Just 78 miles west of Denver, Copper Mountain has always been one of my favorite mountain destinations. Located on the quiet side of Summit County, Copper is super easy to get to, yet remarkably of out-of-the-way. Whatever your taste in fun, from perfecting your freestyle technique at Woodward to practicing asanas with hundreds of new and old friends, Copper makes for a perfect day trip or a fun-filled weekend escape.
Woodward At Copper
Woodward at Copper is Colorado’s summer freestyle skiing destination, with the action focused on The Barn, Woodward’s indoor training facility. The Barn is now fully renovated, with new synthetic surfaces on the jump lines, a new foam pit and a larger street area for BMX, mountain bike, skateboards and park skis and snowboards.
Photo by Tripp Fay, Copper Mountain
The Barn is open for daily sessions all summer long. First-timers must take a fully-coached introductory course to learn how to use the facility’s equipment and features.
Better yet, take a week-long camp at Woodward at Copper. There are camps for teenagers, groms, women and everyone else, of all ages. Professional athletes attend most camp sessions to coach and inspire. Summer camp is especially cool, because campers spend their mornings on snow in the terrain park. A new summer lift provides direct access to the mountain’s summer jumps and jib park.
Photo by Tripp Fay, Copper Mountain
Three years ago, my sons went to Woodward Ski Camp. They loved it. They loved being on snow in July. They learned a ton both in terms of skills and respect for the sport. I can’t recommend it enough.
Biking: For Fun, For A Cause, And Just Because You Can
No surprise here, biking has become a summer staple at most ski resorts. When it comes to mountain biking, Copper Mountain has a full network of beginner through advanced trails. Unlimited bike haul is $15 on the American Eagle lift.
If skinny tires are your thing, ride to raise funds for The Children’s Hospital in Denver. This summer’s Courage Classic will test you for 157 miles over the weekend of July 20-July 22nd. Routes will challenge your lungs and legs or you can pick something easier to spin out the kinks and enjoy a relaxing ride with your family. All rides start and finish at Copper Mountain, where lodging and camping are available. Last year, over 2,000 riders participated.
Photo by Tripp Fay, Copper Mountain
If that sounds like too many people, do what the locals do and ride from Copper to Vail on the I-70 bike path. While the ride from Copper Mountain to the summit of Vail Pass is known as the “easy” way up, if you drop down into Vail, you’ll ride the “hard” way back. The round-trip is over 50 miles and is a must-do ride for road cyclists.
Photo by Tripp Fay, Copper Mountain
Wanderlust Colorado
If yoga, music and mindful partying are your thing, Wanderlust Colorado is your festival. Sister to Squaw Valley’s Wanderlust Festival, the Colorado event runs from July 4-7 with yoga workshops, endless music featuring Moby, MC Yogi, Quixotic and more, as well as an outdoor activities program, wine tasting, farm to table dining and more.
Photo by Tripp Fay, Copper Mountain
Really serious about your yoga? Come a day early and be inspired by medical researchers, yogis, musicians, and motivational speakers at the Mountain Pose Medicine and Yoga Symposium on July 3.
Photo by Tripp Fay, Copper Mountain
Enjoy!
Leave a Reply