COPPER MOUNTAIN, Colo. — Sept. 30, 2014 — More than two inches of natural snow graced the slopes of Copper Mountain Resort late Monday night when snowmakers kicked into gear and started snow making operations. An overnight wet-blub temp of 26 degrees made it possible for snowmaking guns lining Upper Andy's and Copperopolis trails to debut. Live snowmaking can be seen from Copper's Excelerator Web Cam. Copper will celebrate its 2014/2015 Opening Day in only 31 days on Halloween, Oct. 31.

In additional to ensuring the perfect snow surface for early season guests, snowmaking resources are also focused around U.S. Ski Team Speed Center at Copper Mountain in preparation for the 2015 FIS Alpine World Ski Championships to be held in Colorado later this February. Copper once again will introduce the full roster of Olympic medalists and World Champion alpine skiers while hosting the First Tracks Alpine Team Naming presented by Nature Valley on Saturday, Nov. 8. Athletes expected to attend include: Mikaela Shiffrin (Eagle-Vail, CO), Nicole Mancuso (Squaw Valley, CA), Ted Ligety (Park City, UT), Bode Miller (Franconia, NH) and Lindsey Vonn (Vail, CO). This full day pep-rally allows fans a chance to watch the U.S. Alpine Ski Team train, participate in a fan-lead parade and cheer on and send off their favorite athletes on the Audi FIS Alpine World Cup ski season.

Lock in your snow days for the 2014-2015 winter season with the Copper Season Pass and Copper 4-Pack, on sale now. Visit CopperColorado.com  for more information.

Visit CopperColorado.com for terrain updates, snow reports, lodging deals, event details and more. Stay connected all season long at www.facebook.com/CopperMtn or @CopperMtn on Twitter and Instagram.

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Media Note

Broadcast-quality photos and HD video footage of snowmaking at Copper Mountain are available at CopperColorado.com/mediaroom. Please credit Copper Mountain Resort/Tripp Fay.

Media Contact

Austyn Williams, (970) 968-2318 x38827, awilliams@coppercolorado.com

Stephanie Sweeney, (970) 968-2318 x38849, ssweeney@coppercolorado.com

About Copper Mountain:

An easily navigable, pedestrian-friendly, true mountain village lies in the heart of this affordable, accessible Colorado resort. Located just 75 miles west of Denver off Interstate 70, Copper Mountain is a year-round mountain getaway offering a low-key, genuine feeling that is inclusive and comfortable for all. From unforgettable naturally divided skiing and riding in the winter highlighted by unique year-round action sport progression focused programming with Woodward Copper, to the perfect summer mountain temperature for hiking and mountain biking inclusive with dramatic views of the Rocky Mountain's Ten Mile Range, Copper Mountain is quintessential Colorado.  CopperColorado.com.