SUMMIT COUNTY — The U.S. Ski Team, already a dominant force in World Cup speed events, could get even better in coming seasons, with an opportunity to practice on Copper Mountain’s new full-length training course. Team members will practice on outstanding snow conditions through Dec, 10, before the terrain is opened to the public.
Copper chief Gary Rodgers said his crews, working together with the U.S. Ski Team, were able to put together the logistics for the training area in just a few short months after the agreement was finalized in late July.
“This is a long-term relationship, and one that we hope to grow on in the coming years and months and we hope to see the next generation of Olympians training right here at Copper Mountain,” Rodgers said.
“I just can’t imagine what it would have been like to have a facility like this to get myself ready for my seasons,” said 1998 Olympic Super G gold medalist Picabo Street. “I think that one of the things we’re going to see for sure out of this facility is some cameraderie within the U.S. team from the A team down to the junior team,” Street said.
“I feel really fortunate to be involved in an industry that does so much for families … we try at Powdr to do whatever little bit we can to perpetuate that lifestyle,” said Powdr Corp CEO John Cummings.
The training course is located in the Super Bee area of East Village, which includes Rosi’s Run, Andy’s Encore and Oh No. The steep, north facing slopes, high base elevation and early season temperatures will provide a much needed continuation from summer training in Chile and New Zealand.
Powdr Corp CEO John Cummings speaks at the ribbon-cutting for the new U.S. Ski Team speed center at Copper Mountain (video):
Olympic champion Picabo Street at the ribbon-cutting for the U.S. Ski Team's new
speed center at Copper Mountain, Colorado.
U.S. Ski Team racer Ted Ligety said the new speed center at Copper will be a boon
to U.S. racers. to U.S. racers.