Jackson Hole Snow Devils Make Difficult Call After Exploring All OptionsEvent Cancellation Announcement
The Jackson Hole Snow Devils have officially canceled the 2026 World Championship Snowmobile Hill Climb, traditionally held on Snow King Mountain in Jackson, Wyoming. The decision was announced today after extensive evaluation of current snow conditions and careful review of multiple potential alternate routes.
Reasons for Cancellation
Organizers determined there is simply not enough snow coverage on the traditional course to safely and successfully host the event. Several alternative routes on Snow King Mountain were thoroughly considered, including Cougar Run, the Rafferty lift side, and the Grizzly ski run. However, each presented significant challenges related to racer staging, course flow, and overall event logistics.Cougar Run was also ruled out because it is scheduled to host a nationally sanctioned ski race the following weekend. Preserving the existing snowpack on that section of the mountain is critical, as snowmobile traffic would damage the surface and compromise the ski race conditions.Forecasted above-freezing temperatures and rain later this week would have accelerated snow melt and made conditions even worse.
Statements from Organizers
“This decision was not made lightly,” said RJ Crosland, President of the Jackson Hole Snow Devils. “The World Championship Snowmobile Hill Climb is an important tradition for our club and for the entire Jackson community. We explored every possible option, including multiple alternate routes, but ultimately we owe it to our racers, vendors, sponsors, and spectators to make this decision early so everyone can make alternate plans.”The Snow Devils Board emphasized that the cancellation is in no way a reflection on Snow King Mountain Resort. They praised the resort as an outstanding partner and host for the past 48 years and expressed deep appreciation for their willingness to explore multiple alternatives.
Looking Ahead to 2027
The Snow Devils are actively working on long-term solutions to reduce the likelihood of future weather-related cancellations and look forward to welcoming everyone back to Snow King Mountain for the 2027 World Championship Snowmobile Hill Climb.For the latest updates, visit www.SnowDevils.org.
