Nothing quite gets the adrenaline revving like the annual World Championship Snowmobile Hill Climb at Snow King Mountain. They must be doing something right, because this marks the 40th year in a row of this high-octane event in Jackson Hole, WY. Sure the sleds have changed a bit in the 40 years, but the goal remains the same. Get those sleds up the mountain as fast as possible. It’s an epic duel of machine versus mountain that looks like something straight out of the Wide World of Sports. Come out and see what all the excitement is about when the Hill Climb takes over Jackson from March 26 to 29.
Overview
The snowmobile course at Snow King Mountain boasts a relentless 1,500 vertical climb and up to a 45-degree steep slope, which makes it pretty much a beast of a course befitting for a World Championship event held at “the King”. The excitement and adrenaline is contagious and makes for an amazing spectator sport that closes out the winter season at the resort every year in grand style. The Hill Climb is one of the busiest times of year in Jackson Hole and the party vibe is contagious all through out town for four crazy days and nights with plenty of night life events and live bands. With crowds of up to 10,000, which, rivals the whole population of the town, this is an event that everyone turns out for, from locals to competitors and visitors from far away.
Entrance fees are $15 a day or $30 for the whole weekend. The action from the base of the mountain has an exciting feel, similar to a NASCAR race or the infield at a Triple Crown horse race. The two JumboTrons broadcasting the comp live only add to the big sporting event feel. One giant screen can be found at the base and the other will be set up conveniently in the ball field. For a slightly different perspective hop on the lift to the top and check out the action as well as the killer views of the whole valley. A lift ticket will set you back $12 for adults and just $8 for kids under 13 and seniors over 65.
Bring
The weather in the mountains is in a word “variable”, so make sure to dress in layers for varying temps. Some essentials to bring include:
• snow boots
• gloves
• sunglasses
• lawn chairs
• hat
• sunblock
• shell / insulator jacket
• binoculars
• ID
Also, make sure to bring cash, since well cash is king and not all vendors at the event take credit cards. There won’t be any ATMs either, so bring what cash you think you’ll need for the whole day. For those who want to kick back with a beer make sure to bring your ID, as you won’t get served without one.
Don’t Bring
• Please leave your pooches at home as dogs are not allowed at the event.
• No outside alcohol or beer
Shuttle
If you don’t want to mess with the possible headache of trying to find parking among a crowd of 10,000 then don’t and take the free shuttle, the START Bus, instead. If you need to drive your best bet is to come early and score a free spot in the town-parking garage.
Accommodations
The Hill Climb is one of the busiest events in Jackson Hole, so make sure to book your lodging accommodations early so you don’t literally get left out in the cold and miss this thrilling event. To check out the best available lodging , click here.