The Copper Mountain in Colorado has a terrain which seems created just for skiing. It is in all likelihood, the most famous ski area not only in the Arapahoe National Forest but also possibly in entire Colorado. Hence, its not surprising that the mountain is host to Colorado’s one of the most exclusive round-the-year destination resorts.
The peaks of Copper Mountain have terrain features which make it an extremely suitable place for all levels of skiers, including the beginner, intermediate and expert categories . All levels of skiers can ski back to the base area from the different runs. The mountain’s snow coverage and spread out tree cover has made it possible to design runs which merge beautifully into the scenic countryside.
The Ski Resort
Copper Ski Resort sprawls over 2,483 acres, enjoying the designation of being Summit County’s largest ski area in the Colorado Rockies today. However, it had relatively modest beginnings.
Your browser may not support display of this image. Recognizing the huge potential of the area, Chuck Lewis built the resort in 1971. He purchased about 280 acres at the base of the mountain and in cooperation with the Forest Service, set the guidelines for skiing. Copper encompassed more area gradually, growing to its present size of 2,483 acres with several new lifts coming up. Besides the skiing in winter, the mountain beckons during the summer too, luring visitors with the charms of the beautiful Copper Creek Golf Course.
History
The Arapaho and Ute Indians roamed the peaks of Copper Mountain hundreds of years ago. They reveled in the scenic beauty, the lush snow, the brilliant sunshine and respected nature as she was.
The mining bonanza hit Summit County in the 1800’s, when copper was discovered in the area. The mineral gave the place its name. A settlement was established by Judge John S. Wheeler midway between the Gore and Ten Mile mountain ranges. The old buildings still stand near the A-lift’s, or, close to the back nine of the Golf Club if one is looking in the summer. The place acquired fame as a riding and fishing centre. As the settlement thrived, miners and prospectors and other traders thronged to what was then popularly known as Wheeler Junction.
Ambience, Activities and Ski School
The layout design of Copper’s ski runs is truly unique in that they are naturally divided. The fantastic runs have been designed to please skiers of different capabilities. In overall ambience too the resort leads the way. Several Restaurants and Dining joints dot the mountain area serving food suited to different palates. Accommodation choices too are plentiful. There are Spa Treatments on offer along with an Athletic Club, Cycling Options and Child Care Facilities. The whole development has been carried out responsibly, keeping in mind environment concerns, making the resort the recipient of many awards for environment conscious development.
The resort’s fame is based on the numerous activities on offer for the visitors. The winter activities include mountain orientation tours, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, ice-skating, sleigh rides and dog-sledding. In summer, the activities change to rafting, paddle and power boating, quad power jumping, scenic chair-lift rides and cycling.
The Ski School at the resort has courses for skiers at all levels, including group lessons, private lessons, adult and youth seasonal programmes and skiing tips.
Overall, the Copper Mountain Ski Resort is a skier’s paradise and amazingly offers a variety of activities for non-skiers too. It is truly a family holiday destination, accessible round the year with world class facilities.
Contact:
Copper Mountain Resort
Lodging and Reservations: 888.219.2441
General Information: 866.841.2481
PO Box No. 3001 (USPS)
209, Ten Mile Circle (FedEx, UPS)
Copper Mountain, CO 80443
