 We’re lucky to have an action sports training ground like Woodward here in our own backyard. Pros and Olympic athletes from around the world train at Woodward, and each summer kids seven and up can attend a week-long, overnight camp to learn, tune-up and master their skills.
Over the summer campers have access to the Barn, on-snow freestyle ski and ride terrain parks on Copper Mountain, and the Union Creek Plaza zone. Campers can pick their sports experience from these exciting camp options: snowboard, ski, skateboard, BMX, mountain bike, scooter and cheer camps. Woodward Summer Camp Rates and Dates The Barn The Barn is an indoor 19,400 square foot playground that will delight kids and adults alike. Olympic-grade trampolines, foam pits, ramps to foam, and multiple skate areas make this place awesome to pros and beginners. Any age or ability level can take advantage of what the Barn has to offer. Campers also get access to the Barn’s indoor skate/bike park with pump track, jumps, mini ramps, and a bowl. (BMX riders, skateboarders, scooter riders and mountain bike riders will get outside park and on-mountain riding as well.) Even if you’re not a camper, anyone seven and older can take a 2-hour intro session designed for first time visitors. During your first hour, you’ll get comfortable with the trampolines, foam pits, spring floor and other features in the Barn. The second hour lets you choose to continue on with your coach to the Skatelite & foam pit jump introduction, or you can continue playing on your own in the trampoline area and skate/bmx areas. Once you’ve had an intro session the Barn, you can drop-in for a 2 hour open gym style session where you can use the Barn to work on individual skills, and focus your training on the trampolines, jumps, pump track, spring floor, foam pits, or any of the skate features. Coaches will be stationed around the Barn to supervise the session and offer tips and tricks to help you progress safer and faster than ever before. On-snow summer experience Where else in Colorado can you ski and snowboard through the entire summer? Two different terrain parks (Pipeline Park and Big Island Park) and 156 acres of snow (man-made and natural) make for great conditions all summer long. Pipeline Park is serviced by the SuperTube surface lift, one of the longest and fastest surface lifts in North America for top to bottom laps. This park is open to campers only. Union Creek Plaza This new outdoor zone for all levels of campers who skateboard, ride BMX bikes and scooters get the chance to experience the Skatelite ramps with features like the new box jump, quarter pipes, and a mini ramp. Visiting pros Chris Stellato, Woodward’s Regional Marketing Supervisor, says that “visiting pros and sponsor company reps join our summer camps for as many weeks as possible. This unique experience lets campers get meaningful instruction that keeps the fun and engagement level high. ” Stellato says campers look up to these pro and rep coaches and that “while they’ll show them how to stomp a new trick, they’ll also help teach them how to make friends at camp, how to cheer their buddies on and how to really get the most out of their experience. They’re amazing people, too, and they add to the vibe of the camp and take it to another level.” In addition to these visiting coaches, Woodward’s professional staff is comprised of a high-quality group of counselors and coaches. “Not only to Woodward campers get sports performance, progression and technique, they also get to be around counselors focused on helping them experience personal and skill level growth in a safe, encouraging environment.” says Stellato. Making memories And Woodward is more than just a sports camp, it’s a complete summer camp experience where after a day of fun focusing on their favorite sport they also get to participate in theme parties, bonfires, and a talent show. “This is a week where our Woodward campers get to hone their sports skills, make great memories, create new friendships and grow personally. At the end of the day their counselors put them to bed exhausted, happy and ready for another fun day!" says Stellato. Raised on Colorado: Copper Mountain Inside Scoop From Tina Hauser, Lift Operations Manager3/26/2017
 TG: What drew you to Copper Mountain originally and what has kept you here?
TH: I grew up in New Jersey and only took up skiing later in life. When my friend and I came out to Colorado looking for jobs I found one as a lift operator here at Copper. I was hooked and I never found another job that was more fun! Before I worked at Copper I was an instructor and led outdoor adventure courses with Outward Bound for over ten years. Every day here is like an outdoor adventure course--and I’ve got a view from my office window that I can’t replace! My mantra as an educator has been that we learn by doing. That’s what lift ops is all about. Lift ops is an entry level position, no experience required. There’s lots of turnover with our team of 120 lift operators, so I’m a rarity. We’ve got lots of college grads in our department who are figuring out their lives and who are passionate skiers and boarders. Our lift ops orientation requires that they go out there and learn to do their job quickly, while maintaining strict safety standards and excellent customer service for our guests. We really want our lift ops to convey to our guests how amazing it is to live here in paradise and get to ski at Copper every day in such a beautiful environment. We want to create positive memories on the lift, especially for beginners who can be terrified by loading and unloading. For some, the lift is what you endure to get to the fun part of skiing down. We consider our lift operators to be coaches who vigilantly teach our guests how to ride safely so they can really enjoy their time here. It’s a short exchange – 10 seconds with each chair of guests. We want our lift ops to focus on being human and animated, acknowledging our guests and encouraging them to go out and have a great day on our awesome mountain. I just love the passion and enthusiasm of the millennials on our team—they keep me young! TG: What are some inside secrets that people might not know about Copper Mountain? TH: Families are often surprised at how kid-friendly, safe and centrally located everything is here at Copper. Many people don’t realize how special our geography is either. Our naturally separated terrain is easy to navigate and keeps you from accidentally getting stuck on a black diamond run if that’s not where you want to be. One of my favorite things to do here at Copper Mountain is to go play on the tubing hill. It doesn’t take any skill and your aunt or your grandma who doesn’t like to ski can join you in the fun. TG: If you could only ski or ride one run at Copper Mountain which one would it be? TH: Ptarmigan to Main Vein where the blue cruiser runs are. I just love those cruiser runs! TG: What are your favorite après ski/dining experiences here at Copper? TH: I really like Endo’s and JJ’s, but not just for the burgers—they’ve got great hip and healthy salads with kale and quinoa to keep up with the times so you’re not stuck in the ‘70’s. TG: What’s your idea of a fun family experience here at Copper? TH: Make sure to organize your day based on the terrain you want to ski or board. Check your trail map and you’ll find West Village is great for beginners and a good place to start. East Village will give intermediate and expertslots of steep blue and black runs. Because East Village is the first stop on the bus from the parking lot doesn’t mean it’s where a beginner wants to get off and start! West Village and the Kokomo triple chairlift have some great beginner runs, and the upper lift to Lumberjack isn’t necessarily more difficult. Don’t be intimidated by going on the higher lifts; I’d recommend heading on over to Lumberjack and not all the way back to the bottom. This way you’ll get to try some new terrain and not keep skiing the same runs. Finally, I recommend eating lunch around 11:00 a.m. or 1:00 p.m. because you’ll miss the crowds and you’ll keep your family happy. TG: What winter event do you look forward to each season? TH: Christmas! I love all the lights and decoration, Santa’s visit, the torchlight ski parade and fireworks. When you see all the instructors ski down with their torches, it’s just magical. TG: What do you think makes Copper Mountain so popular? TH: I think it’s the down-to-earth people and authentic community. And our amazing separated terrain--it keeps families and groups happy. Experts and beginners get to ski where they want to and it’s not easy to get lost on terrain where you don’t feel comfortable skiing or boarding. And did I mention the gorgeous views?  TG: What drew you to Copper Mountain originally and what has kept you here?
ML: One of the guys who worked for me in my in my landscaping business back in Missouri moved to Copper for a couple of summers. I decided to come out and stay with him one summer and I never left. I built ski lifts for a couple of summers, then my boss offered me a year-round position. I knew this is what I wanted to do, so I decided to make it work. TG: What are your 3 favorite things to do here at Copper Mountain in the winter? ML: • Snowmaking. I thrive in this environment and I love the challenge. Last year’s weather caused us to increase our snowmaking efforts and our team came together and kicked butt to make some great snow! The way we make snow is to take water out of the nearby streams and mix it with pressurized air and shoot it out at 20 degrees. I really love the exciting, scientific process of creating snow. • Skiing, of course. • Making sure it’s all going well every day here on the mountain. We’ve got lots of eyes on things here to make sure it’s safe and enjoyable on a daily basis. TG: What are some inside secrets that people don’t know about Copper Mountain? ML: • Ski racing. Copper is one of the ski racing centers of the world and all the number one skiers come here to train and get ready for their racing season. If you ski the Super Bee lift, you might even get to see or run into some of them. • We’ve got a lot of tree trails that allow people to ski beginner to intermediate levels and really get into the woods. • Alliroo Alley Park. It’s under the American Flyer Chairlift (towers 25-29). It’s a place where kids can get a little more into nature and play in the trees. For some fun intermediate trails, head from American Flyer lift to the Moz trail and work your way into what we call the Mario Trees (after the Mario Brothers game) and explore some more. TG: If you could only ski or ride one run at Copper Mountain which one would it be? ML: The race venue runs. They consist of three different trails: Upper Andy’s Encore, Oh No and Rosie’s Run. They’ve got three different pitches and three different terrains with good variety and great steeps! TG: What are your favorite après ski/dining experiences here at Copper? ML: I love our Christmas and New Year’s night time events. We’ve also got some great parties and concerts over spring break. One of my favorite places to eat is Mahi Street Tacos. I love their fish and shrimp tacos and great SoCal offerings. Eagle BBQ is also great. Both are located at the base of the mountain in Burning Stones Plaza. TG: What’s your idea of a fun family experience here at Copper? ML: Our tubing hill in East Village. It’s one of the only tubing hills in the country with banked curves and it’s also safe for the little ones and exciting enough for the teenagers. TG: What winter event do you look forward to each season? ML: I love the Special Olympics that we host every year. This is our 29th season and it’s coming up on Sunday March 5th. It’s neat to see the kids and adults who normally don’t get a chance to ski, snowboard or snowshoe and just watch them out having a fun time. They don’t have to win, they just need to do their best. TG: What do you think makes Copper Mountain so popular? ML: The people and the small community atmosphere. Some folks have worked here for 30-40 years. It’s a family-style, home-grown atmosphere-- not like the crowded hustle and bustle of other resorts. We have shorter lift lines here and even on a busy day you can find a slope you love. Our down- to-earth approach is what makes our mountain appealing. We’ll give you a great family style adventure!  I caught up with 23-year Copper staff veteran Kim Casey, Copper Mountain’s General Manager Copper Ski and Ride School and Daycare, who manages over 300 folks here. Kim can actually say she lived here when she was just a baby. Read on to discover what makes Copper one of her favorite places.
TG: What attracted you to Copper and made you want to stay? KC: My parents came to Copper before I was born. My dad was on ski patrol with Breckenridge and had the opportunity to join the ski patrol team at Copper when it first opened in the early 70’s. My parents tell me that the Copper patrol dispatchers at ski patrol headquarters used to babysit me on occasion while I napped as a baby! When my parents and I moved to Burlington, CO and then to Moriarty, NM their ski patrol buddies would visit every fall and I’d be mesmerized by their stories and comradery. We visited Copper for vacations, and when I was nineteen my father told me I should head back to Colorado. I was at the University of New Mexico at the time, suffering from a broken heart and a lack of direction. I remember him telling me I should come to Copper to get a different view on life. I knew I had contacts here and such fun memories as well. I’m probably the only teenager whose dad told her to go be a ski bum in order to grow up! Two weeks later as I drove to Colorado behind my dad’s truck and the horse trailer he had loaded with my furniture I was scared and sad about what I was embarking on. But when I looked at my favorite photo I’d stashed with me, a picture of the Copper ski patrol with my parents at our home in Colorado, I just knew I was going to be ok. I started out working at Base Operations with the goal of becoming a lift operator. I wasn’t a great skier then, but I had the goal of meeting lots of great people and skiing every day. I really loved being part of a big group, a community. I felt like I had come home. I especially loved meeting people from all over the world from countries like New Zealand and Australia. I finished my degree at Colorado Mountain College and spent three years here as a lift operator. I looked into ski patrol, but decided that I’d like to become a kids’ ski instructor instead. My mom had been a teacher and I was drawn to working with the kids. I met a cute ski instructor on the lift and ended up finding my husband! We’ve been together twenty-two years and were married here at Copper eleven years ago. One of my highlights at Copper was having our wedding at the top of the mountain at the ski patrol headquarters and riding up the chairlift to the ceremony with my mom and dad. It was an amazing experience. TG: What are your favorite things to do at Copper in the winter? KC:
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KC: You can’t go wrong with Endo’s Adrenaline Cafe or Incline Bar and Grill. The bartenders are great, you’ll love hearing the locals’ end-of-day tales, and it’s a great place to take in a football game. If you want quiet and a place to unwind, head to CB Grille’s bar. TG: What’s your idea of a fun family experience here at Copper? KC: Check out the tree trails off of American Flyer, then head down to West Village for hot chocolate and waffles at the food trucks or in the lodge. Then, take the quad lift up and over to ski Timberline for a bit, then run over to the top of Rendezvous. Then you can have lunch at the base at Mountain Melt and enjoy some of their legendary mac and cheese. After lunch, head over to American Flyer and up to the playground where you can ride or ski the mini half pipeline and play on the jumps. TG: What do you think makes Copper Mountain so popular? KC: It’s an unbelievable ski mountain. With naturally divided terrain, it’s easy to know where to go and find the type of skiing that fits your skill level and style. And the people here are wonderful – this community is one-of-a kind.  You've found your soulmate, now what?
You’ve said yes to each other and now you’re both ready to make your dreams come true; to exchange your vows, take the plunge, and get hitched. Copper is already one of your favorite places on earth, but you might not realize that it’s also one of the most amazing wedding destinations to top your list. The perfect destination wedding Shannon Bianco, Sales Manager here at Copper Mountain, was working at Copper 10 years ago when she and her husband got engaged and began planning their wedding. “Our first instinct was to have our wedding back in Michigan because we’re both from there. But we decided there wasn’t a better place that described us both more than here at Copper Mountain,” says Shannon. Shannon and her husband wanted their family and friends to experience the grandeur and all that they both love about Copper, so they rounded up their group of 120 for one of their most memorable life events. In fact, most weddings at Copper include 30-80% of guests arriving from out of state. “There’s just so much to do here, and no chance of anyone getting bored,” says Shannon. Copper's amazing ceremony venues Solitude Station This is Copper’s enchanting on-mountain ceremony location. You and your guests will have the chance to board the American Eagle chairlift and float above the pines, heading up to 11,200 feet to revel in the breathtaking panorama of the Ten Mile Range of mountains at the summit. You’ll never forget this experience. Chapel The Copper Mountain Chapel, a slightly smaller venue, also provides those spectacular Ten Mile Range views in a cozy setting. Copper Creek Vista This larger and beautiful venue sits at the base of the Super Bee Lift and the Copper Creek Golf Course, where you’ll be stunned by views of the golf course and that awesome Ten Mile Range. Because it’s directly in front of Copper Station, you’ll have an easy transition to your reception as well. Mezzanine The Mezzanine sits on the third floor of Copper Station and overlooks Copper Creek Golf Course giving you that rustic mountain lodge feel and a gorgeous view. It’s also one of the larger ceremony venues. Copper's mesmerizing reception venues Grand Hall For larger wedding parties this is the perfect location. Grand Hall overlooks scenic Copper Creek Golf Course complete with floor-to-ceiling windows and a spacious deck (perfect for cocktails) and a dramatically beautiful backdrop for your memorable affair. JJ’s Rocky Mountain Tavern For a smaller gathering, JJ’s Rocky Mountain Tavern sets the tone with rustic mountain charm in a cozy, inviting atmosphere. Imagine exclusive use of the patio on a glorious and sunny Copper day, where you’ll soak in the superb view of the Copper Creek Golf Club. CB Grille Copper’s most intimate and elegant venue will enchant you and your guests. At the heart of Center Village, CB Grille offers private, fireside dining and unique Colorado cuisine. The Grille is also available for rehearsal dinners and small weddings. Getting the party started No matter what season you plan your festivities, Copper’s multitude of activities will satisfy you and your wedding party group. Located just 75 miles west of Denver and with easy access from I-70, Copper Mountain makes travel plans a snap. Once your guests have arrived, you’ll need minimal transportation since you can walk from nearby lodging to most activities, shops, restaurant and the mountain. The Summit Stage, Summit County’s free public transportation, offers free bus service throughout Summit County from Copper Mountain, including Frisco, Dillon, Breckenridge, and Silverthorne. Summer destination wedding fun Once you’ve assembled your entourage, you'll get to decide on exactly which exciting summer activities to include in your getaway.
Winter destination wedding fun Although summer is the most popular time for weddings, don’t forget all the great possibilities for a fairytale winter destination wedding.
 Give in to your fantasy
Do you ever indulge in the luscious idea of taking one day a week to do one thing you really love? Do you crave a little more adventure to help inspire you and make you more productive for the other six? As women, we can feel pretty guilty about taking time out for ourselves. If you’ve got a little flexibility in your schedule and you really love skiing and snowboarding, you’ll want to be sure to check out Women’s Wednesdays at Copper. Moguls, powder, and extreme terrain If you’ve never taken a lesson in your life, or if you’ve been skiing or boarding for years and want to learn how to finally attack those moguls or that deep powder, or if you just want the sheer exhilaration of exploring new mountain terrain, Women’s Wednesdays is definitely your thing. “This year we’ve got about 51 ladies from around 23 – 75 years old, along with about 15 mostly female instructors,” says Bo. Classes are organized by skill level and desire, with instructors evaluating each woman by what she wants to accomplish on the hill and grouping these ladies into their best fit. Adventure that’s easy on your wallet And, for just $48 dollars a day (plus your season pass or lift ticket) from 10 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., your personal growth and fun factor is “quite a value,” says Bo Duffy, Copper Mountain’s Ski and Ride School Programs Manger. The bonus: lasting friendships “The social piece of it is huge. I’ve worked with the Women’s Wednesdays program for the past 9 years and I see women who’ve been a part of it for even longer than I’ve been here,” says Bo. “I’m gratified to know that these women ski, board and have fun together on the mountain, and then they forge relationships and join in on activities together during the rest of the seasons off the slopes,” he says. Heather Quarantillo, a women's ski instructor who's been at Copper Mountain for 18 years and who's worked with Women's Wednesdays for 15 of them, says these women become part of each other's lives. "They really develop deep friendships. They end up skiing together outside of lessons, and when the snow melts, many of them hike and play golf and tennis together," says Heather. Excellent instruction to sharpen your skills “I tip my hat to our female instructors who really build the rapport and create a fun experience with and for these women,” says Bo. Wondering if you’ll fit in? Don’t worry. “We’ve got nurses, realtors, retirees, and young moms who schedule a babysitter to make sure they can get up to the mountain on Wednesdays,” says Quarantillo. “Some women want to polish their mogul skiing and some want to explore the nooks and crannies of the mountain on extreme terrain together,” says Heather of this group of intermediate to advanced skiers who want to refine and polish their skills. Whatever your reason for joining Women’s Wednesdays, you’ll come away filled up, challenged and with a posse of new friends to share your love of the outdoors.
I’ve lived in Colorado most of my life and skied Copper Mountain since I was a kid, but I’d never experienced the crisp, sparkly festivities of Christmas Eve until this season, and it was a definite treat.
As the temperature stood around 7 degrees and white Christmas snowflakes fell, hearts were warm and happy as we enjoyed the fun at Copper’s Burning Stones Plaza. I was especially happy that our sons, 17 and 22, wanted to join us without the usual “Aww, c’mon—it’ll be fun!” We grabbed some mocha lattes at Starbuck’s just in case we got too cold, and headed out warmly prepared for the night’s events. Just seeing the village lit up with its bright, colorful lights conjured Christmas carols in my head, then I realized it was DJ Landry spinning familiar holiday standards along with some new, jiggy mash-ups. Tiny, snow-suited toddlers and dads with said kiddos on their shoulders couldn’t help Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree, dancing over the glittering prism of lights. “Of all the many gigs I do, I most definitely enjoy the holiday parties at Copper because it's the chance to connect with kids and provide entertainment, as well as a dance club atmosphere they may not usually have the chance to see. The joy of seeing a big group of kids dancing around, chasing dance lights and having fun is beyond words,” says Landry. Landry, a Lift Ops and Tubing Hill Supervisor for the past seven years, has been at Copper for 15 years and he’s been the MC for Sunsation, En Fuegos and many a holiday celebration. The Kids’ Glowstick Pageant gathered about 300 excited kids and parents near American Flyer lift as they marched from the base of the mountain with colored lights in hand to celebrate the upcoming arrival of Mr. and Mrs. Claus. Next we ducked in to Incline Bar and Grill to warm up in between events. We weren’t disappointed as we chomped down on our lamb burgers and beet salad (ok, my beet salad, their French fries) and thawed out, enjoying some great conversation together. We headed outside just in time to watch the awesome Torchlight Parade and the crowd’s hearty cheers for Santa Claus. If you’ve never seen it, it’s a pretty amazing spectacle as 75 Copper Ski & Ride School instructors ski down the mountain carrying flares that washed the mountain in a stunning red glow. The Torchlight Parade has been a Copper Christmas Eve Staple for over 30 years.  You’re planning your winter getaway to Copper, ready to escape your frenzied daily routine. You’re dreaming of the fresh air and the powder, the crackling fire and the loads of après ski fun, but not the drama of managing your group’s alternative dietary choices and restrictions, right? If you or your peeps have gone gluten-free, vegetarian or vegan, don’t fret – Copper has your back. My daughter and I recently met up at Copper for some tasty and healthy research at a couple of the resort’s favorite eateries, JJ’s Rocky Mountain Tavern and C.B. Grille. JJ's Rocky Mountain Tavern JJ’s Rocky Mountain Tavern is the perfect lunch or last-run-of-the-day meeting spot, located in East Village at the base of the Super Bee lift in Copper Station. It’s a casual, bustling, turn-of-the century styled tavern chock-full of standard and tasty pub-style offerings. Best known for its slow-smoked barbecue, live music and killer patio views of the slopes, we also discovered its unexpected healthy side: a tasty House Made Black Bean Burger and thin-crust gluten-free White Stone Oven Pizza. The House Made Black Bean Burger I admit, I love a good juicy burger and the thought of a veggie burger makes me nauseous. In the line of duty I passed right over the Classic All Natural Angus Beef Burger (sigh) and ordered the House Made Bean Burger. No lie, it was truly delicious and didn’t make me feel like a prison inmate. The savory, complex flavor and nutty but moist texture surprisingly had me at the first bite. This handcrafted specialty is made of black beans, barley, quinoa, poblano pepper, onions and Southwestern spices served on a freshly baked BBQ Cheddar roll with choice of Cheddar, Swiss or Pepper Jack cheese. The waffle fries with their perfect crunch and seasoning (they count for vegetarian, right?) were a pretty darn delicious complement to my new favorite burger. Gluten-Free White Stone Oven Pizza Gluten-free pizza crust can be hit-or-miss, so I really wasn’t expecting much here. It was a tough decision between the two vegetarian options, but we went for the White Pizza. The runner-up, the Mediterranean with pesto sauce, artichoke hearts, sundried tomatoes, red onions, roasted red peppers, Kalamata olives, Mozzarella and Goat Cheese was also making me drool. All of JJ’s other delicious pizzas can be crafted with a gluten-free crust as well. The White Pizza was topped with Extra virgin olive oil, fresh oregano, crushed red pepper, diced banana peppers, shallots, garlic, Mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. As I crunched through the delicate, thin crust, I knew that no one would ever suspect this delicious, cheesy masterpiece didn’t have a speck of wheat or gluten in it. If I didn’t have to drive from Denver to Copper to get it, this would be my new go-to pizza indulgence. Fantastic. With our stomachs happy and full and thinking that more seasoned food critics would have definitely saved more room, we headed over to Copper’s upscale C.B. Grille in Center Village to experience some of the resort’s most inspired dining and a fresh, seasonal menu. C.B. Grille Huge wooden doors opened into a cozy candle-lit lodge to create the perfect elegant winter ambiance after a chilly walk. We asked for a table near the fireplace and settled in with our hot buttered rum to gaze through giant picture windows toward twinkly Christmas lights adorning the village. We quickly decided to share two enticing entrees and House Favorites: Cavatappi With Asparagus and Roasted Mushrooms and the Organic Quinoa & Grilled Acorn Squash. Cavatappi With Asparagus and Roasted Mushrooms This pasta dish was replete with asparagus tips, baby Portobello and shiitake mushrooms, spinach, grilled tomatoes, white wine, Parmesan cheese sauce and fresh herbs. The cheesy sauce and its perfect smoky essence complemented the robust mushrooms and tangy tomatoes to make a satisfying dish; no meat required. Organic Quinoa & Grilled Acorn Squash With crispy chick peas, baby Portobello mushrooms, sautéed spinach, grilled baby carrots and warm apple compote, this was a really interesting and hearty mix. The protein and fiber in the quinoa make it surprisingly filling and the smooth texture of the acorn squash complemented the other veggies. The tangy-sweet apple compote was a really fun surprise. Both were such hearty portions we took them home in a box. Who knew they would make such a delightful breakfast the next day? Chef Adam Jess came over and introduced himself. Jess came to Copper after training with Colorado Mountain college’s Culinary School. A native of Nebraska, he started in the restaurant business at 15 as a dishwasher. “People come to Copper from all over the country and the world. My aim is to provide an interesting menu which appeals to everyone,” says Jess, who adds to C.B. Grille’s seasonally inspired menu by continued education at the Culinary Institute of America. Lesson learned? You can definitely leave the healthy menu planning up to the experts here at Copper. Now, go relax and have fun.  Stuck on the Couch
Last fall the labral tear in my hip was talking to me; and it wasn’t using its polite inside voice anymore, it was screaming like a toddler throwing a full-blown tantrum in the grocery store. I found the best surgeon in Denver, swallowed hard, and tried to submit to the fact that I’d have to grab some crutches and put my beloved winter and spring outdoor activities on for the next six months. After much rehab with amazing physical therapists I’ll be strong again when I pedal and hike up my favorite mountain passes in time for summer, but I was worried about really getting to enjoy my upcoming spring visit to Copper. I wouldn't be able to head down my favorite secluded tree runs in Copper’s Upper Enchanted Forest, I wouldn’t see the expansive vista I looked forward to every single season at the top of Storm King as I anticipated cutting loose in wild Spaulding Bowl, and I wouldn’t get the thrill of riding the snow cat up Tucker Mountain to blast down the Taco. Heck, I didn’t even have clearance to ride up The Stinger to rush down Copper’s awesome tubing hill, or to take advantage of Copper’s free guided snowshoe tour (my aggravated hip flexors would still mutiny against it), and any plans for ice skating at West Lake melted away at the thought of an accidental fall. Before I drowned in self-pity, Stephanie Sweeney, Copper’s Public Relations Director (and resident fun expert) threw me a line. My perfect off-slope spa day at Copper Steph scheduled a Swedish massage for me at Copper Mountain Spa & Athletic Club. In all my years skiing at Copper I’d never set foot inside this little gem. I could have used the fully equipped weight and cardio rooms to sneak in some exercise before my massage, but I opted for the more leisurely hot tub/steam room/sauna hat trick and a dip in the pool. Then I slipped into my fluffy white robe, settled into a cozy chair to relax in the quiet room, and sipped green tea and inhaled the tantalizing scents of almond and lavender wafting in air mixed with the strains of Andean pan pipes. My masseuse applied just the right amount of pressure in all the right spots and I quickly floated off to my happy place thinking this would be perfect for a tired body after a day skiing the bumps. I was really hungry after all that bliss. My Dr. Jekyll side told me I wanted the quinoa, cashew, mango salad from Jack’s Organic Deli, but my Mr. Hyde side said, “You need the Classic Devil Dog at Copper Red Hots.” So, I grabbed both and headed over to Jack’s patio to soak up the blue skies and sunshine and meditate on the thought of all those happy people playing on my favorite mountain. My endorphins still going strong, I headed over to Kokomo gift shop to browse and find something for a friend. It was tough deciding between the unique jewelry, whimsical wood carvings and artisanal pottery, but I managed. The sunshine enticed me outside again, and Sugarlips Mini Donuts lured me in with its cute little cottage venue and the promise of a tiny taste of sweet goodness. Vanilla Sauce, S’mores, or Sprinkles? Of course I tried one of each and was not disappointed. I snagged an outdoor table and basked in the view of West Lake with the Sky Chutes standing behind it thinking, “Ahh, life is good.” No spa day would be complete without a little clothes shopping, so I worked my way toward Kelly’s Closet. I had fun deliberately perusing the collection of great shoes, scarves, perfume and other accessories in this eclectic little boutique. The heart of Copper That sunshine still wouldn’t leave me alone, so I headed over to Endo’s at Burning Stones Plaza. I just had to sit outside, right next to the best, longest, hottest fire pit ever. The lifts had closed and I watched as skiers and boarders trickled down the mountain shining in the golden glow. As I sipped my Merlot, I imagined what it would be like next season to find my favorite powder cache and feel the familiar tingle in my quads from a magical day on my skis. In this moment I experienced the heart of Copper as I reminisced over a mental collage brimming with years of family fun and friendship I’ve enjoyed in this special place. As the mountain shadow cooled things too much to stay outside, I headed into the Incline Bar and Grill, all flickering-candle-lit and cozy. Wondering how I could still be hungry, I ordered the Pork Carnitas. All that smoked-ancho-pulled-pork-and-cheese-goodness and generous sides of guac and sour cream lulled me into an even deeper state of tranquility and gratefulness. This day truly surprised the active me. I really could slow down and just simply enjoy hanging out in one of my favorite places on the planet.  If you’ve never trekked to one of Colorado's system of huts, stop everything you’re doing and book a cabin now--you’ll thank me. Lucky for you, rustic and beautiful Janet’s Cabin, the original hut in the Summit Hut Association group of huts, is only 5.5 miles from the top of Kokomo and Lumberjack lifts, which you can easily access during Copper’s ski season from the end of October through mid-March. To make your life that much easier, all you have to do is present your hut system overnight reservation letter at the Copper ticket window and presto, you’ll receive a free lift ticket. You’re on board now, right?
You're probably most familiar with The 10th Mountain Division Hut Association, Colorado's largest system of huts. It manages an extensive system of 34 back country huts connected by 350 miles of trails where you can enjoy a back country wonderland of skiing, snowshoeing, mountain biking, and hiking with access to a collection of rustic and unique shelters. The name derives from the men of the 10th Mountain Division of the U.S. Army who trained during World War II at Camp Hale outside of Minturn near Vail and its system replicates the European hut system these soldiers accessed in Italy. Founded in the late 80's, The Summit Huts Association is another separate local organization that operates four Summit County huts available for both winter and summer fun. "We're all a close-knit family of shelters and we strive to create a really great back country experience for our guests," says Cindy Carpenter, a representative from the 10th Mountain Division Hut Association. As you can imagine, all of the 10th Mountain Division Huts and Summit Huts are popular and you need to book them early to get your favorite pick. To access Janet’s cabin from Copper Mountain, take advantage of the free parking in the North Alpine lot. Then you can jump on Copper’s shuttle system and take it all the way to West Village. Take the Kokomo lift up to Lumberjack, then you’ll proceed down the trail to West Ten Mile which is just off the right of Lumberjack. There's a backcountry gate on skier’s left of the trail that will lead you to the trail where you’ll begin your 5.5 mile trek up to 11,610 feet to reach this cabin that sits between Copper Mountain and Vail pass at timberline in the Guller Creek Drainage. You’ll be giddy with the variety of gorgeous terrain you’ll experience, ranging from low angle to steep tree skiing. A 3,000 square foot Montana pine log oasis, Janet’s Cabin offers 4 bedrooms which sleep 20 travelers. You’ll enjoy lounging on the large front deck and getting lost in the gorgeous view of the bowls. No need to carry much water, as you’ll melt snow to boil for water once you get there. Janet's is equipped with a wood burning stove for heat, solar powered lights, indoor composting toilets, beds and pillows, fully equipped kitchen with propane cook tops, paper towels, and cleaning supplies, sauna and hut masters quarters. The rest of the story is up to you as you settle in for the evening to cook your gourmet mountain meal, relax by the fire and embark on creating more magical memories. And at $38.00 per night per person, you’ll wonder why you never did this sooner. Check out this Youtube video of the beautiful terrain you'll trek through on the way to Janet's Cabin. You’ll also want to check out the three other huts in the Summit Huts Association group. You can make reservations for all huts through the 10th Mountain Division Hut Association at (970)925-5775. |
