Apres Ski in Copper Mountain

Copper Mountain Village

While Copper certainly stands today on its own as a world-class ski resort, it would be fair to say that Copper Mountain used to sit somewhat in the shadow of its more illustrious Summit County cousins, like Breckenridge; but that changed when Intrawest Corporation (owners of Whistler-Blackcomb, among other A-list resorts) pumped money into on-slope improvements, but above all Intrawest was quick to fix upon one badly-needed element in the resort—a village.

When Intrawest acquired Copper in 1997, some of the first improvements were on-mountain, although the mountain itself was nearly perfect to begin with. The Super Bee, Colorado’s first high-speed six-passenger chairlift, was installed in the East village, and Copper expanded its expert bowl skiing to the limits of Tucker Mountain. The pedestrian- only village at Copper, however, truly represents the renaissance of Copper Mountain. US$400 million later, Copper boasts the finest in mountain villages complete with heated walkways connecting dining, shopping, nightlife, après ski, activities, and events.

Parking is all underground with easily accessed lifts to the buildings and units-a neat and aesthetic touch to keep the cars out of sight and the village free for strolling in. Every attention to detail, such as the movement of the sun and “gathering places,” has been taken into consideration, and it truly makes for a world-class village just steps away from the lifts.

A short bus ride, ski, or walk away is the East Village, sporting Copper Springs Lodge as its majestic flagship lodge. Located on the expert side of the mountain, the East Village also plays host to après-ski legend Moe Dixon at JJ’s Rocky Mountain Tavern, just a few steps from the Super Bee lift.

The last stage of the village involves the Lake Buildings, which will feature shops, restaurants and bars surrounding the West Lake ice skating/boating area. New après ski venues will include Pravda (a Russian vodka bar) and McGillycuddy’s Irish pub.

An expanded beginner learning area on the west side of the mountain adjacent to Union Creek welcomes novices, and the expert skier can look for improvements to Copper’s free Tucker Mountain snowcat tour service. Snowcats deliver guests to Tucker Mountain, elevation 12,337 ft (3760 m), where legendary high alpine Colorado terrain awaits.

Copper Mountain Restaurants & Bars

Head to Jack’s Slopeside Grill for apres ski on a great deck where you can watch weary skiers come down from the mountain.

Endo’s Adrenaline Café is a high-energy, high-alpine restaurant and bar for the younger crowd, with outdoor seating, right in the middle of the village at Copper.

The Swivel serves up beer and margaritas right at the base of the American Eagle lift. Sharing the same centrality is the Indian Motorcycle Café & Lounge boasting 21 beers on tap and fantastic lounging opportunities both outside-seated on the deck-or inside on leather loungers near the pool tables. It’s a little higher end and the bar is accompanied by tasty American-style cuisine.

In The East Village, the only place to be for après ski is JJ’s Rocky Mountain Tavern. JJ’s offers comfortable mountain cuisine, and features Colorado’s longest bar with acoustic guitarist Moe Dixon to keep you dancing and singing as he jams along. There’s an open and lively atmosphere here appealing to all ages, with live music most days for après ski. The appetizers are great. And that’s not all: Copper has an excellent tubing facility that goes well into the evening, with ample lighting, and the end of the tubing run conveniently finishes right at

JJ’s Rocky Mountain Tavern.

Licensing laws mean a minimum age of 21 for consuming alcohol, though children may accompany parents in bars and other places serving alcohol. Bars close at 2:00 am. There are 25 restaurants in the resort. Indian Motorcycle Café offers fine dining in a cosmopolitan atmosphere; Endo’s Adrenaline Café, as its name suggests, is for the high-energy crowd; Maui Taco for the boarder crowd, Columbine Café for homestyle breakfasts and lunches.

Copper Mountain Other Activities

Aside from skiing and boarding, there is also ice skating, tubing, snowshoeing, 15 miles (25 km) of cross-country skiing in the White River Forest, snowmobiling and sleigh rides.

Copper boasts 22 retail stores, selling varied goods from fly fishing gear through to chocolate. The Copper Mountain Racquet & Athletic Club has excellent facilities including an indoor pool, indoor tennis and racquetball courts.