Ski & Ride Tips

Take a lesson. Like everything else, you'll improve the most when you receive some guidance. The best way to become good at downhill skiing or snowboarding is to take a lesson from one of our qualified instructors. You'll safely learn more in a 2 hour lesson than you will in 2 weeks on your own. Also, our pros will be able to show you around the mountain and tell you which terrain is best for you.

Get in shape. Don't try to ski yourself into shape. You'll enjoy skiing and snowboarding more if you're physically fit.

Obtain proper equipment. Be sure to have your ski or snowboard bindings adjusted correctly at a local ski shop. You can rent quality ski or snowboarding equipment at Copper. Click here to view our rentals.

Dress in layers. Layering allows you to accommodate your body's constantly changing temperature. For example, dress in polypropylene underwear (top and bottoms), which feels good next to the skin, dries quickly, absorbs sweat and keeps you warm. Wear a turtleneck, sweater and jacket. Do NOT wear cotton as a base layer.

Be prepared. Mother Nature has a mind of her own. Bring a headband or hat with you to the slopes, 60 percent of heat-loss is through the head. Wear gloves or mittens (mittens are usually better for those susceptible to cold hands).

Drink plenty of water. At 9,700' base elevation, our climate is extremely dry, so it is easy to dehydrate. Staying hydrated (which includes consuming less alcohol than at sea level) also helps you avoid altitude sickness.

Know your limits. Learn to ski and snowboard in control.

If you're tired, stop before you become fatigued. Injuries usually result from fatigue. Have a seat and enjoy the environment around you. Most of all, have fun.

Here is our list of recommended items for you to bring skiing and snowboarding in order to guarantee a fun first day on the slopes. If you are in need of anything on this list when you get here, everything on this list is available in The Village at Copper, and most is available in any of our base areas. We recommend the Mountain Adventure Center in the Village at Copper for the best selection of gear in the village.

• Backpack - for extra clothes & supplies, if you don't want it once here, locker it. (Lockers are available at all 3 base areas -in Union Creek, Copper One in The Village at Copper, and Copper Station in the East Village.)
• Hat - if your head is warm the rest of you is likely to stay warm.
• Water proof Gloves/Mittens - mittens are warmest.
• Goggles/Sunglasses - you definitely need UV protection, the sun's 40% stronger up here. Goggles are strongly recommended on cold or snowy days for warmth and increased visibility.
• Jacket/Parka (water resistant)
• Synthetic or wool base layers for top & bottom - it's better to be warm than cold, you can always shed layers. Synthetic materials help to wick moisture away from your skin. Once again, NO COTTON.
• Snow/Water resistant pants - very important, your 1st day will acquaint your butt to the snow, keep it warm & dry.
• Warm, dry socks - No cotton. Wear only one pair of socks.
• Sunscreen - SPF 15 or higher
• Lip Balm
• Snack, Fruit, Energy Bar
• Trail Map - available for free throughout the mountain.
• ID, Wallet, Cash
• Extra Clothes, Shoes - to change into when you're all done, in order to go out and celebrate your 1st day.
• Water - stay hydrated to help with altitude acclimation.
• Equipment - either skis, poles and boots; or snowboard and snowboard specific boots.

If you need equipment, Copper's got you covered. Just make sure you get here early and one of our rental technicians will be able to spend time with getting you into the ideal gear.

Copper Mountain offers ideal terrain for beginner skiers and snowboarders. Copper's naturally divided terrain - the mountain's west side is gentle and sloping, and becomes gradually steeper as you move east. This creates the perfect place for learning, because it keeps beginner skiers in their own area on the west side of the mountain, so you will not have to worry about expert skiers flying by you as you are learning.

Union Creek base area is located on the west side of the mountain with 3 lifts (Kokomo, High Point, and Lumberjack) servicing only green runs. There is also a day lodge there offering lift tickets, food, rentals and lessons. Another learning area, Green Acres, is a short gentle learning area where the beginner can get the basics wired. Green Acres offers a very short chair lift and a surface lift, but there are no services in this area, so you'll need to have your gear and lift ticket before you head to Green Acres. Both Green Acres and Union Creek are perfect for beginners, and each is accessed by our shuttle service. Just ask an employee if you're not sure which shuttle to hop on. Also, there are plenty of green runs accessed by the American Flyer lift and Rendevous lifts, but these runs are longer and are not recommended for your first day on the slopes.

Click here to see trail maps for Copper Mountain.

Copper has 3 base areas: The Village at Copper, the East Village, and Union Creek. All are easily accessed by shuttles or walking. Each village offers lift tickets, rentals and food. Union Creek is recommended for beginner skiers. The Village at Copper is best for intermediate or advanced beginner skiers to start the day. The Village offers the most action and services including the majority of restaurants and shops. The East Village is a great starting point for expert or advanced intermediate skiers. Once on the mountain, it is relatively easy to get to different areas on the mountain, so intermediate skiers and above can start anywhere and get to other parts of the mountain easily.

MORE INFO ABOUT COPPER

Since it's your first time to visit Copper, please click here to see more info about the resort.

Get to know the Skier Safety Act

Your Responsibility Code

Skiing can be enjoyed in many ways. At ski areas you may see people using alpine, snowboard, telemark, cross country and other specialized ski equipment, such as that used by disabled or other skiers. Regardless of how you decide to enjoy the slopes, always show courtesy to others and be aware that there are elements of risk in skiing that common sense and personal awareness can help reduce. Observe the code listed below and share with other skiers the responsibility for a great skiing and snowboarding experience.

1. Always stay in control.
2. People ahead of you have the right of way.
3. Stop in a safe place for you and others.
4. Whenever starting downhill or merging, look uphill and yield.
5. Use devices to help prevent runaway equipment.
6. Observe signs and warnings, and keep off closed trails.
7. Know how to use the lifts safely.

KNOW THE CODE. IT'S YOUR RESPONSIBILITY.

This is a partial list. Be safety conscious.
Officially endorsed by: NATIONAL SKI AREAS ASSOCIATION.

Copper is located 75 miles west of Denver on I-70 directly off Exit 195.

Click here for map.

Checking your child in for skiing or snowboarding lessons for the first time? Click here to see what you can expect at Union Creek starting Dec. 9.

Once you get here, you have several parking options. There is free parking in the Alpine Lot which is located at the edge of the resort - you will see signs once you get off I-70 at exit 195. There are also 3 pay lots at the base village, which get you a little bit closer to the action for $10-$20/day - simply follow signs for "Close-In Pay Parking". Cash and checks are accepted.  There is no longer parking available for our guests in Union Creek. There is limited drop-off parking only at Union Creek.

If you get here early, our recommendation is to park in the Alpine Lot. Shuttles run from the Alpine Lot to all 3 base areas. Our beginner area, Union Creek, is serviced by the UC/Green shuttle. All services (food, rentals, lessons, etc.) are available at each base area.

 

Get out, get hooked, you'll love it. Just don't blame us if you quit your job and move to the mountains…..just in case here's a link to our currently available jobs.

Follow this link to get the answers to most frequently asked questions.