A joint decision has been reached by the Jackson Hole Snow Devils, US Forest Service, Town of Jackson, Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce, and Snow King Resort to cancel the 40th Annual World Championship Snowmobile Hill Climb due to unseasonably warm weather and poor conditions on the hill. This, according to a statement by the Jackson Hole Snow Devils.

The 4-day long ‘Jackson Hole Hill Climbs’ is one of the busiest events in town each year, bringing in over 10,000 spectators and 300 snowmobile racers. Held in March, fans cheer on their favorite riders from the base of Snow King Mountain or mid-way up the slopes as they steer their snowmobile up 1,500 vertical feet to a summit that angles to nearly 45-degrees. While some may crest the top, many fall and tumble – their machine tumbling hundreds of feet into catch-nets.

This year’s event came under scrutiny after two wet avalanches were noted on Snow King Mountain. For the safety of the riders and spectators the decision to cancel was made by all entities involved.

Its cancellation will be “incredibly impactful” to the tourism economy and cost Jackson Hole businesses “millions,”said Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce President, Jeff Golightly.

Find out more on the Jackson Hole Snow Devils website and Facebook.