Ski Cooper

Natural snow and $49 weekdays on Tennessee Pass.

A small, low-key hill on Tennessee Pass where the 10th Mountain Division trained in World War II. All-natural snow, gentle runs, uncrowded lifts and some of the lowest ticket prices in Colorado. Leadville, the highest city in the US, has the hotels and saloons.

The mountain

Vertical drop

1,200 ft

Summit

11,700 ft

Skiable terrain

480 acres

Trails

64

Lifts

5

Average snowfall

250″ a year

Longest run

1.4 mi

Terrain mix

• Beginner 31%
• Intermediate 35%
• Advanced 34%

What’s here besides skiing

• Cross-country
• Snowshoeing
• Kids programs

Holidays and events

2026–27 dates where they’re posted. “Usually” means the date follows past years. Confirm before you go.

• Opening dayDec 9 (weather permitting)

  Opening day

  Cooper’s kickoff to the 2026-27 season.

• EventFeb 26, flag parade 1:30 pm

  10th Mountain Day

  Honors the soldiers who trained here before World War II, with a parade of flags down the Molly Mayfield trail.

• RaceMar 6–7

  Leadville Ski Joring

  The 79th running of horse-and-rider-towed ski racing down Leadville’s main street. Free to watch.

• EventMar 17

  St. Patrick’s Day

  Irish tunes, corned beef and Leprechaun Lane at Katie O’Rourke’s.

Where to stay

• hotelHistoric Delaware Hotel

  Silver-boom hotel on Leadville’s main street with 36 rooms, no two alike.

  20 min drive
• cabinTennessee Pass sleep yurts

  Sleep yurts on the Nordic trails across the road, run by the Tennessee Pass Nordic Center.

  Across the road
• hostelInn the Clouds Hostel & Inn

  Comfortable hostel and inn in Leadville with dorms and private rooms.

  20 min drive

Rates are typical winter lows before taxes and fees, and change constantly. Book on the property’s own site.

Things to do

• Tennessee Pass Nordic Center · Next door

  Groomed cross-country and snowshoe trails right next to Cooper.

• Tennessee Pass Cookhouse · Next door

  Multi-course dinner in a backcountry yurt, reached by a one-mile ski, snowshoe or hike. Winter season runs late November to mid-April.

• National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum · 20 min drive

  Leadville museum on mining history and the silver boom.

Après and nightlife

• Katie O’Rourke’s Irish Pub

  On-site pub billed as North America’s highest Irish pub, with an après special 3–4:30 pm.

• Silver Dollar Saloon

  Historic Leadville saloon on Harrison Avenue.

These themes are our summary of recent skier reviews, not quotes.

Getting there

• Denver International Airport (DEN) · about 2 hr 20 min drive
• Denver · about 2.25 hr
• Colorado Springs · about 2.5 hr

Directions in Google Maps