It is early December and once again Beaver Creek becomes the stage for the Birds of Prey FIS Ski World Cup. Whether you are an avid ski racing fan or just happen to be in town during Birds of Prey you are guaranteed to have a great time. As with all world cup ski events, this one promises phenomenal skiing, European style apres ski parting and a lots of family friendly activities. To make sure you don't miss on any of the celebrations check out our comprehensive Birds of Prey events guide.
The Races
Birds of Prey FIS Ski World Cup stars with the Men's Downhill race on Friday No 30th at 10:45. This is considered the most exciting event in alpine ski racing, Downhill racers attempt to be the fastest one down the mountain through a minimum number of control gates. Speeds in Downhill often exceed 80 mph on major courses and require a hill with at least a 750 meter vertical drop. Bring the cowbells and the face paint and come cheer the amazing athletes.
Saturday December 1st brings the Super G to the Birds of Prey ski course. The competition starts at 11 am it is a one-run event like Downhill but with more frequent turns similar to Giant Slalom. Make sure you come to the race course viewing area early on Saturday because the crowds are expected to be huge as the young local skier River Radamus is making his birds of prey Super G debut.
The closing day of the Birds of Prey FIS World Cup is offering the Men's Giant Slalom. The first run in this very technical discipline is schedule to start at 9:45 am and the skiers who qualify to compete in Run 2 are schedule to compete at 12:45. This event is always a blast for the fans as it often has American skiers on the podium such as the ski legend Ted Ligety and this year the young Edwards local River Radamus will try his skills against the best in the world.
The Parties
You really don't have to be an expert on ski racing to have fun during the Birds of prey FIS World Cup, actually you don't even have to watch the races just join the party at Beaver Creek Village. To get the party started the right way stop by Lorissa’s Kitchen booth in Beaver Creek Village for a free Bloody Mary between 9 and 10 in the morning of each race day. Pumphouse Bar is also open from 12 pm to 6 pm throughout the weekend offering drink specials, tons of giveaways and a fun atmosphere right in the heart of Beaver Creek near the ice rink. Do not forget to show your Epic Pass for $1 off drinks all weekend at the Pumphouse Bar in Beaver Creek Village.
The Beers of Prey on Saturday 2-6pm is also not to miss. This ski culture celebration brings in local, regional, national and even international breweries to Birds of Prey and gives guests the opportunity to try some limited edition and seasonal brews or just sip on fan favorites. This year's event hosts 15 breweries and they will be paring delicious beers with small bites.
As usual the music scene during the race weekend is great. On Friday from 3-6 p.m. the Bay Area's Monophonics will get people moving and celebrate the first day of races with some timeless soul. Saturday's concert will start with Summit county local Beau Thomas showcases some of his singing and songwriting skills while playing soul, rock and folk sounds. Later that afternoon, the Hackensaw Boys will take the stage from 3-6 p.m.
For even more phenomenal music come to the Vilar Performing Arts Center for an evening with Darius Rucker Big Band. This is a one-of-a-kind concert, with all proceeds benefiting the Steadman Philippon Research Institute. For this event, Darius Rucker will sing Frank Sinatra songs alongside a 16-piece big band accompaniment for the first time ever in Colorado.
The Kids
This year Birds of Prey Fis World Cup has a special kids viewing area. Beginning at the start of the Saturday and Sunday races, 30 kids are admitted into the YouthPower365 Kids Zone presented by TIAA Bank for 30-minute sessions (dependent on space). This new feature will be in high demand, so get signed up online at http://www.bcworldcup.com/kids-zone to reserve your young skier's spot for your preferred time. Please note that space is limited and any late arrivals could potentially lose their spot. Arrive promptly to ensure prime viewing. YouthPower365 teachers will be on hand to help make the Kids Zone safe and fun.
After the races, families can head to Beaver Creek Village for free ice skating (3-5 p.m. Fri-Sat), fun games like corn-hole, giant connect-4, giant jenga, giveaways and more. Kids can get up close and meet the racers at the U.S. Athlete Signing on Friday, Nov. 30 from 4-5 p.m. in Beaver Creek Village. Stick around for the formal awards ceremony and athlete bib presentation and fireworks at 5:30 p.m.
