Ski Cooper in Colorado and Escape2ski provides info on; vertical drop 1200ft/366m, total trails 64, closest airport 53mi/85km, lodging, lifts 5, and more.

Ski Cooper is a ski and snowboard area located near Leadville, Colorado. Ski Cooper and Chicago Ridge Snowcat Tours are located in Colorado at the dividing line between the San Isabel National Forest and the White River National Forest along the Tennessee Pass.

Long before the emergence of Ski Cooper, this area was known as a gold and silver region, and in 1859 during the Pikes Peak Gold Rush, Placer Gold was found near the town of Oro City. As the gold rush declined, silver was gaining attention, and when mine owners, Horace Tabor and August Meyer started the Colorado Silver Boom, the City of Leadville, Colorado emerged due to its proximity to the silver deposits.

Leadville is considered the highest in elevation incorporated city in the US and one of Colorado’s most unique mining towns. In 1941, Cooper Hill Ski Area opened, which was an initiative of the United States Government and created to act as a training ground for the militaries 10th Mountain Division, which was located at nearby Camp Hale.

The 10th Mountain Division received specialized training for mountain and arctic conditions in preparation to fight in the rough terrain of the mountains of Italy during the Second World War.

At Ski Cooper you’ll enjoy skiing and snowboarding on three slopes, the West facing (front) slope, the North facing slope and the Tennessee Creek Basin that span 471 lift-served acres. The terrain is almost evenly divided between beginner, intermediate, and advanced runs.

The ski area still hosts an annual event in memory of the 10th Mountain Division and its connection to the mountain. As the mountain evolved so did the name, and at Ski Cooper, you will find an authentic, family-friendly environment that is affordable for everyone to enjoy a day of skiing or snowboarding.

On the Slopes

• Whether it’s the beginner trails of 10th Mountain, the intermediate runs of Trails End or the advanced runs of Nightmare and Blarney’s Stone, Ski Cooper offers chairlift access for all ability levels.
• If you are looking to try something out of the ordinary, Ski Cooper is also home to Chicago Ridge Snowcat Tours. Chicago Ridge is where you will discover over 2600 acres of backcountry skiing and snowboarding with the assistance of a guide.
• Ski Cooper also hosts a Terrain Park on the front-side near the run Molly Mayfield. The terrain park enthusiast will enjoy rails, boxes, and other jibs.
• The Cooper Ski and Ride School offers skiing, snowboarding and Telemark lessons for all ages. There are Panda Cubs (age 4), Panda Patrol (ages 5-12) plus multi-week programs for children, as well as private lessons. Adult lessons include group, private, and special clinics.
• At Ski Cooper, there are several choices for food and beverage starting with the cafeteria, which offers a good selection of favourites such as pizza, burgers, and more. Then there is Katie O’Rourke’s Irish Pub where old and new friends meet.

Off the Slopes

• While there is no on-mountain accommodation at Ski Cooper, Downtown Leadville provides many options for lodging, including hotels, motels, bed and breakfast, vacation rentals, cabins, condos, and yurts.
• When staying in Leadville there are many stores to discover including antique shops, bike and ski shops, bookstores, as well as the mining museum and galleries, featuring local artists and more.
• The Victorian-style layout of downtown Leadville, Colorado provides a great vibe for relaxing and exploring. Here you’ll find many dining choices including Mexican, Italian, American or a Steak House. You will even discover breweries, taverns, pizza, sandwich shops, and bars to complement the list.
• Snowflakes Retail Shop located at the base of Ski Cooper can help to make your day on the slopes more comfortable. They have a good selection of Logo wear, gloves, hats, goggles, helmets, souvenirs, and much more.
• Off-mountain activities include a scenic two-hour sightseeing tour on Chicago Ridge, and on a clear day there are magnificent views of Mt Elbert and Mt Massive. Next, there is Tennessee Pass Nordic Center located just at the entrance road to Ski Cooper. It offers over 16mi/25km of groomed trails for classic XC, skate ski, and stable touring skis. Cross-Country lessons and rentals are available and snowshoeing is also an option.
• Also located at the base of Ski Cooper is a Children’s Center that offers a daycare facility for children ages 3 to 7 years.