Just 75 miles west of Denver, Copper Mountain Ski Resort is one of the best ski resorts near Denver. Copper Mountain stands out by offering quality terrain for every level. The lower mountain is naturally divided between beginner and intermediate trails where the upper mountain is perfectly suited for advanced riders and expert high alpine bowls. The Woodward Terrain parks have small features up to a large half pipe. This mountain is incredibly fun for anyone looking to spend serious time on the slopes and enjoy a bit of après ski in the village afterwards.
This guide will take you through everything—from the mountain’s unique terrain and runs to après-ski hotspots and where to stay so you can make the most of your visit.
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Table of Contents
Quick Facts
- 2,729 ft vertical drop
- 12,441 ft Summit elevation
- 2,538 Acres
- Best for Powderhounds, Progression Terrain, and Terrain Parks
- 305 inches of snow annually
- IKON Pass
“A trip to Copper Mountain feels like leveling up. Progression terrain and world-class parks push your skills making you feel accomplished and leave you riding away with pride.”
What Makes Copper Mountain Unique
Copper Mountain has a natural terrain division. Unlike other resorts, the mountain is naturally structured so that beginners, intermediates, and experts have their own areas to explore without feeling out of place. This makes Copper ideal for groups with mixed skill levels and anyone looking to progress their by gradually stepping up their terrain difficulty. This also helps avoid crowding as people gravitate to the side of the mountain best suited for their abilities and do not get in each other’s way.
Another unique feature is that most the mountain is north-facing terrain. This preserves snow quality longer and hides powder stashes in the trees. Add to that Copper’s laid-back, local vibe, and you get a resort with plenty of thrills. Copper can draw a crowd, especially on the weekends, however it is usually less than the crowds found at more tourist-heavy destinations like Breckenridge or Vail.
Best Runs at Copper Mountain: Natural Progression Terrain
One of Copper Mountain’s greatest assets is its intuitive layout. If you’re looking at the trail map, the difficulty naturally progresses from left (advanced challenges) to right (beginner-friendly slopes) and the expert, high alpine terrain at the top of the mountain.
Beginner-friendly terrain
- The Kokomo Express is perfect for true beginners looking to ride the bunny slope. There is also a progression Terrain park to practice some freestyle.
- Most of the right side of the mountain is beginner friendly, green runs as well as numerous designated slow zones. Lifts like Lumberjack and American Flyer service peaks with a variety of beginner options.
- When you’re ready to step up to some easy intermediate terrain the Timberline lift provides great practice runs, with long, gentle greens such as Soliloquy. These trails are perfect for skiers and snowboarders finding their feet.
Intermediate terrain
- When looking at the map the center of the mountain has a variety of intermediate options.
- The American Eagle Lift services blue runs include the designated slow Rhapsody to Main Vein trek.
- Windsong off the Timberline express has smooth flow and is a great blue cruiser.
- Runs off the Super Bee lift, which offer longer blues for leisurely cruising.
Advanced and expert terrain
Expert skiers will thrive on Copper’s high alpine routes, especially everything off the Three Bears Lift.
- Visit Spaulding Bowl and Copper Bowl for amazing views and extreme terrain featuring cliffs, trees, and technical challenges.
- For steep groomers, try Andy’s Encore and Rosi’s Run, found in the East Village.
- In general the High alpine terrain will be steep and incredibly fun.
- Throughout the mountain you can duck off the trail and ride glades which are incredibly fun, especially with some fresh powder.
Copper Mountain Terrain Parks
Copper Mountain is home to numerous terrain parks designed for all skill levels, featuring small to pro-level features, creative flow zones, and two halfpipes (13-foot & 22-foot). Here’s a quick breakdown of the parks:
- Woodward Start Park – A beginner-friendly terrain-based learning zone that gradually introduces small freestyle features in a safe, controlled environment. (Access: Easy Rider lift, Center Village)
- Woodward Progression Parks – Multiple zones with small to medium jumps, ride-on boxes, and beginner rails to help riders progress their freestyle skills. Includes:
- Koko’s Progression Park
- Miner’s Ridge Progression Park
- Green Acres Progression Park
- Woodward Family Cross – A banked slalom-style family race track with smooth, rolling features, designed for a fun, low-risk experience. (Access: American Flyer, off High Point
- Central Park – The largest terrain park at Copper, featuring medium and large jumps, rails, and boxes. A must-ride for intermediate to pro-level riders. (Access: Woodward Express Quad, West Village)
- Woodward Peace Park – A creative, ever-evolving park with an organic flow, designed in collaboration with Olympic snowboarder Danny Davis. Fun for all ages and skill levels. (Access: Woodward Express Quad, West Village)
- Red’s Backyard – Inspired by Olympic gold medalist Red Gerard, this hike-style rail garden is perfect for technical rail tricks and park sessions. (Location: Loverly Lane, near Central Park)
Photo Courtesy of Copper Mountain
Beyond Skiing: Activities for the Whole Family
The Barn at Copper Mountain
This epic 19,400ft² indoor facility is perfect for family fun. You will have blast here if you’re a skater, skier, snowboarder, BMX biker or just want to jump on trampolines.
Bounce, flip, and soar on the five Olympic-grade flybed trampolines or the massive 12’x12′ Super Trampoline. There’s even a street course area to keep things fresh and fun.
- Indoor ParkSki™ and Burton ParkBoard™ training tools
- Two mini-ramps
- Street course area
- Unique pump track zone
- Full-size skate bowl
- Springfloor
- Tumble track
- Five Olympic-grade flybed trampolines
- 12’x12′ Super Trampoline
Après-Ski
After a day exploring the mountain, head to Center Village or East Base Village for the après-ski experience. Some venues feature live music Wednesday through Sunday. The town quiets down relatively quickly in the evening.
Copper’s dining scene is more laid-back, but if you’re craving later night activities, you’ll have to head to nearby Frisco or Breckenridge. These mountain towns have a more vibrant atmosphere, with casual bars and live music.
Copper Mountain Lodging
Copper has three village areas, the East, Center, and West villages. There are a variety of mid-range lodging options to choose from. You can get a decent place at a much cheaper rate than some of the nearby Colorado resorts.
Don’t be overwhelmed with options, Contact Skizi to get your hassle-free custom itinerary and expert advice.
Cambria Hotel Copper Mountain
Located in the heart of Central Village, just a short stroll from the American Eagle lift and the progression park, this hotel offers both convenience and comfort. Enjoy spacious rooms that can accommodate up to five guests, a 24-hour fitness center equipped with free weights and TRX. Unwind in the outdoor hot tub or at the onsite bar and bistro.
Getting There
Fastest Route
- Fly into Denver International Airport(DEN), then drive approx. 2 hours to Copper Mountain
- Transfer from the Airport
- Transfer Companies
Contact Skizi
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