This Thanksgiving weekend, Summit County will host a history-making event as Copper Mountain hosts the Stifel Copper Cup. The county is proud to bring FIS Alpine World Cup racing to Colorado for the first time as a primary venue!
From November 27-30, 2025, the world’s fastest skiers will compete just 75 miles from Denver. And all that attention means an incredible opportunity for local businesses to show what makes our mountain community special to a global audience!
The Stifel Copper Cup is the only women’s World Cup race in the United States this season and the first North American stop for the men. Olympic champions like Mikaela Shiffrin will race alongside rising stars and international legends, setting the stage for the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics just two months later.
The timing over Thanksgiving weekend couldn’t be better. With tourists flooding into Summit County for the holiday and the ski season hitting its stride, this creates a perfect storm of opportunity for businesses ready to capitalize on the increased foot traffic and media attention.
What the Stifel Copper Cup Means for Summit County Businesses
When World Cup racing comes to town, it brings more than just athletes. We’ll be welcoming media crews from around the globe, as well as team support staff, sponsors, and equipment manufacturers. Throw in the thousands of spectators who will descend on our community, and that’s a lot of economic opportunity!
These aren’t your typical day-trippers—they’re staying multiple nights, dining at local restaurants, shopping for gear and souvenirs, and experiencing everything Summit County offers.
Tips for Creating Your World Cup Business Strategy
Many of Summit County’s businesses are already planning how to leverage the Stifel Copper Cup to their advantage. The key is starting early and thinking creatively about how your business connects to the World Cup experience. Here are a few tips you can start thinking about now as you prepare for the influx of tourists and athletes!
Get Creative with World Cup Promotions
Consider creating special World Cup packages or promotions that run the entire week of the event.
For instance, coffee shops might offer a “Racer’s Special” breakfast combo, or retail stores could display country flags and offer discounts based on which nations podium each day. Professional services like massage therapy or equipment tuning can market directly to teams and support staff who need their services.
Show Off What Makes Colorado Unique
The international nature of the event means the world is coming to our doorstep.
So why not use the moment to showcase what makes your business uniquely Colorado? No matter what you offer, your business can boost the Colorado image and show off local pride by incorporating elements like state flag colors or iconic landmarks in your marketing materials.
Host Watch Parties
Beyond creating special promotions, businesses can also consider hosting watch parties or viewing events for customers to come together and enjoy the cup.
This could be a great opportunity to offer themed food and drinks – giving tourists and event teams another reason to stop by!
A Few Logistics and Preparation Considerations
Success during World Cup weekend is going to require some key preparation. You’ll need to plan for potentially increased traffic – and that includes both foot traffic and vehicle traffic.
Staffing
Staffing should be planned well in advance, as finding temporary help during Thanksgiving weekend presents unique challenges. Consider partnering with other businesses to share seasonal staff or coordinate schedules that ensure adequate coverage.
Inventory
Inventory planning is also going to be crucial, as you never know what might sell out! Stock up on items with broad appeal and Colorado branding.
Don’t forget to increase your supply of basics, as thousands of additional visitors will mean even everyday items will see increased demand.
Payment Processing
Don’t forget about payment processing. Make sure your systems can handle international credit cards and contactless payments, which are increasingly popular with European visitors.
Brief your staff on exchange rate questions and train them to provide excellent service despite potential language barriers.
Beyond the Weekend: Long-term Benefits
We see the World Cup’s impact extending far beyond four days in November.
This sheer amount of international media coverage means Summit County is going to be seen by millions of viewers worldwide. Plus, visitors who discover your business during the World Cup often become repeat customers, returning for future ski trips or recommending you to friends.
We’re hopeful that this event will position Summit County as a world-class destination capable of hosting elite international competitions. This reputation boost benefits all businesses, potentially attracting future events, increasing property values, and elevating our community’s global profile.
Partnering with the Chamber for Maximum Impact
The Summit Chamber is proud to play a role in providing comprehensive business support around the World Cup weekend.
The Summit Chamber is excited to promote ANY local business during the World Cup happening November 27-30, 2025, at Copper Mountain. This event is expected to bring regional, national, and international attention to Summit County at the start of the ski season, when traffic is traditionally minimal.
One of the ways your business can participate and be promoted as a beLocal partner is by being listed in the World Cup Directory.
There is NO CHARGE to be listed in the directory.
The directory will be live at summitchamber.org/be-local from November 17 to December 5, 2025. The directory will be promoted in various ways throughout the county.
We’re also facilitating connections between businesses for creative collaborations. Lodging properties can partner with restaurants for dinner packages. Transportation services can team with retail shops for shopping shuttles.
Join the Movement & Prepare for the World Cup Today!
The Stifel Copper Cup is Summit County’s moment on the world stage. The Chamber is here to ensure every business can participate in and benefit from this historic event.
Make sure to join the Chamber if you haven’t yet – as we’re sharing strategies, coordinating promotions, and setting the stage for success come November. Together, we’ll show international visitors why Summit County isn’t just a great place to ski – it’s an exceptional place to do business!
The countdown to the World Cup has begun. Let’s show the world what makes Summit County businesses extraordinary!
