Breckenridge vs Copper Mountain for Skiiing

Breckenridge and Copper Mountain are two of Colorado’s best known 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.

Ski Area Compared

Breckenridge Copper Mountain
Number of Ski Trails 155 140
Combined Distance of Ski Trails 2,908 acres 2,465 acres
Percentage of Beginner Trails 11% 21%
Percentage of Intermediate Trails 31% 25%
Percentage of Expert Trails 58% 54%

If you want to learn more about these two resorts, you can see more in our full review of Breckenridge or Copper Mountain.

Cost

Day pass price at Breckenridge

Peak season): $189
Off-peak season: $149

Day pass price at Copper Mountain

Peak season): $159
Off-peak season: $139

Accommodation Options

Both Breckenridge and Copper Mountain offer a variety of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences. Some of the common options available in both resorts include:

1. Hotels: Both resorts have a range of hotels, from budget-friendly options to luxury properties. Some of the popular hotels in Breckenridge include the Grand Lodge on Peak 7, Beaver Run Resort, and the DoubleTree by Hilton Breckenridge. Copper Mountain has hotels like the Copper Mountain Inn, Tucker Mountain Lodge, and the Lodge at Copper.

2. Condos and Vacation Rentals: Both resorts have a large selection of condos and vacation rentals available for rent. These range from studio apartments to multi-bedroom condos and townhomes. Some of the popular vacation rental companies in Breckenridge include VRBO, Airbnb, and Summit Mountain Rentals. Copper Mountain has vacation rentals available through Copper Vacations, SkyRun Copper, and Summit Resort Group.

3. Hostels: Breckenridge has a few hostels available for budget-conscious travelers, such as the Bivvi Hostel and the Fireside Inn. Copper Mountain does not have any hostels.

Overall, both Breckenridge and Copper Mountain offer a wide range of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences.

Getting there

Breckenridge and Copper Mountain are both located in Summit County, Colorado, and are relatively close to major cities such as Denver and Colorado Springs.

Transport options from Denver to Breckenridge and Copper Mountain include driving, taking a shuttle or bus, or flying into Denver International Airport and renting a car. 

The drive from Denver to Breckenridge takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, while the drive to Copper Mountain takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. Shuttle and bus services are also available from Denver to both destinations.

Travel times from Colorado Springs to Breckenridge and Copper Mountain are slightly longer, with a drive time of approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes to Breckenridge and 2 hours and 15 minutes to Copper Mountain. Shuttle and bus services are also available from Colorado Springs to both destinations.

Winner: Breckenridge

For Beginner skiers

Both Breckenridge and Copper Mountain are suitable for beginners, but Breckenridge may be slightly more beginner-friendly. Breckenridge has a larger beginner area and more gentle slopes, while Copper Mountain has a steeper learning curve with fewer beginner runs. However, both resorts offer excellent ski schools and beginner packages to help new skiers get started. 

Winner: Breckenridge

For Families

Both Breckenridge and Copper Mountain are great ski resorts for families, but they have slightly different offerings. Breckenridge is a larger resort with more terrain options and a bustling town with plenty of dining and shopping options. It also has a variety of family-friendly activities such as ice skating, sleigh rides, and a children’s museum. 

Copper Mountain, on the other hand, is a smaller resort with a more laid-back atmosphere. It has a great ski school and beginner terrain, making it a great option for families with young children or beginners. It also has a tubing hill and a Woodward indoor training facility for kids. Overall, both resorts are suitable for families, but the choice may depend on the specific needs and preferences of each family.

Winner: Tie

For Advanced Skiers

Both Breckenridge and Copper Mountain have a lot of challenging slopes for advanced skiers. Breckenridge has a reputation for having some of the most challenging terrain in Colorado. The resort has five peaks, with the highest being Peak 8, which offers a variety of expert runs. Some of the most challenging runs at Breckenridge include:

– The Imperial Bowl: This is a double black diamond run that starts at the top of Peak 8 and offers steep, challenging terrain.
– The Lake Chutes: These are a series of steep, narrow chutes that require expert skiing skills.
– The Burn: This is a black diamond run that offers a mix of steep pitches and moguls.

Copper Mountain also has plenty of challenging terrain for advanced skiers. The resort has three peaks, with the highest being Copper Peak, which offers a mix of expert and intermediate runs. Some of the most challenging runs at Copper Mountain include:

– Spaulding Bowl: This is a double black diamond run that offers steep, challenging terrain.
– Tucker Mountain: This is a hike-to terrain area that offers a variety of expert runs, including some that are only accessible by hiking.
– Resolution Bowl: This is a black diamond run that offers steep pitches and challenging moguls.


Winner: Tie

Terrain Parks

Breckenridge and Copper Mountain are both known for their impressive terrain parks for freestyle skiing and snowboarding. However, there are some differences between the two resorts.

Breckenridge’s terrain park is one of the largest in the world, with over 25 acres of jumps, rails, and features. It is divided into four sections, each with its own unique features and difficulty levels. The park is designed to cater to all skill levels, from beginners to advanced riders.

Copper Mountain’s terrain park is also impressive, with over 100 features spread across its three parks. The park is designed to cater to all skill levels, with features ranging from small jumps and rails for beginners to large jumps and features for advanced riders.

Winner: Copper Mountain

For Non-Skiers

Both Breckenridge and Copper Mountain offer a variety of activities for non-skiers. Breckenridge has a historic downtown area with shops, restaurants, and art galleries. They also have a recreation center with a pool, hot tubs, and fitness classes. In addition, there are snowshoeing and cross-country skiing trails, as well as sleigh rides and dog sledding.

Copper Mountain also has a variety of non-skiing activities, including snow tubing, ice skating, and snowshoeing. They also have a spa and fitness center, as well as a village with shops and restaurants.

Overall, both resorts offer plenty of options for non-skiers. However, Breckenridge may be a better choice for those looking for a more diverse range of activities, including cultural and historical experiences.

Winner: Breckenridge

Conclusion

To sum up, both Breckenridge and Copper Mountain offer fantastic skiing experiences with their own unique features. Breckenridge boasts a charming town with a lively après-ski scene and a wide range of terrain suitable for all levels of skiers. On the other hand, Copper Mountain offers a more laid-back atmosphere with fewer crowds and a focus on advanced terrain. Ultimately, the choice between these two resorts will depend on personal preferences and skiing abilities. Regardless of which one you choose, you’re sure to have an unforgettable ski vacation.

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