Jackson Hole Pole, Pedal, Paddle Race
Jackson Hole in Wyoming is probably one of the most unique towns in the United States, not just because this small town has produced a greater attraction for tourists than many surrounding cities, but it has exceeded its numbers in the culture and sporting events that it annually hosts. One such sporting event is not unsimilar to the triathlon, though interestingly named the Jackson Hole Pole, Pedal and Paddle Race. This annual race is part winter and part summer, combining winter and summer sports for one of the most gruelling, adventurous and sometimes dangerous three event races on the planet. It is one event that no one should miss.
Wyoming has become famous for a multitude of things, but its little town of Jackson Hole has created its own fortune and fame that is hard to challenge. What with a year round array of winter and summer activities and some of the best ski resorts in North American, it also is host to many activities and events that draw in many thousands each year and not surprisingly, the population of the town, though tiny, can quadruple in size with just one event. One such event is the famed Jackson Hole Pole, Pedal and Paddle Race. This challenging and risky race combines winter skiing and summer boating along with cycling for the wintertime equivalent of a triathlon, but with four legs.
The legs consist of three different races, including the alpine ski, the cross-country ski, cycling and boating. The alpine ski takes place at the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort with a three thousand five hundred foot drops slalom that is three miles long, using the old Women's World Cup Downhill route. The cross-country ski section has ten kilometres of pre-prepared racing track at the bottom of the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort with varied levels of terrain, but it can be replaced with a cross-country running race covering up to 5 kilometres should there not be enough snow. The bicycle section begins in Teton Village parking area with almost twenty miles of course, including the South Park Bridge Exchange, Highways 187/189/22 (Wyoming) and the Teton Village Road. The boat section takes place on Snake River, including nine miles of class one and two white-water with varied levels of eddies and smaller waves, stretching from the Sporting Club Bridge to South Park Bridge.
There are two main categories of racing classes, including the competitor and the open. These are further broken down with the competitor including the racing (4 people/team), recreation (5 people/team), youth (ages 10 to 18) and masters (50 years +). These can include individuals who get no assistance during the race and teams which can be male, female or coed with up to five team members. The open classes are divided into family, fun and corporate classes. The family class can only include family members and 1 parent with 1 person below age 18 or above age 65. The minimum age is 10. For the fun class almost anything is allowed, including unlimited participants per team and the use of all human powered equipment such as rafts, kayaks, canoes, tricycles, bicycles, tandems, etc. In fact, the fun class is judged primarily on how much fun is had and not who finishes first or last. The corporate class consists of five people who must be employed by the same company.
The event takes place on the first Saturday of April each year and competitors are allowed to utilize the Thunder Chairlift and Bridger Gondola to get to the top, starting at 6:45am, but all racers need to collect their bibs ahead of time, fill out the resort waiver for liability, an entry form and everything signed and handed in accordingly prior to the pre-race meeting. All alpine racers have to report to the ticket office to obtain a half day ticket so they can inspect the course the previous day.
Anyone who chooses to enter this race must be aware that alterations to the course may occur because of the weather, safety measures and other unforeseen circumstances. If for some reason the race is postponed due to bad weather the alternate date is the following Sunday.
For spectators and competitors, it is best to get there early as parking is highly limited and parking along the highway or shoulder is strictly prohibited. In fact, if a team member disobeys these rules the entire team can be disqualified from the race. For those avoiding the parking headaches and getting a lift in, the best drop off area is at the Astoria Launch.
For exact dates, details, and registration, visit the Pole Pedal Paddle website.
Jackson, WY Weather
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