Backcountry Nordic Skiing – Copper Mountain - West Village

9:10 AM Ready to walk to the TH, meet outside the Union Creek Ski School building near the big bell. The base area has bathrooms. You will need to plan your parking and base bus ride with enough time to be ready.

I suggest you park in the free Alpine lot at Copper Mtn (entrance off of Hwy 91) no later than 8:30 AM. Plan on traffic delays and the slow entrance to Copper's parking. Take the free Green Shuttle bus to the West Village. We will meet at 9 AM under the sign on the Schoolhouse building. The Schoolhouse has easy-access restrooms. We'll walk to the TH together shortly after everyone has taken care of nature needs. If you are not familiar with Copper Mountain logistics, please call me if you want to discuss the instructions to get to our meeting location.  

Alternate: take the Summit Stage from Frisco to Center Village. From there, take the Copper inter-village bus to the West Village. 

We will ski a 5 mi lollipop loop from the base area to the trails on Sugarloaf Ridge. Copper typically runs a groomer on these trails about once per week, but expect variable conditions. This is like a wide backcountry ski trail with some technical skiing for ascents and descents. There are several short, steep ascents and descents.

For our trip, please be fresh (not tired). Expect to be on trail for about 3.5 hrs including breaks for snacks & group dynamics. The trip starts in a mostly shaded area, which can be quite chilly to start. Be ready for a workout-ski on an undulating trail through the forest, with a few open views to the 10-mile Range and the Gore Range. With luck, we'll have a fresh dusting on a bluebird day. Copper Web site links:

Grooming https://www.coppercolorado.com/the-mountain/trail-lift-info/cross-country-trail-report

Trail Map https://www.coppercolorado.com/the-mountain/trail-area-maps/cross-country-map

Boilerplate: Participants' email addresses may be shared with other participants, and trip images may be shared on Facebook or other media. If you have known medical conditions that may manifest themselves during this activity, please notify the leader before the trip. If you have known exposure to a COVID-positive case within 5 days of this trip, do not come. Do not come if you are sick. If applicable, bring money for ride sharing. No pets. 10 essentials and clothing appropriate for the weather, trail lunch/snacks.