Bluebird skies and mild overnight temps of 30°F greeted early risers at Ski Cooper this December 21st. Ski Cooper ski resort, located in Colorado, offers 39 trails that cater to skiers of all levels, with the beginner-friendly Molly Hogan and Old Rope Tow being standout options.
Wind
Humidity
While the snowpack depth sits at a modest 7 inches—over 50% below average for this time of year—groomers have been working overtime to maintain solid coverage on open trails. Conditions are best on the frontside runs and beginner terrain, with packed powder surfaces holding up well through midday. No new snow is forecasted in the next 24 hours, but holiday skiers can expect sun-soaked views and low winds—perfect for relaxed laps with minimal crowds.
Despite the lean snowpack, Ski Cooper is thriving with a surge in visitors drawn by unbeatable affordability. Slashing midweek lift tickets to just $45 and offering a $329 season pass that includes access to 60 partner resorts, Cooper has become a budget-friendly gem. National outlets have taken notice, touting it as one of the most affordable and charming ski destinations in North America. With its old-school vibe, historic mining backdrop, and family-friendly atmosphere, Ski Cooper is proving that big mountain fun doesn’t have to come with a big price tag this season.
Snow Water Equivalent (SWE) shows how much water the snow holds. This is ideal for year-to-year tracking of real snowfall and water resources. Measurements from Buckskin Joe.
Snowpack depth measures how much snow has accumulated in the area. This is a key indicator of powder quality, trail coverage, and how epic your runs are going to be this season at Ski Cooper.
Recent air temperature fluctuations at Ski Cooper impact snow quality and stability, from powder to slush.
Ski Cooper ski resort in Colorado is situated in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. The resort is surrounded by several prominent mountain ranges, including the Sawatch Range, the Mosquito Range, and the Tenmile Range.
Some of the notable mountain aspects of Ski Cooper include:
1. Chicago Ridge - This ridge offers some of the best backcountry skiing in the area, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
2. Ski Cooper Bowl - This wide-open bowl provides excellent skiing opportunities for all levels of skiers and riders.
3. Cooper's Classic - This intermediate trail offers a scenic descent with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.
4. Tennessee Creek Basin - This area is known for its challenging terrain and steep chutes, making it a popular choice for more advanced skiers and riders.
Overall, Ski Cooper offers a diverse range of mountain aspects and terrain for skiers and riders of all abilities to enjoy.
A lesser-known fact about the resort is that it was used for training by the 10th Mountain Division during World War II, and visitors can explore the nearby Camp Hale, where the soldiers trained. For après ski, the resort's lodge offers a cozy atmosphere with a fireplace and affordable drinks. However, for those looking for a more lively experience, the Leadville locals recommend Tennessee Pass Café, a rustic bar with live music, local beers, and delicious food. Overall, Ski Cooper offers a family-friendly and affordable ski experience with a unique historical background.
Night Skiing | No |
Lift Count | 4 Lifts |
Hourly Lift Capacity | 3300 per hour |
Base Elevation | 3200 Meters |
Terrain Park | No |
Acreage | 400 Acres |
Established | 1942 |
Run Count | 26 Trails |
The ski area received 0" of new snowfall since yesterday.
Weather today, sunny, with a high near 36. breezy, with a west wind 11 to 16 mph increasing to 17 to 22 mph in the afternoon. winds could gust as high as 41 mph.
Colorado’s southern San Juan Mountains lead the state in snowfall this week, with Lizard Head Pass, Molas Lake, Vallecito, and Scotch Creek expecting 10–11" over the next five days. Nearby resorts like Telluride and Wolf Creek are ideally positioned to benefit from these totals. Red Mountain Pass and Mineral Creek are also forecasted for 7–8", providing excellent powder potential for ... Read more