A surprising find in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Copper Mountain offers up family fun in a low-key atmosphere.
Long known as a winter destination, Copper Mountain is quickly transforming into a year-round resort. It’s a lively place with a festival or event every weekend during the summer. It boasts an array of kid-friendly activities and some that even made me feel like a kid again! There are some activities to keep your exploring toddler busy, but your teenager will have the most fun at Copper, because they’ll be able to take part in every activity. Plus, it’s not as crowded as some of the other Colorado mountain resorts. Ideally, you’d explore Copper Mountain over a few days, but it can easily be turned into a fun day trip for those families staying in the Denver area and looking for a quick mountain fix.
Where to stay at Copper Mountain?
To be in the heart of all the action, stay in Center Village. The village offers a variety of lodging options from traditional hotel rooms to multi-bedroom condos with fully-equipped kitchens. East Village is the best spot to be if you love golf. It offers condos, town homes, and single-family homes with the Copper Creek Golf Course just steps away. West Village is home to hiking and biking and offers condos ranging in size from studio to two bedrooms. Center Village is easily accessible from both East and West Villages by bike path or free resort shuttle.
What to do at Copper Mountain?
I’d recommend getting the Summer Activity Pass which includes three bungy-jump sessions, one zipline run, and one go kart ride. The pass also gives you unlimited mini golf, diggler rentals (a scooter that can be used to get around the property; genius!), chairlift rides, hydrobike rentals, climbing wall use, and my toddler’s favorite, bumper boats! I laughed so hard as my daughter (and husband) chased me across the pond in these motorized boats, blasting me with water! And at just $49/day, you get a lot for your money. While my toddler wasn’t tall enough to do the rock climbing wall, go-karts, and many other activities, she got her money’s worth on the bumper boats alone. If you have an older child or teenager, this pass is a steal!
There’s also a variety of free activities around Copper Mountain, including disc golf, an extensive bike path, mountain biking, and hiking, plus a free “Pedal for Pints” community bike ride and yoga session each Sunday.
Hit the links for a round of golf like you’ve never played before. Instead of walking or using a golf cart, strap your clubs on to bike caddy and bike the course!
In the evening, the fun continues in Center Village with s’mores roasting and live music every Saturday night. We tried to stay up for the fireworks show over the lake, but our daughter was just too tired from her day of bumper boat bashing. But we hear the show is amazing!
Where to eat at Copper Mountain?
One of the great things about staying in Center Village is that you don’t have to go far to dine. For a quick breakfast on the go (egg sandwiches, burritos, and coffee), hit up Camp Hale. If you prefer a sit-down meal, try Endo’s Adrenaline Cafe. It’s right at the base of the chairlift and features an outdoor patio. It has a great kids’ menu, complete with a very large chocolate chip pancake.
Lunch is fun at Copper Mountain with options like Mountain Melt, a spot for everything cheesy. Fuel up on specialty mac and cheese or grilled cheese sandwiches. Gustino’s Lakeside Pizza serves up slices, garlic bread, salads, and more with a great view of all the lake activities. It’s fun to sit out on the patio and watch someone else get squirted on those bumper boats!
For an afternoon pick-me-up, Sugar Lips Mini Donuts is a must! You can order these pastry delights by the half or full dozen and choose your own toppings. Our favorite was peanut butter (or maybe it was chocolate with sprinkles). The best part is how fresh these donuts are; you watch them being made as soon as you order them.
For dinner, try the laid-back Incline Bar and Grill at the base of the mountain and its truffle chips appetizer. There’s also sushi at Storm King Lounge and Mexican fare at Casa Sanchez; both are in Center Village.
Cost of Copper Mountain?
A family of four can stay in Center Village for the weekend, starting at around $120/night for a traditional hotel room or small condo. If you want to upgrade for more space, the cost is $220/night and up. We found similar rates for weekday stays. Some of the rooms are dog-friendly, so be sure to ask about those if you’re planning on bringing the entire family.
Getting to Copper Mountain
Copper Mountain is a 1-1/2-hour drive from Denver. Just head west on I-70. You’ll see the mountain just as you round the corner past Frisco.
Although Amy Sward and her husband live in Denver, they are a mountain family at heart and enjoy showing their 2-year-old daughter Colorado’s beauty.
This writer received a complimentary stay and some activities for the purpose of this review. However, all opinions expressed are solely her own.
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