Summer Ski Area Fun
What do ski resorts do in the summer? They provide high alpine diversions for the adventurous and cool temperature seekers. Copper Mountain, just 75 minutes west of Denver has a bevy of fun options to make it more than a day trip. Check out these fun options for a whole day or a weekend.
Mountain Bike as You Like. At altitude, getting up to the top of the peak is a lung-expander. If you are not king of the hill, never fear, just take the American Eagle lift and downhill to the bottom. With 18 miles or trails, no shortage of interesting downhill rides. For the zoom seeker, try the Black Mamba trail. You can always ride up to the top if you desire, yet the downhill rides give plenty of thrills and are easier on the legs.
Dine at 9,000 feet with some high-altitude options in the center and east villages. JJ’s Rocky Mountain Tavern sports the Classic Maggie Grilled ham and Cheddar on sourdough bread with tomato bisque, and Caesar salad. Downhill Duke’s gives a great view of the mountain and lifts with notable burgers and nachos.
Do it All. The Summer Activity Pass includes the Rocky Mountain Coaster, scenic chairlift rides, bungee jump, go-karts, and bumper boats. The Wrecktangle has nine different ninja challenges. From beginner to blind-folded ninjas can try all sorts of physical and balance skills. The passes are singles or a family pack.
High Altitude Mind. One of the complimentary programs at Copper is the Subaru Mountain Yoga. Get your Zen on Saturdays and Sundays with a continental divide background. Afraid you will climb up the ski hill and never come back? The Hike With a Ranger program guides you in an out as your meander through the vast acreage of the ski area.
Live Music Festivals. Copper has the Red, White, Brews and Tunes with the Bramblers and others over July 4th. In August, the Union Peak Festival rocks the base area on August 28-30. More than a concert with the Magic City Hippies lighting the stage, there is art and the ever-present Copper Mountain tie-in with athletes.
Drive Zinga. Golf balls do go farther at altitude, and Copper Creek is the highest golf course in North America. You meander through ski trails and the base area with interesting holes that follow the natural land contour. No normal holes here, everything is different and visually stunning.
