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Copper Mountain
Copper Mountain, Co. – More Than a World-Class Ski Resort
Copper Mnt | 866-841-2481 | 866-841-2481
209 Ten Mile Circle, Copper Mountain, CO 80443
While Copper is best known as a world-class ski area and snowboard park, guests also enjoy the resort’s intimate, pedestrian-only villages, which offer restaurants, family-friendly activities, shopping, and comfortable lodging, all within walking distance to the lifts. Copper Mountain is conveniently located just 75 miles west of Denver in the heart of the Colorado Rocky Mountains and offers nearby access to snowmobile tours, dog-sledding, and shopping just six miles away in Frisco. Copper’s naturally-divided terrain provides the perfect place to learn or hone your skiing or riding skills. With over 140 trails, 23 lifts, 2,465 acres of skiable terrain, and a mountain peak height of 12,313, Copper Mountain is a local’s favorite on a powder day or any day.
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Summer Time at the Ski Area
Nestled in the White River National Forest, Copper Mountain ski resort transforms into a summer vacation playground for the whole family. Popular attractions include:
The Rocky Mountain Coaster – Cruise through the forest on a tracked coaster. 5,800 feet long in fact and maxes out at 25 miles per hour. The longest North American alpine coaster. Something you don’t want to miss.
Copper Creek Golf – Experience golfing with the stunning Ten Mile Range backdrop. Outstanding service and prices that will keep you coming back. Season passes are available.
Mountain Biking at the Resort – A mountain biking paradise. From long rides into the Rockies to some of the best lift-service single track in Colorado. A Bike Haul is offered for those seeking more of a downhill adventure. Check out the cross country trails near Copper Mountain Resort. These trails provide access to spectacular trails throughout Summit County.
Popular Cross-Country Mountain Bike Trails:
- Wheeler Trail – 10.3-mile point to point
A classic alpine single track with several miles over 12,000 feet. It’s popular to start from the McCullough Road trailhead and end at Copper Mountain. Enjoy amazing views of Quandary Peak and Gorge Range along the way. - Colorado Trail – Copper Mountain to Searle Pass – 19.3 miles round trip
Start right at the base of Copper Mountain and top out at 12,044 feet. Best during late summer when all the high-elevation snow has melted. Climb through alpine meadows with expansive views. - Friso 20 Loop – 19.9-mile loop
A classic ride that connects Copper with Frisco on a mix of roads and trails. The loop combines sections of the Wheeler Trail, the Colorado Trail, and the Peaks Trail. Giving you a little bit of everything, including 3,000 feet of climbing.
There’s more at Copper Mountain Resort
They have scheduled year-round events such as music, art, or yoga retreats. Fun parks for kids and young adults. An assortment of spas, shopping, and dining. You can surely find a mountain vacation experience to satisfy the whole group.
Castle Rock
Things To Do in Castle Rock
It’s easy to see how Castle Rock got its name when one spies the castle-shaped butte towering high above the town center. The town’s history is also easily visible in the original, well-preserved homes, cafés, and churches throughout the area. Many of these were built using the unusual rhyolite stone that originally attracted the settlers who founded the town in the mid-to-late 18th century. Prior to their arrival, the area was occupied by Cheyenne and Arapahoe Indian tribes. Today, nearly 60,0000 people call Castle Rock home.
With roots in mining and railroads, this affluent town offers an updated taste of the Old West. It boasts a historic downtown area, 265 acres of parks, and 44 miles of trails. Castle Rock, easily accessible by Interstate 25, is home to the Outlets at Castle Rock (the largest open-air outlet center in the State) and is the seat of Douglas County. The town encompasses 33 square miles and sits in the East Plum Creek Valley at the base of the Rocky Mountains at an elevation of 6,202 feet.
With over 300 days of sunshine each year, Castle Rock is a safe and welcoming place to enjoy the brisk Colorado air year round.
Year-Round Activities
Year-Round Activities in Colorado
Colorado is most famous for its world-class skiing and hiking. However, its varied geographical regions and diverse population, make Colorado a place to be enjoyed by people of all passions and ages with year-round activities abound.
Colorado’s diverse activities
Besides the high-profile activities found in Colorado’s resort towns. People with other interests should not be surprised to see their favorite activities and organizations in Colorado too. Here are a few activities that might not be front of mind when thinking of Colorado but are in fact popular and thriving in Colorado.
Adventure Parks
If you’re looking for man-made assisted fun. The adventure parks in Colorado are not to be missed. Similar to the urban amusement parks, Colorado’s adventure parks combine the awesomeness of mountains, and their natural setting, with the thrill of manmade fun.
ATVs and Jeep Tours![colorado snow buggy tours](/sites/default/files/snow-buggy.jpg)
If hiking, riding horseback, or mountain biking is not your thing. Getting the “out there” feeling of being in the National Forest is something anyone can do. There are a variety of companies that provide guided backcountry tours to suit your style. With the advent of modern ATVs, you can even tour the backcountry year-round. The modern buggy ATVs can accommodate small parties through remote areas in the summer and winter.
Marinas and Boating
Boating is certainly not first to mind when thinking about Colorado. However, this state has a variety of exceptional mountain lakes and reservoirs to satisfy your mariner cravings. If oceans and big bodies of water are more your style. Consider the lakes of Colorado to be a new challenge. Generally speaking, these lakes are suited for smaller crafts and will call upon a modified skill set.
Hot Air Ballooning
A really fantastic activity that anybody can do is hot air ballooning. The mountains of Colorado are perfect for ballooning year-round. The mountain views are just stunning. A truly “eagle eye” experience.
Spas and Hot Springs
If you just need to unwind Colorado has got you covered. Throughout Colorado, you can find natural hot springs. Often these springs have been developed into spas or accompany resort getaways. Hot Springs are open year-round. The hot mineral-rich waters can feel even more satisfying in the winter. Follow that up with a message and you’ll be ready to take on life with new meaning. You will also find top-notch spas in all of the resort communities.
Activities for those more Culturally Minded
Colorado Museums
Colorado has been an integral part of western immigration. Pioneering the west involved navigating the Oregon and Santa Fee overland trails. Colorado essentially bisected these traveling routes. Then there was the gold rush which established most of Colorado’s small towns still in existence today. Simultaneously, the open-range cattle industry boomed and clashed with the mining town culture. Creating the romanticized cowboy lifestyle that developed the Hollywood western movie storytelling that is still seen and loved. Small-town museums can be found throughout Colorado. If you’re a history buff or fascinated by the early western culture. Stop by any number of these museums and step back in time and check out the early days of the west.
Colorado Performing Arts
Colorado has a unique ability to draw eclectic people. So, no surprise to find a strong influence of performing arts throughout the state. Home to Colorado Symphony Orchestra, a plethora of Bluegrass festivals, The famous Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Denver’s Center for Performing Arts, and more. You will also discover similar cultural experiences available throughout Colorado’s small mountain towns.
Year-Round Vacationing in Colorado
When you think of vacationing in Colorado. Think of all the incredible year-round activities, cultural experiences, and events you can mix into your trip. With a little planning, you can easily check off activities to satisfy your body and mind. Find activities to thrill you, challenge you, stimulate your curiosity, or just find satisfying relaxation. Colorado is the place to get a recharge on life.
History & The Arts
Colorado History Arts
Colorado has a rich history and cultural experiences for everyone. From sightseeing historical sites to visiting museums and theaters, you should plan to spend some time learning about the original settlers lived and created the amazing towns and cities we know today.
Be sure to take in a local play or musical and enjoy a night laughing with the whole family.
Guided Tours & Services
Guided Tours in Colorado
One of the best ways to see Colorado is to have a local show you around. The cowboys on the chuckwagon tours and dinners will tell you the history and probably sing you a song about it.
If you want to hit the road less traveled, a Jeep tour is a way to go: explore the back roads, learn about the area’s geology, and capture the beautiful views from behind the windshield.
Book a helicopter tour or hot air balloon ride to change your perspective and see how things look from above!
Plan a romantic dinner for two on a sleigh ride tour, or take a tour on a segway to see even more of this beautiful area.
If you’re here to ski, plan a snow cat tour to get the goods without all of the work.
Colorado Shopping
Shopping in Colorado
Colorado shopping might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Colorado. You will be surprised to learn that there are several world-class malls in the state, along with outlet shopping, eclectic antiques, and one-of-a-kind jewelry selections. Colorado is also home to numerous art galleries full of local photography, custom paintings, and sculptures. If you’re here for skiing or snowboarding, pick up a new pair of gloves or goggles to go with your rad ski coat.
Colorado Shopping, Home to the Eccentric
Colorado has always drawn people seeking to fulfill their dreams or develop desires to fruition. This started during the pioneer days, with the opening of the Western frontier and the discovery of gold. This is still true with the advent of the outdoor industry and the pursuit of a recreational lifestyle. Along with this have come many artisan entrepreneurs who have created various custom sporting gear, boutique clothing, and other unique items not found in traditional shopping centers. If you have something in mind or enjoy shopping, save some days to shop. Mountain town shopping is full of boutique and customized items. Plus, shopping in Denver, Boulder, and other metropolitan areas has its own level of nuance here in Colorado. Explore shopping near you.
And don’t forget about the kids! Sweets and treats are a great way to keep the whole family happy.
Colorado Winter Activities
Colorado Winter Activities
So, you want to explore Colorado winter activities. You have come to the right place. Colorado is a premier destination for winter sports; the Centennial State—especially the more mountainous regions—comes alive when the temperature drops and the snow falls. Regarding skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports, Colorado has covered you with 25 world-class resorts attracting athletes and vacationers worldwide. Still, if the slopes don’t appeal to you, or you’re looking to try something new, there’s also plenty of other winter activities and events just waiting to be discovered. Check out all our activity recommendations for the non-skier. Couples, solo adventurers, groups of friends, and families will all find a winter wonderland at their fingertips. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, you’ll fall in love with Colorado during the winter.
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Colorado’s World-Class Ski Resorts
If you’re looking for action or an adrenaline rush, you’d be doing yourself a disservice if you missed out on Colorado’s ski resorts. With over 40,000 acres of skiable terrain throughout the state, Colorado’s world-renowned resorts draw skiers and snowboarders from all over the world, and it won’t take long for you to see just why. There’s the big-name resorts like Aspen and Vail, of course, but other, smaller resorts in Colorado also have a lot to offer, like Powderhorn, Silverton Mountain, and Wolf Creek. Many of these resorts have access to other great activities and resources, like terrain parks, tubing hills, Nordic trails, and other activities and events throughout the season. And if the main slopes don’t appeal to you, or you’re looking for a greater challenge, check out the snowcat skiing opportunities offered at some resorts, which give you the chance to get out into the backcountry from some truly epic terrain.
Colorado Winter Exhilarating Fun
Both on and off the resorts, there’s plenty of opportunity in Colorado for some heart-pumping and exhilarating fun. Snowmobile tours offer a great look at the Continental Divide or other scenic parts of the mountains that are difficult to access on foot. For a slower ride, try cross-country skiing or snowshoeing—you can bring your own or rent a pair from one of the many outdoors supply companies in Colorado—to see the sights and get your workout along the more scenic route. If you’re looking to escape the crowds and want to tour the backcountry, there are many huts available for rent where you stay a night or a week to recharge and get some of the best tracks in the state. Climbing enthusiasts don’t need to wait for the snow to melt to try out some of Colorado’s amazing technical climbing areas; they can try their hand at ice climbing instead for a whole new facet of the sport. Popular destinations for ice climbing include Ouray (and the internationally famous Ouray Ice Park), Vail, Lake City, and Silverton, but options can be found all over the state.
Colorado Winter Family Friendly Activites
For a more family-friendly Colorado winter itinerary, there are plenty of hills for sledding and tubing, varying from gentle slopes to more exhilarating runs because, if you haven’t noticed, we’ve got some great terrain for downhill sports out here in the Rockies. You can find designated hills just for sledding and tubing at most major ski resorts, but there are many other great hills all over Colorado.
Families and groups looking for a less physically demanding experience, or couples looking for romance, might enjoy seeing the sights from beneath a soft blanket on a horse-drawn sleigh ride, many of which are accompanied by a delicious dinner and hot drinks. Another really fun and unique way to explore Colorado is on a dog sled, pulled by a dozen huskies through the mountainous paths of the Rockies.
Colorado Resort Towns
During the winter, towns, cities, and ski resorts around Colorado set up ice skating rinks, often in the center of town, so you can lace up and enjoy a few laps around the rink, hold hands with a loved one as you teach them how to move on the ice, or show off your wannabe Olympian skills. Many rinks are open late, especially at ski resorts, so you can enjoy them as an aprés ski activity. There are also many natural ice skating rinks around Colorado, like at Evergreen Lake, where you can skate surrounded by nature. Many other lakes in Colorado serve as excellent destinations for ice fishing during the winter, where you can sit back and tempt some fish out of the water. At the same time, you enjoy a beer or a hot beverage with friends or in the solitary tranquility of your own company. Note that fishing in Colorado does require a license.
And speaking of that tranquility, winter is the perfect time of year to take advantage of some of the amazing stargazing opportunities that Colorado provides. Some of the best locations for this will be in the southern or eastern regions of the state, far from the big cities and their light pollution. Winter is traditionally best for stargazing, and at places like the UFO Watchtower in Hooper, CO, or Last Chance, CO, out in the northeastern region of the state, you’ll see a mindblowing number of stars. Just remember to bundle up and bring a thermos of hot cocoa.
Colorado Winter Activities to Keep You Warm
But perhaps the cold doesn’t appeal to you, and you’re looking to warm up, relax, or have fun without needing to bundle up in a million layers. If that’s the case, you’re still in luck because one of the benefits of Colorado’s diverse geological terrain is the abundance of natural hot springs. From the intimate rock pools of Strawberry Hot Springs near Steamboat to the Olympic-sized swimming pool of hot, mineral spring-fed water in Glenwood Springs, you’ve got many choices regarding where you want to soak. Many of these springs are accompanied by an on-site spa, where you can indulge in a relaxing massage or other treatment to help rejuvenate you and make you feel your best. Other popular destinations for hot springs include Pagosa Hot Springs, Hot Sulphur Springs, Idaho Springs, Dunton Hot Springs, and Cottonwood Hot Springs.
You may also find a fun (and warmer!) experience waiting for you at some of the museums and art galleries across Colorado, which can be found virtually anywhere in the state. From the US Mint and the Denver Art Museum in the state’s capital to the Colorado Snowsports Museum and Hall of Fame in Vail, you’ll have no trouble finding indoor fun to keep you busy. Or suppose museum culture’s not your thing. In that case, you’ll still get a good taste of Colorado by visiting its many breweries, distilleries, and restaurants, which offer a fun and casual way to spend blustery winter days that are too cold to be spent outside.
Colorado Winter Events
No matter where you end up this winter, there are bound to be some great local events happening in the area. December brings the lead-up to the holiday season: Christmas markets, tree lightings, meet and greets with the big man in red himself, and tons of fun festivals featuring food, drinks, and live music. At several big ski resorts in Colorado, Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve mean torchlight parades, in which hundreds of skiers and snowboarders race down the mountain with blazing torches in hand for a fun and beautiful show.
Cultural events also abound during the winter, like Breckenridge’s annual Ullr Fest to celebrate the Norse god of snow or Nederland’s charming Frozen Dead Guy Days, which celebrates a unique story in their local history with events like coffin racing and frozen turkey bowling.
There are also plenty of events that celebrate winter itself, like the International Snow Sculpture Championship, which is held each year in Breckenridge and features competitors from all over the world who build massive and beautiful sculptures out of 25-ton blocks of snow. On a similar scale of beauty, there’s Dillon Ice Castles, an incredible yearly art installation that lets you explore icy tunnels and corridors and climb through rooms bordered by the frozen towers of a man-made castle built entirely out of ice. At night, the castle is lit up in bright colors.
If you’re staying at a ski resort or you’re close by, keep an eye out for their annual calendar of events. There’s always something fun happening in Colorado ski resort towns, especially on weekends, from beer festivals to live music. Goofy competitions, like fat tire bike racing in the snow or pond skimming toward the end of the season offer a fun and exciting activity for both curious spectators and the daredevils who want to participate.
Colorado Winter Sporting Events
As one of the premier winter sports destinations in the country, Colorado is naturally home to some of the biggest events and competitions in winter sports, and if you’re around during the colder months, chances are you might run into a few.
First, there’s the X Games, one of the biggest events in the world that happens right in Aspen every January. Some of the top athletes in the world flock to Colorado for the X Games, and every event is free and open to the public, so if you’re in the area you can bundle up and watch some truly legendary skiers, snowboarders, and winter athletes show off their skills. Similarly, the Dew Tour happens every year in Breckenridge during December, and it’s also free to attend. Both events also feature live music performances from some A-list acts.
On a more niche level is the Ouray Ice Festival, which takes place every year in January. The Ouray Ice Festival draws thousands of ice climbers from near and far, who test their mettle as they climb the Uncompahgre Gorge, a one-mile-long frozen winter ice park. Spectators can watch from the top of the gorge as climbers attempt this feat, and spend their evenings eating, drinking, and dancing at the following party.
If you’re looking for a whole different type of winter fun, try the National Western Stock Show and Rodeo, a huge annual event in Denver that features over 15,000 animals. You can watch horse and cattle shows, shop for a new pair of cowboy boots at the markets, or watch brave rodeo riders try to stay seated on a bucking bronco or in bull riding events. The National Western Stock Show and Rodeo is the world’s largest stock show It takes place every year in January with events tailored for everyone.
Colorado National Parks in the Winter
The Rocky Mountains mean that Colorado has a front-row seat to some of the most incredible nature in the country, and it is home to four beautiful National Parks: Rocky Mountain National Park, Great Sand Dunes, Mesa Verde, and Black Canyon of the Gunnison. While some of these parks are more trafficked than others (Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most popular national parks in the United States, while Black Canyon of the Gunnison is one of the least-visited), visiting them during the winter brings with it a few benefits, namely much smaller crowds.
A winter visit to Great Sand Dunes means climbing immense dunes topped with snow and great sledding. While many popular attractions like Trail Ridge Road are closed during the winter in Rocky Mountain National Park, you won’t have to deal with the tour buses and caravans of cars that pull up to popular trailheads. Your chances of spotting wildlife like moose, elk, or bighorn sheep are high. This time of year provides many photo opportunities, and your hikes will be serene. Just remember to research before you visit to check trail conditions; bring your snowshoes or cross-country skis depending on where you go.
Colorado Winter
Whether you’re spending your winter in the mountains, along the Front Range, or on the Western Slope, you’ll have your pick of accommodations, from luxury resorts in world-class ski towns to a rugged cabin in the backwoods of the mountains, with a roaring fire. Still, wherever you end up, you’ll find no shortage of fun activities to keep you busy during your stay.