Donor Spotlight: Key Partner, Copper Mountain Resort

Copper Mountain Resort boasts 360-degree high alpine views, 2,500 acres of terrain, and a culture promoting all types of snow sports athletes, including those who ski or snowboard with the Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center (BOEC). With a partnership spanning over 20 years, BOEC and Copper Mountain Resort continue to expand this relationship by creating accessible mountain experiences for skiers and snowboarders of all ability levels. Under the leadership of Dustin Lyman, President and General Manager of Copper Mountain Resort, BOEC has welcomed the resort as a Key Partner, contributing over $50K annually of in-kind support which directly benefits BOEC’s Adaptive Ski and Snowboard Program.

Today this partnership takes on many forms, including season passes, parking passes, and equipment to support the Adaptive Ski and Snowboard program. The resort also donates an increasing number of in-kind donations which are used to raise funds for BOEC’s year-round adaptive programs. Olivia Butrymovich, Communications Coordinator at Copper Mountain Resort, states, “Copper Mountain Resort is proud to partner with the BOEC. As the Athlete’s Mountain, Copper is committed to enabling participation on the slopes by providing opportunities and funding for groups like the BOEC that support those prerogatives.” This support allows BOEC to serve people of all ability levels beyond physical disability, which can include cognitive disabilities, sensory differences, veterans and their families, and historically disadvantaged populations to enjoy the renowned terrain at Copper Mountain Resort.

During the 2021-22 season, BOEC conducted a total of 120 adaptive lessons and served over 50 participants at Copper Mountain Resort either bringing the necessary adaptive equipment or utilizing rental equipment generously donated by Copper Sports. In addition to the passes and equipment, Copper Mountain Resort has increasingly donated various in-kind gifts such as Copper four-packs and golf passes for us to use in auctions or door prizes. These contributions aid in raising the necessary funds for BOEC to continue its mission of providing life-changing outdoor learning experiences for individuals of all abilities.

This partnership also provides an exciting opportunity for BOEC instructors, interns, and volunteers to conduct lessons in the diverse terrain Copper Mountain Resort offers. BOEC Ski Program Director, Jeff Inouye, describes BOEC and Copper Mountain Resort’s relationship in this way:

“Copper Mountain Resort has been a key partner of the BOEC Ski Program for many years. Every season we are growing the number of adaptive lessons we conduct to provide life-changing experiences to the guests of Copper Mountain Resort and the BOEC. This partnership is crucial for the BOEC in order to continue to offer the option of adaptive lessons for participants visiting a world-class ski area like Copper Mountain.” 

In addition to Copper Mountain Resort supporting BOEC on hill for the adaptive ski and snowboard instruction we provide, they are also committed to a larger purpose to protect the environment and support the community through their Play Forever campaign. 

Beginning during the 2019-2020 season, Copper Mountain Resort’s Play Forever initiative has contributed over $1 million to community organizations and promotes sustainability efforts through local recycling and tree planting programs. Copper Play Forever initiative says,

“There is nothing better for the soul than to live a balanced life full of adventure, and we believe those in the future should have the same opportunities we have today. To make this happen, Copper is committed to doing all we can to protect the environment and support our community.”

The Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center benefited from the Play Forever campaign on March 2, 2023, as the non-profit recipient of Play Forever Thursdays at Copper Mountain. The Play Forever Thursday program, an arm of Copper Mountain Resort’s Play Forever campaign, donates $5 from every $99 discounted lift ticket to a local non-profit each Thursday from January to April. Through this program,  BOEC received over $11,000 from Copper Mountain Resort! 

“Every athlete deserves to experience the joy and sense of accomplishment these mountains can provide. The BOEC helps athletes of all abilities experience those feelings, whether it’s through scholarship programs, offering adaptive techniques and equipment, or through its highly personalized custom skiing and snowboarding experiences,” says Dustin Lyman, president and general manager of Copper Mountain Resort. “Our Play Forever Thursdays program focuses on partnering with non-profit organizations whose missions prioritize local relief, environmental conservation, or participation-based initiatives, and the BOEC’s dedication to helping provide outdoor experiences truly makes them an ideal partner, and we are so grateful to have them as a recipient of our Play Forever Thursday program.”

Not only did BOEC receive financial contributions through Play Forever Thursdays, but we also had the opportunity to set up a BOEC tent and table at the base of the American Flyer lift in Copper Mountain Resort’s Center Village. From 9 AM to 1 PM, BOEC’s Development and Marketing team shared the mission of the BOEC with skiers and snowboarders out enjoying the Colorado bluebird day. Our team also gave out goggle covers, mugs, and stickers to spread the word and image of the BOEC. Jonathan Hammerstrom, BOEC Events Coordinator reflects, “It was such a great opportunity to share information about the BOEC, while also meeting new people interested in the organization. We are so thankful to Copper Mountain Resort for allowing us to both have lessons on the mountain, and to be a recipient of their Play Forever Thursdays!”

It is partnerships with organizations such as Copper Mountain Resort that enable BOEC to continue its year-round outdoor education programming for people of all abilities. We are so grateful for the many years of support from Copper Mountain Resort, and we look forward to more opportunities for partnership in the future.