Copper

ABOUT Copper Mountain, CO

Nestled in the heart of Summit County, Copper Mountain is located about an hour west of Denver. The Denver International Airport is the most convenient airport, located an hour and a half east, while Eagle County Regional Airport is also about an hour and a half west and provides another option for travelers.

Basic Facts

• Total area: Copper Mountain covers approximately 2,500 acres, making it a spacious mountain resort community.
• Population: Known as a resort community, the population fluctuates throughout the year and swells exponentially during peak seasons.
• Neighboring communities: Copper Mountain is located near the towns of Frisco, Dillon, and Silverthorne, which offer additional amenities such as dining, shopping, and recreation.
• Elevation: The town has a base elevation of 9,712 feet, with the summit reaching 12,313 feet, offering breathtaking views and a prime high-alpine environment.

What It Is Known For

Copper Mountain is best known for its exceptional skiing and snowboarding. The naturally divided terrain caters to all levels of skiers, from beginners on the gentle western slopes to experts navigating the challenging runs on the east side.

Known as The Athlete’s Mountain, Copper has been a premier destination for winter sports athletes for nearly 50 years, providing a training ground for top-tier talent. It is home to the US Ski Team Speed Center, the Alpine Tech Center, Woodward Copper, and many of Team Summit’s elite athletes, reinforcing its commitment to athletic progression.

Copper Mountain has hosted major events, including the World Cup Tour in 1976, the US Grand Prix in 2025, the USASA National Championships, and more. Copper Mountain will be hosting the World Cup Tour again in 2025.

Beyond winter sports, Copper Mountain transforms into a summer playground, offering hiking, mountain biking, and summer concert series. It’s also home to Woodward Copper, a renowned action sports training facility that operates year-round, attracting athletes and adventure-seekers alike.

Historical Overview

Founded in 1972, Copper Mountain’s history is rooted in the region’s abundant natural resources. Long before it became a ski resort, the area was home to Native Americans, trappers, miners, and railroad workers. Evidence of Copper’s mining history can still be seen today with remnants of old structures scattered across the mountain, including the Olie Lind/Beeler Cabin and Barn found near the Transportation Center, and the old Wheeler Guard Station and Overhouse, located at the base of Alift and the Super B. The resort’s development was spearheaded by pioneers such as Michael Brennan and Chuck and Penny Lewis, whose passion helped shape Copper Mountain into the world-class resort it is today.

Explore The Top Ski-in/ski-out Homes For Sale In Copper Mountain, CO

If you’re looking for a mountain retreat with world-class skiing right at your doorstep, Copper Mountain’s real estate market provides an array of opportunities. Located in Summit County, Copper Mountain offers plenty of ski-in/ski-out properties, giving homeowners easy access to the slopes and year-round outdoor activities. The prices of Copper Mountain real estate vary widely, ranging from the mid-$300,000s for some condos up to multi-million-dollar price tags for luxury homes.

Property Types

Whether you’re interested in a cozy condo or a luxury ski home, there’s something for every buyer. The resort is divided into three main areas – East Village, Center Village, and West Village – each offering various property types.

Condominiums are the most common housing style in Copper Mountain. In East Village, you’ll find a mix of older and newer condos, many of which offer direct access to the slopes or are just a short walk away. For golf enthusiasts, there are homes along Copper Creek Golf Course that offer stunning views and proximity to the fairways in the summer months.

The vibrant atmosphere of Center Village captures the spirited vibe of the resort, particularly during peak seasons. The area is a hub of activity with shops, restaurants, and, of course, ski lifts just steps from your front door. Condos here are particularly popular, offering convenience and comfort at more affordable prices compared to single-family homes.

For those looking for something newer or more luxurious, the West Village is home to Union Creek and Beeler Place, as well as Lewis Ranch, located just past West Village at the base of the Lumberjack ski lift. Here, you’ll find high-end townhomes, duplexes, and single-family homes that provide the ultimate ski-in/ski-out experience.

Home Features and Amenities

The homes in Copper Mountain often come with a range of luxurious amenities. Standard features in many properties include heated pools, hot tubs, and cozy fireplaces—perfect for warming up after a day on the mountain. Mountain views are another common feature, with large windows and spacious decks allowing homeowners to fully enjoy the beauty of their surroundings.

Luxury properties in Copper Mountain often boast even more exclusive amenities, such as private elevators, custom-designed interiors, and direct access to chair lifts. These homes are built to offer not just comfort but also convenience, ensuring that residents can fully embrace the mountain lifestyle.

Opportunities for vacation rentals

Copper Mountain is an excellent place for short-term rental investments due to its popularity as a vacation destination. In fact, the resort town receives around a million skier visitors every year. The ski-in/ski-out house rentals in Copper Mountain are particularly appealing to vacationers, who are willing to pay premium prices for the convenience of direct access to the slopes.

Seasonal trends for short-term rentals in Copper Mountain are closely tied to the winter ski season, with high demand from November to April. However, summer months also bring visitors for hiking, biking, and festivals, providing year-round rental income potential. Many property management services are available in Copper Mountain, making it easy for owners to rent their homes to travelers and generate passive income.

Living In Copper Mountain, CO

Getting Around

Copper Mountain is a pedestrian-friendly community, especially in the three main villages—East, Center, and West. Each village offers easy access to ski lifts, restaurants, and shops, with everything mostly within walking distance. For those who need to venture outside the resort, a car is the best option.

However, shuttle services are available to nearby towns like Frisco, where you can find additional amenities. Ground transportation to and from Denver International Airport and Eagle County Regional Airport is also readily available.

Schools

Copper Mountain is served by the Summit School District. The public school system, which has around 3,600 students across its nine schools, puts emphasis on a strong academic foundation with a focus on creating supportive and collaborative learning environments. In addition to public education, there are private school options available for families living in Copper Mountain.

Dining

Dining in Copper Mountain is as varied as it is deeply satisfying, especially after an active day outdoors. Whether you’re coming off the slopes or simply soaking in the stunning mountain views, the restaurants here serve up a range of comforting meals to fuel your day.

Located at the top of the American Eagle lift, Aerie is a food hall with diverse options. It is also home to a bar, coffee shop, and Forage & Feast—an on-mountain fine dining restaurant. For a classic après-ski experience, JJ’s Rocky Mountain Tavern in East Village is a must-visit. This slopeside tavern offers hearty American fare that’s perfect after a long day on the mountain. Their famous green chili stew is a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

Those seeking something more health-focused can head to Black Diamond Grille, a great breakfast and lunch spot in Copper Mountain. Known for its eclectic menu, which includes gluten-free options and nourishing breakfast bowls, this place combines quick service with a welcoming atmosphere.

If you’re in the mood for something casual with unbeatable views, Downhill Duke’s in Center Village is a perfect spot to grab lunch or après-ski drinks. The south-facing patio is dog-friendly, and the menu offers classic comfort food, ideal for relaxing with a cold beverage while taking in the mountain backdrop.

Shopping

Copper Mountain’s three villages offer a variety of shopping options. Whether you’re looking for high-quality outdoor gear or shops offering locally made items, Copper Mountain has something to meet your needs.

A must-visit spot is Copper Mountain Mercantile. Owned and operated by a local family with deep ties to the area, this store offers a curated collection of Colorado-themed items, from clothing to locally sourced products. Another popular spot is Kokomo Gifts, located in the heart of Center Village. This locally-owned shop is packed with unique Colorado-made gifts, including handcrafted ceramics, locally sourced wall hangings, and holiday ornaments.

For outdoor enthusiasts, Gravitee Boardshop is the go-to destination for snowboarding gear. Known for its outstanding customer service and high-quality products, Gravitee offers a range of snowboards, boots, bindings, and accessories. With the option to demo boards before purchasing, this shop caters to serious snowboarders looking to up their game while enjoying the slopes of Copper Mountain.

And if you need a quick stop for essentials or snacks, McCoy’s Mountain Market is a lifesaver. Conveniently located, this well-stocked market has everything you might need, from fresh produce and cheeses to beer, batteries, and even health and beauty items.

Attractions And Activities

It’s no secret that Copper Mountain is a premier destination for fun and adventure. From exhilarating runs on the slopes to unique experiences like a snow maze, there are plenty of ways to explore what the mountain has to offer.

A skiing mecca

The renowned Copper Mountain Ski Resort offers over 2,400 acres of skiable, naturally divided terrain separating beginner, intermediate, and expert areas, making it easy for visitors to find slopes suited to their skill level. The resort’s high elevation and state-of-the-art snowmaking capabilities ensure excellent snow conditions throughout the ski season, which typically runs from November through April.

The resort boasts modern lifts, including high-speed quads and gondolas, to minimize wait times and maximize time on the slopes. For freestyle enthusiasts, the Woodward Copper terrain parks offer a range of features like jumps, rails, and halfpipes, providing plenty of options for all skill levels.

As one of Colorado’s premier ski resorts, Copper Mountain is a key destination on the Ikon Pass, a multi-resort season pass that provides access to over 50 ski and snowboard destinations worldwide. Copper Mountain is one of the Colorado destinations included in the pass, along with Aspen Snowmass, Steamboat Springs, Winter Park Resort in Aspen, Eldora, and Arapahoe Basin.

A playground for winter sports

Winter at Copper Mountain offers more than just world-class skiing. There are also a wide range of cold weather activities and attractions to experience and enjoy.

One of the most popular attractions is Tubing Hill, where you can slide, spin, and race down banked turns. With sessions lasting an hour, it’s a great way to enjoy the snow without strapping into skis.

Uphill Access at Copper Mountain is a must-try experience. Unlike traditional downhill skiing, uphill enthusiasts can enjoy designated routes that provide a peaceful trek up the mountain, far from the crowds. Copper is known for offering both twilight and daytime uphill routes, making it unique among Summit County resorts.

The NASTAR Alpine Racing course offers those with a competitive streak a chance to test their skills on Copper’s eleven-gate parallel set Giant Slalom course. Open to skiers of all ages and abilities, this public race course is located on Copperopolis and easily accessible from the Excelerator and Super Bee lifts.

Families will love the unique experience of exploring the Snow Maze, which is located in East Village. This free attraction is open to all ages and features intricate snow sculptures built into the maze’s walls. It’s the highest alpine snow maze in the world, and with its playful themes—including characters like lions, gorillas, and even little green aliens—it’s sure to entertain kids and adults alike.

Ice skating at West Lake is another beloved winter activity at Copper Mountain. When the weather permits, this charming outdoor rink offers more than just skating. With broomball equipment and hockey nets available for free, you can enjoy a fun game with family or friends. If you don’t have your own skates, rentals are available nearby. Copper Mountain also has its own Sledding Zone, where kids can build snowmen or enjoy sliding down gentle hills.

Activities all-year round

Copper Mountain offers a variety of year-round activities that cater to outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. One of the top attractions is the Rocky Mountain Coaster, the second longest alpine coaster in North America. This thrilling ride takes you on a 5,800-foot journey through the forest, reaching speeds of up to 25 mph. Located near the American Flyer lift, the coaster is open both in the summer and winter, making it a must-try no matter the season.

Head indoors to The Barn at Woodward Copper, a 19,400-square-foot action sports playground. The Barn features skate, BMX, and trampoline zones, along with training areas for skiing and snowboarding. Open year-round, it’s the perfect spot for honing skills or just having fun indoors.

The Athletic Club at Copper Mountain offers a full-service fitness experience perfect for those looking to stay active at altitude. This state-of-the-art facility features a 25-yard pool with lap lanes, hot tubs, saunas, and steam rooms, providing the ideal spot for both workouts and recovery. The club also boasts a fully equipped weight room with free weights, cable machines, and a cardio room stocked with Pelotons, treadmills, rowing machines, and more. Complete with locker rooms, showers, and spacious stretching areas, the Athletic Club has everything you need to maintain your fitness routine in the mountains.

Annual festivals and events

Copper Mountain offers a vibrant lineup of annual events and festivals that attract both locals and visitors, celebrating everything from music and art to outdoor sports.

One of the most anticipated events is the Copper Country Music Festival, held annually over Labor Day weekend. This free, family-friendly event is a must for country music fans, offering live performances from popular artists, local food vendors, and craft brews along with the beautiful mountain views as your background. Past performers at the event include North Mississippi Allstars, Ruston Kelly, Chancey Williams, and Josh Abbott Band.

The Union Peak Festival is another exciting event to look forward to in September. This festival, which celebrates community, sport, and creativity, features interactive art installations and live performances from well-known bands like Violent Femmes, Grouplove, Cold War Kids, and AJR.

As the colder months approach, Copper Mountain shifts its focus to winter sports and festivities. The Snowsation Festival, typically held at the start of the ski season in Center Village, is a crowd favorite. This event invites guests to celebrate the upcoming winter season with live music, games, giveaways, and plenty of opportunities to “dance for snow.”

Copper Mountain is also known for its challenging cycling events. One of the most notable is the Courage Classic Bicycle Tour. Held every July, this multi-day event raises funds for Children’s Hospital Colorado Foundation and draws cyclists from all over, with various routes that wind through Copper Mountain, ranging from 12 miles to 80 miles.

Another premier cycling event is the Copper Triangle Alpine Cycling Classic in August. Known for its high-altitude challenges, this road cycling event covers a 79-mile loop that crests three major Colorado mountain passes: Fremont Pass, Tennessee Pass, and Vail Pass.

Own A Copper Mountain Ski-in/ski-out Home Or Condo Today

Whether you’re looking for a winter vacation home or a lucrative investment property, Copper Mountain is a great location to buy a ski-in/ski-out home for sale. Learn more about this incredible area and what it has to offer with the help of experienced Copper Mountain Realtor Doyle Richmond.

With over 30 years of expertise, Doyle consistently ranks among the top 1% of agents in Summit County. Known for his dedication, market knowledge, and strong client relationships, Doyle is your trusted expert for Copper Mountain real estate. Let Doyle Richmond and his team help you find the perfect property in Copper Mountain and the surrounding areas. Reach out today at 970.390.9240 or send an email here to get started.