Advanced Skiing at Copper Mountain: A Guide for Thrill-Seekers

Copper Mountain is a paradise for advanced skiers, offering a diverse mix of terrain, with 50% of the mountain dedicated to black and double black diamond runs. Drive in or take the resort bus; here’s how to maximise your day on the slopes.

Start Your Day at the East Village: The Best Base for Advanced Skiers

For advanced skiers, the East Village is the ideal starting point. It’s closer to parking and away from the main Centre Village, making it convenient for those driving in. However, if you’re using the resort bus or have family with you, the Centre Village base is still a wonderful place to begin your adventure.

Must-Try Runs for Skilled Skiers at Copper Mountain

Copper Mountain offers a variety of runs that cater to skilled skiers and riders:

• Andy’s Encore and Collage: The perfect warm-up blues.
• Overlode and Ore Deal: A bona fide opportunity to test your skills and stamina.
• Resolution and Alpine Lifts: Great bump runs away from the crowds, with fixed grip chairs allowing for leg recovery on the way back up.
• Far East, Too Much, and Sawtooth: Worth exploring for their challenging terrain.

For those seeking more excitement, the Excelerator Express has fantastic bump runs and tree skiing on either side. If you prefer traditional open bowl skiing, Spaulding Bowl and Union Peak are excellent choices. Spaulding Bowl requires a ride up the Storm King T-Bar, while Union Peak offers outstanding black runs like Matchless and double blacks like Bradley’s Plunge.

Exploring Tucker Mountain and More: Hidden Gems for Advanced Skiers

The Three Bears Lift has made Tucker Mountain much more accessible. Runs like Boulderado and The Springs are a lot of fun when the snow is good. The north-facing slopes tend to hold up well, though the ridge line and upper portions can be wind-blown and crusty.

The front side of Copper has plenty of terrain to keep adventurous skiers busy.

• 17 Glade and Free Fall Glade: Great runs but can get tracked out.
• Enchanted Forest and Too Much: Fun tree skiing when conditions are favourable.
• Union Meadows, Far East, and Gold Digger: Worth exploring due to their challenging terrain.

Tips for Expert Skiers: Mastering Copper Mountain’s Double Black Runs

Many of the expert double black runs, like Drain Pipe and Triple Zero, are short, steep runs followed by long black runs down to the lift. This setup is excellent for building confidence on the steeps. For those chasing steep and deep, focus on the back bowls.

When the weather sets in or the wind is blowing, the Resolution or Excelerator Lifts can provide some shelter, depending on the wind direction. Alternatively, you may need to stay lower on the mountain and ride the Alpine chair.

In springtime, parts of the lower mountain can get very soft, making traverses like the Bee Traverse impractical for snowboarders.

Enjoy Your Time at Copper Mountain

Copper Mountain has some of the best terrain for adventurous skiers. Whether you’re exploring the newly accessible Tucker Mountain or enjoying the tree runs on the front side, there’s plenty to keep you busy. And don’t forget, the locals might share their hidden gems with you on the lift!