[jsouz]

MINIs in the Mountains (MITM for short), aka Coopers at Copper Mountain, is a large gathering of MINI and Mini Cooper enthusiasts, located at Copper Mountain Resort in Colorado (9770 ft), about 75 miles west of Denver on Interstate 70. This event is planned as a ‘family vacation’ for attendees, some of whom will want to spend time before and after the MITM event enjoying even more of the fun summer outdoor activities the state is known for. Colorado is home to some of the most scenic and beautiful drives in the country, and this event will allow attendees to enjoy the Rocky Mountains, lakes, valleys, and ski resorts all over the central part of the state. In addition, attendees and their families can enjoy the many events and activities at the Copper Mountain Ski Resort, home base for this event. Come hit the road and enjoy the curves in your MINI or Mini. The roads in Colorado are twisty, curvy and high, some approaching 14,000 feet (paved) unlike anywhere else on the Continent!! Discover Colorado HERE

Just west of the Continental Divide lies Summit County, Colorado. Home to 4 large ski resorts (Copper Mountain, Keystone, Breckenridge and Arapahoe Basin) this area is the gateway to the North, South, East and West in Colorado. Interstate 70 brings you here, and for our event you will be able to meander to such scenic places as Rocky Mountain National Park, Mount Evans – the highest paved road in North America, Keystone Ski Resort, Steamboat Springs, Vail, Aspen, Leadville and Breckenridge, not to mention Winter Park resort. Come on out and pick the rides that please you. Remember, all rides will have distances, approximate times, altitudes and mountain passes all planned out for you. But bring a sweater! Altitude can be chilly, even in the summertime!! Over 10 motoring routes are pre-planned and mapped out for you so you can plan your time with us.
Feel free to take your family with you each day or Motor alone. Copper Mountain Resort (home base for MITM) offers more than any other resort in terms of family fun and activities. You and your family can choose to enjoy hiking, biking and backpacking on the hundreds of marked trails in the area. Fly fishing and whitewather rafting are popular too. ATV tours, Jeep tours, and mountain bike tours are common. At the resort? Try the go-kart track, the health club or the spa for a wonderful massage. Try the Frisco Bay Marina (10 miles away in the town of Frisco) for pontoons, runabouts, sailing, fishing, paddleboating, canoeing and kayaking. Bike rentals are always available if you don’t bring yours on the MINI. A gambler? Central City and Blackhawk are just 60 minutes away and offer legal limited stakes gambling in this state. Hay rides? You bet! And your pets are welcome (leashed) in almost all parts of the state, including in the National Parks. Into railroads and trains? Come enjoy the Leadville scenic train trip at nearby Leadville, CO. or enjoy the Georgetown Loop train ride not far away. Golf? Copper Creek Golf Club is right inside the resort. Breckeridge and Raven are nearby. Keystone Ranch and Keystone River courses are just down the road. Beaver Creek, Vail and Aspen all offer dozens more courses to choose from. Tired? Check out the natural hot springs at Glenwood Springs, on the route for some of our rides. For more information on Colorado click here.

Come meet and greet MINI and Mini owners from all over the United States. Our bordering states include Wyoming, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arizona and Utah. We expect MINIs from them all, and as far away as California and Indiana!! Our event will include a campfire dinner at the resort, a Friday evening welcome wagon meal, and a Saturday outdoor BBQ. Yes, we do a lot of things outdoors in Colorado, since rain is rarely a threat. Come a few days early or stay a few days after, but do plan to enjoy the beautiful Colorado scenery.

As with any large MINI or Mini gathering, a number of vendors will be present with wares, clothes and other MINI related accessories for sale. Randy Webb of Webb Motorsports has even promised “The World’s Biggest Pulley Party” running non-stop for 51 hours from 9 am Friday to NOON on Sunday. Says Randy: “I’m up for it. How about YOU?” Randy feels that he can set a record and do at least 50 pullies in two days, as long as there are customers. Ralph Schomp MINI (provider of many of our vehicles) will be there, as will a Denver local and online favorite, Detailer’s Paradise and other vendors, suppliers and supporters.
Where is the event held?

Click here to see a Google Earth shot of the event site (Get Google Earth First). Be sure to rotate and tilt so that you view from the East. That will give you a great view of the resort...Or click here to to see more of the resort (in winter).
Who organizes the event?

This event is organized by MINI5280, the host club with the assistance and support of North American Motoring. Event coordinators are Jonathan Souza (Hi Ho Silver) and Rick Gonzales (Pauhana), President of MINI5280. Our club members and other club members from New Mexico MINIs and MOTR Minis of the Rockies will also be helping. This event is not possible without support from our community including Copper Mountain Resort.
What do you do?

Watch this site. In the coming days you will see registration and event information. You will then do two things: Register for the event with MINI5280 and make your lodging (the heck with hotels) arrangements directly with Copper Mountain Resort. We will provide you with links and numbers to do so.
How do I get started?

As the event planning progresses we'll provide event planning and registration information here on NAM. If you have an idea for an event and would like to help coordinate it please use the Contact Us form to submit your idea. We look forward to seeing you at the 2006 MINIs in the Mountains!

Contact us:

info@MINI5280.org
303-807-9483

or go to www.MINI5280.org or to www.NorthAmericanMotoring.com

JPS

[jsouz]

MitM MINIs in the Mountains is now open for registration at www.northamericanmotoring.com

When you do register, please remember that:

- You can register for the event
- You need to contact Copper Mountain Resort for your lodging RSVP (use link there)
- You should add yourself to our FRAPPR map
- You should post in the 'I am registered' thread and let us know who you are

Thanks for joining us. Let us know if you have questions...

Jonathan
Info@MINI5280.org

JPS

[My 2nd MINI]

Anyone have any details?