U.S. Ski & Snowboard announced an official partnership with Woodward Copper and Woodward Park City to make the two venues the official training centers for athletes on the team until 2025, according to a press release from the companies. The agreement leads up to the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina.
Woodward Copper two airbags for both halfpipe and big air training, and most significant U.S. freestyle athletes have trained at both parks, including Shaun White and Red Gerard.
“Over time Woodward Copper has evolved to become the proving ground for snowboarding and progression. I am beyond thrilled that Copper has leveled up even more with the addition of new training bags and an official partnership with the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Team” – Red Gerard
“It’s been amazing to see Woodward embrace progression and training areas indoors and on-mountain at both Copper and Woodward Park City. I’ve spent a lot of time in the pipes at both places the past two seasons getting ready for the Olympics.” – Shaun White
“Woodward Park City was built with the intention of empowering and inspiring the next generation of action sports athletes. This partnership with U.S. Ski & Snowboard furthers our commitment to current and future U.S. Ski & Snowboard athletes and encourages local youth to dream big.” – Phoebe Mills, Woodward Park City General Manager
This partnership will certainly bring a lot more entertainment to both mountains for us regular skiers, and I certainly intend to spend some time at Copper trying to see a few pros training. But, as Phoebe Mills said, this will provide a ton of inspiration for the youth of both areas, which is really what skiing and snowboarding should be about. Also, is it just me thinking this, or do you readers agree that there’s absolutely no way Red Gerard actually said that?
Image Credit: Woodward Park City and Woodward Copper
