the Tubing Hill for kids while adults have multiple après options. Center Village has shopping and après aplenty and is sure to be the hub of your trip.
The Alpine Rush Zip Line is a family-friendly ride which allows two guests to fly side-by-side as they soar 30 feet above Copper’s West Lake ice skating rink. The zip line travels 300 feet across the lake, reaching speeds of up to 30 miles per hour.
The Copper Mountain Athletic Club and Spa features a 25-yard pool, hot tub, locker room with hot tubs, saunas and steam rooms. The weight room offers free weights and the Cardio Center has stationary bikes, treadmills, a rowing machine, stair climbers and elliptical trainers. The spa offers massages and facials, and Racquetball and Wallyball courts are also available.
After working up an appetite on the hill, check out JJ’s Rocky Mountain Tavern in East Village. JJ’s serves slow-smoked BBQ and features live music and the longest bar in Summit County with daily drink specials and happy hour. CB Grille, located in Center Village, is also great for group seating and serves fresh seafood, burgers and pizzas. There is also a bar with live jazz music on weekends.
By Lauren Reiniger
