Activities, Events and Après Galore
Copper has always been known as "The Local's Favorite" in part because of its world-class skiing and riding. In recent years, however, Copper has blossomed from merely a ski area into a well-rounded destination resort. Activities like tubing and ice skating, as well as live music, aprés venues and a variety of special events now make Copper a complete, year-round vacation hot spot for the young and the young-at-heart.
The Copper Mountain Tubing Zone is a true favorite for "kids" of all ages. Located on the Treble Cliff trail under the Super Bee six-passenger chairlift in the East Village, riders are offered a choice of three runs with varying degrees of difficulty. Even the youngest of tubers won't get tired as the hill is serviced by "The Stinger" lift, allowing tubers to spend their energy going down the hill, not back up. Another time-tested favorite, ice skating, will return to the resort this year with the completion of the West Lake Market. A new staging area will allow guests to comfortably put on and take off their skates. Nearby, a fire pit with heated seating provides the perfect spot to roast marshmallows while warming up.
For those looking to enjoy the outdoors in a different way, 25 kilometers of trails winding through the White River National Forest are available to the public for cross country skiing and snowshoeing. Additional winter activities away from the mountain include snowmobiling along the Continental Divide, mushing a Siberian Husky-powered dog sled and scenic hot air balloon rides.
Dining in the Woods provides the perfect end to a perfect day for those who have worked up an appetite. A horse-drawn sleigh carries guests through the forest to a heated miner's tent where they are treated to a gourmet dinner, live entertainment and sing-alongs. Sleigh rides are also offered without dinner for those simply wanting to snuggle under a pile of blankets and view the stars.
After all this activity, visitors with energy to spare can spend the remainder of their waking hours soaking in the hot tubs, sauna, and steam rooms at the Copper Mountain Athletic Club. In addition to the cardio-fitness and weight training facilities, the athletic club also has two racquetball courts, a swimming pool and spa services offering massages and facials. The Copper Athletic Club is free to most visitors who book lodging through Copper Mountain Reservations and is available for a small day-use fee for those who are not.
Visitors wishing to experience some quintessential après-ski festivities will not be disappointed as Copper boasts some of the best après in Summit County. Moe Dixon, a Copper Mountain legend for over 10 years, leads visitors in spirited sing-alongs Thursday through Saturday all season at J.J.'s Rocky Mountain Tavern. Endo's Adrenaline Café, Jack's Slopeside Bar & Grill and The Loose Caboose at Copper Station all offer après activities ranging from live music to sports trivia.
In addition to unique holiday celebrations for Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Eve, Easter, Mardi Gras and more, the resort also hosts a number of special events throughout the course of the year. Highlights include the 16th Annual Copper Mountain Snowboard Series, the longest running amateur snowboard series in the country, and Sunsation, Copper's end-of-season celebration featuring live music and the infamous Eenie Weenie Bikini Contest. Past performers have included national acts such as Ozomatli, Maceo Parker and Rebirth Brass Band.
