Ski Cooper
Ski Cooper
4.5
About
Ski Cooper is a family-friendly, affordable Colorado ski resort located just outside of historic Leadville, known for short its lift lines, soft snow, and an authentic skiing atmosphere. Base area amenities include a day lodge, cafeteria, Irish pub, rental shop, retail store, adult and children's ski school, and ski patrol. Additionally, a mountain-top Yurt provides on-mountain food and beverage. Cooper is the perfect destination for anyone seeking a quality Colorado skiing experience without having to fight crowds and spend a fortune. Discover why Cooper is truly "The Heart of Skiing in the Heart of the Rockies".
Duration: More than 3 hours
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
256 reviews
Excellent
186
Very good
58
Average
8
Poor
2
Terrible
2
rideonchance
Saint Louis, MO61 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
Love this place! The history of Ski Cooper is worth the price of a ticket. 10th Mountain Division were trained here during WW2 times. Great veterans/military discount. Beginner lessons were outstanding! I am a veteran skier, this is the last really family oriented slopes. I can do runs back to back, my beginner friends/family can take a reasonable priced lesson, and great instructor’s! I almost hate to say anymore, it’s nice to have slopes to yourself on fresh powder. No condo’s. Closes at 4. Road going in can get messy. Storms can blow in quickly! Going from blue sky to blizzard in an hour. Stay away, now that you know it’s cheap, rural, historic and honestly, all natural groomed snow. Ski’s and boarders carving it up, laughing, talking, new school goes old school, old school becomes new school. I, a vintage person of smaller size, can run with the snowboard’s and everybody is nice. Polite. Even friendly. I learned some new way!! Not one of those generation differences matter. Love it.
Written February 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ashlee P
Kansas City, MO29 contributions
Mar 2020
As someone who grew up skiing Breck, Keystone and Copper, I was pretty hesitant when friends insisted we try Ski Cooper for our kids first outings on skis. The price was truly incredible, the crowds were non-existent and our kiddos got really great instruction without all the stress of being on a really busy mountain. My three-year-old did an $80 private lesson (rentals included) and their older kids enjoyed two full days of ski school while the parents bummed around the mountain. It felt like we had the slopes to ourselves. It's small, and if you're looking for really aggressive runs, you should probably look elsewhere. But for the value and a positive learning experience for the little ones, it's worth the drive to Leadville. We'll be back next year for ski school for our little one!
Written March 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KDA575
Denver, CO39 contributions
Jan 2020
I been around Ski Cooper for about 17 years . Yes its been around a lot longer then that.
It is a ski hill that is old school, no glam , no fur jackets no SUV Rolls Royce or Mercadies filling up the parking lots . Its a hill that Families can go to and have a great day of skiing . Were you learn to ski better , before you move up to the more callenging terrian that bigger ski hiils have . Not any more ! They have opened the back side with terrian that is golden and will challege intermadte advance skiers and Put a Sh*t eatting grin on expert skiers . Think of Jackson Hole -The Ho Backs or WInter Park -Eagle WInd . With out he crowds and long lines . Shorter runs, but there challening . Which adds up to more runs in a day , then the other places .
As for the rest the hiil , the Bar is inproved and well worth a visit . The food is good.. The liftings (IE The Lift Operators) are engage and are freindly . Hell the staff is freindly . Excellent ski school .
I would like to tell you this is all made up , so it stays a Local Gem ! But that would be a Lie ! If you never been it is worth going ! A Colorado Gem!!
It is a ski hill that is old school, no glam , no fur jackets no SUV Rolls Royce or Mercadies filling up the parking lots . Its a hill that Families can go to and have a great day of skiing . Were you learn to ski better , before you move up to the more callenging terrian that bigger ski hiils have . Not any more ! They have opened the back side with terrian that is golden and will challege intermadte advance skiers and Put a Sh*t eatting grin on expert skiers . Think of Jackson Hole -The Ho Backs or WInter Park -Eagle WInd . With out he crowds and long lines . Shorter runs, but there challening . Which adds up to more runs in a day , then the other places .
As for the rest the hiil , the Bar is inproved and well worth a visit . The food is good.. The liftings (IE The Lift Operators) are engage and are freindly . Hell the staff is freindly . Excellent ski school .
I would like to tell you this is all made up , so it stays a Local Gem ! But that would be a Lie ! If you never been it is worth going ! A Colorado Gem!!
Written January 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ajselgrad
Fond du Lac, WI217 contributions
Jan 2021
If want to avoid the crowds, interact with friendly staff, not pay a lot compared the big resorts, and have a nice range of runs, then this is the place for your. Great for families, great for beginners, and experienced riders/skiers. If you book your lift tickets 48+ hours in advance you get a great discount on your lift tickets. Really enjoyed our 2 days here and hope to come back soon.
Written February 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
andyagp
4 contributions
Mar 2021
First day we felt like we had the place to ourselves. Late in the day and the next day had more skiers but no lines and plenty of runs and space tp yourself on these slopes. We skied the numerous blues and greens so many that we're not sure we skied all of them. There are also many black runs that we did not attempt but watched. This place has a lot of slopes. Breckenridge wanted $180 per day. ski cooper was $80 but if you buy online and early day passes go for as little as $40. Don't pass on this ski location.
Written March 18, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
macfamilysanantonio
san antonio166 contributions
Jan 2020
First, the trails were extensive and well-maintained. The trail fee was reasonable, and the nordic center was comfortable, casual, and the food there is great. Two big problems: the rentals were not very good quality and didn't seem to be as well maintained as those from other places in the area. The biggest problem was that there were snowmobiles (not the maintenance vehicles for the center, but recreational snowmobiles) as well as unleashed dogs, snow bikes, and even a snowboarder on the trails. There were lots of inexperienced cross country skiiers as well as hikers and people using snow shoes. It was simply not safe to allow unleashed dogs, snow bikes, snowmobiles, and snowboarders on the trails.
Written January 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
beastie3
Branson, MO47 contributions
Feb 2021 • Couples
I say don't read this review because we should look to keep this place secret. This is the perfect ski area if you are looking for reasonable prices, quick lift lines, well maintained and groomed runs, and generally a great ski experience. No Summit County Ski Cooper is not, but they don't claim to be either. Go enjoy a great day of skiing and help keep our little secret.
Written February 27, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Akuaba N
2 contributions
Mar 2022 • Friends
Having recently moved to CO, I decided to take up skiing (I mean it’s what you do in CO, no?). So I signed up for my very first ski lesson at Ski Cooper. My instructor was Helmut. Upon learning that this was my first attempt at skiing and also that I grew up in the tropics, he pointed to the snow on the ground and asked if I put some of it in my tea that morning. (Like…ummm…whattt???). I decided not to engage or dwell on it: I was there to learn to ski, and I’d only have to spend an hour with him. Once we got on the slopes, he was very condescending, rude, and impatient. At one point I fell, in the split position and couldn’t get up. I was in pain and asked him to please help me get up. He just stood there, shook his head disappointedly at me, and took his sweet time helping me up. And he kept yelling at me the whole time. It was terrible! I really felt bullied by him. Eventually, I mustered the courage to tell him I didn’t want to go back up the slopes with him - whether my lesson was over or not. The other staff members were very pleasant, but it turned out to be a total waste of my time and money, having rented a cabin and ski equipment. If you’re assigned Helmut, request a different instructor. Helmut is just a bully on the slopes.
Written April 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kbram1990
21 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
Ski Cooper was perfect for us newbie skiers. Zero crowd, small resort, so no logistics to figure out. It’s Leadville’s best kept secret. Everything was so affordable that if we decided skiing wasn’t our thing, we weren’t out a ton of money. Still has everything you need. Great instructor, food and adult beverages, patio to watch skiers come down. So close to Leadville- 15 min drive. Great overall experience
Written March 2, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gagalkim
Atlanta, GA55 contributions
Feb 2021 • Family
We spent 2 days at Ski Cooper for winter break. Our family of 6 attended ski school and then hit the slopes the next day. Eric, our instructor, was very patient with our group who had several first time skiers. Copper Mountain is a great family oriented place to learn that is not crowded. Would definitely recommend!
Written February 17, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Suzette H
Colorado Springs, Colorado
My Grandson is handicapped, are there skis/lessons that will accommodate? It will be his first time skiing.
Written February 6, 2023
fancypaws2004
Fond du Lac, Wisconsin
Would it be problematic to drive from the West Denver area during the week to snowboard? Is the drive fairly decent? Any other tips would be great, this would be our first trip to snowboard in Colorado!
Written January 9, 2021
Are there lockers for rent at the base area? or may we leave our rental equipment at the rental shop overnight?
Written October 6, 2020
Yes, they have a tubing place by the parking lot
Written January 15, 2020
Hello! Is the back side going to be ready for the 2019/20 ski season? Thank you!
Written August 19, 2019
According to the Ski Cooper website, work is progressing on schedule and is planned to be open for the 2019-2020 season. The Tennessee Basin will offer steeper double black diamond terrain. Steeper than anything on the front side.
Written August 20, 2019
Just wondering and making sure if we do the 2hr lesson, are we allowed to keep using the rental equipment afterwards if we decide to stay longer after the lesson? Also, not sure what Magic Carpet is versus a regular lift pass. Can anyone clarify? I've tried calling Ski Cooper for answers but they are closed for summer. This is going to be the first time going to ski in late December! Thanks so much!
Written August 28, 2018
You will rent ski equipment for the day so after your lesson you should still have the equipment for rest of the day.
Magic carpet is a pulley system track on the ground that moves you up the small hill used for beginners so you have no ski lift chair to deal with.
When you are ready and feel comfortable you can move to the ski chair lift and go up a bigger mountain. Hope this helps. Ski Cooper is open for several summer events like concerts and dinners. Check their website.
Written August 29, 2018
clarencemilburn14
McKinney, Texas
Hi yes im in texas ( ugh) im finally able to return to colorado after 30 years away due to budget constraints! Thrilled to be coming back i wanted to know is there often snow in leadville mount elbert and ski cooper in late august? A lso is ski cooper open year round as we would love to visit THIS labor day thank you
Written August 8, 2018
They definitely are open for things like musical weekends, barbecues, etc. If you sign up for the Ski Cooper newsletter, they'll inform you of when they have off-season happenings, which is quite often. As to snow in August, I really don't think that'll happen, and for sure they wouldn't open that early for skiing.
Written August 8, 2018
Looking at Ski Cooper/Leadville for Christmas week - as opposed to Breckenridge - your thoughts?
Jane Jones
Written June 15, 2018
For skiing with young children or large families, I recommend Ski Cooper. It only has two chairlifts and green runs, but if that's enough for you, it won't be nearly as expensive or crowded as Breckenridge or Copper Mountain. However, I wouldn't recommend staying in Leadville. I find that town pretty depressing. Look for a hotel or rental in Vail, Minturn or Copper Mountain and drive the 20 miles to Ski Cooper each day. That's what we do with our grandkids. The Christie Lodge in Avon also has reasonable prices for small condos.
Written June 16, 2018
How is the Grooming? I am a great intermediate skier on groomed slopes and looking for lots of fun runs.
Written March 6, 2017
Hi Pam! We typically groom 50-100 acres each night for your seamless corduroy enjoyment! I'm a bit biased, but I'd say we have the best grooming and softest snow in Colorado.
Written March 7, 2017
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