U.S. Ski & Snowboard has announced an exciting lineup for the 2024-25 season, featuring three domestic World Cups and three NorAm events, promising a dynamic year for freeski and snowboard enthusiasts. The highly anticipated Toyota U.S. Grand Prix and Visa Big Air events will take center stage, playing a pivotal role in the Olympic qualification process for the Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games. These World Cups will be crucial for athletes aiming to secure spots on the Hydro Flask U.S. Snowboard Team and the Stifel U.S. Freeski Team.
The season kicks off with the Toyota U.S. Grand Prix at Copper Mountain from December 18-21, 2024, featuring a thrilling halfpipe competition in the resort’s renowned 22-foot superpipe. Copper Mountain will also host a new X Games event during the same weekend, adding to the excitement. The action continues at Aspen Snowmass from January 27 to February 2, 2025, with the Visa Big Air event following from February 3-6. Aspen, known for hosting the 2021 FIS Snowboard and Freeski World Championships, will again welcome top-tier talent for World Cup-level halfpipe, slopestyle, and big air competitions at Buttermilk Mountain.
In a strategic move, winners of the Toyota U.S. Grand Prix at Copper Mountain will earn invitations to the Winter X Games Aspen 2025, with the opportunity extending to the next athlete in line if the winner has already secured an invite. This development is part of the new partnership between U.S. Ski & Snowboard and X Games, aiming to elevate the profile of freeskiing and snowboarding.
Sophie Goldschmidt, President and CEO of U.S. Ski & Snowboard, expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming season, stating, “The 2024-25 calendar is set and we are anticipating a great season, with many historically successful events back on the docket, alongside some new and exciting events set to debut. With the recent partnership between U.S. Ski & Snowboard and X Games, the world of freeskiing and snowboarding is being further elevated.”
The U.S. Revolution Tour, serving as a critical platform for athletes transitioning from grassroots to elite competition, will feature stops at Copper Mountain (January 11-15, 2025), Aspen Snowmass (February 8-12, 2025), and Mammoth Mountain (March 16-21, 2025). The tour includes halfpipe, slopestyle, and big air events, with overall winners earning spots at the 2026 Winter X Games.
John Rigney, SVP of Business Development at Aspen Skiing Company, expressed excitement about hosting the Grand Prix, stating, “The timing is perfect to highlight not just our amazing local athletes but our incredible venue and professional teams at Buttermilk, and welcoming the best in the world competing for the upcoming 2026 Olympic Games.”
Dustin Lyman, President and General Manager of Copper Mountain Resort, remarked, “Hosting elite competitions is part of our identity at The Athlete’s Mountain, and we’re honored to provide a stage where the world’s best can showcase their skills.”
Michelle Tomaier, Director of Events, Sponsorships and Athletes at Mammoth Mountain, emphasized the importance of the Revolution Tour, stating, “We are excited to continue our long-standing partnership with U.S. Ski & Snowboard Team to host another U.S. Revolution Tour at Mammoth Mountain.”
As the 2024-25 season unfolds, these events promise to showcase the best in freeskiing and snowboarding, providing athletes a platform to excel on their path to Olympic glory.