Jackson, WY – After a disappointing winter that forced the cancellation of the World Championship Snowmobile Hill Climb in March, Snow King Mountain is taking decisive steps to protect future events. The resort has installed 18 new snow‑making guns, nine on the Exhibition trail where the Hill Climb takes place and nine near the Rafferty chairlift for regular ski operations.
Partnership with the Snow Devils
Snow King’s General Manager Ryan Stanley explained that the Jackson Hole Snow Devils, a nonprofit snowmobile club that organizes the Hill Climb, agreed to cover the cost of the nine guns on the Exhibition run over the next few years. “We were looking at purchasing some snow guns for the other side of the mountain, which we did on Rafferty, we bought nine over there, too,” Stanley said. “And so we wanted to see if the Snow Devils were willing to chip in and contribute somehow. And also talking to some of our lodging partners in the community that were impacted by the cancellation of the event, they seemed really keen.”
Infrastructure investment
Snow King installed underground infrastructure – pipes, vaults and hydrants – several years ago to future‑proof the mountain. That groundwork cost between $2 million and $3 million. The 18 new guns themselves carry a price tag of nearly $1 million. By sharing the expense with the Snow Devils and other local businesses, the resort hopes to ensure reliable snow coverage for the three‑day Hill Climb event, which draws more than 10,000 spectators and 300 racers each year.
Hill Climb history and community impact
According to a Snow Devils press release, the Hill Climb has been canceled only four times in its 51‑year history: in 1981 and 2026 for lack of snow, in 2015 for avalanche danger, and in 2020 during the COVID‑19 pandemic. The event is a major economic driver for Jackson, providing a boost to hotels, restaurants and other local businesses at the close of the ski season.
Snow Devils President Mike Robertson noted, “Snowmaking doesn’t guarantee anything. What it does is give us the ability to build a course in a year like 2026. This is what a 62‑year‑old volunteer club does when something it cares about is at risk.”
Nonprofit contributions
Since 2001, the Snow Devils nonprofit has donated nearly $2 million to local families, charities and scholarship programs, including $270,500 to Wyoming State Snowmobile Association scholarships. The group has launched a public campaign to help fund the new snow‑making equipment, emphasizing its commitment to preserving a beloved community tradition.
Looking ahead
The new guns are ready to operate as soon as temperatures drop, with Stanley hoping for a mid‑November start. Snow King’s anticipated opening date for the 2026‑27 season is Friday, Dec. 4. The Hill Climb weekend is scheduled for March 18‑21, 2027.
Local residents and business owners have expressed optimism that the expanded snow‑making capability will protect the event from future weather‑related cancellations, reinforcing Jackson’s reputation as a premier winter‑sports destination.
Original reporting: Buckrail (Jackson WY) — read the source article.
