Red Bull 400 returns

IRONWOOD - The Red Bull 400 will return to Copper Peak May 11.

Last year, the inaugural competition saw more than 450 local, regional and international competitors in a 400-meter race which included scaling the Copper Peak ski flying jump to the finish line on top.

Organizers hope to double the amount of competitors this year, building upon the inaugural success at the world's steepest 400-meter race.

Registration will open on Tuesday at 10 a.m. at redbull.com/rb400. Competition will be held in several catagories.

The 2018 race drew a few thousand spectators and "brought back speed, endurance and energy ... to the iconic Ski Flying hill," according to organizers. Copper Peak hosted its last international ski flying competition in 1994.

The principle is simple: participants start at the bottom of the ski jump and race 400 meters uphill 40 stories to the top of the largest artificial ski jump tower in the world. "The nearly vertical race challenges participants' speed and endurance, and is guaranteed to put the participants' calves, quads and fitness, to the ultimate test," said a press release.

"We are extremely excited for the return of the Red Bull 400 Copper Peak," said Kassi Huotari, marketing and communications director for Copper Peak. "Last year's event was a great success and each year we hope to build the event to make it bigger and better for the participants, volunteers, spectators, and the surrounding community. What this means to our area and to the revitalization of Copper Peak is priceless."

"The return of Red Bull 400 to Copper Peak is an expression of the board's commitment to bringing international quality competitions back to Ironwood," said Charlie Supercynski, President of Copper Peak Board of Directors. "This unique event, which challenges the best athletes in the world, is another step in the revitalization of the facility as one of America's premier sports venues year-round."

Copper Peak was built in 1969 and held its first international ski flying Competition in 1970. From 1970 to 1994, 17 countries competed at 10 international ski competitions. In recent years, Copper Peak has become a popular tourist destination as the view from the top of the jump provides a 360-degree view overlooking nearly 40 miles.

This isn't the only Red Bull 400 event of the 2019 season. Competitors will face 20 ski jumps across Europe, Asia and North America through the year.