Ski Cooper: Affordable, Family-Friendly, and Close to Denver

Fun in the Snow at Ski Cooper

If you're searching for an authentic mountain experience filled with fun in the snow, Ski Cooper near Leadville, Colorado, is your perfect winter destination. Here's why this hidden gem stands out among Colorado's ski areas.

2. Perfect Natural Snow

Ski Cooper is blessed with exceptional natural snow. Unlike resorts reliant on snowmaking, Cooper’s powder is entirely natural, offering a true alpine skiing experience. With an average of 260 inches of pure, untouched powder each season, every run feels like a fresh adventure. Our high-altitude environment ensures light, dry snow that’s a dream to ski on. Combined with Cooper’s unique grooming philosophy—preserving natural terrain while keeping key trails in prime condition—you’ll enjoy a softer, more forgiving snow surface that keeps you carving all day long.

3. Self-Powered Skiing Adventures

Step into history and experience the mountain like the legendary 10th Mountain Division soldiers who trained here—self-powered and fueled by adventure. Ski Cooper offers a unique uphill skiing experience, blending backcountry-style exploration with the safety and management of a resort environment. Earn your turns on designated uphill routes while enjoying the rewarding challenge of skinning up the slopes. A day pass or season pass is required between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., and all participants must sign the uphill waiver and follow designated routes. For full details, visit Ski Cooper’s Uphill Access Information.

4. Family-Friendly Winter Fun

Ski Cooper, only 15 minutes from downtown Leadville, offers a full-family winter wonderland packed with fun in the snow. Explore the Dutch Henry sledding hill, cross-country skiing trails, and fat biking paths. Huck Finn Ice Rink is a family paradise, complete with a warming hut, bathrooms, benches, a fire pit, rentals, and even a concession stand.

Cooper is ideal for young families, offering wide-open beginner terrain with gentle slopes, making it easy for first-timers to build confidence. The EZ Street magic carpet is one of the longest conveyor lifts in the state, providing an expansive area for beginner skiers and snowboarders. Kids will love Leprechaun Lane, a fun, family-friendly tree skiing trail where they can search for hidden leprechauns along the way. Affordable private and semi-private lessons are available for children as young as three, ensuring that even the youngest family members can join in on the winter adventure.

5. A Living History Museum

Step into a piece of history at Ski Cooper’s lodge, which is essentially a 10th Mountain Division WWII museum. Discover fascinating photos, artifacts, and a historical video. The entrance to the resort is also home to the 10th Mountain Division Memorial.

Mark your calendar for Friday, February 21st when Cooper celebrates 10th Mountain Division Day with a special ski parade honoring the brave ski troopers who trained at Cooper and Camp Hale in the mid 1940s and ultimately played a large role in defeating the German forces. This year’s celebration marks its 50th anniversary! This event takes place miles from the nation’s newest monument, the Camp Hale – Continental Divide National Monument.

Brand New!  Free Shuttle Service Connects Leadville and Ski Cooper

Starting January 4, 2025, visitors and residents can take advantage of a new, free shuttle service connecting Leadville with Ski Cooper. The shuttle will operate on Saturdays and Sundays throughout the winter season, offering an easy and convenient way to access the slopes without the hassle of driving.

The shuttle service, operated by Downtowner, will run on weekends from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., with a break from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. It will make round trips every 30 minutes, and the frequency is subject to weather conditions and traffic. The shuttle will pick up at the 3rd and Harrison Avenue bus stop in Leadville near the Tabor Opera House and drop passengers off at the unloading zone in front of the ticket window at Ski Cooper. The return service will operate in reverse. This is the same shuttle that operates the Leadville transit in town, Monday-Friday. Click here to see bus location

The service will run through April 6, 2025, and is designed to make visiting Ski Cooper more accessible for everyone, whether residents or visiting from out of town.

Shuttle Schedule:

• Hours of Operation: Saturdays and Sundays, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. (no service between 12 p.m. and 1 p.m.)
• Route: 3rd and Harrison Bus Stop in Leadville to Ski Cooper’s unloading zone near the ticket window
• Frequency: Every 30 minutes, subject to weather and traffic conditions. :00 in Leadville, :30 at Ski Cooper Click here to see bus location
• Parking: Free daytime parking in city lot behind the Tabor Opera House
  

Whether you’re chasing powder, making family memories, or stepping into history, Ski Cooper has it all. Experience the magic this winter and discover why locals and visitors alike cherish this Colorado treasure.