Proposed improvements at Copper Mountain available for public comment

The White River National Forest seeks public comments on a proposal from Copper Mountain Resort to replace its Timberline Express Chairlift as well as expand its summer mountain biking network. 

The resort is proposing to replace the Timberline Express Chairlift with a high-speed, detachable six-person chairlift to improve skier circulation and access to intermediate terrain. 

As part of the chairlift replacement, a diesel generator would be installed at the top terminal of the lift, the existing underground powerline would be replaced, and a new 900 square-foot lift maintenance structure would be built. Some tree clearing and minor road improvements will be needed.  

The resort also seeks to improve summer recreation opportunities by constructing about 22 miles of new mountain biking trails accessed from both the American Eagle and Woodward Express Chairlifts. The proposed trails would be designed to appeal to a variety of rider abilities.  This would replace a currently approved proposal for 18 miles of trails that have not yet been constructed.  

“Before we complete our environmental review of the proposal, we want to hear any comments or concerns from the public,” said Dillon District Ranger Adam Bianchi.

More information is available at https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=62865