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Introduction
Copper is a purpose-built resort, and it looks it. Whereas Vail's fairytale charm expanded into a real town, Copper remains wedged between the Interstate and its impressive mountains.
In recent years, however, it's been transformed from somewhere that looked depressingly French to (largely) a cosy wood and stone affair with an array of bars and restaurants.
Copper is excellent for families with its slopeside condo accommodation connected by pretty walkways and squares. You really can't fault the skiing, which expands along with the resort improvements, and even though you can feel a bit cut off, you're handily placed for the towns of Frisco and Silverthorne, and various other ski areas.
In recent years, however, it's been transformed from somewhere that looked depressingly French to (largely) a cosy wood and stone affair with an array of bars and restaurants.
Copper is excellent for families with its slopeside condo accommodation connected by pretty walkways and squares. You really can't fault the skiing, which expands along with the resort improvements, and even though you can feel a bit cut off, you're handily placed for the towns of Frisco and Silverthorne, and various other ski areas.
Mountain facts
Resort elevation: 2,926m (9,712ft).
Top elevation: 3,767m (12,313ft).
Base elevation: 2,926m (9,712ft).
Number of lifts: 22.
Number of runs: 125.
Average annual snowfall: 6.4m (21ft).
Where in the world?
Copper is located on I-70, an easy drive from Denver in the Colorado Rockies.
Hit the slopes
Copper is like a planner's idea of what a ski resort should be like - the slopes covering one long face along the front, so everything's easily accessible, the skiing getting progressively harder as you move along.
Although it's not a giant resort, there is plenty of enjoyable skiing for all levels. Experts love the challenges of Copper and Spaulding Bowls, and various other spots at the back. Intermediates can cruise the entire resort from top to bottom, and there's a big beginner area at Union Creek.
For an inbounds backcountry experience, Copper runs snowcats every morning on Tucker Mountain on a first-come, first-served basis (included in the lift ticket cost).
There is a good terrain park and two superpipes for snowboarders.
Although it's not a giant resort, there is plenty of enjoyable skiing for all levels. Experts love the challenges of Copper and Spaulding Bowls, and various other spots at the back. Intermediates can cruise the entire resort from top to bottom, and there's a big beginner area at Union Creek.
For an inbounds backcountry experience, Copper runs snowcats every morning on Tucker Mountain on a first-come, first-served basis (included in the lift ticket cost).
There is a good terrain park and two superpipes for snowboarders.
Beyond the slopes
This is not the place to go if skiing's only part of your holiday, as there are no streets to walk or sights to see. Pastimes when you've finished for the day include skating, tubing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, a swimming pool and a sports club.
A wander around Frisco is fun and it would take a determined person not to be wooed by the discount shops of Silverthorne.
A wander around Frisco is fun and it would take a determined person not to be wooed by the discount shops of Silverthorne.
Family fun
Copper treats the family well, with childcare from six weeks to four years in the crèche at the bottom of the slopes. Then there's Kids' Night Out (Wednesday to Saturday in the crèche for ages six weeks to 10 years), a party of pizza, games and videos which is free to parents who spend a set amount (per child) in the resort that evening.
On the slopes, several spots are designated Family Skiing Zones with patrols to ensure slow skiing. The Kidz Terrain Park introduces young boarders to the excitement of rails, boxes and jumps and a minipipe.
On the slopes, several spots are designated Family Skiing Zones with patrols to ensure slow skiing. The Kidz Terrain Park introduces young boarders to the excitement of rails, boxes and jumps and a minipipe.
Retail therapy
Don't get excited, unless you want ski gear, resort sweatshirts or souvenirs. Shopping is best done in Silverthorne. More than 50 factory outlet stores in three adjoining malls feature bargains from Ralph Lauren, Nike, Adidas, Levi's, Gap and other top names.
Après ski
It mostly happens at the Village at Copper. Endo's Adrenaline Cafe (209 Ten Mile Circle) and JJ's Rocky Mountain Tavern (102 Wheeler Circle, in the East Village) are lively in late afternoon, then again later, along with McGillycuddy's Irish bar (231 Ten Mile Circle), all often with live music. The Storm King Lounge (178 Copper Circle) has a curious mix of sushi, pool, darts and cocktails and is relatively relaxed.
For more bars, grab the bus to Frisco for places like Jonny G's (409 Main Street), with live music, and Moose Jaw, for pool (304 Main Street).
For more bars, grab the bus to Frisco for places like Jonny G's (409 Main Street), with live music, and Moose Jaw, for pool (304 Main Street).
Eating out
An upmarket option is the CB Grille (910 Copper Road) with elk, steak and fish cooked over a wood-fired grill.
Places like JJ's and Endo's (see Après Ski above) offer smart burger fare, then there's Mexican at Salsa Mountain Cantina (760 Copper Road) and Chinese at Imperial Palace (189 Ten Mile Circle), while Pizza Carlo (214 Ten Mile Circle), and even McGillycuddy's offer family fare. There's plenty more choice in Frisco.
Places like JJ's and Endo's (see Après Ski above) offer smart burger fare, then there's Mexican at Salsa Mountain Cantina (760 Copper Road) and Chinese at Imperial Palace (189 Ten Mile Circle), while Pizza Carlo (214 Ten Mile Circle), and even McGillycuddy's offer family fare. There's plenty more choice in Frisco.
Getting around
The free local bus service around the town of Frisco means it's possible to get to the nearby resorts of Breckenridge, Keystone and Arapahoe Basin as well as the large factory outlet malls of Silverthorne. The casinos of Blackhawk and Central City run free shuttles.
Splashing out
Take a night-time sleigh ride up the mountain to dinner in an old miners' tent. The evening starts in the historic Wheeler Barn as you wait for the jingle of the arriving sleigh, pulled by a team of draft horses. Snuggled beneath blankets you head into the trees up to the tent to be greeted by hot toddies and live music, and a hearty dinner. Book through the resort.
Accommodation
Luxury
Copper Mountain ResortThe only place here; there are no hotels but a collection of stylish, modern slopeside condos and rooms in three groups, the main one the Village at Copper, bookended by East Village and Union Creek.
Tel: (970) 871 5050 or 1 888 219 2441.
Website: www.coppercolorado.com
Moderate
Hotel FriscoIn the lively town of Frisco several miles from Copper, is a pretty, family-run place with understated mountain style and outdoor hot tub. Copper (and Breckenridge, Keystone and Arapahoe Basin) is accessible on the free shuttle circuit.
308 Main Street, Frisco
Tel: (970) 668 5009 or 1 800 262 1002.
Website: www.hotelfrisco.com
Budget
Snowshoe MotelAll the advantages of the bars, restaurants and ski shuttle of downtown Frisco, with hot tub, sauna and breakfast.
521 Main Street, Frisco
Tel: (970) 668 3444 or 1 800 445 8658.
Website: www.snowshoemotel.com
Getting there
Nearest airport: Denver (DEN).
Distance to resort: 160km (100 miles).
Driving time: 2 hours.
Distance to resort: 160km (100 miles).
Driving time: 2 hours.
Website
This resort is good for...
Experts, Environmental awareness, Families, Beginners, Intermediates, Snowboarders
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