Copper Mountain , United States

The purpose-built resort of Copper Mountain is located 20 miles east of Vail in Summit County, Colorado. Owned by Canadian company Intrawest, it is currently undergoing a major facelift in an attempt to instil some charm into an otherwise 'soulless' resort.

Copper Mountain prides itself on having a well-designed ski area that has separate parts of the mountain for different levels of skier, and provides easy access from piste to piste. The state-of-the-art Super Bee chair lift ensures that long queues are a rarity. With plenty of easy greens for beginners, gentle cruising and long steeps for intermediates, and the challenging Copper Bowl for the more advanced skier, this resort provides a well balanced skiing experience (with a good snow record). There is also scope for the snowboarder in the form of separate expert and intermediate terrain parks, and Copper Mountain's 25km of trails offer plenty for the cross-country skier.

The million-dollar renovation will see three hotels introduced into a predominantly condominium set-up. Restaurants are adequate but opportunities for fine dining are limited, with the bulk of establishments being grill-houses and fast-food eateries, although this will undoubtedly change though with the new developments. Apres-ski is family-orientated with sleigh rides that take you to a western style dinner in tents outside the resort, not to mention America's highest golf course. Childcare is comprehensive and ski lessons are available at the resort's own ski school.

Although Copper Mountain is a respectable skiing destination, the resort, up until now, has placed convenience ahead of atmospheric appeal. Watch this space….

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