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Copper Mountain Ski
TIPS FOR BEGINNERS AT COPPER 
 The first time you go skiing / snow boarding can go one of two ways. It's possible you're going to get hooked and crave more. It will eventually consume your every waking thought and you'll constantly be making excuses as to why you need to get up to the mountains every free moment of your life. Or it could go the other way and be the most grueling, torturous experience you've ever had. Fortunately, for beginners, we have compiled this helpful page to set you off on the right track and get the most out of your first skiing or snowboarding experience.

 


  • Take a lesson. Like everything else, you'll improve the most when you receive some guidance. The best way to become good at downhill skiing or snowboarding is to take a lesson from one of our qualified instructors. You'll safely learn more in a 2 hour lesson than you will in 2 weeks on your own. Also, our pros will be able to show you around the mountain and which terrain is best for you.
  • Get in shape. Don't try to ski yourself into shape. You'll enjoy skiing and snowboarding more if you're physically fit.
  • Obtain proper equipment. Be sure to have your ski or snowboard bindings adjusted correctly at a local ski shop. You can rent quality ski or snowboarding equipment at Copper.
  • Dress in layers. Layering allows you to accommodate your body's constantly changing temperature. For example, dress in polypropylene underwear (top and bottoms), which feels good next to the skin, dries quickly, absorbs sweat and keeps you warm. Wear a turtleneck, sweater and jacket. Do NOT wear cotton as a base layer.
  • Be prepared. Mother Nature has a mind of her own. Bring a headband or hat with you to the slopes, 60 percent of heat-loss is through the head. Wear gloves or mittens (mittens are usually better for those susceptible to cold hands).
  • Drink plenty of water. At 9,700' base elevation, our climate is extremely dry, so it is easy to dehydrate. Staying hydrated (which includes consuming less alcohol than at sea level) also helps you avoid altitude sickness.
  • Know your limits. Learn to ski and snowboard in control.
  • If you're tired, stop skiing. Stop before you become fatigued. Injuries usually result from fatigue. Have a seat and enjoy the environment around you. Most of all, have fun.

  • Backpack - for extra clothes & supplies, if you don't want it once here, locker it. (Lockers are available at all 3 base areas -in Union Creek, Copper One in the Village at Copper, and Copper Station in the East Village.)
  • Hat - if your head is warm the rest of you is likely to stay warm.
  • Water proof Gloves/Mittens - mittens are warmest.
  • Goggles/Sunglasses - you definitely need UV protection, the sun's 40% stronger up here. Goggles are strongly recommended on cold or snowy days for warmth and increased visibility.
  • Jacket/Parka (water resistant)
  • Synthetic or wool base layers for top & bottom - it's better to be warm than cold, you can always shed layers. Synthetic materials help to wick moisture away from your skin. Once again, NO COTTON.
  • Snow/Water resistant pants - very important, your 1st day will acquaint your butt to the snow, keep it warm & dry.
  • Warm, dry socks - No cotton. Wear only one pair of socks.
  • Sunscreen - SPF 15 or higher
  • Lip Balm
  • Snack, Fruit, Energy Bar
  • Trail Map - available for free throughout the mountain.
  • ID, Wallet, Cash
  • Extra Clothes, Shoes - to change into when you're all done, in order to go out and celebrate your 1st day.
  • Water - stay hydrated to help with altitude acclimation.
  • Equipment - either skis, poles and boots; or snowboard and snowboard specific boots.
If you need equipment, Copper's got you covered. Just make sure you get here early and one of our rental technicians will be able to spend time with getting you into the ideal gear.

If you have questions that regard renting equipment.



 Copper Mountain offers ideal terrain for beginner skiers and snowboarders. Copper's naturally divided terrain - the mountain's west side is gentle and sloping, and becomes gradually steeper as you move east. This creates the perfect place for learning, because it keeps beginner skiers in their own area on the west side of the mountain, so you will not have to worry about expert skiers flying by you as you are learning.

Union Creek base area is located on the west side of the mountain with 3 lifts (Kokomo, High Point, and Lumberjack) servicing only green runs. There is also a day lodge there offering lift tickets, food, rentals and lessons. Another learning area, Green Acres, is a short gentle learning area where the beginner can get the basics wired. Green Acres offers a very short chair lift and a surface lift, but there are no services in this area, so you'll need to have your gear and lift ticket before you head to Green Acres. Both Green Acres and Union Creek are perfect for beginners, and each is accessed by our shuttle service. Just ask an employee if you're not sure which shuttle to hop on. Also, there are plenty of green runs accessed by the American Flyer lift and Rendevous lifts, but these runs are longer and are not recommended for your first day on the slopes.



Copper has 3 base areas: The Village at Copper, the East Village, and Union Creek. All are easily accessed by shuttles or walking. Each village offers lift tickets, rentals and food. Union Creek is recommended for beginner skiers. The Village at Copper is best for intermediate or advanced beginner skiers to start the day. The Village offers the most action and services including the majority of restaurants and shops. The East Village is a great starting point for expert or advanced intermediate skiers. Once on the mountain, it is relatively easy to get to different areas on the mountain, so intermediate skiers and above can start anywhere and get to other parts of the mountain easily.




 Get to know the Skier Safety Act

Your Responsibility Code

Skiing can be enjoyed in many ways. At ski areas you may see people using alpine, snowboard, telemark, cross country and other specialized ski equipment, such as that used by disabled or other skiers. Regardless of how you decide to enjoy the slopes, always show courtesy to others and be aware that there are elements of risk in skiing that common sense and personal awareness can help reduce. Observe the code listed below and share with other skiers the responsibility for a great skiing and snowboarding experience.
  1. Always stay in control.
  2. People ahead of you have the right of way.
  3. Stop in a safe place for you and others.
  4. Whenever starting downhill or merging, look uphill and yield.
  5. Use devices to help prevent runaway equipment.
  6. Observe signs and warnings, and keep off closed trails.
  7. Know how to use the lifts safely.
KNOW THE CODE. IT'S YOUR RESPONSIBILITY.

This is a partial list. Be safety conscious.
Officially endorsed by: NATIONAL SKI AREAS ASSOCIATION.