Birds of Prey World Cup ski races to offer free concerts, ski movies, giveaways and more in December

Each winter, the fastest alpine ski racers from around the world descend upon Beaver Creek for the Stifel Birds of Prey World Cup ski races. This year, Beaver Creek will host four days of ski races, including two downhill events as well as super-G and giant slalom Dec. 4-7. The events are free and are hosted at Red Tail Stadium, which is accessible to the general public via shuttle busses and, if conditions allow, via the slopes that lead to the base of Red Tail Stadium. But in between all the race action, Beaver Creek turns into a festive atmosphere with free concerts, autograph signings with the racers, the annual Warren Miller movie, craft beer tastings and more.

“Stifel Birds of Prey is so much more than a ski race. It’s a celebration of everything we love about skiing and mountain culture,” said Sarah Franke, senior vice president of operations for the Vail Valley Foundation. “From fireworks to autograph signings, avalanche dogs and prize giveaways all in one place, it offers something for everyone, whether you’re a die-hard ski racing fan or just looking for an amazing weekend with your family.”

With the 2026 Winter Olympic Games happening this season, there’s even more reason to attend the Birds of Prey Alpine Ski Races. A lot of the same names you’ll hear the announcers talk about in Cortina, Italy when the Olympic alpine ski racing events kick off in February are going to be racing right in your own backyard. The World Cup Alpine Ski Racing events are where the racers vie for crucial qualifying points ahead of the 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics. Get familiar with the athletes to watch and see them up close in the finish corral, at an autograph signing, bib draw event or even walking through Beaver Creek Village.

Race Schedule:

• Downhill #1 – Thursday, Dec. 4 | 11 a.m.
• Downhill #2 – Friday, Dec. 5 | 11 a.m.
• Super-G – Saturday, Dec. 6 | 10:30 a.m.
• Giant slalom – Sunday, Dec. 7 | 10 a.m.

Even if you didn’t grow up ski racing or don’t follow the sport, there are plenty of events and activities surrounding the competitions. The Vail Valley Foundation, the nonprofit organization that puts on this huge event each year, creates the biggest party atmosphere of the winter up at The Beav’.

“The fact that most of the events and activities are free means the entire community can come together and be part of something truly special,” Franke said.

Check out the festival line up, list of bands and other things you won’t want to miss at this early season event that’s been coined, “Where Winter Begins.”

Beaver Creek Village events

Free live music – Beaver Creek Music Stage in Beaver Creek Village 

• Buffalo Traffic Jam – Thursday, Dec. 4 | 4 p.m.
• Manufactured Superstars – Friday, Dec. 5 | 2 p.m. 
• Red Not Chili Peppers – Friday, Dec. 5 | 4 p.m. 
• Kendall Street Company – Saturday, Dec. 6 | 2 p.m. 
• Jackie Greene – Saturday, Dec. 6 | 4:15 p.m. 
• Touch of Trey – Sunday, Dec. 7 | 1:30 p.m.

Warren Miller’s “Sno-ciety” – Thursday, Dec. 4 | 5 & 8 p.m. Vilar Performing Arts Center

The spirit of iconic film maker, Warren Miller, lives on in the 76th film from the franchise entitled “Sno-ciety” which focuses on the community, friendships and traditions that bring snow sports enthusiasts together. The footage takes viewers to fabulous ski areas in Austria, Alaska, British Columbia and Scotland. Former Men’s Alpine U.S. Alpine Ski Team member, Olympian and downhill champion Daron Rahlves is featured in this film. Get tickets for the movie at VilarPAC.org.

Men’s Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team autograph signing – Friday, Dec. 5 | 3-4 p.m. – Gorsuch

Grab autographs, take photos, and connect with your favorite athletes. It’s all free, and posters will be provided—just bring your ski poles or helmets for signing. Arrive early for the best chance to meet your favorite athlete.

Men’s Bib Draw, & Fireworks – Friday, Dec. 5 | 6 p.m. – Beaver Creek Music Stage

Ski racers wear bibs with numbers on them for each race. At this event, the athletes will draw bib and the number on that bib will reflect the start order for the next day. There will tons of giveaways from sponsors capped off with a fireworks display high above Beaver Creek Village.

10th annual Beers of Prey – Saturday, Dec. 6 | Beaver Creek Village

This is a festival within a festival with a beer tasting that celebrates craft beer in Colorado and beyond. Although many of the events throughout the weekend are free, this is a ticketed event. Early bird pricing is $35 if you buy before Nov. 12. Prices will go up as the beer tasting approaches.

Red Tail Stadium Events

Super-G Saturday Bloody Mary’s

Beat the lines and kick off super-G Saturday with morning music and free Bloody Marys! Swing by Beaver Creek Village before hopping on the buses to snag your wristband and free Bloody Mary ticket.

Pre-race music at the Public Perch

DJ’s like Aspen’s DJ Naka G will spin tunes to get you ready for race time on Saturday at 9 a.m. and Sunday at 8:30 a.m. (Sunday DJ to be announced).

Meet the dogs and cats of Beaver Creek

Meet the canine members of Beaver Creek Ski patrol and also get up close and inside a Prinoth snowcat vehicle on Saturday 12:30-1:30 p.m.

For more information, schedule updates or sign up for alerts go to BCWorldCup.com.