In 1968, a group of 17 investors formed Copper Mountain Associates, which purchased the 280 acres at the base of Copper Mountain from Eugene Sanders. The resort opened for skiing in 1972 with 26 miles of trails and 5 lifts, including B,C,E,F and G. There were also two buildings on the property known as Center and Solitude. Copper Junction was the first condominium building that was completed at the resort, opening in the 1973 winter season for lodging and retail.
Today, Copper Mountain has a total of 23 chairlifts, including 1 six-person high speed chair life, 6 quads, 5 triples, 5 double and 7 surface lifts. With 155 trails on almost 2,500 skiable acres, Copper Mountain is a hot spot for those looking to hit the slopes. The mountain is located about 2 hours west of the Denver Airport. While 36% of the mountain is advanced skiing, you also have 21% of beginner terrain, making Copper perfect for the whole family.
For the Expert
An average 305 inches of snow falls per year on this mountain and is sure to not disappoint you and your fellow shredders. A total of 81 expert trails involve steep moguls, deep powder, and hidden tree runs. Tucker Mountain is located at the very top of the mountain past all of the chair lifts, and you are allowed to hike out of bounds to the summit to shred the freshest snow that the less adventurous don’t care to trek after. Copper Bowl, right above Celebrity Ridge chairlift, is a double black diamond that is one of the steepest bowls the mountain offers. On top of Copper Peak sits Spaulding Bowl, Spaulding Ridge, and the Upper Enchanted Forest which house the best powder on the resort. With the mountain being north facing, the snow tends to stick around longer due to less direct sunlight. Resolution Lift holds a handful of black diamonds and a sufficient amount of thrilling tree runs. It’s hidden on the left side of the mountain, so you may have the slopes to yourself if you choose to venture that way.
For the Intermediate
Copper’s intermediate terrain is mostly located on the upper mountain. Timberline Express lift is going to have the most clusters of blue runs for those looking for a some steeper runs without a ton of obstacles. Tempo and Copperfield are two blue runs that intertwine into each other and have some great moguls for those skiers looking to advance their skills. Super Bee also has a good number of blue runs with wider slopes to give you more room. Here, you can perfect your turns before hitting the double back diamonds on the top of the mountain.
For the Beginners
Last but not least are the beginner hills, which are great for friends and family learning how the snow sport. Prospector and Roundabout are two of the best green hills to hone your skills on and get the basics down. The incline is perfect for new-bee’s!
If you’re heading to Copper Mountain this winter, check out our suggestions for lodging as well as restaurants in the area. We’ll see you on the mountain!