Copper Mountain

The praise is for something rare: the mountain divides itself by ability - easy slopes to the west, intermediate in the middle, black to the east. A beginner will not wander into terrain beyond them, and a strong skier is not dodging learners. Reviewers note that it is easier to navigate than almost anywhere in Colorado, and that lodging costs less than at Vail or Breckenridge.

The base draws criticism: instead of a real town there are three purpose-built villages, and once the lifts close there is nothing to do. The second complaint is weekends, with I-70 traffic and the fight for parking. It blows hard up top, though it is the wind that loads the bowls with snow.