Beaver Creek and Copper Mountain are two of Colorado’s best-loved ski resorts. But how do they compare, and which one is best for your needs? Here we will take a deep dive into both resorts and see how they level up.
Need to know
| Beaver Creek | Copper Mountain | |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Ski Trails | 150 | 140 |
| Combined Distance of Ski Trails | 1832 km | 1600 km |
| Percentage of Beginner Trails | 35% | 40% |
| Percentage of Intermediate Trails | 40% | 45% |
| Percentage of Expert Trails | 25% | 15% |
If you want to learn more about these two resorts, you can see more in our full review of Beaver Creek or Copper Mountain.
Cost
Day pass price at Beaver Creek
Peak season: $209
Off-peak season: $169
Day pass price at Copper Mountain
Peak season: Adult lift ticket: $159
Off-peak season: Adult lift ticket: $139
Accommodation Options
Both Beaver Creek and Copper Mountain offer a variety of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences.
Beaver Creek has a reputation for being a luxurious ski resort, and as such, it offers a range of high-end accommodation options such as luxury hotels, condos, and private homes. Some of the popular lodging options in Beaver Creek include The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch, The Osprey at Beaver Creek, and The Pines Lodge. These properties offer amenities such as ski-in/ski-out access, spas, fine dining restaurants, and more.
Copper Mountain, on the other hand, is known for being a more affordable ski resort, and as such, it offers a range of budget-friendly accommodation options such as hotels, condos, and vacation rentals. Some of the popular lodging options in Copper Mountain include Copper Mountain Inn, Tucker Mountain Lodge, and The Lodge at Copper. These properties offer amenities such as hot tubs, fitness centers, and easy access to the slopes.
Getting there
Beaver Creek and Copper Mountain are both popular ski resorts located in Colorado. The closest major city to Beaver Creek is Denver, which is approximately 120 miles away. The travel time from Denver to Beaver Creek is around 2.5 hours by car. There are also shuttle services available from Denver International Airport to Beaver Creek.
On the other hand, the closest major city to Copper Mountain is also Denver, which is approximately 75 miles away. The travel time from Denver to Copper Mountain is around 1.5 hours by car. There are also shuttle services available from Denver International Airport to Copper Mountain.
Winner: Copper Mountain
For Beginner skiers
Both Beaver Creek and Copper Mountain are suitable for beginners, but Beaver Creek may be a better option for those who are new to skiing.
Beaver Creek has a reputation for being a family-friendly resort with a focus on beginner and intermediate terrain. The resort offers a dedicated beginner area with gentle slopes and a magic carpet lift, as well as a ski school with experienced instructors.
Copper Mountain also has beginner terrain and a ski school, but it is known for having more challenging terrain overall. However, both resorts offer a variety of terrain for skiers of all levels, so beginners can still have a great time at either resort.
Winner: Beaver Creek
For Families
Both Beaver Creek and Copper Mountain are suitable ski resorts for families, but they offer slightly different experiences. Beaver Creek is known for its luxurious amenities and family-friendly atmosphere, with a variety of activities for all ages, including ice skating, sleigh rides, and a kids’ ski school. The resort also has a dedicated family zone with gentle slopes and a magic carpet lift for beginners.
Copper Mountain, on the other hand, is a more affordable option with a laid-back vibe. It has a great ski school for kids and a variety of terrain for all levels, including a dedicated beginner area. The resort also offers activities such as tubing, ice skating, and a giant indoor playground.
Overall, both resorts offer great options for families, but Beaver Creek may be more suitable for those looking for a luxurious experience, while Copper Mountain is a great choice for families on a budget.
Winner: Tie
For Advanced Skiers
Both Beaver Creek and Copper Mountain are suitable for advanced skiers, but they offer slightly different experiences.
Beaver Creek is known for its luxurious atmosphere and well-groomed runs. However, it also has some challenging terrain for advanced skiers. Some of the more difficult runs include Grouse Mountain, which has steep pitches and moguls, and the Stone Creek Chutes, which offer steep and narrow chutes.
Copper Mountain, on the other hand, is known for its diverse terrain and challenging runs. It has a variety of bowls, chutes, and glades that offer a more adventurous skiing experience. Some of the more challenging runs include Spaulding Bowl, which has steep pitches and deep powder, and Tucker Mountain, which requires a hike to access but offers some of the most challenging terrain at the resort.
Copper Mountain may be more appealing for those looking for a more adventurous and challenging skiing experience.
Winner: Copper Mountain
Terrain Parks
Beaver Creek and Copper Mountain both have terrain parks for freestyle skiing and snowboarding, but they differ in size and features. Beaver Creek’s terrain park is smaller and more beginner-friendly, with smaller jumps and rails.
Copper Mountain’s terrain park is larger and more advanced, with bigger jumps and more challenging features. Copper Mountain also has a superpipe for advanced riders.
Overall, Copper Mountain is known for its extensive terrain park offerings, while Beaver Creek’s terrain park is more of a bonus feature for those looking for a fun diversion from the resort’s main skiing and snowboarding terrain.
Winner: Copper Mountain
For Non-Skiers
Both Beaver Creek and Copper Mountain offer a variety of activities for non-skiers. However, Beaver Creek may be a better choice for non-skiers as it has a more upscale and luxurious atmosphere with options such as ice skating, snowshoeing, spa treatments, and fine dining.
Copper Mountain, on the other hand, has a more laid-back vibe and offers activities such as tubing, snowmobiling, and a Woodward indoor training facility. Ultimately, the choice between the two resorts will depend on personal preferences and interests.
Winner: Tie
Conclusion
To sum up, both Beaver Creek and Copper Mountain offer fantastic skiing experiences, but they cater to different types of skiers. Beaver Creek is ideal for those seeking a luxurious and upscale ski vacation, with its high-end amenities and groomed runs. On the other hand, Copper Mountain is perfect for those looking for a more laid-back and affordable ski trip, with its diverse terrain and family-friendly atmosphere.
Ultimately, the choice between these two resorts will depend on your personal preferences and budget. Regardless of which one you choose, you’re sure to have a memorable time on the slopes.
