But seldom do journalists visit Colorado's small ski areas. You can't buy exotic porcelain from Italy, fois gras won't be on the menu, and night life means happily crawling in bed by 9 p.m. So writers assume there's nothing to write about and the small areas go unnoticed. That's okay with the locals, who are accustomed to wide open slopes, no lift lines, and the comfort of knowing they can turn their kids loose on the slopes and not worry about their getting lost. The terrain at the Gems is as varied as all of Colorado.
Riders find powder and groomed trails, bumps and tree-speckled glades.
For serious skiers, the small areas aren't suitable for week-long vacations. But for families and beginners, they provide an easy, affordable and comfortable alternative. Perched at different locations along the Continental Divide, both offer unique terrain and simple charm. Although Vail is only 37 miles away, Ski Cooper is a world apart from one of the most popular resorts on the planet. Perched on top of Tennessee Pass and the Continental Divide, Ski Cooper caters strictly to skiers and snowboarders.