Rendezvous Mountain Hill Climb

August 5, 2023

Congrats to all who competed in this year's race!

2023 Results

We are thrilled to announce that the most demanding hill climb running event in the West is on again for 2023! The race will start at the base of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, up the Wildflower Trail to Rendezvous Lodge, continuing onto the Cirque Trail, and then finishing at the summit of the Aerial Tram at the top of Rendezvous Bowl. This non-profit annual race is run in honor of our friend and longtime JHMR Aerial Tram mechanic Chris Onufer (Captain "X"), who on March 7th, 2012, tragically passed away in an avalanche. To keep the spirit of running alive for future generations, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort donates 100% of the proceeds to the trails division of Friends of Pathways in the name of Chris Onufer. Many have come close, but the race to be the first person to break 1 hour is still on! The first racer to do so will get a $2,000 bonus, in addition to their class and overall prize winnings. All are welcome and encouraged to participate – from seasoned trail runners to casual hikers!

Registration

  • Online Registration ($40) ends Thursday, Aug 3 at 5 pm MST.  If space permits, you may still register in person ($50) on Friday, Aug 4 from 4-6 pm during race packet/goodie bag pickup in Teton Village.  
  • There will be NO registration the morning of the race.
  • Discounted Friends and family sightseeing tickets will be available to those supporting registered racers. Tickets must be purchased on 8/4 or 8/5 during Ticket Office hours. Summer sightseeing benefits are included with many 2023-2024 Season Pass purchases.

Awards/Raffle

The Award Ceremony will take place at 1 pm (time may shift slightly) on the lawn across from RPK3, under the Aerial Tram. The raffle will follow with prizes from our partners at YETI, Smartwool, Sweet Protection, and more. Raffle tickets will be available for purchase (cash only). 100% of raffle proceeds benefit Friends of Pathways. Must be present to win!

  • $1,000 each for top male/female finishers,
  • $600 2nd overall male/female
  • $300 3rd overall male/female
  • $50 for top age group winners  
  • $2,000 bonus for the first person to break 1 hour!

Event Details

Start Time

  • 8:30 AM, with those wishing to race competitively queued at the front.

Race Packet/Goodie Bag Pickup

  • Pre-registered entrants may pick up their race packet/goodie bag starting on Friday, Aug 4 from 4-6 pm under the tram line next to RPK3, or on Saturday, August 5 from 7-8 am next to RPK3.

Need To Know

  • Aid stations are provided along the course. However, due to the backcountry location and rugged nature of this race, racers are encouraged not to depend on these stations as their sole supply of water.
  • The race will go on rain or shine (or snow!).  Please dress and be ready for all kinds of weather, as Rendezvous Mountain and the top of the Aerial Tram are known for variable weather.  In early August, the weather is generally clear/cool in the morning (50's), and warm/sunny by mid-day (mid 70's). Thunderstorms are not uncommon in the afternoon.

2023 Course Route

The race will start near the base of the Bridger Gondola and will finish at the summit of the Aerial Tram. Racers will take the Wildflower Trail to Rendezvous Lodge and then continue on the Cirque Trail until the summit of the Aerial Tram.

  • The course is almost entirely singletrack up the Wildflower and Cirque Trails!
  • Starts at the base of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort on the access road between the Bridger and Sweetwater Gondolas and ends at the top of the Aerial Tram.
  • Distance is approximately 6.05 miles and 4100' vertical gain
  • Check out the course route on Strava as "Rendezvous Mountain Hillclimb 2022 Route". The course for 2023 will be identical to 2022.