COPPER MOUNTAIN, Colo. – Copper Mountain has long served as a premier destination for early-season alpine training. This November, the resort will take on a new role, hosting both men’s and women’s FIS Alpine World Cup races for the first time as an originally scheduled venue.
Killington Races Move to Copper for 2025
For the past eight years, Killington, Vt., has staged the women’s World Cup giant slalom and slalom races over Thanksgiving weekend. In 2025, those races will shift to Copper, along with men’s World Cup super G and giant slalom. The events will take place Nov. 27-30.
Shiffrin Calls Copper a True World Cup Venue
“Although I’ll miss racing at Killington this Thanksgiving, I’m so excited that World Cup ski racing is coming to Copper Mountain,” Shiffrin said in a press release. “Athletes from all around the globe come to Copper early in the season to get the best training in the world and the best preparation for World Cup racing. It’s so exciting to see Copper as a true World Cup race venue. I’m particularly excited because it’s so close to home. I can sleep in my own bed, and my community can come and experience it.”
Shiffrin, 29, has won six times and landed three podiums at the Killington World Cup. She chased her 100th World Cup victory in the 2024 Killington giant slalom but crashed in the second run, sustaining a serious abdominal puncture that sidelined her for several weeks.
Killington Plans to Return in 2026
Lift construction forced Killington to cancel its 2025 races, but the Vermont resort expects to bring the women’s World Cup back in 2026.
“I’m really excited to race in Copper next year,” said recently crowned World Championship giant slalom bronze medalist Paula Moltzan. “While we will miss Killington this upcoming season, I know Copper will make a great race, and it will be fun to have men and women back-to-back.”
Copper Prepares for Historic Event
With a base elevation of 9,600 feet, Copper offers top-tier early-season snow conditions and serves as home to the Stifel U.S. Ski Team Speed Center. The U.S. Ski Team trains there every November, along with dozens of international teams. The FIS Council must still approve Copper’s races this spring, but the resort and U.S. Ski Team have already started preparations for the Stifel Copper Cup, scheduled for Nov. 27-30.
“Hosting an alpine World Cup event at Copper is a natural fit for us,” Copper Mountain president and general manager Dustin Lyman said in a press release. “We are recognized as the Athlete’s Mountain, in part because the world’s elite snow sports athletes train and compete on our venues. Now, we’re excited to showcase our exceptional racing venue on the world stage.”
Copper Expands U.S. World Cup Presence
Copper has previously hosted women’s World Cup races and stepped in to hold alpine events in 1976, 1999, and 2001 when poor snow conditions forced venue changes. The Stifel Copper Cup marks the first time that both men’s and women’s World Cup races have been originally scheduled at the resort.
“We are thrilled to bring World Cup racing back to Copper Mountain as part of our strategic vision to expand elite competition opportunities in the United States. We’re also pleased to support FIS, who asked for our help in providing another early-season world-class racing venue for the men,” said Sophie Goldschmidt, president and CEO of U.S. Ski & Snowboard. “With its top training facilities and proven track record of hosting international events, Copper Mountain represents the ideal venue for showcasing the highest level of alpine racing.”
Only U.S. Women’s World Cup Stop in 2025
According to the press release, Copper will host the only U.S. stop for the women’s Alpine World Cup next season. Resort officials also expressed interest in making Copper a regular stop on the men’s tour.
“I’m so excited to see another U.S. World Cup event,” Radamus said. “I think this is huge for our sport and awesome, especially for our team. Nothing beats a home crowd.”
Copper to Host Four Races Over Four Days
The 2025 Stifel Copper Cup will feature two men’s and two women’s races from Nov. 27-30. Copper’s East Village base area will host the finish of all races, and organizers will finalize the event schedule in the coming months
About the Author: Shauna Farnell
