Jackson Hole’s Record-Breaking Ski in Jeans Day”
In the warmth of a clear blue sky, Ski in Jeans Day at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort set a world record uniting ski fans in a celebration of denim. The event encouraged individuality and nostalgia for a fun celebration of winter and the love for the slopes.
By Beth Snider · December 13, 2023
On December 9, 2023, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort (JHMR) in Wyoming made history by setting a new world record for the most people skiing or riding in jeans at one time. A staggering 3,114 participants clad in denim hit the slopes, smashing the previous record of 102 set by The Remarkables Ski Area in New Zealand just a few months earlier. The unique event dubbed “Ski in Jeans Day”, turned out to be an overwhelming success drawing participants from all corners of the country and creating a festive atmosphere at the resort. The idea was conceived by Ned Wonson, the director of marketing at JHMR as a way to kick off the winter season, promote community engagement, and encourage local participation.
The conditions for the record-setting day were ideal, blue skies, 19 inches of fresh snow in the previous 48 hours, and most lifts open for business. To further incentivize participation the resort offered discounted prices for lift tickets, rentals, and group lessons making it affordable with the promise of a fun record-breaking day that attracted skiing enthusiasts from far and wide. The resort sold out of lift tickets online ahead of the event, further highlighting the popularity and success of the event.
Blane Gilliland, a snow groomer at JHMR, had the responsibility of manually counting each denim-clad skier, and counted 1,300 participants by 10 a.m., shattering the previous record within the first few minutes of the event. The excitement and enthusiasm were palpable as participants paraded in their denim attire ranging from traditional jeans and jackets to more creative choices like denim shorts, jean Speedos, and even disco-themed denim outfits.
The significance of the event extended beyond setting a world record for many participants, for whom skiing in jeans represented a nostalgic nod to the past, reminiscent of the 1980s when skiing attire was simpler and more affordable. In an era dominated by high-tech expensive ski gear, the event provided a lighthearted opportunity for skiers to embrace a sense of freedom and individuality. Kellie Wirth, a local participant highlighted the accessibility aspect, noting that skiing has become somewhat elitist with the rising costs of equipment. For her, skiing in jeans, was a return to the “good old days” when skiing was more about enjoyment and less about the latest gear trends.