Copper
City:
Copper
Region:
Rockies
Updated:
October 31, 2024
73
PeakRankings Score
To give each resort a Mountain Score, we assess 10 equally weighted categories that paint an overall picture of the typical mountain experience.
[Year] Rankings
Overall Rank
#
16
Rank In
United States
#
12
Rank In
Colorado
#
7
Category Scores
Snow
Criteria Breakdown
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10
The resort gets top accumulation and snow that forms in a way that feels light and powdery all the time.
9
The resort sees very good accumulation and gets powder that takes awhile to track or feels notably light.
8
The resort sees very good snow accumulation each season that tends to stay powdery for several days in a row.
7
The resort sees very good, powdery snow accumulation each season, but powder doesn't always last long at certain places in the resort.
6
The resort sees good accumulation that forms a solid base each season and sometimes sees powder but sometimes suffers from variable cover.
5
The resort sees decent accumulation each season but sometimes suffers from variable cover and rarely sees powder.
4
The resort sees okay accumulation each season. Non-snowmaking trails regularly suffer from thin or variable cover.
3
The resort sees mediocre accumulation each season. Thin cover is a given on all non-snowmaking trails.
2
The resort receives poor accumulation each season and must heavily rely on snowmaking to stay open.
1
The resort would have little to no snow if it weren't for snowmaking. If you're not on a trail, you probably don't see any accumulation.
0
The resort doesn’t get any snow.
8
Lifts
Criteria Breakdown
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10
High-speed lifts exist across every mountain area. Helper lifts are high-speed as well.
9
Most lifts are high-speed, with only a few areas serviced by helper fixed-grip lifts.
8
All but a few areas are accessible by high-speed lifts. Helper lifts may be fixed grip.
7
Most areas are accessible by high-speed lifts. Helper lifts are fixed grip.
6
Many areas are accessible by high-speed lifts, but some are only serviced by fixed-grip lifts.
5
About half of areas are accessible by high-speed lifts.
4
A few areas are accessible by high-speed lifts, but most areas only see fixed-grip lift service.
3
All lifts are fixed grip but some are at least modern.
2
Lifts are extremely old or low-capacity. Some places are only serviced by surface lifts.
1
Surface lifts only.
0
No lifts.
5
Resiliency
Criteria Breakdown
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10
The mountain can quickly recover from the worst conditions and deliver the exact same experience as on a good day.
9
The mountain can quickly recover from almost any poor conditions thanks to excellent poor snow and weather mitigation.
8
The mountain successfully mitigates snow or weather issues in nearly every mountain area and across all terrain categories. A few parts of the resort may occasionally see significant impacts.
7
The mountain successfully mitigates snow or weather issues in most mountain areas, but some parts of the mountain are highly affected by inclement weather or poor conditions.
6
The mountain successfully mitigates snow or weather issues in many mountain areas, but other parts are highly susceptible to inclement weather or poor conditions.
5
The mountain has some capabilities to avoid inclement weather or poor conditions, but struggles to mitigate poor conditions in many mountain areas.
4
The mountain has some capabilities to avoid inclement weather or poor conditions, but is regularly forced to close a few major parts of the mountain. Under severe circumstances, the mountain may be forced to completely suspend operations.
3
The mountain has some capabilities to avoid inclement weather or poor conditions, but is regularly forced to close multiple major mountain areas. Occasionally, the mountain may be forced to suspend operations completely.
2
In the event of any inclement weather, the mountain loses most of its skiable terrain, with restoration regularly taking several days or weeks. A few small runs may stay open.
1
In the event of any inclement weather, the mountain loses its entire skiable footprint and may take weeks to recover.
0
Any inclement weather issues are season-ending.
8
Crowd Flow
Criteria Breakdown
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10
The mountain's infrastructure is perfectly set up for crowd flow and capacity and does the best possible job to mitigate crowding.
9
The mountain's lift infrastructure is mostly direct and well-placed with excellent capacity.
8
The mountain's lift infrastructure is mostly direct and well-placed with good capacity. One or two areas could use a capacity upgrade.
7
The mountain's lift infrastructure is usually direct and well-placed with good capacity. A few areas could use a capacity upgrade or better placed lifts. Trails themselves rarely become chokepoints.
6
The mountain's lift and trail network is usually direct with good capacity. Some areas suffer from indirect lift placements or poorly thought out junctions.
5
The mountain’s lift and trail network comprises a comparable mix of direct, well-placed routes and indirect or capacity-constrained ones.
4
The mountain's lift and trail network is set up in a way that causes major crowding or indirect routing for many popular routes. Some areas are served by direct, well-placed lifts.
3
The mountain's lift and trail network causes serious crowding or indirect routing for most areas, but a few places are served by direct, well-placed lifts.
2
The mountain's lift and trail network is not equipped to handle crowds on a normal day and sees backups of more than half an hour.
1
The mountain's crowd flow logistics are seriously flawed. Poor lift placement and uphill capacity can cause backups of more than an hour.
0
The mountain's crowd flow logistics are so bad that you shouldn't expect to get on the mountain on a typical day.
7
Size
Criteria Breakdown
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10
7000+ skiable acres
9
3500-7000 skiable acres
8
2500-3500 skiable acres
7
1800-2500 skiable acres
6
1200-1800 skiable acres
5
800-1200 skiable acres
4
500-800 skiable acres
3
250-500 skiable acres
2
100-250 skiable acres
1
1-100 skiable acres
0
0 skiable acres
8
Facilities
Criteria Breakdown
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10
The mountain boasts easily accessible, high-capacity lodges at every major and minor junction area.
9
The mountain boasts easily accessible, high-capacity lodges throughout most mountain areas.
8
The mountain boasts several lodges or huts across the resort. A few minor mid- or high-elevation areas lack easy access to high-capacity facilities.
7
The mountain boasts several lodges or huts across the resort. Some major mountain areas lack easy access to high-capacity facilities.
6
The mountain boasts several lodges or huts across multiple areas, but some places lack easy access to the closest facilities.
5
The mountain consists of high-capacity lodges at each base area but suffers from limited, low-capacity, or impractically placed on-mountain facilities.
4
The mountain consists of high-capacity lodges at each base area. Any on-mountain facilities are limited, low-capacity, and impractically placed.
3
The mountain consists of at least one high-capacity base lodge but no on-mountain facilities.
2
The mountain consists of a moderately-sized base lodge but no on-mountain facilities.
1
The mountain consists of a singular base lodge that's either impractically small or hard to reach.
0
The mountain doesn't consist of any on-site lodge facilities.
6
Terrain Diversity
Criteria Breakdown
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10
The mountain has an abundance of terrain in all categories for all ability levels.
9
The mountain offers multiple options in all terrain categories you'd typically find at a ski resort.
8
The mountain offers at least some options in all terrain categories you'd typically find at a ski resort.
7
The mountain offers terrain in most categories for a range of ability levels, but may fall short in one or two areas.
6
The mountain offers terrain in many categories but either falls short or lacks terrain in a few others.
5
The mountain offers terrain of varying lengths, gradients, and widths but lacks terrain in multiple categories.
4
The mountain offers similar terrain of moderately different lengths, gradients, and widths.
3
The mountain offers similar terrain of slightly different lengths, gradients, or widths.
2
The mountain consists of runs that are similar to one another but vary slightly by difficulty.
1
The mountain only consists of runs that provide nearly identical terrain experiences.
0
The mountain has no terrain.
9
Navigation
Criteria Breakdown
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10
It's easy, direct, and clear to get anywhere on the mountain from any place.
9
It's easy, direct, and clear to get anywhere on the mountain from most places. A small fraction of trails don't have direct access to all other mountain areas.
8
It's easy to get to and from most mountain areas. A few minor areas aren't directly accessible from all other parts of the resort or may be hard to find.
7
It's reasonably simple to get between most major mountain areas. A few areas require catwalks or traverses to get to or from or are hard to find. Some areas require multiple direct lift rides to travel between.
6
It's reasonably simple to get between many major mountain areas, but some areas require more effort due to poor signage, indirect lifts, or catwalks.
5
Some mountain areas are easy to navigate while others require more effort due to poor signage, indirect lifts, or catwalks.
4
Some mountain areas are easy to get between, but navigating many major areas can be confusing. Some major trails may suffer from poor signage or require catwalks.
3
It can take multiple lifts or be notably confusing to get between major resort areas. Many resort areas suffer from indirect trail routes, poor signage, or multiple catwalks.
2
It takes a substantial amount of effort and multiple indirect lifts to get between resort areas with little enjoyable terrain in between. Expect to occasionally get lost.
1
Expect to regularly get lost at this resort due to poor signage and lift placement. Getting between mountain areas requires notable effort and extremely unenjoyable terrain.
0
It's impossible to get around this resort. You will likely get lost or spend your whole day trying to get from one place to another.
6
Challenge
Criteria Breakdown
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10
The resort boasts truly extreme terrain across several prominent areas. Any double blacks should not be attempted, even by experts, without using extreme caution.
9
Select resort areas boast some of the most challenging runs in the world. The most challenging terrain should not be attempted, even by experts, without using extreme caution.
8
The mountain boasts extremely demanding terrain with sustained pitches, cliffs, drop-ins, and/or tight turns.
7
The mountain offers a range of very steep, ungroomed terrain with features like cliffs, drop-ins, or tight turns.
6
The mountain offers a range of steep, difficult terrain, with expert features like cliffs in some places.
5
The mountain offers some fairly steep groomed and ungroomed runs.
4
The mountain offers some steep runs but very little ungroomed terrain.
3
The mountain primarily offers groomed terrain with moderate pitches.
2
The mountain offers mostly gently-sloped terrain.
1
None of the mountain's terrain is more difficult than a typical bunny hill.
0
The mountain is completely flat.
8
Mountain Aesthetic
Criteria Breakdown
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10
The resort offers one-of-a-kind views, terrain, isolation, and vibes. You probably won't find a resort that feels like this again in your lifetime.
9
The resort offers unique terrain, views, and isolation that you'll rarely find anywhere else.
8
The resort clearly distinguishes itself with class-leading views, terrain, and isolation.
7
The resort feels unique, with high-quality views, terrain, and isolation across the footprint.
6
The resort doesn't boast the same unique terrain as some competing resorts but offers excellent views and isolation in many areas.
5
The resort offers some cool terrain and great views and isolation in some areas. Some areas may feel commercialized or built-up.
4
The resort offers decently cool terrain, nice views, or pockets of isolation in places. Major areas may feel commercialized or built-up.
3
The resort either feels commercialized or built-up around more than half the resort or offers only moderately interesting terrain, views and isolation.
2
The resort either feels commercialized or built-up in most areas or offers only mildly interesting terrain, views or isolation.
1
The resort barely feels like a mountain, with intense commercialization and very little in the way of views, terrain, or isolation.
0
The resort is completely flat or indoors.
8
Good To Know
Aprés-ski:
Moderate
On-site Lodging:
Yes
Nearest City:
Denver (2 hrs)
Pass Affiliation:
Ikon Pass
Epic [Backend]
Ikon [Backend]
Mountain Collective [Backend]
Other [Backend]
Recommended Ability:
From
Beginner
To
Expert
Beginner [Backend]
Intermediate [Backend]
Advanced [Backend]
Expert [Backend]
Extreme [Backend]
Pros
- Excellent high-alpine terrain experience
- Natural insulation for skiers of different ability levels
- Relatively local feel
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Pro Con Item [Backend]
Cons
- Slow, difficult-to-load lifts outside base areas
- Altitude that can be overwhelming for some
- Lack of lodges in backside areas
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Pro Con Item [Backend]
Mountain Stats
2507
acres
Skiable Footprint
3625
acres
Total Footprint
95
%
Lift-Serviced Terrain
12441
ft
Top Elevation
2738
ft
Vertical Drop
24
Lifts
140
Trails
21
%
Beginner
25
%
Intermediate
54
%
Advanced/Expert
Comprehensive Review
With a fairly expansive footprint at a reasonable distance from Denver, Copper has long been a go-to Colorado ski destination. The resort isn’t as flashy as Vail-owned competitors nearby, but if you’re looking for the diverse, high-alpine terrain Colorado is known for, Copper won’t disappoint.
Copper boasts impressive snow quality, with accumulation matching that of the best Colorado resorts. In general, trails enjoy strong cover and some variety of powder. While wind gusts in high-alpine areas get intense, snow tends to stay in the places you want it to; in fact, some bowl areas regularly see light, deep powder thanks to wind-blown snow. Easier runs are perennially groomed. A few more extreme runs maintain low cover or exposed elements throughout the season, but that’s to be expected from terrain of that caliber.
Terrain diversity is also a high point—the resort offers a variety of terrain for all ability levels. Unlike some resorts, runs of similar difficulty tend to be congregated in the same area, leading to natural insulation for skiers of different ability levels. In general, runs get harder as you go from west to east on the mountain, with the backside areas offering the most extreme terrain.
Unlike some Colorado resorts, Copper offers a variety of beginner terrain. You’ll find plenty of green runs if you stick to skier’s left of Center Village—West Village areas feature dedicated learning terrain, while the American Flyer lift services gentle (but relatively long) groomed cruisers. There’s even some high-alpine beginner terrain, although it’s serviced by the slow, wind-exposed Rendezvous lift. There’s also a small bunny hill near Center Village, but it’s relatively removed from the rest of the resort’s green terrain.
Copper offers a good selection of intermediate cruisers, but blue runs are on the tougher side. The Super Bee and American Eagle lifts service a range of long groomed cruisers. The popular Timberline area offers shorter blues but also boasts some of the only consistently ungroomed intermediate terrain in Colorado—some trails are entirely ungroomed, while others maintain an ungroomed section next to a groomed one. Either way, these trails prove a decent opportunity for those learning moguls to get some practice in.
Experienced skiers and riders will find a lot to like at Copper. Black runs in high alpine areas mainly feature short, steep pitches, but the lower elevation Alpine and Resolution areas host long, trying mogul runs. Challenging tree terrain abounds throughout the resort—even in lower mountain areas better known for easier slopes, heavily-wooded glades off green and blue cruisers prove formidable challenges.
Many double black runs involve cliffs or rocks. West Ridge, arguably the most extreme section on the mountain, requires a cornice to drop into, maintains a steep pitch, and features tough, cliff-riddled lines.
Copper has always enjoyed a decent variety of expert terrain, but the addition of the Three Bears lift has arguably transformed the resort. Getting to this terrain previously required a weather-dependent snowcat ride and a hike, but the resort now offers direct lift service to precipitous, technical tree and bowl terrain that most other Colorado resorts can’t match. The fantastic views and isolation in this area add to the experience, although some will miss the true remoteness of the pre-lift days here.
Copper delivers an excellent freestyle experience thanks to its Woodward terrain parks. Features are designed with progression in mind, making the resort ideal for visitors looking to build confidence on boxes, rails, and jumps. These parks offer a variety of small to large features, from a bunny hill beginner park to a 13’ quarterpipe and a 22’ halfpipe.
Even if you’re an experienced skier or hiker, you may find yourself unexpectedly struggling on Copper’s terrain due to the altitude. At 9,600 feet, the resort boasts one of the highest base elevations in North America. Additionally, the resort tops out above 12,400 feet, a few thousand feet higher than the highest terrain at many competing mountains. Be sure to exhibit extra caution before attempting anything risky.
It’s fairly easy to get around Copper, but there are a few issues. The resort has decent signage, although a few areas omit logical directions to certain lifts. Safety-bar-mounted trail maps on most lower mountain lifts and trail status boards in major junction areas help. Physically getting from place to place generally isn’t too bad, although if you’re not used to surface lifts, making it to the backside might be tough. The mountain’s biggest annoyance is getting from the backside to the Resolution and Spaulding areas; doing this requires going all the way back to one of the base areas. However, going the other way isn’t bad.
Perhaps Copper’s biggest shortfall compared to other large Colorado resorts comes in lift infrastructure. Several lifts are high speed, including nearly all lower mountain lifts, and the flagship American Eagle chondola and American Flyer bubble lifts provide impressive and comfortable rides. But multiple major parts of the mountain, including all high-alpine areas, maintain slow, fixed-grip lift service. Many of these lifts are old and difficult to load, and some are highly exposed to wind. However, the worst offenders live mainly in advanced and expert terrain areas, minimizing the overall resort impact.
Copper enjoys decent crowd flow thanks to generally well placed lifts. The resort’s base areas benefit from high capacity lifts, but lines can still get lengthy in the morning on weekends and holidays. Lower-capacity upper mountain lifts can get backed up, but these predominantly advanced and expert areas rarely see horrible crowds. The Timberline Express lift, which services popular intermediate terrain, sees multiple high-alpine trails filter into it, and provides the only convenient access from the west side of the mountain to upper resort areas, is the resort’s biggest choke point. For the 2021-22 season, the resort has instituted the Fast Tracks program, which allows guests to pay a premium to skip the lines at many popular lifts.
Copper’s on-mountain facilities are both impressive and frustrating. Base areas boast high-capacity lodges and restaurants, and the front side offers convenient mid-mountain spots to stop in for breaks. However, the Copper Bowl and Tucker Mountain areas lack lodges entirely, meaning that visitors in these areas must engage on a long trek to get inside. To give the resort some credit, however, these backside areas do enjoy relatively convenient bathroom access at the bottom of the Mountain Chief lift. Most food options are casual and fast, but calling them cheap would be a stretch.
Copper’s mountain aesthetic impresses overall. High-alpine areas provide fantastic views and great isolation, and multiple striking mountain ranges surround the resort. Copper’s base areas aren’t too built up, but the I-70 interstate highway across lower-mountain areas produces background noise and less than ideal views.
It’s worth noting that Copper offers a range of early-season lift ticket options, including a cheap, flexible 4-day pass that many locals save for powder days. The resort is unlimited on the Ikon Pass, and blackout dates on the base pass don’t apply here. The resort also offers a standalone season pass for a few hundred dollars less than the Ikon options.
Lodging
Copper boasts a number of on-site lodging options across its East, Center, and West base villages. Choices range from upscale inns and condos to fancy hotels. None are ski-in/ski-out save a few in the far West Village, but all are a short walk from the resort. Many on-site offerings feature pools and/or hot tubs. Copper is building a new luxury hotel at the Alpine base, which currently only consists of a parking lot; it was supposed to be ready for the 2020-21 season, but with the COVID-19 situation, the finish date is likely to be pushed back.
If you’re looking for something more economical, the nearby towns of Frisco, Dillon, and Silverthorne offer significantly cheaper lodging options. These towns are a short drive from Copper, but if you don’t have a car, Summit County offers free bus service to the resort. It’s worth noting that staying off-site on busy days isn’t always ideal, as morning traffic to Copper can get quite backed up.
Apres-ski
Copper boasts enjoyable apres-ski scenes at the Center and East base villages, with sweet happy hour deals and excellent vibes at slopeside bars after the mountain closes. Some venues feature live music Wednesday through Sunday.
After dinner, however, Copper Village is fairly dead; you’ll have to travel to Frisco or Dillon for true nightlife options. Bars in these towns feel very local and range from casual to lively, and some of them feature live music or DJs on weekends. If you don’t want to drive, Summit County’s bus service provides safe, convenient transportation to and from these areas.
Verdict
So Copper isn’t as competitive infrastructure-wise as some other Colorado mountains, but the resort delivers a combination of terrain diversity and local feel that’s tough to beat. Lift tickets are expensive at the window, but a number of options can make the resort quite a good deal for what you get if you commit early enough.
NOTE: Mountain Score criteria for this resort were adjusted on December 19, 2021 and April 11, 2021.
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Best Winter Wonderland Getaway
The resort is a true winter wonderland, with stunning scenery and fantastic skiing conditions. The après-ski activities were a blast, and the staff went out of their way to ensure everything ran smoothly. I especially enjoyed the variety of trails and the relaxing atmosphere after a day on the slopes.
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