Second women’s downhill added to Birds of Prey races in December
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Chris Dillmann/Vail Daily
Organizers announced last week that a second women’s downhill has been added to the 2026 Birds of Prey World Cup ski races this Dec. 3-13 at Beaver Creek.
The addition expands the women’s race weekend to three events, including two downhills and a super-G. Combined with the four men’s races the previous weekend — two downhills, a super-G and a giant slalom — 2026 is set to be the largest Birds of Prey World Cup festival in history.
In all, seven World Cup races will take place on the iconic Beaver Creek course this December across back-to-back weekends, more than at any previous Birds of Prey since the course made its World Cup debut in 1997. The 2024 festival marked the first time women competed on the Birds of Prey downhill course and the addition of a second women’s downhill in 2026 continues that momentum.
“Seven World Cup races across two weekends is a reflection of how far this festival has come and where it’s headed,” said Sarah Franke, senior vice president of operations for the Vail Valley Foundation. “The historic debut of women’s racing in 2024 was a milestone decades in the making, and we are proud to build on that this year with the biggest and most exciting festival we have ever hosted. We are grateful to our community, partners, and volunteers, for helping us make an event of this scale possible.”
“This is an incredibly exciting moment for Birds of Prey,” said Bobby Murphy, COO of Beaver Creek. “The addition of a third women’s race, combined with four men’s races, would make the 2026 event the biggest and most dynamic in our history. It reflects the growth of the sport, our commitment to elevating women’s racing, and the continued evolution of Birds of Prey as one of the premier stops on the World Cup calendar. We’re thrilled about what’s ahead and can’t wait to share what this expanded event will bring to athletes and fans alike.”
All race action will take place at John and Karen Arnold Red Tail Stadium, where fans can witness the world’s fastest skiers navigate one of the most revered downhill courses in the world. With free general admission, Birds of Prey remains one of the most accessible and fan-friendly events on the World Cup circuit. Premium VIP hospitality will again be available, featuring heated indoor spaces, unlimited food and beverages, the best views of the action and more.
In addition to the seven World Cup races, the two-week festival will feature an expanded lineup of exciting events and activations in Beaver Creek Village, including free live music, sponsor activations, athlete autograph sessions, the fan-favorite Beers of Prey, and additional programming to be announced as the event draws closer.
Tickets for Beers of Prey and VIP hospitality will go on sale closer to the event. For the latest updates, race schedules, athlete news, and event information, follow @bcworldcup on social media and visit bcworldcup.com.
Original reporting from vaildaily.com
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