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Union Meadows Uphill

Copper Mountain

Salida

A way to reach the Union Meadows sidecountry without relying on a lift.

Resort Ski Touring Moderate

Distance
1.1 km
Ascent
240 m
Descent
0 m
Low Point
3.4 km
High Point
3.6 km
Gradient
22˚
Union Meadows Uphill Map

Union Meadows is a freeride zone at Copper Mountain that’s quite well known, but still underutilized because it’s pretty hard to reach. It is a cluster of clearings linked by rough-cut trails within a broad bowl, with excellent tree skiing and some fun natural features. Normally a few lift rides and a traverse are required to get there, and sometimes the final tow on Celebrity Ridge is closed. But even then, you can reach Union Meadows via this designated uphill route. It departs from Soliloquy run then traces the typical egress from the meadows. If you have a lift pass you can ride Timberline Express then ski down Soliloquy to get there. Otherwise, you’ll have to skin up West Ten Mile and Roundabout first.

Description

The Union Meadows egress is a narrow groomed trail, which will have a lot of fast downhill traffic when the normal approach to the zone is open. Thus, when ascending you should try to stay on the singletrack trail that’s removed from the groomed path. Continue to follow the most sensible passage uphill to eventually reach the open ridge above the timberline. There you might transition and ski down the way you came, or traverse and find your own lines through Union Meadows. This zone has lots of distinct variations that will make you want to come back and hit it again.

Copper Mountain allows uphill travel on this and a handful of other designated routes during operating hours, but an uphill armband is required for access. Find out more information and how to get a pass on Copper’s uphill access page.

Difficulty

Moderate

Remoteness

2 out of 4

Away from help but easily accessed.

Best time to visit

between December and April

Similar routes nearby

Guidebooks in this area