Latest News – December 19

High Profile Sledder to Visit Ski Cooper on Saturday!

When you head out to Ski Cooper this Saturday to enjoy the fresh – all natural – snow, be sure to bring the camera! Skiers and boarders will not want to miss the opportunity to take a picture with one of the most notable sledders in history . . . Santa!

Yes, you heard it right, the big guy is going to be out at Ski Cooper this Saturday, Dec. 21 for photo opps. In addition, the kids will be able to chat with Mr. Claus about their hearts’ desires.

Santa will be at the ski lodge from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. And if that doesn’t put you in the holiday spirit, then certainly the musical renderings of the Lake County High School Jazz Band should. Under the direction of Instructor Jonathon Cole, there will be a special performance of the Lake County High School Christmas Carolers and Jazz Band on Saturday during Santa’s visit! So whether you ski or board . . . or neither, it’ll be a great day to come out for some holiday cheer, and to see all the upgrades since the remodel.

While the ski resort officially kicked off its “daily” season last Saturday, Dec. 14, early season snow allowed them to get the lifts open for a couple of weekends beforehand, putting locals in the mood for more. The biggest change that skiers will notice on the mountain itself is that there is considerably more snow on it than there has been in recent years! It’s stacking up to be a great season and forecasters are predicting some good snowfall as well.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_sR-vSDnGnc&w=420&h=315]

But for those who haven’t been able to get out and make any turns yet, Ski Cooper’s most notable changes come with the major remodel of the Lodge and Rental Shop.

Ski Cooper’s General Manager Dan Torsell discusses upgrades on Opening Day 2013.

“We’re trying to blend the old with the new,” explained General Manager Dan Torsell on Opening Day at Ski Cooper. “In the base lodge we’ve renovated the kitchen; brought things up to date a little bit there.  We also moved the little pub, which is now called the T-Bar into the former spot of the retail shop.”

The T-Bar is still a full-service bar, but the renovation and relocation probably doubled the seating capacity.  The added space should make for lively Après Ski fun, including live music and other events, Ski Cooper has planned throughout the season.

Jasmine-the-bartender serving up Apres Ski Libations!

“It’s going to be a fun season,” said Jasmine-the-bartender, another familiar face ready to serve you up an adult libation after a day on the slopes. “So tell everyone to come out and see us at Cooper!”

The Base Camp Café is still run by Steph and Scott Camp, and you’ll see many of their employees back for another season. What has changed in the food service area is the traffic flow for order/pick-up/pay. These welcome changes will help in directing the increase in ski traffic that predictions are bringing to the industry this year. As for the menu, things haven’t changed much. Regulars will find their old favorites, plus “we’ll be introducing some new items over the holiday season as well,” said Scott Camp as he worked a packed dining room on Opening Day.

The Base Camp Cafe: “fall-in” for fantastic food!

So with the new reconfiguration at the base lodge, things have changed a bit over at the Ski & Snowboard Rental Shop. That facility has undergone significant reconfiguration and “IT” upgrades which should allow for a smoother check-in/pick-up/check-out process.

Check-in, check-out, get on with your ski, at  Ski Cooper’s newly remodeled Rental Shop.

“The good news is that the boot racks actually have driers in each port, so you get dry boots when you come in the morning, which is pretty important, especially to skiers who are new to the sport,” explained Torsell.

The “Snowflakes” retail shop is now paired with the rental shop in that building as well. “We do a lot of rental business here,” explained Torsell, “so the thought is since there are a lot of people in the (rental shop) building, let’s expose them to the retail shop.”

Snowflakes has everything you need to stay warm on the slopes AND last minute gift ideas!

And Snowflakes has some great new merchandise; just about everything you’d need for a weekend on the slopes. Be sure to check out the new smart gloves they carry which allow outdoor recreationalists the use of touch screen technology without exposing fingers to the cold and snow. It’s the perfect place to pick up some last minutes gifts while the kiddos are visiting Santa and listening to the high school band on Saturday!

Ski Cooper’s Ski & Ride School and Children’s Center was full and lively on Opening Day as families prepared to make a game plan for a day on the slopes.

Ski Cooper’s Ski & Ride School and Children’s Center offers great programs for everyone.

The school offers ski and snowboard lessons for all ages and abilities. New this year is the “The Grizzlys Bears” program, a multi-week kids program that promotes social growth, team building and a lifelong love for winter sports.  And for adults, check out the Polar Bear Club if you’re looking to  ski with a group of friends every weekend or maybe make some new ones.

Ski Cooper, located atop Tennessee Pass on U.S. 24 is one of the oldest ski resorts in Colorado. During World War II, Ski Cooper served as the training site for the 10th Mountain Division and continues to host a Memorial Day celebration for the World War II veterans of this division. Ski Cooper is also home to the Chicago Ridge Snowcat Tours which provides access to 2,400 acres (9.7 km2) of backcountry skiing.

The mountain offers some of the finest learning terrain in the country, with plenty of progression from gentle green circles up to black diamond mogul runs, nice tree skiing, and wide-open groomed cruisers.  Adult tickets at the window are half of what they are at surrounding mountains at just $47. For more information go to http://skicooper.com.

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