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Ski Cooper

Defined as a Family Ski Vacation destination, Cooper is located 10 miles north of Leadville, Colorado and not far from the world famous Breckenridge and Copper Mountain resorts. (Take a look at a map of Colorado, find Leadville, and you'll see it's right smack dab in the middle of the Rockies.) Though it has been around since WW II as a ski slope, the idea behind this resort was to provide an affordable, friendly, world-class ski experience (and to bring Leadville, a mining town, directly into the skiing market.) So far, they seem to have done a very fine job of meeting those objectives. This is the mountain for the Everyman.

A friendly ski resort by design and intent, that doesn't mean it's somehow a wimpy mountain or a lesser ski adventure. In fact, while it has an even balance of trails for all levels of skier, it's downright challenging in places. But if you should find that you're still left wanting, a snowcat ride up to Chicago Ridge will cure that for sure! The ski patrol is, as always in Colorado, top-notch. What may be more surprising is the practical experience that comes along with ski instruction at Cooper. Some of their teachers have a quarter-century of experience, while others learned to ski (or snowboard) right there at Cooper. But the proof's in the pudding, and this instruction group has received both national and local recognition for their abilities and methods. If you want to learn in a friendly, safe environment, or you want to brush up on or improve your existing skills – or even if you just learned by yourself the old fashioned way and want to find out what you're missing, a lesson or two with the Cooper staff is always rewarding, worth far more than the investment!

Nightlife in and around the mountain begins at the mountain itself. From there, you head on into Leadville for some rather unique and captivating restaurants and pubs. Cloud City Coffeehouse, for example, or the Golden Burro (which offers evening poker games of West Texas Hold-Em, with a nostalgic twist,) amongst the many rich and engaging entertainments. Rosie's Brew Pub offers up some great grub and their own beers. Of course, you can still get Italian food and other types of cuisine, from the fast to the furious and on over to elegant. Though it seems unimaginable that you'd become bored with the local spots and the charm of Leadville, realize that you're also within transport of Copper Mountain, Vail, Breckenridge, and the rest of Summit County, too! There's just no way to be disappointed with Cooper!

As always, one should dress in several light layers, with a breathable, waterproof shell (powder jacket) over it all. Neck gators and face masks may make your life a lot more pleasant when the wind chill comes up, and skiers who enjoy going to the top of the mountain are likely to experience the wind factor. January, February and March are the big competition months, with the Cooper Cup and other such events on the mountain itself. One of the most affordable lift tickets around, a bargain for this quality of skiing... for the best tips on dining, watch where the locals eat.

Cooper is an unsung hero, suffering only from a lack of the big polish and marketing that the big-money resorts enjoy. The mountains and slopes are still right there with the big boys, in the middle of the Rockies... and that's where the skiing happens! Gift yourself with a ski vacation at Cooper. You're sure to agree it's a great deal. What's more, you'll get every bit as good a ski experience, with friendlier faces in the bargain!

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