You’re likely familiar with the major ski passes, like the Ikon Pass and Epic Pass. However, there are a number of lesser-known ski passes you may have missed as resorts and major ski passes were doing their spring pass promotions. Cooper Ski Pass is one of those lesser-known pass programs. However, it’s not one you want to miss, since it features more than 60 partner resorts around the world.
Cooper, known as Ski Cooper, is one of the oldest, most authentic ski areas in Colorado. It opened in 1942 and served as the training site for the famed 10th Mountain Division, the ski troopers based at nearby Camp Hale during World War II. Cooper is no slouch of a mountain; its 64 trails are spread over 480 lift-served acres and serviced by 5 lifts. Cooper’s base elevation is at 10,500 feet, while the summit is at 11,700 feet. The ski area’s high elevation means it gets a healthy dose of 250 inches of snow on average per season. While you won’t find the glitz and glamour of some of Colorado’s other resorts, you can enjoy no lift lines, fresh powder, and more.
What really makes Ski Cooper a standout, however, is its season pass, which features 3 days of skiing at more than 60 ski resorts around the world. That’s right, buy a ski pass to Ski Cooper, and you theoretically have more than 150 free days of skiing at your disposal. It’s a screaming deal, too, considering that even at its highest price, the Cooper Season Pass is half the price of the major ski passes.
What does it cost?
Ski Cooper‘s season pass is an incredible deal before you even factor in the free days. The Cooper Pass goes on sale in July, when it started at a price of $379. There are a few other pass tiers, including student and junior passes. Children (5 and under) and senior (75+) passes are just $10, but they don’t come with partner benefits and free ski days. Cooper’s adult pass pays for itself after just a few days of skiing. When you consider the 3 free days of skiing at more than 60 ski resorts, it’s one of the best ski values you’ll find.
Most of Cooper’s partner resorts are on the small, laid-back side, like you’ll see on some of the smaller pass programs. In other words, no mega resorts. While the Indy Pass has more than 100 resorts, you only can ski them twice. Ski Cooper has just over 60 resorts, but you can ski each one for three days. Powder Alliance features just over 20 resorts, including Ski Cooper.
What additional benefits are available with the Cooper Season Pass?
Ski Cooper’s season pass comes with other benefits, in addition to the 3 free days of skiing at each partner resort. Benefits include a number of discounts, such as 10% off at Cooper establishments, 10% off at the Trading Post ($15 minimum purchase), and 10% off food and non-alcoholic beverages purchases at all Cooper food outlets. Season pass holders can also purchase a discounted buddy ticket for $70. To do this, present your season pass at the Ski Cooper Will-Call Ticket Window. Buddy tickets must be used the same day as they’re purchased, and the buddy must be present at time of purchase.
Here are the partners:
Along with unlimited skiing at Cooper, the Cooper Pass allows you to ski 3 free days at each of the following partner resorts. Note that many of the resorts have blackout dates, so plan accordingly.
Rocky Mountains: Colorado – Ski Cooper (unlimited). Loveland, Sunlight, Powderhorn, Monarch Mountain. Utah – Sundance, Eagle Point, Cherry Peak. Montana – Great Divide, Blacktail Mountain, Lost Trail. Wyoming – Snow King, Hogadon Basin, Pine Creek, Sleeping Giant, Snowy Range. Idaho – Pebble Creek, Bogus Basin, Silver Mountain. New Mexico – Red River, Ski Apache, Angel Fire.
Far West: Oregon – Timberline, Mt. Hood Skibowl. Nevada – Diamond Peak. California – Mt. Shasta Ski Park, Mountain High, Sierra-at-Tahoe, Dodge Ridge, China Peak. Washington – Mt. Spokane, Mission Ridge, White Pass. Alaska – Eaglecrest.
Midwest: Iowa – Seven Oaks, Mt. Crescent. Minnesota – Giants Ridge. Wisconsin – Whitecap, Mont Du Lac, The Rock Snowpark, Little Switzerland, Nordic Mountain. Michigan – Crystal Mountain, Mont Ripley, Caberfae Peaks. Illinois – Snowstar.
East: Pennsylvania – Bear Creek, Mt. Pleasant. New York – Plattekill, Skaneateles Ski Club. New Hampshire – Whaleback, Black Mountain, McIntyre. Maine – Lost Valley. Rhode Island – Yawgoo Valley. N.C. – Beech Mt.
International: Canada – Castle Mountain, Marmot Basin. Spain – Masella. New Zealand – Tūroa, Whakapapa.
November 07, 2023
