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Copper Mountain Today
By the People, for the People
Kevin Nealon Recounts Humorous Ski Trip Story About Copper Mountain
The comedian's racial puns about the Colorado resort's run names draw laughter on Conan O'Brien's show.
Published on Mar. 2, 2026
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In a resurfaced video from 14 years ago, comedian Kevin Nealon describes a ski trip to Copper Mountain, Colorado, where he recounts a conversation with a local store employee about the resort's run names, including references to "the blacks" and "white powder" that play on racial stereotypes in a humorous but controversial way.
Why it matters
Nealon's joke highlights how Colorado ski resorts and their branding can sometimes invoke insensitive or racially charged language, even in jest, which can reflect broader issues of diversity and inclusion in the state's outdoor recreation industry.
The details
In the Conan O'Brien show appearance, Nealon describes asking a local convenience store employee about the best place to ski, and the employee recommending Copper Mountain. Nealon then recounts the employee explaining the resort's ski run names, including references to "the blacks" for difficult black diamond trails and "white powder" for the high-quality snow, which Nealon delivers in a way that plays on racial stereotypes for comedic effect.
- The Conan O'Brien show appearance took place approximately 14 years ago, based on the YouTube video's publication date.
The players
Kevin Nealon
An American actor, comedian, and former cast member of Saturday Night Live, known for his roles in shows like Weeds and films with Adam Sandler.
Conan O'Brien
An American television host, comedian, writer, and producer, best known for hosting late-night talk shows such as Conan on TBS.
Copper Mountain
A ski resort located in Summit County, Colorado, known for its varied terrain and challenging black diamond runs.
What they’re saying
“Every now and then, Colorado will be brought up on the national stage, in pop culture, which can be positive at times but also negative at others.”
— Nate Wilde, Author (999thepoint.com)
The takeaway
Nealon's controversial but humorous take on Copper Mountain's run names reflects how even well-intentioned jokes can perpetuate insensitive stereotypes, highlighting the need for greater diversity, inclusion, and cultural awareness in the ski industry and beyond.
