It might currently be May and the snow has melted away, but come this December, the fastest ladies on two planks will be racing once again at the Stifel Birds of Prey World Cup event in Beaver Creek, Colorado.
To sweeten the deal, the Vail Valley Foundation, International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS), Beaver Creek Resort, and the Stifel U.S. Ski Team announced on May 7 that a second women’s downhill race has been added to the 2026 Stifel Birds of Prey competition.
According to the VVF, 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,” the VVF said in a press release.
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,” Sarah Franke, Senior Vice President of Operations for the Vail Valley Foundation said. “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.”
2026 Stifel Birds of Prey Race Schedule December 3-13:
Weekend 1 (Men’s Racing):
- Thursday, Dec. 3: Men’s Downhill
- Friday, Dec. 4: Men’s Downhill
- Saturday, Dec. 5: Men’s Super-G
- Sunday, Dec. 6: Men’s Giant Slalom
Weekend 2 (Women’s Racing):
- Friday, Dec. 11: Women’s Downhill
- Saturday, Dec. 12: Women’s Downhill
- Sunday, Dec. 13: Women’s Super-G
“This is an incredibly exciting moment for Birds of Prey,” Bobby Murphy, COO of Beaver Creek said. “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, with free general admission to the races.
“Birds of Prey remains one of the most accessible and fan-friendly events on the World Cup circuit,” VVF said. “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, according to VVF.
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.
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