Miss the Masses Lesser-known Ski Cooper is family friendly

By J.K. Perry

Nearby the glamorous and glitzy ski resorts of Summit County lies quaint and historic Ski Cooper, where the 10th Mountain Division prepared for battle in World War II.

The resort — nestled in San Isabel National Forest — is located just 30 miles from Summit County via Highway 91 and offers most of the basic amenities of the larger resorts. And it’s cheaper, whether you’re buying a lift ticket, renting equipment or getting snowboard or ski lessons.

There’s a retail shop, rental shop, restaurant and nordic center. Don’t forget to make reservations for the Tennessee Pass Cookhouse, a finedining restaurant located inside a Yurt with incredible views of the surrounding mountains.

The ski school includes instruction for adults and children in
telemarking, snowboarding and skiing. If you need a babysitter, the nursery cares for children ages two to seven.

If the family is interested in a challenge, the resort sells full-day snowcat trips to the top of Chicago Ridge. Advanced to expert skiers and snowboarders can enjoy 2,400 acres of powder-filled backcountry glades and open bowls atop the Continental Divide. Call (719) 486-2277 for reservations and more information.

History is an important part of Ski Cooper. The famed 10th Mountain Division trained on the resort’s slopes in the mid 1940s. Many of the young men stationed there later fought the Germans at Riva Ridge and Mount Belvedere in the North Apennine Mountains of Italy.

Get the skinny on Ski Cooper at www.skicooper.com or by calling (719) 486-2277.

Ski Cooper by the numbers-

Lifts- 5

Vertical- 1,200 feet

Skiable acres- 400 served by lift, 2,400 by snowcat

Trails- 26

Terrain- 30 percent beginner, 40 percent intermediate and 30 percent expert

Average annual snowfall- 250 inches

Snowmaking- none

Longest Run- Trails End at 1.4 miles

Adult lift ticket- $39

Child lift ticket- $20

Source: www.skicooper.com