JACKSON HOLE, WYO – A 37-year tradition is right around the corner (by the calendar and its location) with the annual running of the FCExcavation Jackson Town Downhill.
One of the valley’s preeminent legacy events takes place this weekend. Do you have what it takes to earn bragging rights at Snow King Mountain on March 9-10? The Jackson Hole Ski and Snowboard Club (JHSSC) has announced the “Open Pro” division will have equal prize money to both men’s and women’s pro division winners: 1st- $1000, 2nd- $500, 3rd- $250. Over $10,000 total in cash and prizes.
Divisions:
- Men’s Pro Division ($1000 Cash Prize to Winner, $500 awarded for 2nd, $250 for 3rd)
- Women’s Pro Division ($1000 Cash Prize to Winner, $500 awarded for 2nd, $250 for 3rd)
- Amateur Men’s & Women’s
- Amateur 40+ Men’s & Women’s
- Amateur 50+ Men’s & Women’s
- Amateur 60+ Men’s & Women’s
- Fat & Baggy (part of “Amateur” Division)
- Telemark (part of “Amateur” Division)
- Snowboard (part of “Amateur” Division)
- U14 Boys & Girls
- U18 Boys & Girls
Competitors are eligible to race once as a Pro and as many times as they like as an Amateur. Save $10 on each additional race. Top 5 Pro competitors from current or prior year event may race in any class. However, these competitors are only eligible for Pro prizes and not the Amateur prizes.
The event is one of the most unique ski races in the country. In year’s past it has attracted anyone and everyone—both known and unknown—in the skiing community. From Olympic medalist Tommy Moe to ski pioneer Jon Hunt to JH Air Force founder Benny Wilson. All racing on equal terms, the big prize and top podium spot up for grabs.
Those who’ve raced it call the Mini Hahnenkamm run things like “rowdy,” “an amazingly intense little downhill,” and “one of the most intimidating starts on the planet.”
Since 1982, the Town Downhill has been a part of the fabric of this community. It is one of the three jewels in the Triple Crown Series that includes the Skinny Skis Moose Chase (27 years) and the Karen Oatey Pole Pedal Paddle (44 years).
Weekend schedule
Saturday
- 8:00 am Bib Pickup at Lodge Room in Snow King Base Lodge (100 E. Snow King Avenue)
- Free parking & bag storage available
- 9:00 am Lifts open to competitors: use Summit Lift for course access. Tickets available for purchase at the base of the Summit Lift.
- 9:20 am Course Inspection – Slow/No speed
- 10:00 am Course Closed
- 10:30 am Timed Training runs (Pros, Juniors, Masters, Telemark, Snowboard, Amateurs, Fat & Baggy)
- Times for pros are qualifying times for starts on Sunday
- 1:00 pm Juniors Race 12-14, followed by 15-18
- 3:30 pm TENTATIVE Junior Awards – Snow King Base
- 4:00 pm TENTATIVE Bib Draw Party – Lodge Room, Snow King Base Lodge
- Bib Draw is for top 15 pros based on training run times
- Fastest time picks start position first down to 15th
- All others above top 15 start positions are based on training run times
- Pros not present will run with remaining numbers after bib draw in randomized order
- Only the top 15 pros take their bibs home, everyone else picks up Sunday AM
Sunday
- 8:00 am: Bib Pick-up at Lodge Room in Snow King Base Lodge (100 E. Snow King Avenue)
- 9:00 am: Lift Open for Racers
- 9:20 am: Course Inspection – Slow/No speed
- 9:45 am: Course Closed
- 10:00 am: Downhill Race Start
- 12:30 pm: 2nd Pro run begins for top 30 overall Pro Men and top 30 overall Pro Women
- 3:30 pm: Awards at Base of Mountain
More information is available on the Jackson Hole Ski & Snowboard club website.
*Lift tickets are not included in race entry and should be purchased at the Snow King ticket office.
