Copper Mountain - 13 Things to Know Before Visiting

Copper Mountain, located in Summit County, Colorado, is the perfect place to enjoy a variety of outdoor activities. In the winter, visitors can hit the slopes at one of the many nearby ski resorts. Or, for a more relaxed experience, they can go snowshoeing or cross-country skiing through the picturesque woods. In the summer, Copper Mountain is heaven for hikers and mountain bikers, with trails winding through fields of wildflowers and forests of aspen trees. There are also plenty of opportunities for fishing, rafting, and kayaking on the nearby lakes and rivers. No matter what time of year it is, Copper Mountain provides a playground for people of all ages to enjoy.

Copper Mountain is a mountain summit in the Tenmile Range of the Rocky Mountains of North America. The 143rd highest summit in Colorado, Copper Mountain's elevation is 12,313 feet (3,751 meters). It is located in Summit County, Colorado, southwest by south of Frisco, and east-southeast of Vail. History tells us that prospectors began mining copper on what became known as Garfield placers in 1860. A stamp mill was built in Garo, now Copper Mountain, in 1862 to process the ore. By 1866 two ditches were constructed to bring water from Missouri Gulch for use in the concentrating process. The first paying mine was the Mammoth Mine which began operation in September, 1967. Most of the ore mined at Copper Mountain between 1867 and 1972 was shipped to smelters outside the state for processing into copper metal. From 1972 to 1986 all of the ore mined at Copper Mountain was processed on site using methods that did not require smelting the ore to produce a concentrate containing most of the gold and silver values. From 1986 to 1995 open pit mining and heap leaching operations recovered gold and silver from low-grade ores located adjacent to the east side of today's golf course clubhouse.

The best time to visit Copper Mountain in Summit County, Colorado is typically from mid-December to early April. This timeframe offers the most reliable snow conditions for skiing and snowboarding, as well as the longest daylight hours. However, visitors should be aware that peak season rates will apply during this time.

1. Plan ahead and book your accommodations early. Hotels and vacation rentals fill up quickly during the peak season.
2. Pack for all weather conditions. Copper Mountain can have unpredictable weather, so it's always better to be prepared.
3. If you're bringing skis or snowboards, make sure to get a lift ticket in advance. Prices go up significantly during the peak season.
4. Be aware of your surroundings when hiking or biking in the backcountry. There are many dangers, including wildlife, that can surprise you.
5. There are many activities for kids, so don't forget to bring them along! Families can find plenty to do together at Copper Mountain.
6.  Be sure to try some of the local cuisine while you're in town. The restaurants in Copper Mountain offer a variety of delicious options.
7. Shopping is also a popular activity in Copper Mountain. Whether you're looking for souvenirs or ski gear, you'll be able to find what you're looking for here.
8. Go fishing. There are plenty of spots for trout fishing in the area.
9. Visit the chapel. The Chapel at Copper Mountain is a beautiful spot for reflection and prayer.
    

1. Copper Mountain was founded in 1972 and originally operated as a ski area.The resort was purchased by the Vail Corporation in 1996 and underwent significant expansion, including the addition of new trails and amenities.
2. Today, Copper Mountain covers more than 2,500 acres and offers 144 trails for skiing and snowboarding.
3. The resort is home to two terrain parks, which feature a variety of jumps, rails, and other obstacles.
4. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, visitors can enjoy a variety of other activities at the resort, including snowshoeing, ice skating, and dog sledding.
5. Copper Mountain was named one of the "Top 10 Family Ski Resorts in North America" by Parents magazine in 2019.
6. In 2000, the resort installed the Rocky Mountain Superchair, which was then the longest high-speed chairlift in North America.
7. Today, Copper Mountain is one of Colorado's most popular ski destinations, welcoming over 700,000 visitors each winter season.

The average time it takes to explore the mountain is about four to five hours. However, if you want to spend more time on the mountain, you can easily spend a full day there.

To reach Copper Mountain, summit county, Colorado, from Denver, take I-70 west to exit 195. At the stop sign, turn left onto Highway 91 and travel south for about 8 miles. Take the first left after you pass the Tiger Run Resort on your left. Follow this road for about a mile until it ends at a T-intersection. Turn right and drive until you reach the resort parking lot.

There is no admission fee to explore Copper Mountain, summit county, Colorado. However, there are many activities that have a fee associated with them. For example, Summit County offers a variety of winter activities such as skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing. These activities generally have an associated cost, typically lift tickets or rental equipment.

Copper Mountain is open every day from 9:00 AM. to 4:00 PM., with the exceptions of Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. On New Year's Eve, the resort closes at 3:00 PM.