Jackson
Hole's World Championship Snowmobile Hill Climb
As the snow begins to melt and the valley warms, Jackson Hole Wyoming buzzes with one of its largest events of the year: the World Championship Snowmobile Hill Climb.
Snowmobile touring in Yellowstone National Park or tackling
a few dozen of the hundreds of miles of the Continental Divide snowmobile
trail are memorable challenges for the average snowmobiler, but, for some
who have honed their skill of ascending vertical snow banks on the steepest
climbable mountains of the west, the Jackson HoleÕs World Championship Snowmobile
Hill Climb provides the opportunity too show off their prowess.
World Championship Snowmobile Hill Climb is not an event
for the meek, Held annually the last weekend of March the Hill Climb challenges
over 100 of the bravest and brightest stars on the professional snowmobile
circuit. The racecourse is straight up a double black diamond (expert only)
ski run called Exhibition. Exhibition rises 1,500 vertical feet above the
town of Jackson. The upper end of Exhibition known aptly as Rock Garden is
a double-black diamond ski run with an unfathomable 45 degree slope which
puts the wobble in extreme skiersÕ knees and makes mincemeat out of $10,000
snow machines. These competitors are snowmobiling up places most of us are
scared to ski down. Guts and a good sled may take you over the top or as
has happened to some a tumble to the bottom may dash the dreams of an aspiring
climber.
Thousands of spectators applaud the five percent of riders
who make it over the top, but riders who donÕt make it put on a much better show: their souped-up machines often tumble head-over-heels spewing parts and being chased by official Òsnow machine wranglersÓ hundreds of feet down the mountain. Hill climbers who lose it on the upper reaches of the course often tumble hundreds of feet back downhill if the, dozen or so, spotters donÕt arrest the fall of the machine. I saw one sled roll 59 times before it reached a place flat enough to stop. This legion of first-responders known as ÔHill HelpÕ are responsible for closing time and space when sledders look as though they are about to ÔendoÕ their
machines. They have proved to be invaluable to the competitors.
All sledders Ôglass the hillÕ with a spotting scope to
watch other contestants. Most ride the chairlift, as well, to get a birdseye
view of the action and what they may want to avoid. The art of setting up
the sled, or tuning it to the elevation and snow conditions, keeps crews
busy for days before a race.
Even spectators face challenges, prime vantage points
for viewing the race are high on the course on the same steep slopes that
frustrate so many riders. Less adventurous spectators can watch from the
bleachers, and some experienced spectators can make it pretty plush: People
have been known to bring Lay-Z-Boys to the bottom of the hill, where there
is an unlimited supply of beer, burgers and brats and a JumboTron screen
that transports the high action on Rock Garden so the folks at the bottom
donÕt miss any of the excitement at the top. ThereÕs also a birdÕs eye view while riding Snow KingÕs
Summit chairlift up to the finish line.
Hill Climb weekend brings with it a testosterone charged
atmosphere many of the ski oriented locals find objectionable. Jackson becomes
overflowing with loud boisterous motorheads that offend the sensibilities
of JacksonÕs predominant Prius aficionado, Al Gore sycophant types. I wouldnÕt
be surprised if a psychologist determined that the root of the animosity
was really because of the legions of beautiful women that accompany these
motorheads to Jackson.
Many folks who come to watch the hill climb also schedule some time to do some snowmobiling of their own. For most folks, even for those with plenty of experience riding a snowmobile, there is challenge and adventure aplenty in the prodigious snowfields of northwest Wyoming.
For those who enjoy seeing this dazzling country astride a snowmobile, you're just minutes from a snowmobile adventure of your own. Miles and miles of awesome terrain, with easy access to the Continental Divide Snowmobile Trail are all with easy access to Jackson Hole. Take all this and add a generous helping of genuine Wyoming hospitality and first-class service, and you have a true winter paradise. Numerous outfitters offer guided tours to most of the best riding terrain in the region.
There is big aciton high on the hill during hillclimb
Snowmobile Events
Hill climber goes off the back of his sled instead of over the crest of the mountain.
Jackson
Hole's World Championship Snowmobile Hill Climb • (Jackson Hole) World Championship Snowmobile Hill Climb is not an event
for the meek, Held annually the last weekend of March the Hill Climb challenges
over 100 of the bravest and brightest stars on the professional snowmobile
circuit. The racecourse is straight up a double black diamond (expert only)
ski run called Exhibition. Exhibition rises 1,500 vertical feet above the
town of Jackson. The upper end of Exhibition known aptly as Rock Garden is
a double-black diamond ski run with an unfathomable 45 degree slope which
puts the wobble in extreme skiersÕ knees and makes mincemeat out of $10,000
snow machines. These competitors are snowmobiling up places most of us are
scared to ski down. Guts and a good sled may take you over the top or as
has happened to some a tumble to the bottom may dash the dreams of an aspiring
climber.
Women’s Rally 4 A Reason • (Island Park, Idah)o • Midldle weekend in January check webisite for spacific dades - www.rally4reason.com • 209/558-7390. Highlight: The camaraderie among racers and spectators, and the ride through gorgeous forests. Any snowmobile race aficionado would associate a long-standing cross-country race with a bunch of tough men in a state like Minnesota. So it may be a surprise that there’s a 25-year-old cross-country race, specifically for women, in Idaho. The Old Ladies Race, an Idaho tradition, has a new name and different starting location — but the heart of the event is still the same: a women’s race to raise money for charity.
One Lunger 100 Snowmobile • The One Lunger began in 2000 as a fun activity born from an interest in vintage snowmobiles. The rules require that all snowmobiles entered in the race must be 1973 vintage or older, single-cylinder snowmachines. Any engine modification is permitted and any fuel may be used. Jackshafts are prohibited. Held on the third weedine in Feburary - Check For actural dates
World Snowmobile EXPO • Second weekend in March - check ro actual dates. EXPO is recognized worldwide as the "Largest Snowmobile Event in the West." Arctic Cat, Polaris, Skidoo and Yamaha will unveil their new snowmobile lines for the first time to the public at the same location. Hundreds of new aftermarket exhibits will also be on display at the West Yellowstone Holiday Inn, center for the EXPO. EXPO will once again offer a TOUGHMAN ENDURO Race scheduled on Friday. EXPO features high-flying aerial antics on Saturday night. The EXPO SWAP MEET will be held Saturday
Unruly Bison Gives Snowmobilers in Yellowstone a Hard Time • If you ever have the opportunity to snowmobile through Yellowstone National Park, don’t think just go! It’s an incredible opportunity to immerse yourself in some of the most breathtaking sights in the world, which appear enhanced by a dusting of clean, white snow. A word of caution, however; make sure to keep your head on a swivel out there.. a recent video making the rounds online shows an unruly bison giving a group of snowmobilers a little bit of a hard time.
........ Rest of Story
Outfitted and guided experiences drive tourism revenue in Montana • Outfitting and guiding are bringing significant and growing dollars to Montana, according to a new report from the University of Montana's Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research.Last year, spending on outfitters and guides hit $374 million by nonresidents, or 11 percent of all visitor spending, according to the study. It reached the fourth-highest spending category by nonresidents, surpassed only by fuel, restaurants and lodging. .........Rest of Story
Best on sleds hit Snow King Mountain for Hill Climb • Ski season may be winding down, but some 10,000 people are expected to come together at the base of Snow King Mountain this weekend. Some of the world’s best on sleds will descend on Jackson Hole for the 43rd World Championship Snowmobile Hill Climb, which revs up on Thursday. The event will begin with amateur events and work its way up to professional classes on Sunday, when the King of Kings will be crowned, closing out the four-day event.......... Rest of Story
Phillips Canyon Snowmobile Hill Climb seeks 5-year permit for annual event • STAR VALLEY, WYO – The Forest Service is contemplating issuing a permit to allow a popular snowmobile event in Phillips Canyon to continue for the next five years. The Greys River Ranger District of the Bridger-Teton National Forest is seeking comments on re-issuing a recreation event permit. The permit would allow for the continued use of the Phillips Canyon area in Grover Park for an annual February three-day snowmobile Hill Climb. This event has been held on the National Forest for approximately 20 years now, and provides a positive economic boost for local communities during a slower season. .....Rest of Story
A pretty day in the mountains
Will Closing the ‘Snowmobile Loophole’ Lead to Shutting Down All Motorized Rec on Public Lands? • The battle over backcountry access is back on.This time, the Winter Wildlands Alliance, a nonprofit organization dedicated to human-powered snow sports, has taken the lead, filing a petition with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Forest Service related to the way snowmobiles are regulated on National Forest lands. Their argument? That over-snow vehicles (aka snowmobiles) should fall under the same oversight rules that govern off-road use in the summer. In other words, they feel it is time to close the so-called “snowmobile loophole.”
Forget
the sunny Super Bowl, I'll take Wyoming and a snowmobile - by
John Steigerwald
I wouldn't know, because for the past 10
days, I've been about
as far away from Phoenix and the Super Bowl as a guy can get. Well,
actually, I'm closer to Phoenix than you are but only geographically............................While
the 3,000 media who are covering the Super Bowl were being herded
into a stadium on Wednesday to record the 3,000,000 clichés
that would be spewed on Media Day, I was cruising along the semi-frozen
Grey's River in Western Wyoming, looking at some of the most excruciatingly
beautiful scenery available for human eyes. It was 15 degrees and
it was snowing and I was sitting on a snowmobile that was sitting
on top of about five feet of hard packed snow......................As
I was watching four moose - two males and two females - cavorting
in the river, I have to admit----------------------------------->
More
US
Congress Votes to keep Yellowstone Open for Winter Recreation The United States Senate and House
of Representatives enacted legislation
to keep Yellowstone National Park open for winter recreationists.
The legislative action affirms National Park Service rules
to continue limited guided-snowmobile access on groomed roads
in the Park, using only new technology snowmobiles. The affirmed
rules also provide for snowcoach access and cross-country
skiing in Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks this
winter.-------------------------------> More
Winter
in Yellowstone: A Caldera of Your Own Lisa Torrance Duffy • Want
to tour Yellowstone National Park in near solitude? Visit in winter.
With a fraction of the summer's visitation -- only 140,000 during
the winter season compared to almost 3 million in summer -- winter
is the ideal time to take in the park's astounding natural attractions.------------------------------> More
Seventy year old
Louise Mcdonald snowmobiling in Yellowstone
Wyoming
court contemplates restoring roadless balance
Recreational interests
were among those present in the crowded courtroom as U.S. District
Judge Clarence Brimmer presided on October
19th over the latest legal maneuvers affecting U.S. Forest Service
roadless area management. In this latest lawsuit, the State of
Wyoming seeks to have the Court reinstate its earlier ruling finding
the 2001 Roadless Rule illegal. A number of recreational groups
have weighed in as "friends of the court" in order to
protect recreational access to the approximately 60 million acres
of "roadless areas" potentially affected by the Rule.
The groups, who include the California Association of 4 Wheel Drive
Clubs ("CA4WDC"), United Four Wheel Drive Associations
(UFWDA), the American Council of Snowmobile Associations (ACSA),
and the BlueRibbon Coalition (BRC), have been involved in a series
of Roadless lawsuits including several in the U.S. Districts of
Idaho and Northern California, and appeals court proceedings in
the Ninth and Tenth Circuits. In the present case the recreational
groups are supporting Wyoming's position and are seeking to have
an injunction issued preventing the Forest Service from implementing
the 2001 Rule. ---------------------------> More
Regional Snowmobile Clubs
Jackson
Hole Snow Devils • JH Snow Devils general membership meetings are 1st
Thursday of each month in January, February & March: 6:30pm
at the Virginian.
Gallatin Valley Snowmobile Assoc. • (Bozeman MT) (406) 586-8687 - Located on I90 and Hwy 191, 90 miles North of Yellowstone National Park and home to Montana State University. Renowned for its beautiful scenery and downhome atmosphere. The local club supports two separate trail systems. The Bridger Mountains Trail system is just 15 miles NE of Bozeman and the Gallatin Range is just minutes South of this city. The Gallatin Range is the proud location of the nationally registered historic Big Sky Trail that starts just southwest of town at Little Bear Creek and traverses 123 miles thru the mountains to West Yellowstone, the Snowmobile Capital of the World. Being this close to Yellowstone National Park affords us beautiful scenery and a multitude of snowmobiling opportunities to see, all from the Bozeman area. For a family ride try Buck Cr. Ridge Trail just south of Big Sky or 15 miles further South to Taylor Fork/Carrot Basin. For the more extreme riders try Portal Cr. to Buffalo Horn segment of the Big Sky Trail.
Pinedale Snow Explorers Snowmobile Club • (Pinedale WY)Meetings are held every 1st Wednesday of the month in various locations at 7 p.m. Please contact Mike Carrillo, President, for more information: 307-537-3132.
Sno-Roamers Snowmobile Club • (Swan Valley ID) Sno-Roamers is a nonprofit organization benefiting the Swan Valley, Irwin, and Palisades communities. The Sno-Roamers was established in 1966 by a group of friends in the Swan Valley, Irwin and Palisades area who loved to ride snowmobiles and get together for fun activities such as monthly rides in the winter, pot luck dinners, annual steak fry and an annual Christmas party and the current membership loves to do the same. There are records going back to 1983 showing that there were 27 members and that the dues were $5.00 for each member or $10.00 for a family. Some familiar area families that were members include the Rolfe’s, Longhurst’s, Drumond’s, Park’s, Taylor’s, Traughber’s, Burnside’s, Jackson’s, Wadsworth’s, Rose’s, Jone’s, Moeller’s, Poole’s and Wilkins. Currently there are 64 members and the dues are $20.00 for each member or $40.00 for a family, which includes the membership to ISSA with our longest members being Linda & Del Wilkins, Chub & Roberta Moeller and Ron Poole. New members are always welcome.
Mesa Falls in Winter, Island Park, Idaho
Targhee Ridge Runners • (Ashton ID) The Targhee Ridgerunners Snowmobile Club was organized in 1968 in Ashton, Idaho. Living in an area that borders Island Park and Yellowstone National Park , we usually have abundant snowfall and a season that runs from late November through March. The Ridgerunners believe that with careful consideration and stewardship toward the environment, wildlife, and personal property, snowmobiling can have a bright future in this area and will be a sport we can enjoy for a lifetime.
Cody Country Snowmobile Association • Remember, numbers are everything when dealing in legislative and environmental matters. As an organized group we can fight to keep our favorite areas free of wilderness and preserve our rights to multiple use lands. The club provides a place for companionship and sharing of fun times, and engages in family outings. We meet the second Tuesday of the month, at 6:30 p.m. at the Cody Search & Rescue Hall, September through April.
Mountain River SnoRiders • (Idaho Falls, Idaho) We are a family oriented club. We have members of all different riding skills and ages so bring the family and come ride with us! Tis’ the season to be very excited because it won’t be long that we can ride at any time. Thank you to everyone that came to the annual membership drive it turned out to be a very fun time. We were able to raise enough money to make some families very happy. So it is time for the Christmas families, please be sure to come to the meeting next week to hear the details. If you have any thing that you want to donate please let Derick know. Because the snow is coming we need to think of a Christmas club ride. There have been some new suggestions, including talk of a two day ride. If you have any suggestions please let us know.
Snowbiking in the Snake River Range south of Victor Idaho
Snowmobile tour taking in the view
Cody Country Snowmobile Association • (Cody Wyomng) The club provides a place for companionship and sharing of fun times, and engages in family outings. Remember, numbers are everything when dealing in legislative and environmental matters. As an organized group we can fight to keep our favorite areas free of wilderness and preserve our rights to multiple use lands. By joining CCSA (or renewing your dues) you also become a member of the Wyoming State Snowmobile Association who works in conjunction with Wyoming State Parks & Historical Sites to provide legislation for our sport, trail construction and grooming, mapping of trails and map printing. We meet the first Wednesday of the month, at 6:30 p.m. at the Cody Search & Rescue Hall, September through April.
Riverton Sno-Goers, the Lander Snowdrifters, and the Dubois Sno-Katers • (Lander/Riverton/Dubois) nowmobiling is our passion and the Wind River Mountains is our playground. Here you will find information about club events and rides, maps of trails and riding areas, saftey information and links to great snowmobiling websites in Wyoming. Our goal is to help you have the best time and most fun snowmobiling. Don't forget to check out the Wyoming State Snowmobile Association website for more statewide club news and to support the sport of snowmobiling.
Pinedale Snow Explorers • (Pinedale Wyoming) Meetings are scheduled for the first Thursday of December, January, February and March at 7:00 pm at the Pinedale Library.
Top Of The Rockies • (Alpine Wyoming) Since 1967 - This club was organized with the intent to bring people together with similar interests, to raise money for community projects and to support family oriented activities.
Sweet Grass County Recreation Association • (Big Timber Montana) Welcome friends and recreation fans! Thank you for visiting our club website. Here you are able to view our schedule for the year. We are very excited about 2010. We hope that you can make it to some of our events. We’re hoping to build the club with some strong volunteers and fun events!
As the snow begins to melt and the valley warms, Jackson Hole Wyoming buzzes with one of its largest events of the year: the World Championship Snowmobile Hill Climb.
Thousands of spectators applaud the five percent of riders
who make it over the top, but riders who donÕt make it put on a much better show: their souped-up machines often tumble head-over-heels spewing parts and being chased by official Òsnow machine wranglersÓ hundreds of feet down the mountain. Hill climbers who lose it on the upper reaches of the course often tumble hundreds of feet back downhill if the, dozen or so, spotters donÕt arrest the fall of the machine. I saw one sled roll 59 times before it reached a place flat enough to stop. This legion of first-responders known as ÔHill HelpÕ are responsible for closing time and space when sledders look as though they are about to ÔendoÕ their
machines. They have proved to be invaluable to the competitors. 
Hill Climb weekend brings with it a testosterone charged
atmosphere many of the ski oriented locals find objectionable. Jackson becomes
overflowing with loud boisterous motorheads that offend the sensibilities
of JacksonÕs predominant Prius aficionado, Al Gore sycophant types. I wouldnÕt
be surprised if a psychologist determined that the root of the animosity
was really because of the legions of beautiful women that accompany these
motorheads to Jackson. 
