If you are looking for a ski area that has something for everyone, consider Copper Mountain. Copper is unique in that the mountain is clearly divided according to ability level. For example, complete beginners can stay in the Union Creek area, which is extremely easy terrain. This section is not a connection to any of the advanced areas of the mountain, so beginners do not have to worry about more advanced skiers or riders zooming past them.

After a few lessons at Copper's excellent ski school, head over to the American Flyer lift and check out the runs advanced beginner and intermediate runs. Confident intermediates will enjoy the runs off of the American Eagle Lift, and advanced skiers should check out East Village, which also has a tubing park. East Village is also home to the Super Bee, a six-seater lift that brings you quickly up the mountain.

. If you are planning a late January trip to this area, you can take advantage of free cat skiing to Tucker Mountain! Once the mountain has accumulated a sufficient amount of snow, beginning at 10:00 a.m., the cats will take 12 people on a 20-minute ride up to the summit of the 12,337 summit of Tucker Mountain. From there, you will have an important decision to make: You can start your descent, or you can choose to hike for a few hundred yards and gain more vertical!

About two thirds of Tucker Mountain are above tree line.  However, on your way back down to the base, you will encounter a few trees. For this reason, you should be sure to wear your helmet. If, as a result of your visit to Tucker Mountain, you find yourself enamored with cat skiing, you should consider enrolling in a course with Copper Mountaineering Guides. This course is a perfect way to gain backcountry confidence. You'll learn about avalanche awareness, off-piste tactics, beacon use and first aid. Choose between a 12-week session and a weekend program. If you always wanted to explore Tucker Mountain, Spaulding Bowl, Union Meadows and Copper Bowl, this is the course to take!

Copper also has a number of other clinics for advanced skiers and riders. Since the mountain is known for its challenging bumps, there are Mogul Madness clinics featured throughout the season. Want to try your hand at racing? Check out the racecourse on Copperopolis, or enroll in a ski-racing clinic!

If you want to take a day off from skiing or riding, the mountain guides lead some great snowshoe tours around the mountain. When it's time for lunch, the only on-mountain dining is at Solitude, which is off of the American Eagle lift. If possible, avoid Jack's at the Center Village base area. It's too crowded and too expensive. Instead, check out Enzo's. For the price of a cafeteria meal at Jack's you can get a sit down meal at Enzo's with far better food.

If you really need ski in/ski out lodging, you can stay on mountain at Copper, but keep in mind that it is expensive, and Copper does not have much of nightlife. The Town of Frisco is about a ten-minute ride on the free Summit Stage Bus. You can stay at the Snowshoe Inn if you want budget accommodations, or at the Frisco Inn or the Hotel Frisco if you would prefer something nicer. Eat dinner at the Boardwalk Restaurant on Main Street, and then enjoy a beer at the Backcountry Brewery.

Copper Summers
When the snow stops, the fun continues at Copper. Ten dollars buys you a scenic chairlift ride on the American Eagle lift. For $15, you can bring your bike and enjoy mountain biking on Copper's fantastic trails! You can train for the winter mogul season on the Quad Power Jumper, which is basically a trampoline on steroids. One jump is $9 and you can get three for $24. Other fun activities include the Diggler, which is an off-road motor scooter, as well as an outdoor climbing wall. Paddle boats are available for rental at West lake. Additionally, Copper has a full service golf course.

Jason Palat

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