The top names in freeskiing converge on Copper Mountain to compete for a total prize purse of $60,000.00 during the Jeep® U.S. Freeskiing Open Jan. 17-21. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the Open is the largest, longest running and most respected contest in freeskiing and showcases the best twin-tipped talent in the world. In addition to the two-plank snow sliding action, Copper celebrates January in the mountains with free live music, warm bonfires, exciting fireworks, free outdoor movies, sponsor giveaways and more.

Over 300 athletes compete in three disciplines including: Slopestyle, Superpipe, and Big Air. Slopestyle events take place in Copper’s Catalyst Terrain Park January 17-19. Snow sliding spectators may access the Slopestyle venue by skiing or riding from the Highpoint or American Flyer Chairlifts to the Catalyst Terrain Park. Walking spectators may access the venue by purchasing a foot passenger lift ticket for $15, available at any ticket window, that allows upload access via the Highpoint Chairlift. They may then walk downhill, along the designated foot passenger lanes, to view the competition before proceeding to the base area on foot. Spectators not skiing or riding are encouraged to wear proper cold-weather clothing and boots with good traction.

The Superpipe and Big Air events take place in and just below the Main Vein Superpipe January 20-21. Both venues are near the base of the American Eagle Chairlift and Burning Stones Plaza and do not require mountain access as they can be viewed from anywhere in Copper’s Center Village. Spectators can also hike up the mountain along the special foot path designated by signage and blue ropes. The Big Air competition gets underway just after sundown on Saturday and continues throughout the early evening. Superpipe semifinals and finals complete the week’s events throughout Sunday.

Following the competitions on both Friday and Saturday are a number of options for spectators and guests to continue the fun at Copper. After the Slopestyle finals on Friday, guests can enjoy free live music with DJ Knucklz, a free outdoor screening of the director’s cut of Warren Miller's upcoming movie entitled “57” and sponsor giveaways on Copper’s West Lake. Saturday features a free performance with Boulder’s Rose Hill Drive as well as fireworks over the mountain. In addition, following both days events are a number of after parties throughout the Village at Copper.

Following is the 2007 U.S. Freeskiing Open Schedule of Events (subject to change):

Wednesday, Jan. 17

8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Men’s Slopestyle Practice & Qualifiers
Catalyst Terrain Park

Thursday, Jan. 18

8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Men’s & Women’s SS Practice & Semifinals
Catalyst Terrain Park

Friday, Jan. 19

8:00 a.m.- 4:15 p.m.
Men’s & Women’s SS Practice, Semis & Finals
Catalyst Terrain Park

4:30-4:45 p.m. Awards Burning Stones Plaza

4:30-7:00 p.m. West Lake Movies & Celebration
West Lake

-Screening of Warren Miller's '57'

-Live performance of DJ Knucklz

-Sponsor giveaways and more

10:00 p.m.-12:00 a.m. After Parties throughout Copper

Saturday, Jan. 20

8:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Men’s Superpipe Practice & Qualifiers
Main Vein Superpipe

3:45-9:00 p.m.
Big Air Practice, Qualifiers & Finals
Base of Main Vein

9:15 p.m.
Awards and live music with Rose Hill Drive

and fireworks Burning Stones Plaza

10:00 p.m.-12:00 a.m.
After Parties throughout Copper

Sunday, Jan. 21

8:30-10:30 a.m.
Women’s Superpipe Practice & Semifinals
Main Vein Superpipe

10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Men’s Superpipe Practice & Semifinals
Main Vein Superpipe

1:30-3:30 p.m.
Men’s & Women’s Practice & Finals
Main Vein Superpipe

4:00 p.m. Awards Burning Stones Plaza

4:15 p.m. Athlete Autograph Session Jack’s

For more details, please visit www.coppercolorado.com or www.usfreeskiingopen.com.