Snow King Ends Season With Snowmobile Hillclimb

Snow King Mountain may be the first ski resort to close this spring in Wyoming. But the ski area ends with an event that draws hoards of spectators.

Snow King Mountain will be the first Wyoming ski area to close this spring. Its last day of operation is scheduled for March 25, 2012.

Despite the early closing, the ski area ends with a bang. About 10,000 spectators show up to watch 300 racers in the annual World Championship Snowmobile Hillclimb put on by the Jackson Hole Snow Devils on March 22-25, 2012.

Grinding engines and the smell of gas fill the air on the course that climbs 1,500 straight up the slope under the chairlift at Snow King. The top of the course includes monster moguls that often spin the machines and riders off balance.

What attracts the big crowds to watch the hillclimb? Snowmobiles careering down the slopes, of course. Take a look at the action at the top of the course in last year’s race:

Other Wyoming ski areas wrap up their seasons shortly after Snow King. Hogadon finishes up its season a week later on April 1, 2012. Snowy Range and Sleeping Giant will operate until April 8, 2012.