Ski Cooper, a small Colorado ski area known for affordable lift tickets and a relaxed atmosphere, has unveiled ambitious plans for future upgrades in its draft 2025 master development plan (MDP).
First revealed by Lift Blog, the draft plan outlines several potential improvements, including the addition of four new lifts and one conveyor carpet.
Earlier plans from 1999 proposed converting the 10th Mountain Double Chair, which runs from the base to the summit, into a convertible quad. However, the new draft proposes building a separate fixed-grip quad lift alongside the existing double chair instead. This new lift would increase uphill capacity and efficiency, while the double chair would serve as a backup during peak times or mechanical issues, easing strain on the older lift.
Other lift improvements focus on the frontside of the mountain. The Buckeye platter lift would be replaced by a t-bar, and a new shorter conveyor lift would be added south of the current EZ Street Magic Carpet.
Additionally, the plan calls for a fixed-grip two-seater lift named the Sawmill, which would open 250 acres of intermediate and advanced terrain in the Chicago Ridge area. A fourth lift, Hoyt’s, a fixed-grip double chair, would serve about 60 skiable acres on Cooper Hill, primarily for intermediate skiers.
Beyond lifts, the 77-page draft proposes a 12,000-square-foot expansion to the base lodge, a new 1,000-square-foot patrol headquarters at the top of Cooper Hill, and replacing the Ridgeview Café yurt with a permanent lodge, among other facility upgrades.
Ski Cooper plans to submit the draft 2025 MDP to the U.S. Forest Service for approval in July. However, acceptance of the plan does not guarantee construction of the projects. All proposed developments will still undergo review under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
The ski area is currently inviting public comments on the draft plan as part of the ongoing process.