This Historic Colorado Ski Area is a Hidden Gem

Known affectionately as "The Locals' Mountain," Cooper Ski Area is a great place to escape the crowds and avoid steep prices during peak season.

This laid-back destination is located just outside the town of Leadville in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. It's one of the oldest ski resorts in the country. Cooper Hill Ski Area was originally established in 1942 by 10th Mountain Division Soldiers, who used the site for training during World War II.

Nowadays, Ski Cooper is an accessible and affordable place for winter recreation.

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Featuring 480 acres of available terrain, with 62 trails and five lifts, Cooper Mountain is significantly smaller than most of Colorado's other ski resorts. But for some snow enthusiasts, that's a good thing. Its base sits at 10,500 feet with a maximum elevation of 11,700 feet. The ski area sees an average of 260 inches of snowfall annually.

At Cooper, skiers and snowboarders can expect smaller crowds and shorter lift lines. While the mountain lacks a terrain park, there are multiple black diamond runs for advanced skiing and riding. Tree runs, glade skiing, and moguls also add extra challenges.

For the 2024-'25 season, the ski area is offering $45 lift tickets Mondays through Thursdays, regardless of whether one buys online in advance or at the window. A day pass is $40 for skiers and riders ages 15 to 21 and $35 for kids ages 6 to 14. This compares to ticket prices at other resorts in Colorado, which are often $100 or more per day. The ticket deal excludes holidays or spring break.

Ski school is offered for beginners visiting the mountain. There's also a place to rent equipment and a retail store to purchase new gear. A large cafeteria, slopeside taproom, and delicious Irish pub are on-site for food and drinks apres-ski. During the season, live music is provided inside the bar. Fun fact: Katie O’Rourke’s Irish Pub is North America’s highest-elevation Irish Pub. Another restaurant called the Ridgeview Café is located in the mountaintop yurt at the top of the 10th Mountain Chairlift.

Cooper is a no-frills kind of place, but for some, that's exactly what they are looking for an enjoyable day on the slopes.