TL;DR
Copper Mountain Resort is preparing for an exciting 2023-24 ski season following its 50th-anniversary celebrations. Notable developments include the expansion of the Far East parking lot, adding 900 spots to alleviate parking challenges, and the construction of The Aerie, a magnificent mid-mountain lodge with dining options and breathtaking views. Snowmaking improvements and trail upgrades promise better skiing and riding experiences, with two new ski trails added. The village area will see a new child care facility. Looking ahead, lift upgrades are planned for the 2024-25 season. These developments aim to enhance the visitor experience and establish Copper Mountain as a top destination in the Colorado Rockies. The resort is set to open on November 13th, welcoming winter visitors to explore these exciting enhancements.
Copper Mountain Resort had an action-packed season last year, celebrating its 50th anniversary with grand events and world-class ski and snowboard competitions. But the excitement doesn't end there. The resort is gearing up for the 2023-24 ski season with a slew of impressive developments that promise to enhance the visitor experience.The Aerie - A Magnificent Mid-Mountain Lodge:One of the most notable improvements is the construction of The Aerie, a stunning mid-mountain lodge situated atop the American Eagle lift. This 25,000-square foot, two-story lodge is set to redefine dining at Copper. It features a full-service restaurant bar, a private dining area, a cafeteria, a coffee shop, and breathtaking 270-degree views of the Gore and Tenmile mountain ranges. The gondola will unload directly onto the lodge's second-floor deck, making it accessible to all guests, skiers, and non-skiers alike.
The new mountain lodge is coming along nicely and will open in the 23/24 season. Credit: Copper Mountain Resort. Expanded Far East Parking Lot:During its 50th anniversary season, Copper faced parking challenges as lots filled to capacity. To address this issue, the resort expanded its Far East parking lot, adding 900 additional spots. This expansion brings the lot's capacity to over 2,000 vehicles, reducing traffic congestion and improving access to the slopes. Additional shuttle pickup spots and restroom facilities have also been added for convenience.Snowmaking and Trail Upgrades:Copper is not just focused on infrastructure; it's also enhancing its snowmaking capabilities and trails. New automated tower snow guns will improve snow coverage in Central Park terrain park and the west side of the mountain, allowing for earlier openings. Trail improvements, such as widening the upper Carefree trail, enhancing the Lower Enchanted traverse, and glading near Lyman Lane, promise an even better skiing and riding experience. Two new ski trails will be added, expanding Copper's trail count to 157.Village Upgrades:Within Copper's village area, a new child care facility is set to open, addressing the critical need for child support in the surrounding communities. This facility will provide more than 45 child care spots for residents and employees within Copper Mountain. New Lifts on the Horizon:While not immediate, Copper is looking ahead to lift upgrades. In preparation for the 2024-25 season, the resort plans to replace the Timberline Express lift with a six-pack, high-speed lift. This upgrade aims to reduce wait times and provide easier access to the coveted blue terrain on Timberline. The Lumberjack lift is also in the pipeline for an upgrade, although it has no confirmed timeline yet.
About the author
Michael Fulton
Melbourne-based skier and snowboarder with 50+ resorts across 5 continents. Specialises in Australian resorts and international resort comparisons.
