I was a tad overexcited for my first time snowshoeing. I’m not really sure why I was so intrigued by these big contraptions you put on your feet… I guess I figured that since I like hiking, I would also enjoy it’s winter counterpart. I was right! Copper Mountain made snowshoeing especially fun with free tours jam packed with interesting facts and observations shared by the guides along the way.
When I made plans to visit Copper Mountain, I knew I had to take advantage of their free snowshoeing tours. They offer two tours every day. One in the morning that is more advanced and demanding, and the other in the afternoon that is an easier, family friendly route. I decided the latter was a better choice, since it was the first time I had snowshoed. Snowshoe rentals are only $10 including poles, which is a steal for a two to three hour long tour (depending on which tour you do).
After our tour group strapped into our snowshoes, we headed off down the trail with three friendly and knowledgable tour guides. These guides are ambassadors who volunteer their time to lead groups on the tours, and you can easily spot them by the bright green jackets they wear. They know all about the wildlife, history, and nature of the mountain, making the tour especially interesting.
Me and Nancy, one of the snowshoe tour ambassadors
I loved every minute of the tour and everything about snowshoeing. It’s certainly not as exhilarating as cruising down the slopes on skis, but I enjoyed the slower pace that allowed me to pay closer attention to the details in the scenery around me. The alpine setting with the majestic Rocky Mountains in the background is the perfect environment for an afternoon of snowshoeing.
A few times during the tour, our guides challenged us to see how high we could climb up the snowy hill next to the trail. I accepted the challenge, and although I didn’t make it very high, I felt ready to take on the intermediate morning tour already. It will be at the top of my list for the next time I visit Copper Mountain!
Climbing (running) up the hill in snowshoes
If you’re looking to make some snowy plans before winter comes to an end, make the trip to Copper Mountain for skiing or snowboarding, and be sure to take a few hours out of your day to slow down with a snowshoeing tour! Remember to book your tour at least 48 hours in advance to guarantee your spot on the tour.
34 Comments
Cozy Up at Copper Mountain's Elk Run
June 30, 2016 at 9:57 am[…] The garage space for our car kept it nice and warm since we didn’t need to use the car the entire weekend. Elk Run is located in East Village, right next to the SuperBee lift and the tubing hill. While we were walking distance from the restaurants and lifts in East Village, we were also only a short and free bus ride away from Center and West Village for even more of Copper Mountain’s lifts, bars, restaurants, and other activities like snowshoeing. […]
Adelina
February 12, 2015 at 3:28 pmBeing a skier all my life, I was disappointed the first time I went snowshoeing at how much work it was. Now I just try to avoid it and aim for whizzing down mountains instead.
Marissa Sutera
February 13, 2015 at 3:41 pmA good alternative! I found I liked the slower pace to take a break from skiing, but my boyfriend was not feeling it at all haha he was more than ready to get back on his snowboard!
Jess
February 9, 2015 at 6:30 pmI just ordered a pair of snowshoes! I figured if I’m not going to see the ground for another few months, I might as well make the best of it.
Marissa Sutera
February 9, 2015 at 9:33 pmThat’s the spirit! Way to take advantage of the snowy weather 🙂 Enjoy your snowshoeing journeys!
Muriel
February 8, 2015 at 6:20 pmThis is awesome! I love snowboarding but I would love to try snowshoeing for a day. It looks way more chill. Maybe for those days when you’re super sore from skiing/snowboarding. Thanks for sharing!
Marissa Sutera
February 9, 2015 at 3:09 pmYes that’s a great time to go! It’s the perfect way to stay active outdoors while also taking a break from snowboarding.
SJ
February 8, 2015 at 3:25 pmNever even knew that this was an option… so that means I need to now give it a a go!
Marissa Sutera
February 9, 2015 at 3:08 pmIt sure does! Enjoy 🙂
Vanessa
February 8, 2015 at 1:12 pmThough Im not really that adventurous, I tried snowshoeing my self in the Ontario Highlands. It was a great experience though I must admit that I started with some shaky nerves. And I agree, for the not so snow sporty like us, its not us exhilarating as skiing. You’ll get to enjoy the views of the place more without worrying about if you’re gonna make it at the end of the slope.
Marissa Sutera
February 9, 2015 at 3:08 pmSo true! While I do enjoy skiing, it was nice being able to pay attention to my surroundings and not having to concentrate so much on staying upright and controlling my speed.
Emma
February 8, 2015 at 2:24 amI love snow-shoeing… Living in a house with ski lovers when I am not so keen myself I had to find something I liked too… You get to see some beautiful scenery, and it’s just so quiet and peaceful isn’t it? 🙂
Marissa Sutera
February 9, 2015 at 3:06 pmIt’s the perfect slower-pace alternative! I love being able to pay close attention to the scenery around me. It flies by so fast when I’m skiing!
Corinne
February 8, 2015 at 2:13 amI absolutely love snowshoeing! So peaceful!
Marissa Sutera
February 9, 2015 at 3:06 pmIt really is! If we get enough snow again in Boulder soon I will certainly be going again this season!
Renuka
February 5, 2015 at 10:40 pmSnowboarding looks so much fun! I am yet to do it. I am in a totally opposite part of the world (India), where it’s moderately warm and sunny.
Marissa Sutera
February 6, 2015 at 4:47 pmThat could present a challenge! Guess you’ll have to come visit one of the colder parts of the world like Colorado 🙂
Ben Warner
February 4, 2015 at 11:52 amCertainly sounds more affordable than a lift ticket. I could see myself splitting days on the mountain, 1 day to ski, another to snowshoe.
Big question though, how was the ski lodge afterwards??? 🙂
Ben
http://www.HugePartyTravel.com
Marissa Sutera
February 4, 2015 at 10:06 pmIt sure is much cheaper! I did a morning of skiing and spent the afternoon snowshoeing, but it’s a nice break from the skiing! We actually stayed in an apartment-style vacation rental which was fantastic! Be on the lookout for a full review coming next Friday 🙂
Richelle
February 4, 2015 at 10:31 amThis looks so fun! I’ve always wanted to try snow shoeing but I’ve never had the chance
Marissa Sutera
February 4, 2015 at 10:01 pmIt was a lot of fun Richelle! A great activity to take a break from skiing 🙂
Lauren
February 3, 2015 at 7:37 pmThe last time I went snowshoeing I was REALLY young…they used to have them at my elementary school to use during gym class! I haven’t been since. This really makes me want to go snowshoeing again! Beautiful scenery, too.
Marissa Sutera
February 4, 2015 at 6:33 amThat’s awesome! You’ll definitely have to go again, if only for the great views!
Hannah
February 3, 2015 at 7:14 pmI’ve never tried snowshoeing before.
Which is sad…because I live in the snowiest capitol of the world.
Hmm. I think I need to get on that!
Marissa Sutera
February 4, 2015 at 6:32 amTime to get on that! 🙂 It’s a lot of fun and a great way to explore new trails in the winter!
Elaine J. Masters
February 3, 2015 at 6:36 pmI think a snowshoeing tour would be just about my speed. I’m not a skier but love being outdoors in the winter.
Marissa Sutera
February 4, 2015 at 6:31 amSnowshoeing would be perfect! It’s a great workout at a much slower pace than skiing, and you get to really enjoy the nature!
Esther
February 1, 2015 at 1:33 amThat seems like a lot of fun!! Besides ice skating I haven’t done any winter sports in my life, so I think this is pretty cool.
Marissa Sutera
February 1, 2015 at 8:46 amIt sure was Esther! I’ve never been much of a winter sports kind of person, but I’ve been exploring more options this year and there’s a lot of fun activities I was missing out on!
Anda
January 31, 2015 at 11:10 amMy husband just bought us a couple of pairs of snow shoes. He actually bought them for a trip in Vermont with our son, but I’m planning to take them with us on our ski trip to Lake Tahoe this year. I expect to burn way more calories from snow shoeing than from the skiing, but like you say, it is not the same kind of fun. I’d like to try them in deep snow.
Marissa Sutera
January 31, 2015 at 11:05 pmThat sounds like an awesome trip Anda! Enjoy the snow in your new snowshoes!
Steve
January 31, 2015 at 7:35 amI would never have thought of taking a snowshoe tour! Looks fun and a lot easier than skiing.
Where exactly is Copper Mountain? Is it easy to get to from Denver?
Steve
Marissa Sutera
January 31, 2015 at 11:03 pmHi Steve,
It is a lot of fun and is definitely easier than skiing! Copper Mountain is only about an hour and a half southwest of Denver. It’s an easy drive, or you can take the Front Range Ski Bus from downtown Denver on the weekends or the Summit Express Airport Shuttle from DIA.
Hope you get a chance to make it there!
Steve
February 1, 2015 at 12:51 pmGood to know it’s close to Denver! It would make a nice day trip. Thanks for the info.