Discover the Best Intermediate Skiing at Copper Mountain

Copper Mountain is a paradise for intermediate skiers, boasting an impressive 26% of its terrain dedicated to blue runs. Whether you’re starting from East, Central, or West Village, the resort offers a seamless skiing experience with convenient shuttle services connecting the villages and the alpine parking lot. However, be prepared for busy weekends!

Getting Around

Families find short-stay parking areas at each base convenient for dropping off kids, although these spots tend to fill up quickly. Once you’re on the slopes, Copper Mountain’s long, rolling blue runs are perfect for confident skiers looking to link turns and build skills with varying pitches. More aggressive intermediates will find plenty of challenges to level up their abilities.

Must-Try Runs for Confident Intermediates

• Andy’s Encore and Collage: Located off the Super Bee lift, these long, rolling blue runs are ideal for warming up on freshly groomed trails. If the lift queues are manageable, morning laps become effortless.
• Timberline Express Area: From Central or West Village, head to Timberline Express. Runs like American Flyer and The Moz offer small bumps and tree-lined paths for added excitement. Copperfield and Windsong provide sheltered routes with trees to weave through.
• Sierra Lift: On clear days, take the Sierra lift near the summit for stunning vistas and selfies and a thrilling descent via Timber Ridge trail.

Stepping Up to Black Runs

For those ready to tackle black runs, the Excelerator lift is your gateway. Trails like Mind Dump offer short, advanced challenges, while Ptarmigan is perfect when your legs need a break. The trees flanking these runs add an extra layer of difficulty for those looking to dip in and out.

Advanced Tips

• Grooming Reports: Always check the grooming report for advanced trails like Overlode. When groomed, these runs provide steep pitches that are perfect for skill-building without being overly long.
• American Eagle and Super Bee: These lifts serve blue trails with varied pitches, ideal for testing your skills. Compared to those off Timberline, the runs here are longer, making them ideal for building endurance.

Navigating the Resort

Typically, moving across the resort involves dropping down to Central Village, which can become crowded in the morning. It’s best to stick to one side for a few runs before transitioning. On windy days, the American Flyer bubble or the American Eagle gondola offer a warmer ride up the mountain.

Final Tips

• Andy’s Encore and Collage: If your legs are tired, steer clear of these runs as they can become choppy by the afternoon.
• Sierra Lift: This lift is perfect for capturing panoramic shots and offers challenging yet short runs into the bowl.

Copper Mountain’s diverse terrain ensures that intermediate skiers have plenty of opportunities to hone their skills and enjoy the stunning alpine scenery. Whether you’re looking for long, rolling blues or a taste of black runs, Copper Mountain has something for every level of intermediate skier.