Breckenridge vs Copper Mountain
Breckenridge has more vertical (3,398 ft vs 2,601 ft); Breckenridge has more skiable terrain (2,908 acres vs 2,465 acres); Breckenridge has more snow in an average season (353 in. vs 305 in.). Breckenridge is on the Epic Pass and Copper Mountain on the Ikon Pass. Snow usually peaks in January at both.
The mountains
| Breckenridge | Copper Mountain | |
|---|---|---|
| Area | Colorado Rockies | Colorado Rockies |
| Vertical drop | 3,398 ft | 2,601 ft |
| Summit | 12,998 ft | 12,313 ft |
| Base | 9,600 ft | 9,712 ft |
| Skiable acres | 2,908 | 2,465 |
| Trails | 187 | 158 |
| Lifts | 35 | 24 |
| Average snowfall | 353 in. | 305 in. |
| Pass | Epic | Ikon |
| Usual season | Nov 8 – May 25 | Nov 10 – Apr 19 |
| Fly into | DEN, EGE | DEN, EGE |
Resort statistics are approximate and change year to year.
Month by month
Typical snowfall, crowds and trip prices (flights and lodging against each resort's yearly average).
| Month | Snow | Crowds | Trip price |
|---|---|---|---|
| November | 42 / 37 in. | Moderate / Quiet | -17% / -10% |
| December | 60 / 52 in. | Very busy / Very busy | +19% / +31% |
| January | 60 / 52 in. | Very busy / Very busy | +19% / +34% |
| February | 56 / 49 in. | Packed / Packed | +22% / +39% |
| March | 60 / 52 in. | Packed / Packed | +33% / +51% |
| April | 42 / 37 in. | Moderate / Moderate | -6% / +5% |
Pairs read Breckenridge / Copper Mountain.
This week
- BreckenridgeOpens ~Nov 22
- Copper Mountain
Grades for the next few days from Veabird's snow model, updated Oct 3, 19:00 UTC. Higher is better: A+ to F.
Good to know
- Breckenridge: High base elevation (9,600 ft) — take altitude seriously the first day.
- Breckenridge: Free town shuttle; parking in town is expensive.
- Copper Mountain: Terrain naturally separated by ability from west to east.
- Copper Mountain: Right off I-70 — convenient day trip from Denver.
Questions
- Is Breckenridge or Copper Mountain better?
- Breckenridge has more vertical (3,398 ft vs 2,601 ft); Breckenridge has more skiable terrain (2,908 acres vs 2,465 acres); Breckenridge has more snow in an average season (353 in. vs 305 in.). Breckenridge is on the Epic Pass and Copper Mountain on the Ikon Pass. Snow usually peaks in January at both.
- Which is less crowded, Breckenridge or Copper Mountain?
- They are about equally busy over the season (very busy on average).