COPPER OPENS FIRST SUPERPIPE of 05/06 SEASON

Those Seeking Gold, Begin at Copper: US Snowboard Team to Train in Copper’s Superpipe

COPPER MOUNTAIN, CO… Dec. 1, 2005… Copper Mountain unveils the new Main Vein Superpipe and announces the opening of the country’s first Superpipe of the 05/06 season on Friday, Dec. 2. The Superpipe will be no stranger to talent, hosting the US Snowboard team during its opening days.

“We’re really pleased to be at Copper with some of the best snow in North America and the only world-class Superpipe in existence right now,” said US Snowboard coach Bud Keene. “All the best riders have confirmed they’ll be here at Copper and it’s an exciting prospect.”

While Copper is pleased to support the U.S. athletes in their pursuit of Gold, guests are encouraged to drop into the Superpipe during public operating hours. This weekend, Copper guests can sit back in Burning Stones Plaza or hike the pipe to watch the US team training sessions in the afternoon. The US Snowboard team will host autograph sessions Saturday and Sunday, from 3:00-3:30 pm, in the Village at Copper. In addition, the US Snowboard team will make a charitable donation to the Summit Foundation.

Main Vein Superpipe Schedule:
Friday, Dec. 2
9:00am – 11:00 am….Closed for US Snowboard team training
11:00 am – 4:00 pm…Open to the Public
Saturday, Dec. 3 and Sunday, Dec. 4
8:30 am – 1:00 pm…..Open to the Public
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm….Closed for US Snowboard team training
3:00 pm – 3:30 pm….US Snowboard team autograph session
3:00 pm – 4:00 pm….Open to the Public
Monday, Dec. 5 through Friday, Dec. 9
9:00am – 11:00 am….Closed for US Snowboard team training
11:00 am – 4:00 pm…Open to the Public

Copper Mountain worked closely with partners the US Forest Service throughout the planning and execution stages in order to bring the Main Vein Superpipe to the public. The Superpipe is an exciting edition to Copper’s Freeride landscape which will now include: the Main Vein Superpipe, Catalyst Superpipe, Catalyst Terrain Park, Eagle Jib Park, and the Kidz Terrain Park.

Copper also introduces The Stomping Ground – the area encompassing Jack’s Bar, Jill’s Umbrella Bar, Burning Stones Plaza and the Main Vein Superpipe. Guests are invited to enjoy the sights and sounds from the new Superpipe as they take a break for lunch, enjoy après ski and make themselves at home at Copper.

Intrawest resorts remain close to the Olympic movement. Mountain Creek, located in New Jersey, will host the final Grand Prix halfpipe qualifier and naming of the U.S. Olympic Snowboard Team Jan. 20-21, while Whistler prepares to be a host venue for the 2010 Winter Olympic Games.

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Copper Mountain is just 75 miles from Denver with 2,450 acres of skiable terrain and a village that feels more like a neighborhood. Copper’s guests enjoy steps away lodging, après ski entertainment, naturally divided terrain, exciting events and a welcoming, knowledgeable staff. Begin your Copper experience with the new online films at www.coppercolorado.com.