Everything You Need to Know about Copper Mountain
Copper Mountain, Colorado: Complete Visitor Guide
Copper Mountain, Colorado is a premier ski resort and year-round mountain destination located 75 miles west of Denver via I-70. With a base elevation of 9,712 feet and a summit reaching 12,441 feet, Copper Mountain offers 2,538 acres of skiable terrain across 157 marked trails. Whether you’re planning a winter ski trip or a summer mountain adventure, Peak 1 Express provides direct, affordable shuttle service from Denver International Airport to Copper Mountain.
Fast Facts
About Copper Mountain, Colorado
Local Resort
Copper Mountain Ski Resort
Elevation
9,712 feet base / 12,441 feet summit
Drive time from Denver
75 miles (~1.5 hours via I-70)
Airport of Choice
Denver International Airport
Copper Mountain Ski Resort Stats
Year Established
1972
Summit Elevation
12,441 feet / 3,792 meters
Vertical Rise
2,738 feet / 835 meters
Skiable Terrain
2,538 acres
Chair Lifts
24
Number of Trails
157 marked trails (24% beginner, 26% intermediate, 32% advanced, 10% expert, 8% extreme)
Longest Run
Collage – 1.7 miles / 2.73 kilometers
Average Annual Snowfall
299 inches / 774 centimeters
Airports Near Copper Mountain
Denver Airport
The Denver Airport is just about 1 1/2 hours from Copper Mountain, so you can be off the plane and on the slopes in almost no time. You can’t fly directly into Copper, but there are a number of options for getting from Denver Airport to Copper, including Copper airport shuttle, taxi services, Bustang, car rentals and more. The trip from Denver Airport to Copper takes you west on I-70 through downtown Denver, up through the Eisenhower Tunnels, past Frisco to the Copper exit.
Eagle Airport
Located in the Vail Valley is the Eagle County Regional Airport, where United Airlines, American Airlines, and Delta fly daily. Copper Mountain is just about 45 minutes from EGE, but it does have its downfalls. The elevation tends to mean that the weather can be on the temperamental side of things. Flights often get delayed or cancelled during the winter. There are also much fewer transportation options between the airport and Copper. To get from Eagle County Airport to Copper, you’ll head east on I-70 past Beaver Creek and Vail, taking the Copper exit.
Colorado Springs Airport
About 2 1/2 hours southeast of Copper you’ll find the Colorado Springs Municipal Airport. With 19 nonstop destinations across the nation from the Colorado Springs Airport, and 5 airlines that fly in and out daily, COS is an option for your flight to Copper Mountain. To get to Copper from the Colorado Springs Airport, take I-25 N to Denver, then west on I-70. We do not operate shared shuttles between Copper Mountain Breckenridge and the Colorado Springs Airport, however, private shuttles are available.
Copper Mountain Airport Shuttles
Heading to Copper Mountain Resort this winter? Peak 1 Express offers a safe and affordable, Copper Airport Shuttles from Denver International Airport to Copper Mountain. Our Mercedes Sprinters provide you a safe vehicle with loads of extra legroom and headroom, and our service-focused drivers will provide you the best ride. We offer our daily, shared, mountain shuttle schedule and daily airport charter service between DEN and Copper Mountain Resort at the custom time of your choice if the listed times do not suit your needs.
We offer a variety of schedules, updated throughout the year, with pick-up and drop-off times designed to meet your needs. Our Copper Mountain Airport Shuttle offers various departure and arrival times (depending on the time of year) that are updated to match travel demand, so check below to see which time works best for the time you’ll be in Colorado.
Copper Mountain Lodging
Wake up in Colorado’s winter wonderland, just moments away from the ski base of Copper Mountain. Live how you’ve always dreamt; ski the slopes all day and warm up by a fire surrounded with blankets of fresh snowfall. Colorado seems to be heaven on earth in the winter and year-round. If you’re wanting to visit Copper Mountain, here are some hotels nearby.
Copper Mountain Restaurants
Peak 1 Express loves all Colorado mountain communities like Copper Mountain, and we aren’t shy about sharing a recommendation or two! Whether you are looking for a quick breakfast before heading to the mountain or want to enjoy a nice dinner with friends, Copper has many cafes and restaurants to meet your hunger needs. Options range from standard American fare to Mexican, Irish, barbecue and more.
Copper Mountain Event Calendar
Winter Events
December
Revolution Tour: Observe skiers and snowboards take on freeski competitions and the Main Vein Superpipe. This event is popular for athletes trying to break into the elite category and is a great way to see up and coming ski and snowboard sportsmen.
Torchlight Parade & Kid’s Glow Pageant: Welcoming all ages on Christmas Eve, this parade is a spectacle of lights and your kids will get to meet Santa before he takes off on his evening journey to deliver presents!
New Year’s Eve Dine & Ski: Skiers of the more intermediate to advanced levels are allowed to partake in this event every year. Ski down Copper Mountain under the moonlight and indulge in a superb dinner by well-known Chef David Taladay.
March
Colorado Special Olympics : Colorado has been home to the Winter Special Olympics for a handful of years now. Volunteer to help out with the event, or just come to support the athletes!
April
World’s Largest Easter Egg Hunt: Copper Mountain holds the record for the world’s largest easter egg hunt, with over 65,000 eggs spread across 2,500 acres. Don’t worry about your youngest, there are different hunts that are much easier than others!
Summer Events
July
Copper Mountain Music Festival: Take in the mountainous surroundings in the beautiful month of July or August and listen to some great live music all weekend long.
Mac & Cheese Fest: Of course we have to mention this one… who doesn’t love mac and cheese?
August
Copper Triangle: View this demanding 78-mile alpine cycling race, where all proceeds raised benefit research on Parkinson’s disease.
Colorado Days: Live music and cold beer seem to be a common theme for Summit County events, but we aren’t complaining. Live music and great perks make this weekend one to pencil in on your schedule!
Ragnar Relay: Copper Mountain is the starting point of this team race across the Rockies all the way to Aspen. A 200 mile run through the night is quite the feat, and the athletes need all the encouragement they can get to reach the finish line!
Jazz and Wine Festival: 30+ years of this successful combo and many more to come. Join in on this August weekend if you’re a fan of either of this things, because there will be an abundance of both.
Copper Mountain Winter Activities
Copper Mountain is one of Summit County’s four ski resorts served by Peak 1 Express mountain shuttle. With a wide range of activities for all age ranges, Copper is the perfect winter vacation destination. After a day of skiing or riding, you can hit the tubing hill or go for an evening sleigh ride. If you are looking for a different adventure, Copper offers dog sledding, ice skating, and snowshoeing in addition to a range of restaurants, shops, and attractions in its three distinct villages.
Skiing & Snowboarding Resorts Near Copper Mountain
Copper Mountain
Distance from Copper: <5 mi
Best For: Beginner to Advanced
Summit Elevation: 12,313 feet
Skiiable Terrain: 2,490 acres
# of Lifts: 23
Terrain Parks: 6
Average Annual Snowfall: 305 inches
Breckenridge Ski Resort
Distance from Copper: 18 miles
Best For: Beginner to Advanced
Summit Elevation: 12,998 feet
Skiiable Terrain: 2,908 acres
# of Lifts: 34
Terrain Parks: 4
Average Annual Snowfall: 300 inches
Keystone Ski Resort
Distance from Copper: 21 mi
Best For: Beginner to Advanced
Summit Elevation: 12,408 feet
Skiiable Terrain: 3,148 acres
# of Lifts: 20
Terrain Parks: 6 (all within Area 51)
Average Annual Snowfall: 235 inches
Arapahoe Basin
Distance from Copper: 24 mi
Best For: Intermediate to Advanced
Summit Elevation: 13,050 feet
Skiiable Terrain: 1,331 acres
# of Lifts: 9
Terrain Parks: 3
Average Annual Snowfall: 350 inches
Other Winter Activities near Copper Mountain
Tubing Hill
SNOW TUBING
866-841-2481
Critterland
YOUTH ACTIVITIES
866-841-2481
Woodward at Copper
INDOOR TRAINING FACILITY
888-350-1544
Frisco Nordic Center
CROSS COUNTRY SKIING
970-668-2570
Good Times Adventures
DOGSLEDDING & SNOWMOBILING
970-453-7604
White Mountain Tours
SPA
970-453-9068
When to Visit Copper Mountain, Colorado: Seasonal Guide
Winter at Copper Mountain: World-Class Skiing
Copper Mountain, one of the few resorts in Summit and Eagle counties not owned by Vail Resorts, is very popular among locals with its top-notch slopes. Situated just 8 miles west of Frisco right off of I-70, the mountain is known for its world class skiing in the winter and mountain biking and cycling in the summer. Every winter, Copper turns into a magnificent winter wonderland. This five-star ski resort is filled with 157 marked trails spanning across 2,538 acres. 50% of the slopes are rated difficult or extremely difficult, therefore attracting daredevils from near and far. Over 25 feet of fresh powder fall from the sky onto Copper Mountain each year. One of the coolest attributes about this ski resort is their year-round camp they offer, Camp Woodward. Kids of all ages attend to advance their athletic skills and all-around wellbeing.
Summer at Copper Mountain: Mountain Biking & Outdoor Activities
Copper Mountain is full of wonderful Colorado mountain activities for you and your family or friends. Mountain biking, hiking, off roading, and cruising on a diggler are all activities in the area during the summer. If you’re not aware of what a diggler is, you’re missing out one of the best and most unique outdoor activities. This backcountry scooter is perfect for exploring the mountain in a bit speedier way than by just your own two feet.
Frequently Asked Questions about Copper Mountain, Colorado
What is the elevation of Copper Mountain?
Copper Mountain’s base elevation is 9,712 feet (2,946 meters). The summit reaches 12,441 feet (3,792 meters), providing a vertical drop of 2,738 feet, making it one of the highest-elevation ski resorts in Colorado.
How far is Copper Mountain from Denver?
Copper Mountain is located 75 miles west of Denver, Colorado. The drive via Interstate 70 (I-70) typically takes approximately 1.5 hours, depending on traffic and weather conditions.
Is Copper Mountain good for beginners?
Yes. Copper Mountain’s terrain is naturally divided, meaning beginner slopes are physically separated from advanced runs. Approximately 24% of the 157 marked trails are rated for beginners, primarily accessible from the West Village.
Does Copper Mountain accept the Ikon Pass?
Yes, Copper Mountain is an Ikon Pass partner resort, giving Ikon Pass holders access to the mountain’s 2,538 acres of skiable terrain.
What is the best way to get from Denver to Copper Mountain?
Peak 1 Express offers direct, affordable shuttle service from Denver International Airport (DEN) to Copper Mountain. Shuttles run regularly throughout the ski season, eliminating the need to rent a car or navigate I-70 traffic.
What activities are available at Copper Mountain in the summer?
Summer activities at Copper Mountain include mountain biking, hiking, off-roading, the diggler (a backcountry scooter), and events at Woodward Copper, a year-round action sports training facility.
How much snow does Copper Mountain get?
Copper Mountain receives an average of 299 inches (774 centimeters) of snowfall annually, supported by snowmaking on 379 acres of terrain.