Skiing · · Peak Oxygen, Copper Mountain
Most of Copper Mountain is laid out in a tidy way: gentler terrain on the west side, harder runs to the east, and long cruisers in between. Climb high enough, though, and the trees fall away into a ring of open bowls along the top of the mountain. Union Bowl, Spaulding Bowl and Copper Bowl are where strong skiers and riders go for wide-open turns, powder after a storm and views that stretch across the Tenmile Range. If you are comfortable on advanced runs, a bowl day is one of the highlights of a Copper trip.
The three bowls at a glance
- Union Bowl sits on the west side of the upper mountain. Its open slopes are a natural first bowl for confident intermediate-plus skiers, with room to pick your line and a long run back toward the trees.
- Spaulding Bowl lies near the middle of the summit ridge. It is steeper and more varied, with chutes, rocks and pockets that hold snow after a storm.
- Copper Bowl is the big one on the far side of the ridge. It feels remote and wild, with long fall lines and wide views, and it is a favorite on fresh snow days.
All three are above treeline, so the snow, wind and visibility can be very different from the runs near the village. Check the trail map for which lifts reach each bowl and how to get back down, because some routes involve a traverse or a short hike.
When the bowls open
The bowls need a deep, stable snowpack, so they often open later in the season than the lower mountain, and ski patrol may close parts of them during and after storms while they work on avalanche safety. A big storm can mean a delayed opening while that work happens.
Before you head up, look at Copper's lift and terrain status for the day. If a bowl is roped off, it is closed for a reason. Never duck a rope, and never ski the bowls alone on a low-visibility day.
What to bring above treeline
Conditions near the top of the mountain can change in minutes. A calm, sunny morning in Center Village can turn into blowing snow and flat light up high. A few things make a bowl day much more comfortable:
- A shell that blocks the wind, and a face covering you can pull up on the lift.
- Goggles with a low-light lens for cloudy days, when the open snow looks featureless.
- Strong sunscreen and lip balm; there is nothing to shade you up there on a clear day.
- A small pack or pockets with water and a snack, since there are fewer places to stop near the bowls.
Pacing a high day from 9,712 feet
Copper's base is already at 9,712 feet, and the bowls are much higher. Long laps up high are hard work for anyone, and especially for visitors who arrived from sea level a day or two ago. Many skiers find it pays to spend the first day or two on lower runs and save the bowls for later in the trip.
On bowl day, start with a warm-up run below the trees, take breaks often, and drink water every time you stop. Head down before your legs are done rather than after; the last run of a tired day is when most falls happen. Talk to a doctor about any medical questions before your trip.
If anyone in your group is not up for the bowls, they can stay on the friendlier terrain on the west side of the mountain and meet you for lunch in the village. Our FAQ covers more about planning a stay at Copper.
Rest well between big days
A day in the high bowls is something you feel that evening. If you would like oxygen set up at your Copper Mountain lodging for when you come in from the slopes, Peak Oxygen delivers in-home and portable concentrators to Center Village, East Village, West Village and the homes around the resort. They are for recreational use at altitude with no prescription needed, and deliveries do not require you to be present. Call (970) 368-9190 with any questions.
