Ski areas: Copper Mountain Ski Resort
Population: Dillon 337; Frisco 1,221
Road and weather conditions: (970) 920-5454, www.cotrip.org
Snow report: (970) 453-1090 or Copper Mountain Snow Report
Annual snowfall: 225"
Ski season: Mid-November-April
Chamber of Commerce: (970) 668-5800
Average cost 1-bedroom apartment: $600
Cost of adult 1-day lift ticket: $51 - $81 (2006/2007 Season)
Copper Mountain Employment Website
Local newspapers: Summit Daily News, (970) 668-3998; Summit Sentinel, (970) 668-0750

Copper Mountain Ski Area Profile

You won't actually find any copper at this resort area, nor any gold, silver, or old-fashioned mining paraphernalia. Copper Mountain is a self-contained pedestrian village (not a town) connected by shuttle service with parking areas. All lodging properties are within walking distance of the mountain, shops, and restaurants. There are upscale lodges and condos in all directions and a $3 million full-service athletic club.

The town is favored by visitors not just because of these amenities, but also because it is accessible and versatile, being only about twenty minutes from the other Summit County ski destinations.

Winter Activities

The mountain itself has 1,370 skiable acres with 2,601 vertical feet and is naturally divided into beginner, intermediate, and expert terrain. Copper Mountain is a large area with plenty of room for experts and beginners; the beginner area is one of the most expansive in the country and provides a great learning ground before testing the more advanced slopes. Many Denver residents prefer Copper Mountain for day skiing, perhaps to avoid the massive crowds at other nearby areas. There are about twenty-five kilometers of scenic cross-country Nordic trails leading into the depths of the Arapaho National Forest, as well as guided moonlit cross-country ski tours.

Summit County has plenty of outdoor opportunities for those who want a change from downhill skiing. For cross-country ski trail information call the Copper Mountain Resort Cross Country Center at (970) 968-2318, ext. 6342. Snowmobiling, ice skating, and an annual snowboard race series are also popular pastimes.

Summer Activities

One of the highlights of summer in Copper Mountain is Michael Martin Murphy's West Fest, which honors Native American culture and the Southwest through displays of art, music, and food. Summit County is full of possibilities for outdoor recreation, so if biking, hiking, and fishing are your fancy, call the Dillon Ranger District Office at (970) 468-5400. Fishing is reputed to be excellent in the Blue River, Ten Mile Creek, and Lake Dillon.

Apr�s-ski

The heartbeat of Copper Mountain's nightlife is at the Village Center where jazz piano bars, Irish pubs, taverns, and restaurants can be found. For a cozy, informal atmosphere try Blue Spruce, (970) 668-5900, and The B Lift Pub, (970) 968-2525. Fast-food junkies will find many places to get a quick fix in Frisco and Silverthorne, just down the road.

Transportation

Copper Mountain is seventy-five miles west of the Denver International Airport via I-70. This drive is a straight shot; just take the Copper Mountain exit. Denver's airport is served by many major airlines. Resort Express, (800) 334-7433, has transportation service from the airport to the resort throughout the day; the one-way fare is about $35.

Housing

Finding an apartment in winter can be difficult, so it is a good idea to either arrive in Copper Mountain a month or more prior to the ski season, or contact a local realtor. Subscribing to the local papers will also keep you informed of the prices and availability of housing in the area. Copper Mountain offers limited employee housing units in nearby Leadville; other employees are scattered among Dillon, Frisco, Copper Mountain, and Breckenridge. For information on employee housing call Lodging Services at (970) 968-2318, ext. 60823.

Copper Mountain Employment

Copper Mountain holds its job fair in October, so contact the Chamber of Commerce for dates and locations. The whole Summit County area is an excellent place to find work with its four ski areas, over 100 factory outlet stores, and numerous restaurants and shops. Again, subscribing to the paper will give you other current employment information. Visit the Copper Mountain Employment Website.

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