No ski trip to Beaver Creek is complete without visiting the Birds of Prey alpine race course. It’s one of the most challenging trails in the country, and it continues to challenge skiers of all levels.
The Birds of Prey race course has hosted many competitions, including the World Championships of ski racing in 2009 and 2015. It’s one of the steepest courses in North America, making it a pro favorite.
Bernhard Russi designed birds of Prey for the 1999 World Championships. Bernhard Russi is a Swiss Olympic downhill champion known worldwide for his impeccable downhill race course designs.
One thing that makes Birds of Prey stand out among other extreme courses is its design. Bernhard believed the mountain had all the features one needs to ski and used its natural layout to create a challenging downhill course.
Because of its natural design, the course presents different levels of challenges. It requires various strategies and a different type of mindset to complete.
Using the mountain’s natural layout, Bernhard Russi designed different sections requiring different techniques. Some of the most distinguished are Talon, Gold Eagle Jump, Harrier, and Red Tail.
Talon is the first section you’ll come across in Birds of Prey. It’s one of the steepest sections of the race course, and it is called “the brink” between heaven and hell by many.
Gold Eagle Jump slows the course down with less steep terrain but ultimately leads to a 60-meter jump to Harrier.
Harrier isn’t as big of a jump as Gold Eagle, but it can be pretty tricky to navigate, and it takes you straight to Red Tail, a jump almost 70-meters high.
Birds of Prey has hosted many global and local competitions because of its steep, challenging terrain. Many professional athletes find the race course an excellent venue for Men’s Super G, Downhill, and Giant Slalom competitions.
The first competition in Birds of Prey included World Cup Downhill and Super G races in 1997. The World Championships were also held in Birds of Prey twice, in 2009 and 2015.
Since then, the alpine racecourse has made its mark as a championship course, making it a regular venue on the World Cup Tour.
Beaver Creek is home to attractions like the Birds of Prey alpine race course. It is one of the many things that both residents and visitors love, and you should put it on your list for your next visit!
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