Copper Mountain’s Play Forever program continues to lead meaningful sustainability efforts with a recent project that turned an old lift tower from the Timberline Express upgrade into a rideable rail now featured in Woodward Copper’s Peace Park. 

The Timberline Express chairlift was upgraded from a 4-pack to a high-speed 6-pack in Summer 2024. Rather than sending all of the decommissioned towers off for recycling, the Play Forever team saw an opportunity to do something more impactful. One of the towers that was removed was then repurposed and installed as a permanent terrain park feature. The new tube rail debuted during Copper’s first-ever X Games Street Style Pro competition in December 2024. The tube, now painted blue and branded with the Play Forever logo, serves as a tangible reminder of the resort’s commitment to sustainable innovation. While a single tower was transformed into a ridable feature, the rest of the metal didn’t go to waste. The total weight of recycled metal from the lift was 279 tons or 558,000 pounds. Today, it remains a staple in Peace Park, where skiers and riders can interact with it every day. 

This isn’t the first time Woodward Copper has repurposed old materials. The team has previously incorporated decommissioned lift components from the American Flyer and American Eagle lifts, along with materials sourced from other resorts, into the design of custom park features. Beyond repurposing old lift towers, Woodward Copper has also built rails and a variety of features out of old light poles. Woodward continues to prioritize sustainability when sourcing materials for terrain park builds whenever possible. 

This project reflects Play Forever’s broader mission to protect the environment and support the community as part of a single, interconnected system. Through programs like the CIRQU closed-loop recycling initiative, Play Forever has processed more than 12 tons of materials in recent years. Additionally, through nonprofit donations, Play Forever helps advance Copper Mountain’s long-term sustainability goals in visible and creative ways. 

Through creative reuse and ongoing collaboration, the Play Forever team is finding new ways to minimize waste and make a lasting impact across the mountain. Projects like this bring sustainability to life in a way that’s visible, functional, and built to be enjoyed season after season.