Center of the ski racing universe at the Copper Cup PHOTOS

Behind the scenes @ the Copper Cup World Cup ski races

At the finish line in East Village for women’s giant slalom on Saturday, Nov. 29.

The Copper Cup grandstands, where flags and cowbells are staples on Saturday, Nov. 29.

Speaking of cowbells… a ski fan from Aspen brings the behemoth on Saturday, Nov. 29.

A ski racing fan wearing the colors and packing a helmet for autographs on Saturday, Nov. 29.

Hyping up the crowd before the start of men’s super-G on Thursday, Nov. 27. It was the first time in history a World Cup ski races was held in the U.S. on Thanskgiving.

Team USA’s Kyle Negomir signing autographs after the men’s super-G on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 27.

The women of the U.S. Alpine ski team (from left, top to bottom): Mikaela Shiffrin, Kjersti Moritz, Nina O’Brien, Keely Cashman, Annika Hunt, Elisabeth Bocock, Paula Moltzan, Tricia Mangan, Liv Moritz.

Krystal Media News Director Phil Lindeman with Laura, one of the dozens of volunteers working the base of the World Cup venue at East Village on Saturday, Nov. 29.

Ski racing fans rock Wendy Holdener jerseys (and beanies!), cheering on the Swiss skier at women’s World Cup giant slalom on Saturday, Nov. 29.

VIP treatment for the furriest ski racing fans at Copper’s East Village on Saturday, Nov. 29.

Not a bad seat in the house at Copper Station when the sun came out after 3 inches of fresh snow before women’s World Cup giant slalom on Saturday, Nov. 29.

Young Team Summit ski racers invited to a press conference with the women of the U.S. alpine ski team on Friday, Nov. 28. They were told Mikaela Shiffrin couldn’t make it — and their jaws dropped when she sat down for a private interview.

Fans get right up on the finish line for opening day of the Copper Cup on Thursday, Nov. 28.