Colorado’s Ski Cooper stands out as an independent, non-profit ski hill surrounded by ski industry beasts like Aspen Snowmass. Their newest Master Development Plan (MDPs), released in May 2025, outlines their hopes for the future. While MDPs aren’t exact outlines of future projects, they’re just general plans submitted to the National Forest Service. None of projects mentioned in the MDP are guaranteed, and they all still require individual approval by the National Forest Service before they can become reality. SRG Skiing dove into Ski Cooper’s new Master Development Plan.
Breakdown of Ski Cooper’s Master Development Plan:
Ski Cooper’s Master Development Plan (MDP), drafted in May 2025, outlines a three-phase expansion for the non-profit Colorado ski area. It aims to double its Comfortable Carrying Capacity from 1,819 to 3,682 guests. Visitation in the 2023-24 season was 101,258, up 2,000 from the prior year and 39,000 since 2014-15, with 2024 revenue of $6.77 million against $5.64 million in expenses, per tax reports.
Phase 1 ($13 million) addresses base area crowding with a new fixed-grip quad chairlift (5,845 feet, 450 feet/min) parallel to the 10th Mountain double, a 12,000-square-foot base lodge addition for expanded dining and facilities, and a 2.75-acre parking lot expansion.
Phase 2 ($12 million) includes a fixed-grip double chairlift (Sawmill) on Chicago Ridge, opening 250 acres of terrain (8 blues, 5 blacks) previously served by a discontinued snowcat program. Supporting projects include a skier bridge, a ski patrol outpost, a permanent patrol headquarters, and base area buildings for ski school and maintenance.
Phase 3 ($14.5 million) proposes a 5,000-square-foot lodge at Cooper Summit with a cafeteria, bar, and restrooms, relocating the existing yurt to the Sawmill/Little Horse base with composting toilets. A 140-acre Hoyt’s expansion adds 5 blue runs via a double chairlift. The Buckeye platter lift will be replaced with a T-bar, and a 1.9-acre parking expansion is planned. A snowmaking system will cover Sitzmark, Black Powder, and lift load/unload areas to enhance early-season reliability.
You can read the entire MDP for yourself here.
