Copper Mountain High Alpine Development Approved
Copper Mountain High Alpine Development
The 12’s is the project that stretches over three peaks with elevations over 12.000 feet. As Helicopters drop construction materials on top of the mountain, workers are building fences, pounding nails and installing towers. This is a multi-year project to enhance 1,000 acres of terrain. A project geared toward advanced skiers and riders.
They are also replacing the Storm King lift that was put into operation in 1985 with a new faster and more efficient lift. This is phase one and is already underway. Phase 2 will bring lift service to expert steeps in an area on Tucker Mountain that is only serviced by snot cats currently, the snow cat service will be relocated once this lift is in place.
The 12’s Project
360 degree views of the Colorado Rocky Mountains, fresh steep powder lines and no lift lines, breathtaking in more ways than one, have you experienced The 12’s? 1,000 skiable acres encompasses three towering peaks with elevations in excess of 12,000 feet: Tucker Mountain, Union Peak and Copper Peak. Copper’s High Alpine Project: The 12’s is a multi-year enhancement of the resort’s high alpine skiing and riding experience, including expanded terrain, improved lift access and additional cat skiing operations, all designed to elevate the mountain experience.
PHASE 1
Phase I of the High Alpine Project includes the upgrade and replacement of the Storm King lift. Copper Mountain guests will see a new t-bar lift in its place, providing access to the unforgettable skiing and riding in Spaulding Bowl, Upper Enchanted Forest and Copper Bowl. The new Storm King lift will offer a substantial upgrade doubling the up-hill lift capacity from the original lift. Also, Copper Mountain has installed “Celebrity Ridge,” a new surface lift at the top of the Sierra chairlift providing easier access to some of the best skiing in Colorado. Union Peak, Union Meadows, West Ridge and Copper Bowl will be accessible from the top of this new lift, located adjacent to the top of the Mountain Chief chair. Copper’s commitment to The 12’s also means improved ski out in Spaulding Bowl and rock work within the Sierra area, allowing the high alpine terrain at Copper Mountain to open earlier and stay open longer.
PHASE 2
Phase II of Copper’s High Alpine Project includes future enhancements to current terrain offerings and more acreage. This includes lift-service to expert steeps, (currently hike-to snowcat access on Tucker Mountain), as well as a snowcat accessed terrain expansion. The popularity of the terrain accessed by the resort’s free Tucker Mountain Snowcat led Copper Mountain to propose installation of the Tucker Lift. Over 260 skiable acres, presently accessed by the Tucker Mountain Snowcat, will become lift-served in this stage of the High Alpine Project.
Copper Mountain is still committed to providing an exceptional learning and beginner experience and fun, challenging intermediate terrain, in addition to improved access and new options for advanced skiers and riders with The 12’s.The mountain is laid out from east to west, and the terrain naturally progresses from easiest to most difficult. The gentle terrain that defines the west side of Copper Mountain provides a natural, progressive learning environment, while the east side of the mountain features long, steep runs. The 12’s will not alter the natural layout or award-winning trail system that is part of the reason Copper is considered an ideal destination for skiers and riders of all levels.
