Looking for the best value ski area experience? Ski Cooper, a short drive from Leadville, offers some of the lowest lift ticket rates in Colorado!
As one of Colorado’s remaining independently owned ski areas, you’ll have an authentic mountain experience filled with fun in the snow for the whole family. With fewer crowds, budget-friendly lift tickets, and natural snow, Ski Cooper is the perfect option for skiers of all ages and abilities and a charming alternative to big resorts.
Why Cooper?
- Come play in all-natural snow, on Colorado’s softest surface
- Get away from the crowds
- Find terrain to match everyone’s skills, from the best beginner terrain in the country, up through epic powder, glades, and bumps
- Relax with a down-to-earth atmosphere and the most family-friendly vibe around
- Enjoy tasty food and drinks–including the Ridgeview Cafe and Timberline Taproom, with Colorado beers and pub fare
The Perfect Place to Learn to Ski and Snowboard
Ski Cooper’s wide open runs, gentle rolling terrain and long “magic carpet” conveyor lift make it the perfect place to learn or brush up on your skills. The affordable pricing, relaxed environment and friendly staff make the place you will keep coming back to. No need to rough it on your own, take an individualized lesson with an expert instructor who can teach you the skills you need to practice on your own. Lessons are booked by phone so that staff can get to know your needs and find the best fit instructor for you. Don’t believe us? Read the reviews! Many guests say they got more out of an individualized, 2 hour lesson at Cooper than a full day large group lesson elsewhere.
Our favorite beginner progression includes starting out on EZ Street until you feel in control turning and stopping on your own, take a lesson for great pointers. Next head over to the Buckeye Platter surface lift and unload at the mid-way point for relaxed runs down Lower Buckeye and Wayback (just remember don’t ride it to the top, yet). Ready for the chairlift? Start with the longer Molly Mayfield and then Sitzmark for that rolling flat to steeper to flat terrain.
Beginner or Not, There are Lots of Reasons Cooper is Comfortable Skiing for All
- All natural snow is softer and less icy than many made snow
- 64 trails served by 5 lifts, spanning over 480 acres means less people per run
- Shorter runs allow for your legs to stay stronger the entire run, less fatigue errors
- Rolling terrain lets you do shorter stretches of steep with the opportunity to slow down and refocus
- A variety of runs allow everyone to enjoy the type of skiing they are comfortable with. Terrain is 18% beginner, 26% intermediate, 32% advanced, and 24% expert
- One main base area makes it less likely to lose your family and friends
Black Diamond Runs at Cooper
Cooper opened the new Tennessee Creek Basin in early 2020, with 17 new double black runs, 4 new black diamond runs, and a new lift!
The advanced terrain adds a fresh dimension to Cooper’s family-friendly vibe. Now, you can bring all your family and friends to Cooper, whether they’re expert or newbie skiers or boarders. With a total 64 trails, five lifts, and terrain variety to choose from, groups of all ability levels will find something to love at Cooper. Check the trail map and start planning your ski days!
Please note: Before entering Tennessee Creek Basin, please make sure you are ready to descend Double Black Diamond terrain and are able to ride a T-Bar surface lift out of the terrain. If you have questions in your mind about your ability to handle this terrain, DON’T GO. Not a fan of T-Bars? There are other advanced, tree runs that don’t require riding a surface lift to exit the terrain. Our favorites include Powder Keg, Blarney Stone, Powerline and Corkscrew (be aware this run has a long, flat exit on Drifter to return to the lift).
Ski Where Heroes Trained
If you’re a history buff, check out Ski Cooper’s history as a training ground for World War II heroes, the 10th Mountain Division ski troopers. Inside the lodge you can find 10th Mountain Division displays and memorabilia on the 1st and 3rd floor of the lodge. Plus, just down the road is the Camp Hale-Continental Divide National Monument.
Be sure to join us for 10th Mountain Day, in late February, to honor these heroes! The ski down parade of flags typically takes place at 1:30 p.m.
