If it weren’t for Mother Nature's moodiness, tomorrow would be the day that snowmobilers from the U.S. and Canada would be flocking to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, for the 40th Annual World Championship Snowmobile HillClimb. But due to unseasonably warm temperatures and poor conditions on the hill, the event had to be cancelled.
It was a tough decision, but after seeing a wet slide come down right under the chairlift on Snow King Mountain, the organizers—the Jackson Hole Snow Devils—decided it was in everyone’s best interests to cancel this year’s event.
The announcement was made March 17 (only nine days before the scheduled event) on the Snow Devils’ Facebook page and the news spread like wildfire.
The event, which was scheduled for March 26 to 29, is one of the biggest in Jackson Hole. More than 300 racers compete and over 10,000 fans usually attend. According to the reports, nearly every hotel or motel in town is booked up for most of the week.
With so many cancellations, this means the town will probably lose out on a lot of revenue. The Jackson Hole News & Guide reports that the town is adjusting to life without the hillclimb by promoting other activities, such as skiing, dining and shopping, in an effort to keep the visitors coming in.
All eyes on the Canadian Hillclimb Championships
The Jackson Hole Snow Devils aren’t the only ones who had to cancel events this year due to unseasonably warm temperatures. The Western Canadian Hillcross Association (WCHA) cancelled three of its four scheduled races.
But so far, the 2015 Canadian Hillclimb Championships at Silverstar Mountain in Vernon, B.C., from April 10 to 12 is a go. According to Tyler Collett, president of the WCHA, it might be the organization’s biggest event yet. His phone has been ringing off the hook with inquiries and racers who are looking to register.
Online registration is now available through the WCHA’s website. There will be on-site registration, too, but the WCHA executive expects to reach its racer cap fast. Pre-registration is encouraged to ensure a spot.
