Copper Mountain Resort
Copper Mountain Resort is the Summit County ski area that sorts itself out for you: 2,538 acres of naturally divided terrain, with easy runs to the west, intermediate cruisers in the middle and expert bowls to the east, just 75 miles from Denver.
Copper Mountain Resort in Copper Mountain, CO
Copper Mountain rises from a base of 9,712 feet to a 12,441-foot summit, a 2,738-foot vertical drop. Its 157 marked trails are served by 24 lifts, and the mountain averages close to 300 inches of snow a year. The terrain layout is Copper’s secret weapon. Because the mountain naturally separates by ability, beginners rarely share a slope with experts, and families can split up and meet again at the base. Up top, Copper Bowl, Spaulding Bowl and Resolution Bowl offer wide-open, above-treeline skiing with views of the Gore and Ten Mile ranges, best enjoyed from the Aerie, the resort’s high-mountain restaurant and lounge.
Copper calls itself the Athlete’s Mountain. It is home to Woodward Copper, a year-round action sports training center with a famous indoor Barn, and the U.S. Ski Team Speed Center, where America’s best racers train early in the season. Three pedestrian villages, East, Center and West, put lodging, dining and shops steps from the lifts, and there are 9.1 kilometers of cross-country trails nearby. Copper is part of POWDR and an Ikon Pass partner. It is about 30 minutes from Breckenridge Ski Resort and 25 minutes from Vail Ski Resort, and an easy drive from historic Leadville.
Insider tip: Copper is right off Interstate 70 at exit 195, which makes it one of the easiest big resorts to reach from Denver. Reserve parking or ride the free resort shuttle between villages, and save Center Village for après-ski.
Photo Gallery
Photo credits: Copper Haze (6803591218) by Zach Dischner (CC BY 2.0); Copper Mountain in Summit County, CO by Bidgee (CC BY-SA 3.0 au); Copper Mountain, Spaulding Bowl and trails by Jarrod Doll (CC BY 2.0); Copper Mountain – 4419381073 by SparkFunElectronics (CC BY 2.0); Copper Mountain East Village by UsmcRave99 (Public domain); C2023 A3 Tsuchinshan-ATLAS over Copper Mountain Colorado by Mikepascoe (CC BY-SA 4.0); Copper Mountain – 4419381035 by SparkFunElectronics (CC BY 2.0); Copper Mountain – 4419380993 by SparkFunElectronics (CC BY 2.0); Copper Mountain – 4420147038 by SparkFunElectronics (CC BY 2.0). Images via Wikimedia Commons.
News & Events
Copper started snowmaking on October 15 and opens for winter on Friday, November 6, 2026. The Stifel Copper Cup brings men’s World Cup ski racing to Copper on November 28 and 29, 2026. A 2026/27 Copper season pass with unlimited, unrestricted access is $899, and kids 17 and under ski free with an adult pass purchase. Check coppercolorado.com for lift status and events.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Copper Mountain open for 2026/27?
Copper Mountain’s winter opening day is Friday, November 6, 2026. Base area lifts typically run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily once the season starts.
How big is Copper Mountain?
Copper has 2,538 skiable acres, 157 marked trails and 24 lifts, with a 12,441-foot summit and a 2,738-foot vertical drop.
How far is Copper Mountain from Denver?
Copper Mountain is about 75 miles west of Denver, right off Interstate 70 in Summit County, Colorado.
Is Copper Mountain on the Ikon Pass?
Yes. Copper Mountain is an Ikon Pass partner, and it also sells its own season pass and Four Pack.
What is near Copper Mountain?
- Breckenridge Ski Resort: Historic town and big ski area about 30 minutes away.
- Vail Ski Resort: Over Vail Pass to the west.
- Leadville: Victorian mining town south over Fremont Pass.
- Lake Dillon: Summit County’s big reservoir near Frisco.
Copper Mountain Resort is at 209 Ten Mile Circle, Copper Mountain, CO 80443. Call Guest Services at 866-656-1546 or visit coppercolorado.com to plan your trip.