Copper Mountain is divided into three different Villages: Center, East, and West. Center is the first area to open for the season. East and West are somewhat dependent on seasonal conditions, but are generally fully operational by mid-December. Certain activities are not available until the entire Village is up and running (Critterland, for example), so be sure to inquire or explore the website before you go.
Here are the reasons we can't wait to go back:
WOODWARD AT COPPER. If you haven't heard of Woodward, it's a 19,000-square foot indoor facility with bowls, trampolines, Skatelite, and foam pits. Woodward recently had $500,000 in renovations geared primarily to families and newer skiers and boarders, while still maintaining plenty of challenge to more experienced skiers. "Dedicated to progression" is their motto.
Woodward is a great activity for the whole family to share. Sign everyone up for an Intro Session. It's a fully-coached session for anyone 8 and up to learn how to use the tramps, Park Boards/Skis, foam pits, and other features. After you attend an Intro Session, you can sign up for daily Drop-In Sessions to work on individual skills. Words won't do justice to the amount of fun we had here. My boys literally could have stayed and played all day. Most equipment is provided; visit the What to Bring page before you go to make sure you've got the items not provided.
THE TUBING HILL. Summit County's first tubing hill is downright awesome! A surface lift takes you to the top so you don't have to hike up a hill lugging your tube. The staff was really helpful and friendly, and even gave us a bonus run after our hour was up just "for having so much fun." Participants must be at least 36 inches tall. If you've got kids who are too small, Critterland is an outdoor play area next to The Tubing Hill. One parent can stay and play with the little ones while the other takes the bigger kids on the hill. Buy your tubing tickets at least one day in advance and save 20%.
FREE CHILD CARE. Really! Spend $30 in The Village at restaurants or retail shops during the day and get three hours of child care at Belly Button Babies & Bakery Childcare that evening. This special is available for potty-trained kids up to age 12, and you need to spend $30 per child. Enjoy an adults-only dinner and live jazz music at C.B. Grille, Copper's most upscale restaurant, but still casual enough that you can dine in your snow pants if you choose.
SUGAR LIPS. Made-while-you-watch mini donuts served fresh and warm and covered in "fancy schmancy" toppings, like crumbled Oreos and chocolate syrup or S'mores (marshmallow cream, chocolate syrup, and crushed graham crackers). I had you at "mini donuts" didn't I? A couple doors away is The House of Jerky that sells a variety of flavors and meats ... beef, turkey, buffalo, elk, venison, and wild boar, plus they were waiting on a shipment of kangaroo and alligator, for the truly adventurous.
ENDO'S ADRENALINE CAFE. It's perfect for families. They've got HD TVs with sports in every corner, good drink specials during the daily Happy Hour from 3:00-6:00 PM, foosball, billiards, and arcade games. The fried green beans with wasabi-ranch are so delicious. Get their Mondo nachos! Your server will ask you if you want the "full" or the "half" order. When you say "full," your server will ask "Are you sure?" Trust that they are asking for a reason, and order the half ... unless you've got 6 people who are going to help you eat the full!
COPPER RED HOTS. Did you know that comfort foods can actually help reduce the symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)? What a great reason to lunch at Red Hots for some of their famous mac and cheese! This isn't the neon-orange fake stuff that comes in a box. This is made fresh with real ingredients and can't be beat on a cold winter afternoon. I recommend the Bacon Cheeseburger Mac or the Lobster Mac. Mmmm!
ACCOMMODATIONS. The Villages have several "neighborhoods" that offer everything from hotel-type rooms to five-bedroom condos. I recommend staying in a condo. The two-bedroom condos in Passage Point are roomy, fully-stocked, and comfortable enough that most folks could happily spend a week there. A full kitchen means you can save on dining expenses by cooking a few of your own meals. Parking and wi-fi access at Passage Point are included at no additional charge. There are also lots of options in nearby Frisco and surrounding Summit County, but staying in at Copper puts virtually everything in walking distance, and a free shuttle will transport you to the areas that are a little farther than you want to walk.
LOCATION. Copper is just a two-hour scenic drive away. Like virtually every other location in Colorado, the beauty of it will take your breath away. It's the reason people come from all ends of the earth to our gorgeous Rocky Mountains. Aren't we fortunate to be able to hop in the car and drive up just for the day if we want?
DISCLOSURE: I was provided with two nights of lodging to facilitate this review. No other compensation was given. The opinions expressed are 100% my own.
