FCExcavation Jackson Hole Downhill Hosted by Jackson Hole Ski & Snowboard Club

The Ultimate Speed Showdown: The FCExcavation Jackson Hole Downhill

Get ready for the most thrilling ski and snowboard race of the season, March 14-16! Since 1982, the FCExcavation Jackson Hole Downhill has been a cornerstone of speed, skill, and sheer adrenaline. Hosted by the Jackson Hole Ski & Snowboard Club (JHSC), this legendary event remains one of the last open, non-sanctioned community downhill races in existence—where anyone with the courage to go fast can take on the mountain.

In 2020, JHSC and Sapphire Partner Jackson Hole Mountain Resort took the Downhill to the next level, transforming it into a high-energy, three-day celebration of alpine racing and mountain culture. Now, it’s bigger, faster, and more exhilarating than ever.

The action unfolds on the Crags-to-Moran racecourse, a breathtaking track off the Teton Lift that skirts the boundary of Grand Teton National Park. With sweeping views and a high-speed descent, this course is as beautiful as it is intense.

Saturday’s Community Race is open to all skiers and snowboarders ages 12 and up, from first-time racers to seasoned professionals. Expect to see a thrilling mix of World Cup athletes, fearless locals, and speed demons of all kinds. Racers can compete in up to three of the following categories:

• Pro – For the fastest of the fast. VIPs include: Ted Ligety, Wiley Maple, Resi Stiegler, Abby Ghent, Marco Sullivan, Dustin Cook, Robbie Dixon, Alice Merryweather, David Ketterer, Jaime Dupratt and more! 
• Amateur – Test your skills against fellow speed enthusiasts
• Junior – The next generation of downhill champions
• Snowboard & Telemark – Because speed isn’t just for skiers
• Fat & Baggy – The most entertaining category, where racers must wear loose, flapping gear and skis wider than 86mm underfoot

On Sunday, the stakes get even higher with the Pro Race, featuring a high-energy team competition. Each team is handpicked by a “Champion” leader, forming an all-star squad of four racers, with at least one female athlete required per team. The speed, intensity, and strategy make this event a must-watch spectacle. And in the spirit of true competition, the prize purse is equal for men’s and women’s pro categories.

Beyond the adrenaline rush, the FCExcavation Jackson Hole Downhill is a race with purpose. All proceeds directly support JHSC’s outstanding programming, empowering over 500 local student-athletes with training, mentorship, and opportunities to reach their full potential.

Whether you’re racing, cheering, or just here for the spectacle, this is the ultimate celebration of speed, skill, and mountain spirit. Who’s ready to go fast?

Competitor Testimonials

Adam McCool

"I’ve been part of the Jackson Hole Downhill since day one, and I’ve raced every. single. year. Why? Because I love to ski fast. No matter how the race goes, my first instinct is always the same—get back up the hill and do it again.

Some of my best memories? Spending an amazing few days with friends and the ski community during the race. Feeling the buzz of competitors in the start gate. And of course, the unexpected—like watching a racer’s grips pop off mid-launch, leaving their poles behind while they sent it down the course. 

As the last civilian downhill race in the U.S., the Jackson Hole Downhill at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is truly one of a kind—its format, the people, and the mix of absolute skiing legends and everyday racers make it unmatched. See you at the start gate!

Cate Watsabaugh  

"My first Jackson Hole Downhill? A total surprise—thanks to my dad signing me up! With my full-throttle family, there was no backing out. That first race had me hooked—the history, the people, the culture. Now, nearly a decade later, I’m still in it, racing every year because I love it.

My dad passed down his legacy of ‘Keeping it Western’ by racing in his rodeo chaps, and I’m still keeping that tradition alive. The Jackson Hole Downhill is about more than speed—it’s about feeling the butterflies, embracing the thrill, and seeking out that healthy discomfort that makes you feel ALIVE.  Come race. Come have fun. It’s the perfect way to keep your heart racing! 

Shannon Owens

"I’ve been with the Jackson Hole Ski and Snowboard Club my whole life. Seeing others at the Jackson Hole Downhill who share the love of skiing fast and having fun is inspiring. We’re not just racing—we’re building a community. Those of us who grew up with JHSC are committed to passing this legacy to the next generation. My own kids were part of it, and as a long-time Board member, my drive remains the same: introducing more kids to the sport, the friendships, and the lifelong family that is JHSC. The JHDH at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is so much more than a race. It's an opportunity to showcase the power of snowsports and community, friendships and fun, along with competition and excellence through Jackson Hole Ski and Snowboard Club!

Photos by Jonathan Selkowitz

Think you have what it takes?

Register today!