Despite Tough Winter, Colorado's Copper Mountain Is Extending Its Season

Colorado's been ground zero for the worst of the memorably warm Western ski season, but that isn't stopping Copper Mountain from staying open for a few extra days.



Originally, the ski resort planned to wrap up the season on Sunday, April 26. Now, it plans to push ahead until Sunday, May 3, 2026, with $49 lift tickets during the final week of skiing. The decision marks the fourth year in a row that Copper Mountain extended its season into May.



That's despite the "low snow year," the ski resort noted in a press release, pointing out that its high elevation and north-facing slopes helped improve snow preservation.



Copper Mountain has recorded 157 inches of snow as of April 16, significantly below its advertised annual average of 299 inches.



Early-season snowmaking was a boon, however, as were some late-season storms and a colder forecast for the coming weeks, Copper Mountain added.



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The resort also has experience in making sure snow sticks around. It maintains a skiable surface into June for ski race training and, in past summers, has offered Colorado's only on-snow summer terrain parks.



"We want to give our guests the opportunity to keep skiing and riding as long as possible," said Dustin Lyman, president and general manager of Copper Mountain in the release. "Our mountain operations team has worked tirelessly throughout the winter to optimize conditions."



Lyman said that, as of now, Copper Mountain is still open top to bottom.



In celebration of the extension, Copper Mountain is hosting an event called "Party Laps" on Friday, May 1. During it, anyone with a lift ticket, Copper pass, or Ikon pass can score after-hours turns on the American Eagle and Excelerator chairlifts from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Copper Mountain's operations will continue as usual until April 26.



Beyond that, skiers can hit the slopes via the Center and East Villages, riding the American Eagle, Excelerator, and Super Bee chairlifts. Those $49 lift tickets are now available on Copper Mountain's website.



Copper Mountain is one of the few last-standing ski resorts in Colorado. These are when the other major players plan to close.

Colorado Ski Resort Closing Dates

• Arapahoe Basin: TBD

• Aspen Mountain: April 19

• Breckenridge: April 19

• Loveland Ski Area: April 26

• Winter Park: April 19

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This story was originally published April 17, 2026 at 4:09 AM.