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An Adrenaline-Fueled Weekend at Copper Mountain!

Tubing Hill, Alpine Coaster, and Woodward Barn

By Kyrie Collins and Sam McDade-Wray, Highlands Ranch-Parker-Castle Rock-Lone Tree Co-Publishers February 7, 2018


My dad always said, "Work hard! Play hard!" After a hectic holiday season and an extremely busy January, I really wanted to get away with my family ... to reconnect and spend some time playing hard together! When Sam and I received an invitation to bring our families to Copper Mountain, I knew it was just what I'd been hoping for!

Copper Mountain is made up of three different Villages that offer everything from hotel-type rooms to five-bedroom houses. We stayed in a two-bedroom condo in Passage Point , which was roomy, fully-stocked, and comfortable enough that we could happily spend a week there. A full kitchen means I can enjoy fresh coffee first thing in the morning or have a late-night snack without putting on shoes. I can save on dining expenses by cooking a few of our own meals.

Staying in 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. Parking and wi-fi access are usually included at no additional charge. Visit shop.coppercolorado.com/lodging-offers to find awesome deals, like 50% off your second night or their "3 Is A Magic Number" package which knocks 33% off ski school, rentals, Woodward, and tubing!

With a brood of teen boys, Sam and I both need activities that are fast paced and high energy. Can I just say that I love being a #boymom! They give me an excuse to do all the things this middle-aged mama absolutely loves about Colorado!

The Tubing Hill

Tubing is my all-time favorite outdoor winter activity and 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 hill is longer than most and FAST! We were able to fit in six rides during our hour.

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 online in advance and save up to 20%.

Check out our 5-person family train (please pardon my hood blocking part of the camera's view):

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Rocky Mountain Coaster

With a track more than a mile long and an average grade of 10.9%, the new alpine coaster is one of the longest in all of North America ... and it is fast! One or two people can travel in a car (there are age and height restrictions for children to ride by themselves) and the driver decides whether or not to brake (I didn't).

The coaster is only open on weekends during most of the winter season, although it is open daily in March and April (but it can be closed temporarily for snow removal).

Just look at this exhilarated kid at the end of his ride!


The Woodward Copper Barn​

If you haven't heard of the Woodward Barn, it's a 19,000 s.f. indoor sports playground with spring floors, a Tumble Track, five Olympic-grade flybed trampolines and a 12'x12' Super Trampoline. For our Parkour-loving kids, this was mecca.

First-time visitors attend a two-hour intro session to get familiar with the facility. The coach took the participants through a series of skill-building exercises designed to show them how to use the various tramps but also so that he could understand each person's capabilities. As my kid said, these are not your backyard trampolines. On one wall, there is a huge measuring stick so you can see  how high you can spring up; now there is some incentive!

It was a super fun and exhausting day for my kid who exclaimed that this was the most fun ever! As a parent, I was totally impressed with progression of the two hours as my son safely moved from each station to the next to doing what he loves!

Take our tour of the Barn:

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Where to Eat

With more than two dozen dining options, you won't go hungry! Here's the best part for parent: spend $30 anywhere in the Village – retail or restaurant – and you can get three FREE hours of child care so you can enjoy a date night too! Belly Button Bakery is best for little ones under 5. Kids' Night Out (KNO) is great for ages 6-12.

Some of our favorite places to eat:

  • Toast & Co. (Breakfast): Start your day with a barista-made coffee drink or a premium morning cocktail and a plate of some of the best pancakes you've ever had. Expect a little bit of a wait at this very popular spot.
  • Mahi's Street Tacos (Lunch): These street tacos were seriously delicious! Try the Mix Plate so you can sample three different styles! Limited indoor seating available; outdoor seating when the weather's nice.
  • Mountain Melt (Lunch): Did you know that comfort foods can actually help reduce the symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)? What a great reason to eat here for some of their famous mac and cheese! Made-to-order with fresh ingredients. Plus they've got gluten-free and vegetarian options!​
  • Incline Bar & Grill (Lunch or Dinner): Great for lunch, Happy Hour (3:00–6:00 PM daily), or dinner! Split a giant plate of nachos or try the bison chili. You can even relax and watch a game on one of their nine TVs.
  • Ten Mile Tavern (Lunch or Dinner): This family-friendly restaurant offers hearty appetizers and nearly a dozen different sandwiches and burgers. I highly recommend giving their fried green beans a try! Beer lovers can choose from 17 beers on tap! ​
  • Sugar Lips (Dessert): Made-while-you-watch mini donuts served warm and covered in "fancy schmancy" toppings like crumbled Oreos. My favorite? S'mores  ... donuts topped with marshmallow cream, chocolate syrup, and crushed graham crackers!​

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: We were provided with lodging and activities to facilitate this review. No other compensation was given. The opinions expressed are 100% our own.