Jon Copeland is the Vice President & Chief Operating Officer at Breckenridge Ski Resort. Appointed to the role in Oct. 2023, he leads all mountain and base area operations, food and beverage, the resort's ski and snowboard school, summer activities and operations, and other important areas of the business, while also leading partnership and engagement with the Town of Breckenridge and broader community.
Jon first moved to Breck in 2019 to serve as the Senior Director of Skier Services, and in 2020 he moved into the role of Vice President of Mountain Operations at Breck, leading a variety of teams including ski patrol, grooming, snowmaking, lift operations, lift maintenance, comp services, terrain parks and building maintenance for the resort. During this time, he and his teams were instrumental in driving major on-mountain projects and capital investments across the resort, including the brand-new Freedom SuperChair that opened in 2021 on Peak 7, the upgraded Rip’s Ride on Peak 8 in 2022, and most recently, the Peak 8 base area transformation and upgraded Five SuperChair in 2023.Prior to Breck, Jon spent more than 20 years at Kirkwood Mountain Resort in Lake Tahoe where he created and implemented the Expedition Kirkwood program, providing backcountry-like experiences to explore the lesser known and more extreme side of the mountain. In Jon’s more than 30 years of ski industry experience, he has held nearly every position that exists within ski school operations, and has also overseen retail and rental, cross country skiing, product sales and services, and guest services.
Jon is passionate about skiing, biking, camping and fly fishing, and he even ran a fly-fishing guide service for 12 years in Lake Tahoe. He lives in Summit County and is an active leader and volunteer in the local community, serving on the board of directors for the Summit Foundation, Building Hope, and the Breckenridge Mountain Master Association (BMMA).
Where did you grow up?
I grew up on the central coast of California, spending a lot of my time with family and friends in the Lake Tahoe area.
As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be an outlaw – I love the old westerns.
What is your first memory on skis/snowboard?
Skiing between my uncle's legs at Sugar Bowl where he was a ski patroller.
When you’re not skiing or riding, where can we find you?
On a river fly fishing. Next to the big rock and across from the tree.
What is your favorite run or Peak at Breck and why?
Anywhere up in Serenity Bowl or the Sixth Senses. I love the feeling of isolation that the hike provides, and just being at the top of the mountain looking down on the resort and town is a special feeling. It doesn’t hurt that there is some really fun and challenging terrain up there.
What’s your favorite spot in town?
Tacos Y Burritos. Pretty much anywhere that has Mexican food.
I love Breck because...
The mountain and the people. It’s a very dedicated group of individuals who really want to be part of a great mountain experience. The people I work with are super passionate and you can’t help but feel privileged to be a part of that.
Favorite time of year at Breck?
Fall. Nothing better than fall in a mountain community. The coming winter’s light, crisp mornings and evenings really start the excitement for what’s to come.