Ryan Case

Copper Mountain is 75 miles from Denver International Airport — about 90 minutes in good conditions, a bit more on a busy Friday in ski season. That makes it one of the most accessible destination ski weekends in Colorado. You can leave Denver on Friday evening, ski two full days, and be home Sunday night without burning half your trip to travel. Here's how to do it right. Before You Leave: The Friday Strategy I-70 west on a Friday afternoon is one of Colorado's most reliable frustrations....

People are always surprised by how many good dining options are within reach of Copper Mountain. The resort itself has solid spots across its three villages, but the real gems are scattered across Summit County — a 10–20 minute drive in any direction. We've been based at Copper for over 20 years. Here's where we actually eat. Our Top Pick: Sauce Family Pizzeria & Italian Eatery If you're going to one dinner during your trip, make it Sauce. Located at Passage Point in East Village, Sauce has...

Most people discover Copper Mountain in ski boots. But the resort runs from late June through Labor Day weekend, and summer here is genuinely underrated — fewer crowds, dramatically lower rates, and a mountain that looks completely different under blue sky and wildflowers than it does under snow. If you've been thinking about a Colorado summer trip, here's what's actually waiting for you at Copper. The Basics Copper Mountain's summer season opens in late June — the resort opened June 20 for...