Question 1

What is a Playmaker?

Accepted Answer

A playmaker exemplifies Copper Mountain’s mission statement of ensuring that our guests and fellow employees are helping to deliver memorable experiences, enhancing lives, and having fun while creating strong guest loyalty by going above and beyond. This person has created a positive experience through their individual actions, went above and beyond in guest service, a specific heroic action, or creative animation within their department.

Question 2

What are the awards for Playmakers?

Accepted Answer

Playmakers: If nomination is approved, a Playmaker will receive a Playmaker packet which includes a letter of recognition from Copper’s President, a nomination certificate, 2 one-day lift tickets valid at Copper Mountain Resort, $10 Playmaker Bucks, a Playmaker name tag.

Peak Award Winner: The Peak Award winner is chosen by the Playmaker Committee for having an elite nomination as a Playmaker of the Month. This is a person who went above and beyond in elevating the experience for a guest or employee without being asked; someone who made an impact outside of their everyday guest service, stepping beyond of what’s expected resulting in a memorable experience. The Peak Award winner takes unique approaches (big or small) to problem solve for the guest experience, takes action that creates a positive, lasting guest or employee experience or makes an extra effort to make Copper a better place for both guests and employees. If chosen as a Peak Award winner, the recipient will receive $100 on their next check and a Playmaker branded mug in addition to the Playmaker packet.

Rally Award Winners: The Rally Award is given to a group of individuals who rally around a specific problem, situation, or event. They work together under extreme circumstances, facing challenges and overcoming difficulties as a “team”. This award is given to employees who band together in the moment, jointly work on a special project or task, or collectively shine when confronted with an extraordinary occasion. Rally Award winners receive an additional $20 in Playmaker bucks.

Team of the Month: Each month, the Playmaker Committee will select one department to win “Team of the Month”. A Team Playmaker Nomination recognizes an entire department. Just like a Playmaker, the team will have gone above and beyond, working together to accomplish a goal, or overcome an obstacle by working together to get the job done. The team will get to display a custom Playmaker Trophy in their department and have a celebration with the divisions’ RLT member.

Power Players: Someone who demonstrates one of POWDR’s Mission, Values, or Commitments and is recognized in the moment for this action. Recognition is made in the moment and can be peer to peer or from management. Recipient redeems Power Player card at Employee Experience and is entered into a monthly drawing for a Copper branded item.

Question 3

What is the difference between Individual and Team Playmakers?

Accepted Answer

Individual Playmaker Nominations recognize and reward an employee/volunteer for going outside their scope of work to demonstrate one of POWDR's missions, values, or commitment.

A Team Playmaker Nomination recognizes an entire department for outstanding performance and the celebration is hosted by the manager/RLT.

Question 4

What is Champion the Slopes?

Accepted Answer

It is about coming together to share knowledge, help and coach those around us that need help, and to support each other.

Please submit stories about the cool things in safety that an individual or a department has done in the past month – relate it to one of the Champion the Slopes tenants below and nominate them for a prize. All nominations must include details demonstrating adherence to safety.

• SHOW KINDNESS - Be part of Team Copper by going to bat for others and by showing kindness on the slopes. Lead by example—whether that's stepping up to coach those around you, or stepping in kindly when rules aren’t followed. Remember, a team is only as strong as its weakest player. 
 • LIFT EACH OTHER UP - Don’t be suspended from play and don’t let your teammates either! A closed trail is closed, period. You don’t want to be down for the count with a ski pass suspension. Just like when you are learning a new sport, do your homework ahead of time. Check the website, obey the signs steer clear of all on-snow machinery.
 • CARVE WITH CARE - Skiing and riding are not contact sports. Keep your distance from others and be ready to slow down or stop to avoid other skiers, riders, and objects. Stay alert to what is going on around you and plan ahead by easing up at blind spots and when merging onto trails. Slow down in congested areas and slow skiing areas.
 • DON'T HUCK AND HOPE - Play SMART in the parks. Like any sport, practice makes perfect so hone your skills with the smaller features first. Make a plan and look before dropping in. Be courteous, wait for landings to be clear, call your drop, and know your limits. Don’t forget to slow down as you join the flow of traffic when exiting the park.
 • TREAD TO SHRED - Road and sidewalk conditions can be variable throughout the season. Snow tires and 4WD, yack tracks, grippy shoes, or cat tracks on ski boots are helpful, but not rushing and walking like a penguin is the key to success. 
 • ACCEPT THE CHANGE - Varying conditions change the playing field. What you skied in December will ride differently in the spring. Take time to assess the snow and adjust how you ski and ride accordingly. Keep your equipment in top shape with sharp edges for the firmer mornings, and warm weather wax for slushy afternoons. Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated and don’t forget to wear your sunscreen.

Question 5

What are the Awards for Champion the Slopes?

Accepted Answer

If the individual nomination is approved, the nominee will receive a packet which includes a nomination certificate, two Fast-Tracks passes valid at Copper Mountain Resort, $10 Playmaker Bucks, and a Champion the Slopes name tag. To introduce the program, each individual winner will receive a Copper branded Yeti item!

Team Award: 
Each month, Copper's Senior Risk & Safety Manager will review team nominations and how they have incorporated one of the safety pillars into their department. A department or team will be chosen to care for the Champion the Slopes belt for the following month. They will also be treated to a team lunch or a "Fill the Fridge" event.

Question 6

Can anyone submit a recognition nomination?

Accepted Answer

Yes! But you must have approval from the supervisor of the person you are nominating.

Playmaker nominations can be made here.(https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=e63RXufF80iqhzBu4Ez7Kj_b-wKlCO9EoIa3nZGrZGhUODcyRE9PNjFFVkRPSFZLTERRNFZIQllIRCQlQCN0PWcu)

Champion the Slopes nominations can be made here.(https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=e63RXufF80iqhzBu4Ez7Kj_b-wKlCO9EoIa3nZGrZGhUNVdNTTM4QzlJQ1o5OFZKUUJIVDVXWUQ0WiQlQCN0PWcu)

Question 7

When are the next recognition winners announced?

Accepted Answer

Nominations are due on the 1st of each month. Winners will be announced around the 15th of each month.

Example - December nominations are due by January 1st. Winners will be announced around January 15th. Prize packets will be taken to RLT; then RLT will then distribute those to the appropriate department managers.

Question 8

What is a Power Player and how do they win the Spontaneous Recognition Monthly Drawing Winner?

Accepted Answer

It is someone who demonstrates one of POWDR’s Missions, Values, or Commitments and is recognized in the moment for this action. Recognition can be peer to peer or from management. Recipient redeems Power Player Card at Employee Experience for either a complimentary lift ticket or $10 in Playmaker Bucks. They are then entered into a monthly drawing for a Copper branded item.

Playmakers & Champion the Slopes

December Winners

Please send in any January nominations by end of day 2/1/2026.

2025-2026 Recognition Nominations

Previous Season Nominees