Skiing at Copper & Loveland Ski Resorts, Historic Windsor Hotel Lodging, Dining in Georgetown, Colorado- March 2026

March 22, 2026 todd elliot

Photos by Jaime Rose

SKIING:

Set against the stunning backdrop of the Colorado Rockies, Copper Mountain Ski Resort is a fantastic destination for skiers and snowboarders of all ability levels. With a naturally divided layout and a wide variety of terrain, it’s one of the most user-friendly and enjoyable mountains in the state.

One of the biggest advantages at Copper is how easy it is to get started. You can park for free in the Alpine Lot and hop on a convenient shuttle that takes you straight to Center Village. From there, you’ve got great lift options to kick off your day—American Eagle lift is a central hub that serves both sides of the mountain, while American Flyer lift is perfect if you’re looking to ease into things on more beginner-friendly terrain.

The mountain layout is one of Copper’s biggest strengths. The west side is packed with excellent green and blue runs, making it ideal for beginners and intermediates. Popular cruisers like Roundabout, Lumberjack, and Easy Rider offer wide, forgiving terrain to build confidence while still enjoying long scenic runs.

As you progress, you can naturally work your way across the mountain toward more challenging terrain. Off lifts like Super Bee lift, you’ll find classic intermediate and advanced runs such as Andy’s Encore, American Flyer, and steeper favorites like Rosi’s Run, which is even used for race training.

For more advanced skiers, Copper really shines on the east side, where runs like Otto Bahn, Hallelujah, Three Bears, and Resolution Bowl deliver steeper pitches and more technical terrain.

Beyond skiing and riding, Copper adds an extra layer of fun with attractions like the Rocky Mountain Coaster at Copper. This alpine coaster winds through the forest and reaches speeds up to about 25 mph, making it a great break from the slopes or a fun après activity.

What really ties the experience together is the atmosphere. The mountain is absolutely beautiful, with wide-open views and a layout that naturally progresses with your skill level. The staff across the resort are consistently friendly and helpful, making the entire day smooth and welcoming.

Whether you’re a first-timer cruising greens, an intermediate enjoying long blue runs, or an expert chasing steeps on the east side, Copper Mountain offers a well-rounded and memorable experience for everyone.

Website: https://www.coppercolorado.com/

Loveland Ski Area

If you’re looking for a classic Colorado ski experience without the chaos of mega-resorts, Loveland Ski Area is hard to beat. Just about 53 miles from Denver, it’s one of the closest ski resorts to the city—making it perfect for quick day trips, families, and anyone who wants more skiing and less time sitting in traffic.

What really sets Loveland apart is its down-to-earth, family-friendly vibe. It’s independently owned, refreshingly unpretentious, and far less crowded than the big-name resorts. Lift lines are short, parking is free, and the whole place feels like skiing used to—simple, authentic, and focused on the mountain.

The terrain is impressively diverse across its 1,800 acres. Beginners and intermediates will love the wide-open greens and cruisy blues, especially over in Loveland Valley, which is dedicated to learning and progression. Runs like Take Off, All Smiles, and Zig Zag are perfect for building confidence, while intermediate skiers can explore favorites like South Chutes and Zippity Split for fun, rolling terrain.

For more advanced skiers, Loveland absolutely delivers. Off lifts like Ptarmigan and Lift 4, you’ll find steep bowls, chutes, and tree skiing. Areas like The Ridge, Avalanche Bowl, and The Chutes/East Ropes offer legit black and double black terrain with incredible alpine views. The mountain strikes a great balance—approachable for beginners but with plenty of challenge if you want to push yourself.

One unique aspect is that Loveland only has one high-speed chairlift—Chet’s Dream—which fits perfectly with its old-school charm. The rest of the mountain relies on fixed-grip lifts, but that’s part of the appeal: fewer crowds, fewer lines, and more time actually skiing.

Another big win is affordability. Lift tickets and lessons are often significantly cheaper than larger Colorado resorts, making it one of the best-value mountains in the state.

When it comes to food, Loveland keeps things casual but satisfying. The on-mountain dining—especially at the Basin Lodge and spots like the Ptarmigan Roost Café—offers a solid variety of options. You’ll find everything from burgers, chicken, pizza, soups, and chili to quick snacks and hot drinks. Whether you’re warming up with a bowl of chili or grabbing a burger between runs, it’s exactly what you want on a ski day.

A few more highlights:

One of the highest ski areas in North America, topping out above 13,000 feet
Typically one of the first to open and last to close each season
Free parking and easy access right off I-70
A true local feel with fewer crowds and more space to explore

Loveland may not have luxury lodging or a flashy village, but that’s exactly the point. It’s a place where the focus is on great snow, diverse terrain, and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.

If you want a ski day that feels fun, affordable, and refreshingly real, Loveland is one of Colorado’s best-kept (but widely loved) secrets.

Official website: https://skiloveland.com/

LODGING:

If you’re looking for a truly memorable and authentic mountain getaway, the Historic Windsor Hotel in Silver Plume is a hidden gem that perfectly blends history, charm, and comfort.

Originally built in 1884 as the New Windsor Hotel, this property began as a miners’ hotel during Colorado’s silver boom, offering food and lodging to workers and travelers passing through the mountains. When silver mining declined, it transitioned into a boarding house and remained in the same family for over a century before being lovingly restored and reopened as a bed and breakfast in 2014.
What makes it even more special is that notable figures like Thomas Edison and Nikola Tesla were said to have visited during its early days, adding to the sense that you’re stepping into a living piece of history.

The hotel itself is beautifully preserved, with a unique old-time atmosphere that truly transports you back in time. The rooms are cozy, the beds are very comfortable, and while the bathrooms and showers are shared—as was traditional for the era—everything is clean, well-maintained, and adds to the authentic experience.

One of the highlights of staying here is the incredible hospitality from the owner, Lauren. She creates such a warm, welcoming environment that you instantly feel at home. The breakfast she provides is simple but thoughtful and satisfying, featuring oatmeal, cereals, yogurt, fresh fruit, bread, and coffee—perfect fuel for a day of exploring the mountains.

The location is another big plus. Nestled in the historic mining town of Silver Plume, the hotel sits just minutes from Georgetown, where you’ll find great restaurants and local charm. It’s also conveniently close to Loveland Ski Area and other nearby ski resorts, making it an ideal base for skiing, hiking, or simply enjoying the beauty of Clear Creek Canyon.

There’s even a bit of intriguing lore surrounding the hotel, with stories over the years about its long past and rumored hauntings—just another layer of character for a place that has seen so many generations pass through its doors.

Overall, the Windsor Hotel offers a rare combination of comfort, history, and genuine hospitality. If you appreciate unique stays with personality and a story behind them, this is the perfect place. It’s not just a night’s stay—it’s an experience you’ll remember.

Website: https://historicwindsorhotel.com/

DINING:

Cooper’s on the Creek is an absolute gem! This family-run restaurant, established 10 years ago, has built a loyal following—and after visiting, it’s easy to see why. From the moment we arrived, one of the owners, Amanda, greeted us warmly and made us feel completely at home. She took the time to share the story behind the restaurant, adding a personal touch that made the experience even more special.

We started with salads, and both options were fantastic—the classic house salad or the highly recommended grilled romaine topped with grilled chicken and a rich black garlic dressing. For entrées, the filet mignon was perfectly cooked and served with creamy whipped mashed potatoes and fresh broccoli. The herb-roasted chicken was equally delicious, comforting, and full of flavor with the same perfectly prepared sides.

A standout starter was the butter shrimp, served sizzling in a hot cast-iron bowl—absolutely packed with flavor and a must-try. Their full bar is another highlight, offering a great selection of drinks that pair perfectly with any meal and really elevate the overall dining experience.

To finish, don’t skip dessert—the bananas foster cheesecake is incredible. Rich, indulgent, and the perfect sweet ending that leaves you completely satisfied.

They also have a beautiful patio overlooking the creek, which offers a peaceful and scenic dining experience. While it was closed the night we visited, it’s easy to see why it’s such a popular spot when open—definitely something to look forward to on a return trip.

Beyond the food, what truly sets Cooper’s on the Creek apart is the people. Every staff member we encountered was friendly, attentive, and genuinely personable, creating a welcoming and memorable atmosphere.

For more information, menus, and hours, visit their website: https://coopersonthecreek.com/

If you’re looking for a place that delivers amazing food, a warm atmosphere, and exceptional service, Cooper’s on the Creek should absolutely be on your list. Highly recommend it!

Tucked into the charming mountain town of Georgetown, Sasha’s on the Alpine delivers a lively, casual atmosphere paired with seriously satisfying food—making it a must-stop whether you’re passing through or planning a night out.

We kicked things off with one of their popular salads, the Southwest Chicken Salad, and it did not disappoint. Fresh, flavorful, and generously portioned, it set the tone for what turned out to be a fantastic meal. The appetizer menu offers something for everyone, from meatball sliders to wings and more—perfect for sharing or building your own tasting experience.

The real stars of the show, though, are the pizza, stromboli, and calzones. The gluten-free pizza stood out in particular, loaded with pesto, spinach, tomatoes, and onions—a combination that was both hearty and delicious without feeling heavy. The stromboli and calzones are fully customizable, letting you choose your own fillings to match your cravings, and they come out hot, cheesy, and packed with flavor.

Beyond the food, Sasha’s offers a full bar and an energetic game room that adds a whole extra layer of fun. Whether you’re into pool tables, air hockey, arcade games, foosball, or darts, there’s plenty to keep everyone entertained.

What truly makes this place special, though, is the hospitality. Owner Sasha (pictured with bartender Q)—who, along with her husband, took over the establishment in March 2025—is incredibly welcoming and attentive. You can feel the pride and care she brings to the business. She’s often around greeting guests and making sure everyone has a great experience, and the friendly vibe extends to the whole staff, including bartender Q.

If you’re looking for a spot that combines great food, a relaxed mountain-town feel, and a fun, social atmosphere, Sasha’s on the Alpine checks all the boxes.

Website: https://sashasonthealpine.com/

If you’re heading up to Georgetown, a stop at Cabin Creek Brewing is an absolute must. This laid-back brewpub strikes the perfect balance between casual comfort and scenic Colorado charm.

Inside, the atmosphere is warm and welcoming, with a relaxed, cabin-style setting, TVs throughout, and sports playing—making it a great place to kick back and unwind. Outside, though, is where it really shines. The beautiful patio overlooking Georgetown Lake offers stunning mountain views, and on a nice day, it’s hard to beat sitting out there and soaking it all in. The brewery itself is known for its lakeside location with panoramic Rocky Mountain views, which really elevates the whole experience.

We started with their popular Bavarian pretzel—perfectly warm, soft, and served with delicious dipping sauces—and paired it with one of their fresh salads. The Caesar with chicken was crisp, flavorful, and a great lighter option to begin the meal.

For the main event, don’t miss the Thai chili pizza. It’s a standout—bold, slightly sweet with a kick, and incredibly satisfying. They also offer a fantastic cauliflower crust, which is a great option if you’re gluten-free or just looking for something a bit healthier without sacrificing flavor.

Overall, the combination of great food, solid craft beer, and an unbeatable setting makes this place a winner. The vibe is easygoing, the views are memorable, and the menu has something for everyone. Whether you’re coming off a hike, drive, or just exploring the area, this is definitely a spot worth visiting again.

Plan your visit:

Website: Visit Cabin Creek Brewing
Location: 577 22nd St, Georgetown, CO
Hours: Open daily (generally late morning through evening)