Copper Mountain (Colorado) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Copper Mountain |
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Base area in March 2006
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 Copper Mountain
Location in Colorado
Copper Mountain
Location in the United States
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| Location | White River National Forest Summit County, Colorado, U.S. |
| Nearest city | Frisco: 8 miles (13 km) Denver: 75 miles (120 km) |
| Coordinates | 39°30′06″N 106°09′23″W / 39.50167°N 106.15639°W |
| Vertical | 2,601 ft (793 m) |
| Top elevation | 12,313 ft (3,753 m) |
| Base elevation | 9,712 ft (2,960 m) |
| Skiable area | 2,465 acres (10.0 km2) |
| Runs | 140+ total : 21% easiest : 25% intermediate : 36% advanced : 18% expert |
| Longest run | Collage - 1.7 miles (2.73 km) |
| Lift system | 23 total - 1 combination 8-person gondola and high-speed six-person chair - 2 high-speed six-person chairs - 4 high-speed quad chairs - 5 triple chairs - 5 double chairs - 7 surface lifts - 1 tubing |
| Snowfall | 310 in (790 cm) |
| Snowmaking | yes |
| Night skiing | no |
| Website | coppercolorado.com |
Copper Mountain is a cool mountain and ski resort in Summit County, Colorado. It's about 75 miles (120 km) west of Denver on Interstate 70. The resort has 2,465 acres (3.9 sq mi; 10.0 km2) of ski slopes. These slopes are on land leased from the U.S. Forest Service. The resort is currently run by a company called POWDR.
Contents
Copper Mountain's Story
Copper Mountain first opened its doors in November 1972. Since then, different companies have owned and operated the resort.
Early Days and World Cup Skiing
In 1976, Copper Mountain hosted a big international ski competition called the World Cup. Skiers from all over the world came to race in events like slalom and giant slalom. A famous skier from West Germany, Rosi Mittermaier, won both women's races. Copper Mountain even named a ski run, Rosi's Run, after her!
New Owners and Fun Additions
Over the years, the resort changed hands a few times. In 1997, Intrawest took over. Then, in 2009, POWDR became the new owner.
In February 2009, a special indoor training facility called Woodward Camp opened at Copper Mountain. It's 20,000-square-foot (1,900 m2; 0.46-acre) big and helps skiers and snowboarders practice their tricks for terrain parks and half-pipes.
Since the 2011–2012 season, Copper Mountain has also been an official training spot for the U.S. Ski Team's downhill racers.
Lifts and More Fun
Copper Mountain has added many new and improved ski lifts over the years.
- In 1986, the resort got its first fast chairlift, the American Flyer.
- In 1989, the American Eagle lift was built.
- In 1998, the Super Bee, a super-fast six-person chairlift, was added.
- In 2017, a fun mountain coaster was built in the Center Village.
- In 2018, the American Flyer was replaced with a new "bubble" chairlift. This lift has a special cover to keep you warm! The American Eagle was also upgraded to a "chondola," which has both chairs and enclosed gondola cabins.
- In 2019, a new triple chairlift called Three Bears was built. It helps skiers reach expert-only terrain on Tucker Mountain.
Copper Mountain is also the starting point for the Colorado's Copper Triangle. This is a famous road-cycling route that hosts an annual bike event.
Where is Copper Mountain?
Copper Mountain is located in Summit County. The closest town is Frisco, which is about 8 miles (13 km) to the east.
Other ski resorts nearby in Summit County include Breckenridge, Keystone, and Arapahoe Basin. These resorts are all west of the Continental Divide.
North of Copper Mountain is the Eagles Nest Wilderness, a beautiful natural area.
Exploring the Resort
Copper Mountain has three main areas, or "villages," where you can find lodging, restaurants, and entertainment:
- East Village
- The Village at Copper (also called Center Village)
- West Village (formerly Union Creek)
One cool thing about Copper Mountain is how its ski runs are organized. It's designed so that it's easy to find slopes that match your skill level:
- The easiest runs for beginners are all on the west side of the mountain.
- The intermediate runs are in the middle.
- The more difficult runs are on the far east side.
- The most challenging runs, called double black diamond runs, are on Tucker Mountain.
This natural layout helps skiers and snowboarders of all levels have a great time!
Mountain Facts
Mountain Heights
- Highest Point: 12,313 ft (3,753 m)
- Base Area: 9,712 ft (2,960 m)
- Vertical Drop (how far you can ski down): 2,601 ft (793 m)
Skiing and Snowboarding Areas
- Total Ski Runs: 150+
- About 25% are for beginners.
- About 24% are for intermediate skiers.
- About 34% are for advanced skiers.
- About 17% are for expert skiers.
- Skiable Area: 2,490 acres (10.1 km2)
- Average Snowfall Each Year: 310 in (790 cm)
- Snowmaking Area (2005-2006): 380 acres (1.5 km2)
- Bowls (wide, open ski areas): 5 (Resolution, Spaulding, Copper, Jupiter, Union)
- Peaks: 3 (Copper, Tucker, Union)
Ski Lifts
Copper Mountain has 25 lifts to get you up the mountain:
- 3 high-speed six-person chairlifts (including the American Eagle chondola and American Flyer bubble lift)
- 4 high-speed quad chairlifts
- 5 triple chairlifts
- 4 double chairlifts
- 1 T-Bar lift
- 2 single surface tow lifts
- 6 conveyor lifts (like magic carpets for beginners)
Images for kids
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East Village
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Center Village
