Copper Mountain joins the World Cup circuit: ski racing’s biggest stars hit Colorado in 2025

A gate at a training day at Copper Mountain Resort on November 12, 2024 in Copper Mountain, Colorado. Photo: @dustinsatloff // @usskiteam

COPPER MOUNTAIN, Colo. – For the first time in history, Copper Mountain Resort will host World Cup alpine ski racing, bringing both men’s and women’s events to Colorado from Nov. 27-30, 2025. The Copper Cup, an FIS Ski World Cup event, will feature women’s giant slalom and slalom, alongside men’s super-G and giant slalom competitions.

The event marks the first men’s World Cup stop in North America for the 2025-26 season and will be the only women’s World Cup race in the United States that season.

A new U.S. venue for the World Cup circuit

The addition of Copper Mountain to the World Cup calendar, pending final FIS Council approval, solidifies its reputation as a premier training and competition venue. The resort has long served as the Official Training Center for the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Team and is home to the Stifel U.S. Ski Team Speed Center, the only full-length early-season downhill training venue in the world.

“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,” 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.”

Copper Mountain previously stepped in to host three World Cup races in 1976, 1999, and 2001 when other venues were unable to due to poor snow conditions. However, this marks the first time Copper has been designated as a primary World Cup venue.

Killington’s temporary hiatus

For the past eight years, Killington Resort in Vermont has hosted the women’s World Cup event over Thanksgiving weekend. However, due to a planned lift replacement, the 2025 race will be held at Copper Mountain instead. The women’s race is expected to return to Killington in 2026.

Excitement from athletes & organizers

The event will feature top-tier ski racing alongside special events tied to the Stifel U.S. Ski Team’s HERoic initiative, which promotes women’s involvement in ski racing.

“It’s so exciting to see Copper as a true World Cup race venue, and 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,” said Mikaela Shiffrin, the winningest alpine skier in history.

U.S. Ski Team world champion River Radamus echoed the enthusiasm: “I’m so excited to see another U.S. World Cup event. This is huge for our sport, and awesome—especially for our team. Nothing beats a home crowd!”

An elite competition destination

Copper Mountain, located 75 miles west of Denver, has a long-standing tradition of supporting elite competition, hosting events such as the Toyota U.S. Grand Prix, U.S. Revolution Tour, and Special Olympics Winter Games. The resort’s high elevation, naturally divided terrain, and north-facing slopes make it ideal for early-season racing.

“Hosting an alpine World Cup event at Copper is a natural fit for us,” said Dustin Lyman, Copper Mountain President and General Manager. “We’re excited to showcase our exceptional racing venue on the world stage.”