After watching Summit County’s three other ski areas host opening days, Copper Mountain Resort’s opening day has finally arrived.

Copper Mountain will officially kick off its 50th anniversary season on Monday, Nov. 14 with top-to-bottom terrain access from Center Village. 

“Copper is thrilled to officially kick off our 50th anniversary season on Monday,” communication coordinator Olivia Butrymovich said. “Our mountain operations teams have been hard at work for several weeks prepping to welcome everyone back to the Athlete’s Mountain for a top-to-bottom skiing and riding experience. With 50 years to celebrate, Copper’s looking forward to hosting an anniversary season filled with the best events, the biggest competitions and the most fun.”

Opening day terrain at Copper Mountain will feature Rhapsody to Fair Play to Main Vein from the American Eagle lift, Ptarmigan from the Excelerator lift, the EZ Rider learning area from the EZ Rider lift  and Green Acres beginner area via the Pitchfork lift. 

A terrain park will also be open at the top of the American Eagle lift and will feature rail and jib features.

Starting on Monday, base area lifts will be in operation from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Copper expects to open more terrain and lifts the following weekend, as conditions allow.

In order to kickstart the busy 50th season, Copper will host several festivities including two events occurring before the start of the season. 

From Friday. Nov. 11 through Sunday, Nov. 13, Copper will host the Team Summit ski and snowboard swap at the Copper Conference Center. Proceeds from the event will help benefit local Team Summit athletes.

Also on Sunday, Copper will be showing Matchstick Productions’ latest film “Anywhere From Here”  which features local 12-year-old athlete Walker Woodring and includes shots from Copper’s Woodward Mountain Park. 

The film will be shown at Ten Mile Tavern in Center Village at 5:15 p.m. and will include giveaways including a pair of Volkl Mantra 102 skis.

Guests can also participate in Ten Mile Tavern’s annual mug club and receive deals on draft beers throughout the season. Guests can join the mug club ahead of the movie premiere at 4:30  p.m. 

On opening day, skiers and riders will be treated to a swag giveaway, a first chair ceremony and a live DJ set. 

The first 100 people in line at the American Eagle chairlift and gondola will receive a limited pair of 50th anniversary slippers to slide on after a day breaking in the boots. 

Copper will also offer $6 beer specials on select draft beers at all resort dining outlets on opening day, including Ten Mile Tavern, Sawmill Pizza & Taphouse, Downhill Dukes, Jack’s Bar and JJ’s Rocky Mountain Tavern. 

The opening day party will continue into the weekend with Copper’s annual Snowsation festival.

On Saturday, Nov. 19 and Sunday, Nov. 20, Copper will do its annual snow dance, inviting skiers and riders to enjoy live music and games. Saturday will conclude with a free live music performance at 3 p.m. by ’70s tribute band Pet Rock helping bring back the vibes from the original days of Copper in 1972.

Copper’s official 50th anniversary party will take place on Saturday, Dec. 3. To purchase lift tickets in advance visit, CopperColorado.com.