This winter at Copper Mountain, we’re launching the “Champion the Slopes” safety campaign for the 2024/25 season. This initiative emphasizes kindness, respect, and safety on our mountain. The goal is to create a positive environment where everyone looks out for one another, shares knowledge, and supports fellow team members & guests alike.

Each month, we'll focus on different aspects of mountain safety, etiquette, and Your Responsibility Code. Both Copper Mountain employees and guests play a crucial role in this campaign. You can be a “Champion of the Slopes” by being a positive role model for fellow skiers and riders in all aspects of mountain safety. Take ownership of your actions on the mountain, support your crew throughout the season, participate in safety education, and share your knowledge with others.

At the Athlete’s Mountain, we’re all champions of Copper's safety. The season is finally here, and we’re inviting you to be a part of the Copper team by showing each other the ropes and making the slopes safer for all. After all, we’re only as strong as our weakest player.

Show Kindness

Be part of Team Copper by going to bat for others and by showing kindness on the slopes. Lead by example—whether that's stepping up to coach those around you, or stepping in kindly when rules aren’t followed. Remember, a team is only as strong as its weakest player. 

Lift Each Other Up

All chairlifts are different, and others may not have the experience you do. Show camaraderie and sportsmanship by checking in with those around you and by offering some coaching tips about loading, riding, and unloading the lifts. Put the bar down once everyone is ready!

Respect Boundaries

Don’t be suspended from play and don’t let your teammates either! A closed trail is closed, period. You don’t want to be down for the count with a ski pass suspension. Just like when you are learning a new sport, do your homework ahead of time. Check the website, obey the signs steer clear of all on-snow machinery.

Carve with Care

Skiing and riding are not contact sports. Keep your distance from others and be ready to slow down or stop to avoid other skiers, riders, and objects. Stay alert to what is going on around you and plan ahead by easing up at blind spots and when merging onto trails. Slow down in congested areas and slow skiing areas. Everyone has a blind spot—look and listen to what is happening in front and behind you.

Don’t Huck and Hope

Play SMART in the parks. Like any sport, practice makes perfect so hone your skills with the smaller features first. Make a plan and look before dropping in. Be courteous, wait for landings to be clear, call your drop, and know your limits. Don’t forget to slow down as you join the flow of traffic when exiting the park.

Tread to Shred

Road and sidewalk conditions can be variable throughout the season. Snow tires and 4WD, yack tracks, grippy shoes, or cat tracks on ski boots are helpful, but not rushing and walking like a penguin is the key to success. Learn how to walk like a penguin here!

Accept the Change

Spring-like conditions change the playing field. What you skied in December will ride differently in the spring. Take time to assess the snow and adjust how you ski and ride accordingly. Keep your equipment in top shape with sharp edges for the firmer mornings, and warm weather wax for slushy afternoons. Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated and don’t forget to wear your sunscreen.