Colorado’s Not-So-Hidden Gem

Copper is out to change your perception and there are a lot of reasons you can’t ignore it. The resort has been undergoing a major facelift. As a part of a $80 million dollar multi-year capital improvement plan, Copper has seen three (soon to be four) new chairlifts, a new alpine coaster, four new restaurants and a variety of base area upgrades such as new signage. It’s not over yet with a chairlift providing access to the beloved Tucker Mountain set to open for the 2019/20 season and continued construction on a brand new mid-mountain lodge for a 2021 opening. The plan has completely transformed the resort providing uncomplicated access and an experience that embraces new Colorado.

You’ll find the new lifts across the mountain. Most notably, the American Eagle and American Flyer, the two workhorse lifts out of Copper’s Center Village. The Eagle, an eight-person gondola/six-person chairlift mix, and the Flyer, a six-person bubble chair, increase uphill access by a whopping 30% getting you to intermediate and beginner terrain with ease. The Kokomo Express located in West Village whisks skiers and riders to a healthy dose of gentle slopes perfect for any beginner. The new Tucker Mountain lift located on the backside of Copper Bowl provides access to expert-only terrain that was previously open via snowcat or hiking only.

Off the slopes, the Rocky Mountain Coaster located in Copper’s Center Village twists and turns for nearly a mile down the mountain through the forest providing thrills for everyone.

Lastly, Copper’s new dining locations have transformed the previously known “sleepy” village. Grab a seriously delicious brunch at Toast & Co. then belly up to the bar for lunch at Ten Mile Tavern with a craft beer and comfort eats. If you don’t want leave the hill, Koko’s Hut over in West Village offers a cafeteria in a fun environment for kids and a killer view of both the Ten Mile Range and Gore Range. Once you’re done for the day, Downhill Duke’s is a prime patio location for après with live music on the weekends and an invite that’s extended to your pup.

Pro tip: Purchase your Copper Season Pass before April 23 and kids under the age of 15 ski for free with the purchase of an adult season pass.

While Copper undergoes all of these incredible changes, two pillars will always remain the same: the terrain and the vibe.

Copper is one-of-a-kind in that it features naturally-divided terrain. What does this mean? Beginners can head to West Village and remain on greens for as long as they’d like without ending up in the all to familiar ‘how did I get here? I can’t ski this’ situation. Experts can hang out in East Village for challenging terrain with little worry of running into novice skiers and riders. While you can’t spy them from the front side, treat yourself to not only great terrain but killer views in the mountain’s back bowls. With three options – Copper Bowl, Spaudling Bowl and Union Peak – you can rip wide open turns under the vastness of the Ten Mile Range. From Copper Bowl, you can access Tucker Mountain, a 273 acre paradise for experts featuring a mixture of exposed and gladed terrain that is arguably some of the best found in-bounds at any Colorado ski resort.

Something that truly sets the resort apart is the inclusive vibe. The lift operators actually smile and say hi. That snowmaker or snowcat driver you ride the chairlift with is just as stoked about their day as you are. Walk into any restaurant and you’ll feel like you’ve been there many times before. A friendly face is there to meet you and you’re guaranteed to run into a local whether it’s a long-time patroller or a guy that’s lived down the road for 25 years. Also, comfort is the name of the game. No high heels and fur coats here. Heck, head to dinner in your ski pants if that’s what you’re feeling.

Taking advantage of all this is easier than you think. Copper’s got everyone covered when it comes to season passes. For a limited time, the resort is offering Kids Ski Free – a promotion where kids under the age of 15 can receive a Copper Season Pass completely free with the purchase of an adult season pass. That’s $1,098 for a family of four with two children under the age of 15. Compared to other ski areas, it’s a steal of a deal. (Available only until April 23)

For those that will spend a little less time on the mountain, the Copper Four Pack offers four days of unrestricted skiing and riding with no blackout dates plus on-resort dining and retail discounts for just $250.

So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to see what Copper’s all about.