The Unofficial Kick-Off to Winter in Summit County

As the aspens turn gold and the first snowflakes start to fall, Summit County, CO, is getting ready to kick off one of its favorite annual events – the Ski Area COO Summit.

For over 16 years, this has been the unofficial start of ski season, bringing together mountain town locals, business owners, and ski industry leaders to celebrate winter and get a sneak peek at what’s in store at our resorts.

But what is the COO Summit and why has it become such a big deal in our community? Let’s get into the history, the highlights and why it keeps drawing crowds year after year.

A Brief History of the COO Summit

The COO Summit started over 16 years ago as a partnership between the Summit County Chamber of Commerce and local ski resorts. 

The idea was simple but genius – create a forum where the Chief Operating Officers (COOs) of our area’s major ski resorts could share updates, plans, and insights with the community that supports and relies on them.

What started as a small gathering has grown into one of the most popular events of the year, selling out and drawing attendees from all over Colorado and beyond. The Summit now features the COOs from five local ski areas: Arapahoe Basin, Breckenridge, Copper Mountain, Keystone, and Loveland.

Why the COO Summit Matters for Our Community

The COO Summit is more than just a preseason party. For our mountain community, it serves several key purposes:

Economic Insights & Innovation

By hearing directly from resort leadership, local businesses get valuable information to help them prepare for the season. Will there be new attractions bringing in visitors? Changes to operations that will impact staffing needs? This information helps the whole community get on the same page for a successful winter.

Community Building

The event brings together a cross section of Summit County, from small business owners and elected officials to longtime locals and seasonal workers. It’s a chance to reconnect, network and strengthen the ties that make our community strong.

Excitement and Enthusiasm

There’s nothing like the collective energy in the room when we get our first look at new chairlifts, expanded terrain or innovative programs at our favorite resorts. The COO Summit channels our love of mountain living and winter sports into tangible excitement for the season ahead.

Transparency and Accountability

By presenting their plans in an open forum, resort leadership shows they are committed to engaging with the community. It’s an opportunity for locals to hear about decisions that will impact their lives and livelihoods directly from the source.

What to Expect at the COO Summit

If you’re attending the COO Summit virtually or one of the lucky people to get  for the first time here’s what you can look forward to:

• Resort Presentations: The main event, where each COO takes the stage to talk about summer improvements, new features and attractions and their vision for the season.
• Tourism Data: KeyData experts provide insights into travel trends so attendees can see how Summit County is performing compared to the competition and what that means for the winter ahead.
• COO Roundtable: A Q&A session where attendees can ask questions and dive deeper into topics from the presentations.
• Networking: One of the most popular parts of the event, the networking break is a chance to make new connections and strengthen existing relationships in the community.
• Swag and Surprises: Attendees receive a goody bag valued at over $100 filled with resort vouchers, local products and other goodies.
• Online Auction: Bid on unique experiences and items donated by local businesses and resorts with proceeds often going to community initiatives.
• Breakfast: Fuel up for the morning of information with a breakfast buffet.

Virtual Access: Expanding the Summit’s Reach

Since 2020 the COO Summit has gone hybrid, offering in-person attendance and virtual access:

• While in-person tickets are sold out, you can now get tickets virtually and participate.
• The virtual option has opened the event up to people beyond Summit County, including second homeowners, potential visitors, and ski enthusiasts from around the country (and those who couldn’t score tickets in person).
• The recorded and edited version of the summit will be available by 5:30 PM on the day of the event so you can watch at your convenience.
• By not having to travel, the virtual option aligns with many attendees’ desire to be more sustainable.

Why You Should Attend The COO Summit Virtually This Year

Whether you’re a local or planning your first trip to Summit County the COO Summit has something for everyone – the only thing that’s missing is you!

• For Business Owners: Get ahead of the season with insights on staffing, busy periods and new attractions that will drive visitors.
• For Residents: Stay in the know about changes and improvements that will impact your daily life and recreation options.
• For Visitors and Second Homeowners: Get the inside scoop on what’s new and exciting at each resort so you can plan your trips and make the most of your time in Summit County.
• For Industry Professionals: Network with peers and leaders in the ski and tourism industries.

How to Attend The COO Summit

The 2024 COO Summit is on Friday, October 4th at Copper Mountain Resort. Here’s how you can join in:

• Virtual Tickets: If you can’t attend in person, virtual tickets are $10 (members) or $20 (non-members).
• Sponsorships: Local businesses can get exposure by sponsoring the event. Contact Angelique Lochridge to learn more about these unique opportunities.

The COO Summit has become more than an event – it’s a celebration of our mountain community’s spirit, resilience, and shared love of the alpine lifestyle. 

Whether you’re attending in person, watching virtually or just waiting for the updates, the summit is when we all turn our eyes to the peaks and start dreaming of those perfect powder days ahead.

Don’t miss out on this Summit County tradition. Get your tickets now and get ready to kick off another amazing winter in the Colorado mountains!