Ski Cooper
Ski Cooper is a ski venue in Leadville, CO. No events are listed here yet.
Upcoming events at Ski Cooper
Venue Overview
Ski Cooper sits on top of Tennessee Pass, about 10 miles north of Leadville on US Highway 24, and it is one of Colorado’s most affordable and family-friendly ski areas. Five lifts serve 64 runs on about 480 acres, all on natural snow averaging around 260 inches a year. The area began as Cooper Hill, a World War II training ground for the Army’s 10th Mountain Division, and that history is still part of its identity. Ski Cooper is owned by Lake County and run by a nonprofit, and next door, Chicago Ridge Snowcat Tours opens up thousands of acres of backcountry powder.
About Ski Cooper
- Ski area on Tennessee Pass, about 10 miles north of Leadville on US Highway 24
- About 480 acres and 64 runs served by five lifts
- Terrain mix of about 18 percent beginner, 26 percent intermediate, 32 percent advanced and 24 percent expert
- Base at 10,500 feet and summit at 11,700 feet
- About 260 inches of natural snowfall a year, with no snowmaking
- Longest run about 1.4 miles
- Chicago Ridge Snowcat Tours on about 2,400 acres of backcountry terrain
- Owned by Lake County and operated by a nonprofit
History
In 1942 the US Army chose the slopes near Tennessee Pass as a training site for the 10th Mountain Division, the mountain troops based at nearby Camp Hale during World War II. Soldiers learned to ski here on what was then Cooper Hill, and the area opened to the public after the war. Ski Cooper still honors that history with 10th Mountain events each season.
Family Skiing and Racing on Tennessee Pass
Ski Cooper’s terrain is balanced across every level, from gentle beginner slopes near the base to steeper advanced and expert runs off the top. The relaxed atmosphere and value pricing make it a favorite with Leadville families and Front Range skiers who want a day without crowds. Community races such as the Cooper Cup giant slalom bring local racers together, and snowcat tours at Chicago Ridge give strong skiers a backcountry powder option without leaving the area.
Events Held Here
- Alpine racing: the Cooper Cup community giant slalom with Cloud City Mountain Sports, usually in January
- Heritage: 10th Mountain Day celebrating the division’s history, usually in late February
- Season opening day and ski film nights at the lodge
- Learn-to-ski days and lessons
Upcoming events at this venue are listed below. Check each event’s own page for current dates.
Lessons, Coaching & Programs
Ski Cooper’s Ski and Snowboard School teaches alpine skiing, telemark and snowboarding, with lessons for beginners through experienced skiers. Its gentle terrain and family pricing make it a good place to learn. See the Learn to Ski page for current programs.
Food, Drink & Amenities
- Day lodge with guest services, ticket office and first aid
- Two restaurants in the day lodge and a bar and restaurant at the base
- A restaurant at the top of the mountain
- Ski rental shop
- Tennessee Pass Nordic Center and Cookhouse nearby
Private Events & Groups
Ski Cooper’s lodge and affordable lift access suit school groups, club trips, team outings and family reunions. Contact the ski area to plan group tickets, lessons or space for a private event.
Membership or Access
Ski Cooper is open to the public. Season passes and lift tickets are sold through the ski area, and season pass holders get extra days at partner resorts. Snowcat trips at Chicago Ridge are booked separately, and race entry runs through each event’s own registration.
Contact & Links
Questions About Ski Cooper
Where is Ski Cooper?
Ski Cooper is on top of Tennessee Pass, about 10 miles north of Leadville on US Highway 24.
How big is Ski Cooper?
Ski Cooper has about 480 acres and 64 runs served by five lifts, from a base at 10,500 feet to a summit at 11,700 feet.
Does Ski Cooper make snow?
No. Ski Cooper runs on natural snow, which averages about 260 inches a year.
What is Ski Cooper’s connection to the 10th Mountain Division?
The Army chose the area in 1942 to train the 10th Mountain Division, which was based at nearby Camp Hale during World War II.
Who owns Ski Cooper?
Ski Cooper is owned by Lake County and operated by a nonprofit.
Does Ski Cooper offer snowcat skiing?
Yes. Chicago Ridge Snowcat Tours runs guided trips on about 2,400 acres of backcountry terrain.
How do I list my event?
List your Ski Cooper event free on Colorado Under Par at coloradounderpar.com/submit-event. It takes less than five minutes.
Planning Your Event Here
At 10,500 feet on Tennessee Pass, cold mornings and fast-changing weather are normal, so set check-in inside the day lodge and share a weather plan. Leadville is the closest town for lodging and food, about 10 miles away. Contact the venue for current pricing and availability.
Hosting an Event at Ski Cooper? List It on Colorado Under Par
If you’re organizing a ski race, uphill challenge, school ski day, heritage celebration or club outing at Ski Cooper, list your event for free on Colorado Under Par, Colorado’s dedicated platform for discovering and promoting golf, pickleball, and sporting events. Getting your event in front of Colorado’s active sports community takes less than five minutes.
List your event here: coloradounderpar.com/submit-event
Do you manage Ski Cooper?
Update your contact details, photos and booking link for free, or become a Premier Venue for top placement, a homepage spot, a photo gallery and organizer referrals.
Quick answers
Where is Ski Cooper?
Ski Cooper is a ski venue in Leadville, CO.
What events are coming up at Ski Cooper?
Nothing is on the calendar here right now. Follow this venue to get an email when the next one is listed.
How do I host an event at Ski Cooper?
Book your date with Ski Cooper directly, then list your event free on Colorado Under Par so players and sponsors can find it. If you want help running it, Colorado Under Par also offers full event management.
