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The Colorado BBQ Challenge Moves to Copper Mountain

Copper Mountain announced on January 12, 2023 that it will host the Colorado BBQ Challenge this summer, taking place June 15-17, 2023. The festival will be relocating from its home of 27 years on Main Street Frisco, to Copper Mountain Resort, located just 7 miles west on I-70. The Colorado BBQ Challenge is Colorado’s longest running barbeque competition and will continue to be sanctioned by the Kansas City BBQ Society. For 2023, attendees can expect a similar event to years past, with BBQ, music, competitions and community.
Copper Mountain has a longstanding history of hosting high caliber events and competitions. Serving as the official training site for the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Team, they’ve hosted World Cup competitions for 18 consecutive years. The resort also has many years of experience hosting multi-day food and music festivals throughout its 50 years of operation. The connection between Copper Mountain and the town of Frisco is strong and will make for an easy transition for the continuation of this legendary event.

Frisco enjoyed a 27-year legacy with the Colorado BBQ Challenge, and we are thankful to all the BBQers and attendees who came to Frisco each Father’s Day weekend to celebrate with us. It is with great delight that we now celebrate that Frisco’s home mountain, Copper, will be continuing this BBQ legacy by hosting the Colorado BBQ Challenge in 2023 over Father’s Day weekend. We know they will bring their considerable event experience and new energy and ideas to this beloved event,” stated Frisco Mayor Hunter Mortensen.

Like previous years, the event will remain free for guests to attend, with food and beverage tickets available for purchase. Summer resort activities like scenic gondola rides, the Rocky Mountain Coaster, Woodward Wrecktangle, Climbing Wall, Zip Line, Bumper Boats, Bungee Trampoline and Go-Karts will be offered for enjoyment throughout the weekend. Other on-site amenities like lodging and free parking will also be available to those attending the festival. Weekend lodging options are available now online at CopperColorado.com.

The Colorado BBQ Challenge is a staple event for the community and BBQ enthusiasts throughout the country, and we’re thrilled to be able to carry the torch forward for its 28th year. The Town of Frisco has been incredibly supportive throughout this transition, and we look forward to continuing its legacy with some added Copper flare,” said Dustin Lyman Copper President and General Manager.

In true Copper fashion, the BBQ challenge will not be the only competition taking place on Father’s Day weekend. While still in the early planning phases, the resort hopes to offer athletic pursuits throughout the weekend, with things like a Ribs and Jibs Rail Jam held on snow, a 5K Bacon Burner Run, and a bike ride for cycle enthusiasts. Whether it’s tasting the yummy BBQ or partaking in one of the many activities offered at the resort, there will be a variety of ways for guests to indulge at the Colorado BBQ Challenge this summer.
For those looking to take their BBQ Experience to another level, Copper is collaborating with Yeti to offer a VIP upgrade, which will include exclusive tastings, experiences and private VIP areas. More details about the event, VIP Experience and information regarding the 2023 Colorado BBQ Challenge competitor and vendor registration will be announced in early February. Please visit CopperColorado.com to sign up to receive the latest updates and event details.

About Copper Mountain

Located just 75 miles west of Denver, Colo., Copper Mountain, the Athlete’s Mountain, offers an experience that inspires adventure, elevates ambition and empowers progression. During the winter, Copper’s world class naturally divided terrain provides skiers and riders access to over 2,500 acres of high alpine adventure that’s designed to challenge, inspire and empower every type of athlete. Each summer, the mountain transforms into a progression playground for hikers, mountain bikers and outdoor enthusiasts. Three centralized pedestrian villages provide a vibrant atmosphere complete with slope-side lodging, dining, shopping and activities. Copper Mountain is home to Woodward Copper and the Stifel U.S. Ski Team Speed Center which facilitate year-round training for every level of athlete. Copper is the Official Training Center for U.S. Ski & Snowboard athletes leading up to the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Copper Mountain is part of the POWDR Adventure Lifestyle Co. portfolio, and an Ikon Pass partner. POWDR is a family-owned adventure lifestyle company (TM) that believes there is nothing better for your soul than to spend time with the people you love, doing the things you love.

About Colorado BBQ Challenge & KCBS

The Colorado BBQ Challenge is a Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS)-sanctioned competition. KCBS sanctions BBQ and Grilling competitions across the U.S. and promotes barbeque as America’s cuisine. In addition, KCBS has an extensive Certified Barbeque Judging program. It is the largest society of barbeque enthusiasts in the world. Winners of the Colorado BBQ Challenge at Copper Mountain are eligible to compete in the American Royal – the “World Series” of Barbecue.

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