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!4.8 / 5Oct 15, 2021
Copper Mountain ReviewsNina L.
advanced skier
Copper Mountain is great for skiers and snowboarders who want to stick to their skill level without having to worry about following the trail map. The mountain is divided between areas for beginners, intermediate, and advanced. You just choose the area that's right for you and let it rip.... More
Superb!4.8 / 5Oct 15, 2021
Copper Mountain ReviewsBartholomew B.
intermediate snowboarder
This is my absolute favorite Mountain in Colorado! So many learning options for beginners. Naturally divided terrain so you don't accidentally get into something beyond your ability. I've learned so much at Copper.... More
Superb!5 / 5Oct 15, 2021
Copper Mountain ReviewsSarah D.
advanced skier
Cooper is always amazing! Great snow and good people. Something for everyone! Every time I went it was a good time. Go by yourself or bring the gang. Love it!... More
Superb!4.7 / 5Oct 15, 2021
Copper Mountain ReviewsJennicca T.
intermediate snowboarder
A great mountain for all skill levels! The mountain is perfectly set up for each skill level. No need to worry about accidentally going down a black if you're trying to ski or ride greens. Looking at the mountain, beginner runs are all to the right, blues in the middle and blacks on the left side. The makeup of the mountain also the runs to be... More
Superb!4.8 / 5Sep 07, 2020
Copper Mountain ReviewsFelipe F.
intermediate skier
Undoubtedly, Copper Mountain is the best resort I’ve ever been to. Great lodging facilities, many après ski options and awesome ski tracks for any expertise I’ve enjoyed the abundant snow quantity all over the mountain, as well as the beautiful sights you get up there.... More
Average!3.3 / 5Sep 07, 2020
Copper Mountain ReviewsBrian T.
advanced skier
Copper is a well-rounded and well designed resort. Seemingly endless terrain is divided across the resort from hardest to easiest. The village is pretty meh, but the on-mountain dining is sufficient.... More
Very Good!3.9 / 5Sep 07, 2020
Copper Mountain ReviewsXavier R.
expert skier
It’s a great mountain that tends to be less busy than its Vail resorts neighbors in Summit County. It has a friendlier more local vibe with some hidden gems. If you are afraid to put a little work in there is always somewhere to find fresh snow especially if you aren’t afraid to duck into the trees. It also has great park progression options to... More
Poor!1 / 5Aug 19, 2020
Copper Mountain ReviewsBrian L.
intermediate snowboarder
I think Daniel Espinosa just screwed me.. I lost out on skiing for Covid closure and he told me I should have bought pass Protection booooo... I wish they would refund me the money I spent???... More
Good!3.7 / 5Apr 20, 2020
Copper Mountain ReviewsDanielle D.
advanced skier
Copper Mountain is another great destination for families especially with small children. Great tree skiing for people who want to try it. The kids all loved skiing the trees, they even got grandma to do it.... More
Very Good!3.9 / 5Apr 20, 2020
Copper Mountain ReviewsLightning D.
advanced snowboarder
Ive been snowboarding copper for 5 seasons now and I like it quite alot but it does need some more improvement for begginers.i have some ideas that copper should use tho. 1.They should make the lumber jack lift faster.If they made a new lumberjack lift this will help begginer skiers alot because in my opinion it has the best begginer terrain on the... More