Copper Mountain Holiday Guide: Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's
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Holiday weeks at Copper Mountain are special. The resort is decorated, the energy is festive, and families gather for ski trips they'll remember for years.
But holiday weeks also require planning. They're the busiest and most expensive times to visit. Properties book months in advance. Lift tickets cost more. Restaurants fill up.
Here's what you need to know about spending Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year's at Copper Mountain.
Thanksgiving Week
Thanksgiving week is one of the best times to ski Copper Mountain. The resort typically opens in mid-November, and by Thanksgiving weekend, most terrain is accessible.
What's Open:Most of the mountain is skiable by Thanksgiving. Center mountain and East Village terrain are usually open. West Village beginner areas are ready. Back bowls and advanced terrain open as snow conditions allow.
Snowmaking runs full-time in November, so even if natural snowfall is light, the resort makes sure main runs are covered and groomed.
Crowds:Thanksgiving weekend is busy but manageable. Lift lines are shorter than Christmas or New Year's. Parking fills up by mid-morning on Saturday and Sunday, but weekdays are quieter.
If you're skiing with kids or beginners, Thanksgiving is ideal. The crowds are lighter than peak holiday weeks and the learning environment is less stressful.
Pricing:Thanksgiving week is considered peak season. Nightly rental rates are higher than non-holiday weeks but lower than Christmas and New Year's.
Studios and one-bedrooms: $200 to $350 per nightTwo-bedrooms: $350 to $550 per nightThree-bedrooms: $500 to $750 per night
Cleaning fees and taxes add to the total. Book early to lock in rates and secure availability.
Events:Copper Mountain hosts Thanksgiving events including turkey dinners at resort restaurants, live music, and family activities. Check the resort's event calendar closer to your dates for specifics.
When to Book:Book Thanksgiving trips by August or September. Properties in prime locations fill up fast. If you wait until October, your options shrink and prices increase.
Why Thanksgiving Works:Thanksgiving week is perfect for families who want to start the ski season together. The snow is fresh, the crowds are manageable, and the holiday atmosphere makes the trip feel special without the chaos of Christmas week.
Christmas Week
Christmas week is the busiest time of year at Copper Mountain. The resort is fully decorated, all terrain is open, and families from across the country gather for holiday ski trips.
What's Open:By Christmas, the entire mountain is usually open. All lifts, all terrain parks, and all back bowls are accessible. Snow conditions are typically excellent with a solid base built up through early season storms and constant snowmaking.
Crowds:Christmas week is packed. Lift lines are longest on weekends, especially the Saturday and Sunday between Christmas and New Year's. Parking lots fill early. Restaurants require reservations.
If you want to avoid the worst crowds, ski early mornings or late afternoons. First chair gets you fresh snow and empty runs. Last runs of the day are quieter because families head back early.
Pricing:Christmas week commands the highest rates of the season.
Studios and one-bedrooms: $300 to $500 per nightTwo-bedrooms: $500 to $800 per nightThree-bedrooms: $700 to $1,200+ per night
Minimum stay requirements apply. Most properties require 5 to 7-night bookings during Christmas week. You can't book just a weekend.
Cleaning fees, taxes, and booking fees add hundreds of dollars to the total. A week-long stay for a family can easily cost $5,000 to $10,000 depending on property size and location.
Events:Copper Mountain goes all out for Christmas. Expect:
Holiday decorations throughout the village
Santa visits and photos for kids
Torchlight parades down the mountain
Live music and entertainment
Special holiday dinners at resort restaurants
New Year's Eve fireworks and celebrations
Check the resort's event calendar for specific dates and times.
When to Book:Book Christmas trips 9 to 12 months in advance. Properties with ski-in ski-out access and prime locations book first. By October, availability is extremely limited.
If you're planning a Christmas 2025 trip, book by March or April 2025. Waiting until fall means paying premium rates for whatever's left.
Why Christmas Works:Christmas week at Copper Mountain creates memories families cherish forever. Kids get to ski during the holidays, families spend quality time together, and the festive atmosphere makes the trip feel magical.
It's expensive and crowded, but for many families, it's worth it.
New Year's Week
New Year's week overlaps with Christmas week but extends into early January. Some families skip Christmas and visit for New Year's instead.
What's Open:The entire mountain is open. Snow conditions are typically strong with a solid base and regular snowfall keeping terrain fresh.
Crowds:New Year's Eve and New Year's Day are busy, but the week after New Year's sees crowds drop significantly. If you can extend your trip into the first week of January, you'll enjoy better conditions with fewer people.
Pricing:New Year's week pricing mirrors Christmas week for the first few days. After January 2, rates drop as families head home and kids return to school.
If you're flexible, book a trip that starts January 3 or 4. You'll pay significantly less and enjoy the same snow with smaller crowds.
Events:New Year's Eve at Copper Mountain features:
Fireworks over the mountain at midnight
Live music and DJs in the village
Special dinners and parties at resort restaurants
Torchlight parade down the slopes
It's a festive, high-energy celebration. Families and groups gather to ring in the new year together.
When to Book:Book New Year's trips by late summer or early fall. Properties fill up almost as fast as Christmas week.
Why New Year's Works:New Year's at Copper Mountain is ideal for families who want the holiday ski experience without the Christmas rush. The first few days of January also offer a sweet spot where snow is excellent but crowds are lighter.
General Tips for Holiday Trips
Book Early:Holiday weeks book 6 to 12 months in advance. The best properties go first. If you wait, you'll pay more for less desirable locations.
Expect Minimum Stays:Most properties require 5 to 7-night minimums during holiday weeks. You can't book just a weekend. Plan for a full week or don't book at all.
Grocery Shop Before You Arrive:Grocery stores in Summit County get picked over during holiday weeks. Stock up in Denver or shop early in your trip before shelves empty.
Make Restaurant Reservations:Popular restaurants book up weeks in advance during holidays. If you want to eat out, reserve tables early. Otherwise, plan to cook in your rental.
Rent Gear in Advance:Ski rental shops get slammed during holiday weeks. Reserve your gear online before you arrive. That saves you from waiting in long lines on your first day.
Plan for Traffic:I-70 westbound from Denver gets congested on Friday afternoons and Saturday mornings during holiday weeks. Leave early or expect delays. Eastbound traffic backs up Sunday afternoons as everyone heads home.
Budget Accordingly:Holiday weeks are expensive. Between lodging, lift tickets, rentals, food, and activities, a week-long trip for a family of four can easily cost $8,000 to $15,000. Budget realistically so you're not surprised.
Why Holiday Weeks Are Worth It
Holiday ski trips create memories that last a lifetime. Kids remember skiing with their families during Christmas. Parents cherish the time away from work and daily routines. Friends and extended families reconnect over shared experiences on the mountain.
Yes, it's crowded. Yes, it's expensive. But for many families, holiday trips to Copper Mountain are the highlight of the year.
Book Your Holiday Stay Now
If you're planning a Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year's trip to Copper Mountain, don't wait.
Browse our available properties at larkmountain.com. Check dates, compare locations, and reach out with questions. We'll help you find the right property and lock in your reservation before availability disappears.
Holiday weeks book fast. Start planning now.