In a landmark season leading up to the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy, U.S. Ski & Snowboard has announced it will host 10 domestic FIS World Cup events across multiple disciplines during the 2025–2026 season.
“This is a milestone year for our organization, with both the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games on the horizon and a full slate of domestic World Cups,” said Sophie Goldschmidt, president and CEO of U.S. Ski & Snowboard. “Expanding the number of World Cups on home soil is central to our mission of supporting athletes and growing the profile of winter sports in the United States.”
Alpine Season Launches at Copper Mountain
The alpine World Cup season will open over Thanksgiving weekend with a new stop at Copper Mountain, Colorado. This marks Copper’s return to the World Cup circuit for the first time since 2001 and its debut as a primary alpine venue. The event will include men’s super-G and giant slalom races, followed by women’s giant slalom and slalom competitions.
The following weekend, Beaver Creek, Colorado, will host the renowned Stifel Birds of Prey races. This year’s edition will feature four men’s events—two downhills, a super-G, and a giant slalom—marking an expanded schedule compared to past seasons.
Freeski And Snowboard World Cups Return to Colorado
Three major freeski and snowboard events will also take place in Colorado. The season kicks off with the Visa Big Air presented by Toyota at Steamboat Springs, bringing back World Cup big air competition for the first time since 2021.
Copper Mountain will then host the U.S. Grand Prix in December, featuring halfpipe contests in both snowboard and freeski categories. Finally, Aspen’s Buttermilk Mountain will host another stop on the Toyota U.S. Grand Prix tour in January, focusing on slopestyle and halfpipe disciplines. This final event will also serve as the last Olympic qualifying competition before Team USA announces its Olympic roster.
“Copper Mountain is a trusted home for elite competition,” said Dustin Lyman, president and general manager of Copper Mountain. “We’re excited to host three World Cup events in alpine and halfpipe next season. As the Athlete’s Mountain, we’re proud to offer world-class venues that make these events possible.”
Cross Country Finals Set for Lake Placid
Lake Placid, New York, will once again be in the international spotlight, hosting the cross country World Cup Finals in March. The event will include a 10km classic race, a skate sprint, and a skate mass start. This marks the second U.S. cross country World Cup venue since 2001 and reflects continued investment in Mt. Van Hoevenberg.
“Lake Placid last hosted its first World Cup cross country competition in 1979 and then the 1980 Winter Olympics,” said Darcy Norfolk Rowe of the Olympic Regional Development Authority. “Hosting the 2026 finals 46 years later is a testament to our renewed legacy.”
Freestyle and Ski Jumping Events Round Out the Calendar
Lake Placid and Deer Valley, Utah, will again stage FIS freestyle events. Lake Placid will host individual and team aerials, as well as a ski jumping event with both individual and mixed team competitions.
Deer Valley will light up its 2002 Olympic venue for the Intermountain Health Freestyle International, which will include moguls, dual moguls, and aerials across three nights. This event will be the final stop for the freestyle team before departing for the Olympics.
“We’re proud to once again host the world’s top moguls and aerials athletes at Deer Valley,” said Susie English, vice president of marketing at Deer Valley. “Our continued commitment to this event reflects our deep support of winter sport.”
A Season of Olympic Preparation and National Pride
With 10 World Cup events across alpine, snowboard, freeski, cross country, freestyle, and ski jumping disciplines, the 2025–2026 season is shaping up to be one of the most significant in U.S. winter sports history. Each competition will serve as a critical step for American athletes on the road to Milano-Cortina 2026, while also helping to grow interest in winter sports at home.