by Lu Snyder

It turns out Copper’s best kept secret might also be Summit County’s.

Copper is home more than 20 kilometers of Nordic trails – groomed for classic and skate skiing and snowshoeing – ranging from gently rolling greens along Copper’s golf course in the East Village, to more challenging trails that wind through the hills by Copper’s Lewis Ranch neighborhood and on into secluded forests west of the ski area. Yet despite the free and convenient access, the Nordic trails remain mostly undiscovered.

by Tracy Greenhalgh

Chris Gorga has been teaching kids to ski and ride at Copper for nearly a decade, and he still can’t hide his exuberance toward his job and his students.

by Sally Francklyn

The USASA (United States Snowboard and Freeski Association) is building a community of skiers and riders, rather than being just a competition. Tricia Byrnes, the Marketing Manager for USASA, said the regional events are “Where winter kids hone their skills, meet their friends, and embark on an Olympics, World Cup, or X Games career.” USASA is a great way to get a taste of competing in winter sports activities.

by Tracy Block

Fresh off the slopes, nestled between the American Eagle and American Flyers lifts, sits Downhill Duke’s. The elevated al fresco haunt is Copper Mountain’s dog-friendly haven, and is enjoying its first, official ski season (the outpost officially opened last summer). Whether you’re a local or a visitor, if you have your doggo in tow, take a load off at Duke’s, where your furry friend is even invited to join you up on a bar stool. Named for his legendary Rocky Mountain status, Duke is the poster pup for after-hours fun after your last Copper run.

by Doug Blake

Spring won’t be the only thing in the air on March 9th at Copper Mountain.  10 Barrel’s Hella Big Air competition takes over Center Village for the second year in a row setting out to launch skiers, propel snowboarders, and deluge craft beers all in the name of love and money.  The Hella series hits Summit County in the first of three stops across the

by Mikaela Ruland

Follow Mikaela's adventures at @themillennialoutside and themillennialoutside.com

I grew up skiing Copper Mountain.

Back then, the days looked a little bit different. I’d awkwardly stumble through the parking lot, carrying the whole family’s poles as my mom kept my sister upright and my dad precariously balanced four pairs of skis in his arms.

by Lu Snyder

My family and I recently skied a new mountain. Though we studied the trail map intently, we still had many questions remaining as we tried to determine where to go first, what trails to hit, where to find the best views. “Wouldn’t it be great if we knew a local?” we wished aloud.

At Copper, you can – and it doesn’t cost a penny.

By Lisa Blake

Copper Mountain’s Ski with a Ranger program is worth stopping to smell the pine, spot the fox tracks and earn some chocolate. Here’s what I learned on a recent guided outing.