Planning a trip to Copper Mountain Resort in Colorado should be an exciting adventure filled with stunning alpine views, exhilarating ski runs, and memorable outdoor activities. We will be sure to share some of the fun activities in addition to skiing and snowboarding, such as the American Flyer lift and the Rocky Mountain Coaster, and help you understand how to prevent altitude sickness.
However, Copper Mountain's lofty elevation—over 12,000 feet at its highest point—can present an unexpected challenge in the form of altitude sickness. Symptoms like headaches, nausea, and fatigue can quickly turn your dream getaway into an uncomfortable ordeal.
The good news is that with proper preparation, you can minimize or even prevent Copper Mountain altitude sickness, ensuring your trip stays focused on the slopes and the breathtaking scenery.
Whether you’re a seasoned skier or a first-time visitor, understanding how to acclimate and take proactive measures is key to enjoying the full experience at one of Colorado’s favorite ski destinations. Let’s explore practical solutions to help you travel with confidence.
The base of Copper Mountain's altitude is 9,712 feet above sea level, and rises to a summit level of 12,313 feet. It’s located in Summit County, along with Breckenridge Ski Resort.
These are some very high altitudes that will take some adjusting for the body to get used to. The resort's naturally divided terrain caters to different skiing abilities, offering a diverse experience for all visitors.
Yes, you can get altitude sickness in Copper Mountain. It is estimated that 40% to 50% of people at 10,000 feet and higher will experience altitude sickness, and Copper Mountain is between 9,712 feet and 12,313 feet high.
Oxygen concentrators are available to help manage altitude sickness by providing a continuous oxygen supply, making it easier to acclimate. The oxygen levels at Copper Mountain can be over 5% lower than at sea level, which is a recipe for altitude sickness.⁵
It’s best to be well prepared on your trip. Oxygen therapy can be a crucial solution for alleviating symptoms such as headache, nausea, and fatigue, facilitating a smoother acclimation process.
Copper Mountain is a beautiful Colorado ski resort and vacation destination. The area is known for its excellent skiing, and Copper Mountain is a great place to take your family on vacation.
However, it is estimated up to 40% of visitors will experience altitude sickness. For those affected, renting oxygen at Copper Mountain can provide significant relief and enhance your stay.
Copper Mountain sits at a base altitude of 9700 feet and rises to 12,300 feet at the peak of the mountain. The higher you go, the thinner the air, and this is a significant climb in altitude if coming from sea level.
Center Village is a lively hub within Copper Mountain, offering convenient access to shopping, dining, and intermediate ski runs via the American Flyer and American Eagle lifts. Tucker Mountain is a key area for expert skiers and cat skiing, providing unique terrain for adventurous snow sports enthusiasts. The Union Creek lift offers access to bike trails and scenic chair rides, making it easy for riders to ascend the mountain and enjoy the descent or take in the surrounding views.
Altitude sickness is usually caused by lower oxygen levels and rapid altitude changes. At higher elevations, air pressure decreases, forcing the body to work harder. This increased effort can cause headaches, nausea, and fatigue.
Symptoms of Copper Mountain altitude sickness may vary in seriousness and can include:
Nausea – Feeling an unsettled stomach that may lead to vomiting.
Shortness of breath (dyspnea) – Struggling to take in enough air while performing even light activities.
Difficulty breathing – Experiencing discomfort or tightness in the chest when breathing.
Dizziness – A sensation of spinning or losing balance, especially when standing up.
Lightheadedness – Feeling faint or as if you might pass out, often accompanied by weakness.
Headaches – Persistent or throbbing pain that can make concentrating difficult.
Fatigue – Extreme tiredness that doesn’t go away even with rest.
Weakness – A lack of physical strength or energy to perform normal activities.
It’s important to take proactive steps, as outlined below, to effectively prevent Copper Mountain altitude sickness.
Copper Mountain is not just about [skiing and snowboarding](https://Copper Mountain official ski page); it’s a destination packed with activities that cater to a variety of interests and age groups.
Whether you’re looking for adrenaline-filled excitement, family-friendly fun, or relaxing leisure, there’s something for everyone. Here are some of the top things to do while visiting Copper Mountain:
Woodward Copper: For those looking to try something different, Woodward Copper offers extreme sports training with indoor and outdoor facilities. It’s a playground for freestyle ski and snowboard training, skateboarding, and BMX riding.
Tubing Hill: Head over to Copper Mountain’s famous Tubing Hill at the East Village for an exhilarating experience that doesn’t require any technical skills. Fun for all ages, it’s a great way to enjoy the snow in a more laid-back, family-friendly way. The West Village is another great spot, serving as a hub for ski school and family-friendly terrain, making it ideal for families and beginner skiers.
Ice Skating: During winter, the outdoor ice rink in Center Village is open and provides a magical skating experience surrounded by mountain views. Skates are available for rent, making it a convenient activity for visitors. Find out more at the Copper Mountain ice skating page.
Hiking and Snowshoeing: Explore the beautiful trails surrounding Copper Mountain, which vary in difficulty and provide spectacular views of the Rockies. Snowshoeing is a fantastic way to experience the tranquility of the snowy wilderness. Local guides and equipment rental options are available—check the Copper Mountain hiking guide for additional details.
Dining and Shopping: Center Village is a vibrant hub packed with dining options ranging from casual après-ski spots to fine dining. Don’t miss out on Copper’s unique shops offering gear, souvenirs, and local crafts. Browse the full dining and shopping directory at Copper Mountain Dining & Shopping.
Spa and Relaxation: If you’re seeking some rest and relaxation, treat yourself at one of Copper Mountain’s spas. Rejuvenate with a massage or other wellness treatments after a day on the slopes. Learn more about spa services at the Copper Mountain Spa Page.
Summer Activities: Copper Mountain isn’t just a winter destination; during warmer months, it transforms into a haven for summer activities. Visitors can enjoy mountain biking, golf, festivals, and scenic chairlift rides. For a full list of summer activities, visit Copper in the Summer.
No matter the season, Copper Mountain offers an abundance of activities that ensure unforgettable memories for all visitors.
With the 9700 feet of altitude and higher, Copper Mountain can be a significant challenge for your body. Whether you want to prevent Copper Mountain altitude sickness or avoid altitude sickness while skiing, we’ll cover 3 ways to do so. Being based out of Colorado, we see visitors struggle with this problem constantly.
For visitors, Copper Mountain oxygen rental services offer convenient and flexible options to access oxygen treatment, ensuring quick delivery of both in-home and portable oxygen concentrators.
Here are 3 ways to prevent Copper Mountain altitude sickness:
One of the best ways to prevent altitude sickness is to properly maximize your hydration. Fluids are essential when you're at altitude, especially if you're exercising.
The higher you go, the drier the air gets and the more you respirate, which means your body loses more water through sweat. It's important to replace as much fluid as possible to prevent dehydration and other potential Copper Mountain altitude sickness symptoms.
You should drink plenty of water before your trip and continue drinking water throughout your stay to keep your body hydrated while acclimating to the higher elevation. Don't wait until you start feeling thirsty, by then it may be too late! Adults should drink around two quarts to a gallon of water each day while in Copper Mountain, with more being consumed if it's hot or if you're exercising.
TIP: Your body uses nutrients to facilitate hydration throughout the body. By using Zaca's chewable hydration tablets, you can maximize hydration by increasing water absorption and electrolyte intake.
When you first arrive at higher elevations at Copper Mountain, it’s important to take it easy and acclimate slowly. You need to give yourself time to adjust to Copper Mountain's higher elevations.
One way to acclimate best is to take your time getting up there, especially if you are coming from sea level. Before moving forward, spend at least one night at an intermediate elevation, like Denver, which has an elevation of 5280 feet. This will help prevent any symptoms of altitude sickness from setting in and give your body time to adjust before hitting higher elevations.
When you first arrive at a higher elevation, don’t overdo it. Take it easy for the first few days and avoid overexerting yourself and strenuous activities such as hiking, skiing, or working out. Sleep is also critical, make sure you’re getting at least 8 hours of sleep a night.
Supplements and oxygen are some of the most proven ways to prevent Copper Mountain altitude sickness. There are many herbs for altitude adjustment that you can use, and locally Peak Oxygen does oxygen rentals for combating the altitude.
In our years of research, we've found a few key herbs that you should highly consider taking on your Copper Mountain trip for altitude sickness:
DHM and Glutathione are key nutrients in supplements for altitude sickness that can significantly improve your body's altitude adjustment. First popularized in Colorado, Zaca is a chewable supplement that contains these powerful antioxidants.
Specifically formulated to help your body rehydrate, replenish, and recover. The delicious berry flavored chewables make it easy to eat anytime when traveling.
Take two chewables a few days before your trip and then two chewables each day thereafter your arrival. Try Zaca chewable tablets today and fuel your body for your altitude trip.
