Talon Crew Volunteers must be 18 or older. Every team plays an essential role in creating a safe, successful, and world-class race experience.

Course Crew

Our largest volunteer team with the most opportunities to get involved, Course Crew volunteers work in ski boots throughout the day, on or off skis depending on the task, to build and maintain the racecourse, including shoveling snow, drilling holes for fencing and nets, icing the course, and slipping the race surface to create the best possible conditions for athletes.

This is a physically demanding outdoor role that includes extended periods of standing, carrying equipment, and working in a variety of weather conditions. Volunteers must have advanced skiing skills to access their assigned section and be comfortable navigating steep and icy terrain both on and off skis.

There is no skiing on the racecourse at any time. When moving on skis, volunteers will use a controlled sideslipping technique without poles. Volunteers should be confident and comfortable with this type of movement, as conditions can be steep, icy, and challenging at times. Experience using crampons is highly valuable, and volunteers are encouraged to use their own if relevant.

Venue Slippers

Venue Slippers are a high-energy, fast-moving crew responsible for efficiently moving snow away from the venue using controlled, targeted slipping techniques. They are deployed early to remove snow from safety-system stockpiles and may also be called upon to respond to severe inclement weather. This is a highly specialized role requiring significant experience and advanced skiing skills. This role is best suited for volunteers with prior experience as a slipper at other World Cup venues or comparable race experience. A vetting process helps ensure volunteers have the skills and experience needed for this specialized position.

Banner Crew

Bring the race venue to life by installing and managing sponsor and partner banners throughout the course. Working on skis, Banner Crew plays an important role in creating a polished race environment while supporting the professional presentation of this international event.

Talon Crew Admin

Help keep the Talon Crew organized, supported, and ready for on-course days. This indoors role manages volunteer check-in and out, radio and equipment distribution, and administrative support while helping ensure everyone stays connected and safe.

Course Security

A key part of racecourse safety, Course Security volunteers help monitor access and maintain a safe and secure course environment, supporting essential safety protocols to ensure races can operate safely. Working on and off skis, volunteers must be expert skiers who are confident and comfortable navigating challenging mountain terrain. This is a physically demanding outdoor role that requires volunteers to stand on snow for extended periods and work in a variety of weather conditions.

Interval Timers

Interval Timers support race operations by operating hand-timing devices at designated locations along the course. This role requires expert skiing ability to safely access and leave assigned positions, along with strong focus and attention to detail while tracking racer timing. Prior timing experience is not required.

Bird Feeder

Provide essential support and a well-deserved break for the teams working on the mountain. Located in our high-altitude tent, Bird Feeder volunteers help distribute food and drinks, manage snack supplies, and create a welcoming space where on-course crews can recharge and refuel throughout race days. This is an invitation-based volunteer role, currently filled by a dedicated team of returning volunteers.

Race Officials

These essential roles provide support for the technical side of the competition by helping deliver an accurate, fair, and seamless race. Roles include Timing & Calculations, Start/Finish operations, Race Administration, and other official race support to ensure procedures, equipment, and results run smoothly. These roles require special skills and training and are invitation-based, currently filled by a dedicated team of experienced volunteers.

Committing to Your Crew

We ask all Birds of Prey Volunteers to complete a minimum of 4 shifts to join this year’s Crew. Talon Crew volunteers remain with the same team throughout their shifts to build consistency, strengthen teamwork, and allow each volunteer to develop the specific skills and knowledge needed for their role.

With 4 completed shifts, you’ll be eligible for this year’s Volunteer Benefit Package (estimated value at $450)! Volunteers who want to participate in the Volunteer Appreciation Program can sign up for additional shifts and earn appreciation gifts as they reach new milestones of 6, 9, 12, or 15 completed days. The full list of benefits and program details are available here.

We appreciate your enthusiasm and willingness to take on additional shifts, but don’t forget to take care of yourself throughout the event. Be sure to schedule rest days so you can recharge, stay energized, and enjoy your volunteer experience.

New volunteers will have the opportunity to sign up for available Course Crew positions. Your registration form will ask you to confirm your skiing skills and experience, your comfort level on steep and icy terrain both on skis and with crampons, and your ability to support physical tasks such as shoveling and equipment handling.

A note about skiing ability and conditions: Being honest about your skill level is extremely important for this role. Many new volunteers imagine icy conditions as the occasional frozen patch found on a typical ski trail, with softer snow nearby. The Talon Crew, however, works on a steep, race-prepared piste where conditions are intentionally firm and consistent from the top of the course to the bottom. One of the Talon Crew’s most important and time-intensive responsibilities is removing any soft snow from the race surface using shovels, rakes, and, when appropriate, skis. Volunteers should be comfortable working on steep, firm snow and confident in their ability to safely move and perform tasks in these demanding mountain conditions.

Our team will review applications and follow up if additional information is needed. Volunteers will be matched with a section of the course that best aligns with their skills and experience. Steeper and more challenging sections are located in the upper portion of the course, while more gradual and forgiving terrain is found farther down. Access to assigned work areas is typically made by sideslipping down the racecourse, so volunteers must be comfortable navigating the terrain required to reach their designated section.

If our review determines that Course Crew is not the best fit for the available positions, we will reach out with possible alternative opportunities with another Talon Crew team or with Raptor Crew, our off-course volunteer team, based on availability.

As a first-year Course Crew Volunteer, we require that at least one of your first shifts takes place during Course Build Days (2026: November 27, 28, 29, 30, or December 8).

Course Build Days are an important part of your training experience. Your first shift must take place during one of these days, giving your Crew Chief and fellow volunteers time to introduce you to the course, teach essential safety, skills and protocols before the pace increases during training and race days.

Take a moment to see if Course Crew matches your skills and expectations. The Talon Crew is a highly skilled and internationally recognized course maintenance volunteer team that lays an essential role in preparing and maintaining the Birds of Prey racecourses at the highest level of competition. Through experience, teamwork, and dedication, our volunteers help create the conditions needed for top level World Cup racing in North America. We take great pride in their expertise, adaptability, and commitment to supporting world-class race operations.

You’ll be a great fit if you:

• Are an expert skier who is comfortable on steep, icy terrain, can confidently sideslip without poles, and/or have experience with ski racing.
• Have reliable alpine ski equipment and potentially comfortable using crampons.
• Enjoy working alongside an amazing group of volunteers while building lifelong camaraderie through hands-on, physical work. Help prepare and maintain the racecourse by shoveling snow, carrying equipment, drilling holes, and supporting the many tasks that go into creating a world-class racing venue.
• Are comfortable spending long hours outdoors in cold, snowy, and sometimes windy conditions, with limited breaks.
• Want to be part of a world-class close-knit team and are excited to learn from experienced Crew Chiefs and fellow volunteers.

We believe in being transparent about what each role involves so you can find the volunteer opportunity that best matches your skills, interests, and comfort level. If this role doesn’t feel like the right fit, that’s okay! There are many ways to get involved, and we encourage you to explore other volunteer opportunities where you can contribute, connect with the team, and have a rewarding experience.

You may hear your Crew Chief and fellow volunteers use names and terms you haven’t heard before, even if you’re familiar with Beaver Creek or racing. Don’t worry, you’re not expected to memorize everything right away! We’ve put together a quick overview of key locations, equipment, and terms you may hear throughout your volunteer experience.

Know Your Way Around

Get familiar with the locations you’ll hear mentioned throughout race week:

• Course sections: familiarize yourself with the Course Map. You will be assigned to one of the sections, and work with your crew to make it race-ready.
• Chairlift names – the main ones relevant for Talon Crew are:
  • Centennial Express (Lift 6)
  • Cinch Express (Chair 8)
  • Birds of Prey Express (Lift 9)
• Volunteer Headquarters (VHQ) is located in Ford Hall at the Park Hyatt Beaver Creek. When you arrive in Beaver Creek Village, take the escalator up from the Ice Rink. Ford Hall will be on your right. This is where you will check-in before your shift, and check-out at the end of your day.
• Powder 8 is where morning Breakfast is taking place for Volunteers working that morning. It is located on the upper level of Ford Hall at the Park Hyatt Beaver Creek.
  • PRO TIP: Give yourself plenty of time to park, catch the bus from the Beaver Creek base area, and make your way up to VHQ for check-in. Arrive 15 minutes early so you’re ready for your breakfast briefing right at your shift start time!
• Bird Feeder is located at the top Lift 9 – Birds of Prey Express and is available during your shift when your crew needs a moment to warm up, recharge, or snack during your day on the mountain.

The Talon Crew is made up of dedicated volunteers and experienced leaders who work together to deliver a safe, successful, and unforgettable event.

• Volunteer Coordinators: Our on-hill and administrative coordinators work tirelessly prior and throughout the event to lead all Talon Crew volunteers, and ensure every role is filled with the right people. They coordinate closely with the Beaver Creek Race Department (BCRD), Ski Patrol and Ski and Snowboard Club Vail, to support the safe, timely, and high-quality construction, maintenance, and operation of the racecourse.
• Volunteer Crew Chiefs: Each section of the course is led by a Crew Chief. These experienced volunteers oversee their assigned area and respective crew, and serve as the primary link between volunteers, BCRD, and Ski Patrol. They are your go-to resource for questions, breaks, or anything you need throughout the day. Crew Chiefs report to the Coordinators and lead the daily morning briefing with their crews. You will likely be assigned to the same crew for the duration of your volunteer time.
• Fellow Volunteers: Talon Crew is an incredible team of dedicated volunteers made up of the Course Crew, Banner Crew, Administrative Crew, Course Security, Race Officials supporting timing & calculations, start and finish operations, and many other essential roles. Talon Crew Volunteers also work alongside our off-course Raptor Crew, whose volunteers support Spectator Services, Finish Area Assistance, Venue Security, VIP Hospitality, Sustainability (Green Team), Product, Volunteer HQ, Registration, Commissary Food & Beverage, and more.
• One Team: Talon Crew and Raptor Crew volunteers work alongside the Beaver Creek Race Department, Ski Patrol, U.S. Ski & Snowboard, Vail Resorts, Beaver Creek Resort, Ski & Snowboard Club Vail, and many other partners. Together, we create a world-class event that couldn’t happen without every member of the team.

Course Crew volunteers use a variety of specialized tools and equipment provided throughout race week. Your Crew Chief will provide training and explain when and how to use each item.

You may work with:

• Steel shovels
• Snow rakes
• Snow blowers
• Air bag inflators
• Ice drills and hand tools
• B-net, A-net, fencing, and gate panels
• Crampons or other traction devices

Have your own crampons? If you already own high-quality crampons or traction devices that fit your ski boots well, you’re encouraged to bring them. If you have other mountain work gear or tools you think may be helpful, check with your Crew Chief before bringing them to the racecourse.

PRO TIP: Attach a high-visibility lanyard to your multitool. Many tools are lost in the snow each year simply because they blend in and are difficult to locate after being dropped.

Working on Talon Crew means there is never a dull moment!

As part of the On Course Crew, you’ll spend less time skiing than you might expect. Be prepared for:

• Skiing down steep sections of the icy racecourse to get to your assigned section, where the magic happens
• Shoveling, raking, and manual work
• Carrying equipment and fencing
• Standing for long periods
• Working outdoors in all weather conditions
• Technical, hands-on tasks that require teamwork and attention to detail
• Lots of laughs and unforgettable memories with your fellow volunteers
• After hours social events with new friends from all over the world.

If you’re interested in volunteering, please take a moment to create your volunteer profile in Rosterfy (our Volunteer Platform) by filling out this interest form. You’ll receive event updates and be the first to know when official volunteer registration opens.

IMPORTANT NOTE: This form does not serve as your official application for the event. Volunteer registration for the 2026 Birds of Prey event will open in Fall 2026.

Thank you for your interest and we hope to see you at the 2026 Stifel Birds of Prey event!

ANY QUESTIONS?

We are always glad to help. Reach out to steve@taloncrew.com or vvfvolunteer@vvf.org.

Email is our primary form of communicating to you with confirmations and newsletters. You need to have a valid email address in order to participate in Talon Crew. We also send daily schedule reminders via email, the day before your next scheduled shift.

During registration, please opt in to receive text messages. You may also opt in through your Rosterfy account.

FACEBOOK

Like Birds of Prey World Cup and the Talon Crew on Facebook to share photos, keep up to date with the social schedule and stay in touch with your fellow crew members.

INSTAGRAM

Follow Birds of Prey World Cup and Talon Crew on Instagram to see photo highlights from the event

FLICKR

We will have the Official Talon Crew Photographer, Curtis Ghent, on the hill to capture shots of you, our hard working volunteers, in action. Our goal is to make high quality portraits and group photos available to you, for free, so that you can easily access and download them and either print or share them on your social media. You can check out the daily photographs at Flickr