Colorado, USA. A place known around the world for its rugged Rocky Mountains, natural beauty, and abundance of winter recreation. From a land known for its prospecting in the 1800s to a now world-renowned ski destination, the area's ski history runs as deep as the gold veins chased centuries ago.
The state is home to 32 ski resorts, which can easily make families looking for a well-rounded ski destination feel overwhelmed by choice. Enter Copper Mountain resort. A major ski resort with a unique resort layout that provides the perfect combination of diverse ski terrain, off-slope activities, and family-oriented experiences.
This guide breaks down the top on and off-slope winter activities at Copper Mountain and why it’s one of the best family-friendly ski resorts in Colorado for a fun and low-stress winter vacation.
About Copper Mountain Resort
Copper Mountain Ski Resort sits high in the Rockies, about a 2.5-hour drive from Denver International Airport (DEN). With a peak elevation of 12,441 ft (3,792 m) and a vertical drop of 2,738 ft (835 m), the ski resort offers 2,538 acres of in-bounds skiable terrain. It boasts 157 marked runs totaling 78 mi (126 km), which are broken down into 24% beginner, 26% intermediate, and 50% advanced.
The beauty of this ski resort comes down to its multi-village layout and natural mountain geography, which conveniently divides ski terrain by difficulty level. This means you usually won’t experience high-speed experts and cautious beginners on the same run. Beginner terrain lives above the West Village, intermediate terrain divides the resort at the Center Village, and advanced terrain is locked in above the East Village. Expert and extreme terrain dominates the peaks of Copper, Union, and Tucker Mountains.
The three pedestrian villages introduce visitors to ample shopping and dining opportunities with access to family-friendly après, ice skating, tubing, sledding, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. It’s also home to one of the country’s largest alpine coasters, the Rocky Mountain Coaster.
Skiing and Snowboarding at Copper Mountain for Families
Because the majority of the terrain on the west side of the village is suited for beginners, it’s the perfect place for families of varying abilities to stick together and explore at a leisurely pace. Serviced by American Eagle, Woodward Express, Kokomo (learning zone) and Lumber Jack chairs, safe progression runs from west to east. Long runs like High Point, Easy Feeling, and Soliloquy into West Ten Mile are family favorites.
Additional family zones can be found dotted around the ski resort marked by highlighted yellow “slow zone” on the trail map. Rhapsody, Main View, Skid Row, Frank’s Fave, and Carefree are a few blue runs around American Eagle to check out.
Confident in the family's ski abilities? Head over to the resort’s east side for a variety of groomed blue and black runs and sneaky glades. From there, rise to the summit to explore off-piste big mountain terrain spread across several bowls and three peaks. Navigating the alpine can be slightly confusing, so be sure to have a trail map handy.
Lessons and Kid Programs at Copper Mountain
If there’s something Copper Mountain excels at, it’s lessons and programs catered to kids and families. Youth group lessons offer affordable experiences for kids aged 3-5 and 6-17, allowing kids to learn and progress safely while parents get a chance to explore child-free. Lessons run from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. It’s best to pre-book online and arrive an hour before to get tickets and rentals sorted.
For the freestyle enthusiast, Woodward (facilitator of global action sports experiences) runs several terrain parks around the ski resort. Woodward specializes in safe freestyle progression, on and off-snow lessons/camps and innovative features.
Want to stay together with the whole family for a memorable family lesson? Copper’s Private lessons cater up to six guests for a full day on snow.
Off Slope Adventures at Copper Mountain
Just because Copper Mountain is a ski resort doesn’t mean you can only ski and snowboard. Families can take advantage of exciting activities in addition to the on-slope fun at the resort.
The Tube Park
By far, one of the most popular family-friendly activities is tubing at Copper Mountain. Located in the East Village, grab your crew, tubes and prepare to spin, slide and glide down this fast and fun banked course. Operating from 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., tubing sessions are one hour in length, cost $50, and your reservations can be booked online.
Arrive early to pick up physical tickets, sign your waivers, and grab your gear. There’s a 36-inch height requirement, and children have to safely fit in their tubes. Finally, dress warm as life up at 9,700 ft can be chilly and weather shifts fast in the Rockies.
Ice Skating
A favorite winter pastime for people of all ages. Head over to West Lake, confusingly in the Center Village, to enjoy ice skating, broomball or take part in a casual game of shinny hockey. Those with their skates can access for free, or rentals can be purchased for $15. Opt to bring the kids' ski helmets for added protection and peace of mind for the youngsters.
Woodward Barn
An indoor freestyle playground for skiers, boarders, and skateboarders that’s open year-round. Gain invaluable air awareness and practice your newest tricks as you send it off trampolines and ramps into foam pits. Roller boards and skis are even available during scheduled sessions to help you gain confidence before taking it to the snow.
Participants must be 7+, and first timers will need to watch an intro video. Sessions cost $64 per person and should be prebooked online as walk-ups aren’t always guaranteed.
Rocky Mountain Coaster
North America’s second-longest alpine coaster twists and turns through sweet-smelling pine forests at speeds of up to 25 mph (40 km/h). You’ll want to dress warm and bring your ski goggles along for the ride, too.
Casual Activities
Need some chill time with the family? Here are a few more things to do at Copper Mountain that are more casual. Stroll the village to check out shops, restaurants, and family-oriented après like the snow maze, scenic chairlift rides, live music, and weekly events found on their Events Calendar
Copper Mountain’s Green Acres Play Zone provides kids with an area to frolic in the snow and go sledding. Finally, on the backside of the skating rink, you’ll find an outdoor fireplace where the whole family can warm up.
Where to Stay at Copper Mountain
There are several options for lodging in Copper Mountain, and a variety of accommodation styles ranging from simple hotel rooms to luxury chalets. So, what makes the best vacation rental for a family at Copper Mountain? We think it's anywhere with easy lift and ski-school access, full kitchens, multiple sleeping arrangements, and ample space for everyone to spread out.
Below are some great lodging options for families. All of these accommodations grant guests access to the off-site Copper Mountain Athletic Club, where you'll find a full gym, pool, hot tub, and sauna.
Copper One Lodge This property offers hotel rooms, studios, 1 and 2-bedroom units located right at the base of the American Eagle Chair in Center Village. It boasts a common hot tub, and you’re within walking distance to dining, ski school, and the ice rink.
Property Amenities at Copper One Lodge
- Slopeside access or short walk to lifts, plus ski shuttle
- Ski Rental Shop and Storage
- On-site Restaurant
- Laundry Facilities (Common)
Cirque The condo units at the Cirque are located in the more relaxed West Village. One, two, and three-bedroom units offer gourmet kitchens, hot tubs, and fireplaces.
- Hot Tub and Outdoor Heated Pool
- Fitness Facility, Indoor Pool, Steam Room (offsite)
- Short walk to lifts
Mountain Plaza At 200 ft (60 m) from the base, this centrally located accommodation caters to those looking for more space. Offerings include hotel rooms to spacious 3-bedroom condos with hot tubs and in-unit fireplaces.
Property Amenities at Mountain Plaza
- Short walk to lifts
- Common Hot Tubs
- Laundry Facility (common)
- Ski Storage
Passage Point Located on the outskirts of Center Village, you’re only a 3-minute walk to the lifts, yet you get to enjoy a quieter location. Spacious one, two, and 3 bedroom units offer all the comforts you’d find back at home.
Property Amenities at Passage Point
- Common Hot Tubs
- Restaurant
- Ski Storage
- Laundry Facility (common)
Plan A Trip to Copper Mountain Resort
With an abundance of beginner terrain, fun activities both on and off the slopes, and convenient lodging, Copper Mountain has everything you need for a memorable family getaway. If you're ready to start trip planning and want a little extra help arranging the details, get in touch!
Originally from Northern Ontario, Anthony now calls Whistler, Canada, home. As an outdoor enthusiast with a passion for science and tourism writing, he chases excitement and communicates his experiences through his written work. Anthony holds CASI 2 and CSIA 1 certifications. He has over eight years of teaching and coaching experience as a snowsports instructor and 20+ seasons of skiing and snowboarding under his belt. He also proudly holds a B.Sc in Nanoscience and Engineering from the University of Guelph and gets impressively excited about anything science related.
When away from the office, Anthony celebrates his freedom by being immersed in mountain culture, playing instruments and travelling internationally. Skiing, snowboarding, hiking and mountain biking take up his free time, often complimented by sailing and the occasional backpacking adventure.
Photo Credit: Copper Mountain Resort