As the snow begins to melt and the valley warms, Jackson Hole Wyoming buzzes with one of its largest events of the year: the World Championship Snowmobile Hill Climb.

Snowmobile touring in Yellowstone National Park or tackling a few dozen of the hundreds of miles of the Continental Divide snowmobile trail are memorable challenges for the average snowmobiler, but, for some who have honed their skill of ascending vertical snow banks on the steepest climbable mountains of the west, the Jackson HoleÕs World Championship Snowmobile Hill Climb provides the opportunity too show off their prowess.

World Championship Snowmobile Hill Climb is not an event for the meek, Held annually the last weekend of March the Hill Climb challenges over 100 of the bravest and brightest stars on the professional snowmobile circuit. The racecourse is straight up a double black diamond (expert only) ski run called Exhibition. Exhibition rises 1,500 vertical feet above the town of Jackson. The upper end of Exhibition known aptly as Rock Garden is a double-black diamond ski run with an unfathomable 45 degree slope which puts the wobble in extreme skiersÕ knees and makes mincemeat out of $10,000 snow machines. These competitors are snowmobiling up places most of us are scared to ski down. Guts and a good sled may take you over the top or as has happened to some a tumble to the bottom may dash the dreams of an aspiring climber.

Thousands of spectators applaud the five percent of riders who make it over the top, but riders who donÕt make it put on a much better show: their souped-up machines often tumble head-over-heels spewing parts and being chased by official Òsnow machine wranglersÓ hundreds of feet down the mountain. Hill climbers who lose it on the upper reaches of the course often tumble hundreds of feet back downhill if the, dozen or so, spotters donÕt arrest the fall of the machine. I saw one sled roll 59 times before it reached a place flat enough to stop. This legion of first-responders known as ÔHill HelpÕ are responsible for closing time and space when sledders look as though they are about to ÔendoÕ their machines. They have proved to be invaluable to the competitors.

All sledders Ôglass the hillÕ with a spotting scope to watch other contestants. Most ride the chairlift, as well, to get a birdseye view of the action and what they may want to avoid. The art of setting up the sled, or tuning it to the elevation and snow conditions, keeps crews busy for days before a race.

Even spectators face challenges, prime vantage points for viewing the race are high on the course on the same steep slopes that frustrate so many riders. Less adventurous spectators can watch from the bleachers, and some experienced spectators can make it pretty plush: People have been known to bring Lay-Z-Boys to the bottom of the hill, where there is an unlimited supply of beer, burgers and brats and a JumboTron screen that transports the high action on Rock Garden so the folks at the bottom donÕt miss any of the excitement at the top. ThereÕs also a birdÕs eye view while riding Snow KingÕs Summit chairlift up to the finish line.

Hill Climb weekend brings with it a testosterone charged atmosphere many of the ski oriented locals find objectionable. Jackson becomes overflowing with loud boisterous motorheads that offend the sensibilities of JacksonÕs predominant Prius aficionado, Al Gore sycophant types. I wouldnÕt be surprised if a psychologist determined that the root of the animosity was really because of the legions of beautiful women that accompany these motorheads to Jackson.

Many folks who come to watch the hill climb also schedule some time to do some snowmobiling of their own. For most folks, even for those with plenty of experience riding a snowmobile, there is challenge and adventure aplenty in the prodigious snowfields of northwest Wyoming.

For those who enjoy seeing this dazzling country astride a snowmobile, you're just minutes from a snowmobile adventure of your own. Miles and miles of awesome terrain, with easy access to the Continental Divide Snowmobile Trail are all with easy access to Jackson Hole. Take all this and add a generous helping of genuine Wyoming hospitality and first-class service, and you have a true winter paradise. Numerous outfitters offer guided tours to most of the best riding terrain in the region.