For the second straight year, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort has set the world record for the most people snowboarding and skiing in jeans.
More than 3,320 participants gathered on December 7, 2024, donned in denim pants, skirts, and jackets to be officially counted for the latest world record. That smashes the previous year’s record by over 200 participants.
“The first Ski in Jeans Day last year was such a runaway success, we knew we had to bring the event back this year. And our guests certainly didn’t disappoint,” JHMR marketing director Ned Wonson said in a press release. “We’re thrilled so many people showed up from all around the world to set the new record, and we can’t wait for more guests to experience Destination December events as the holiday season approaches.”
The inaugural “ski and ride in jeans” day was held in December 2023. That broke the previously held record of 102 skiers and snowboarders in jeans at New Zealand’s The Remarkables.
Photo: Josh Sullivan
Jean-riders were met with $25 lift tickets, a special patch to customize their denim, drink deals, and a mechanical bull. It’s possibly the last big party push before the resort switches over to family mode for the rest of the month. Kids under the age of 12 can ski for free from December 13 through 15, and can take a group lesson for $100. It will close out the year 2024 with its 10-day Winterfest celebration from Dec. 21-31.
I’m a huge advocate for riding in jeans. It looks the coolest when its worn by street riders hitting handrails, but since I live in the south and frequent ski areas in West Virginia and North Carolina, it’s not a day on the hill if you don’t ride the chairlift with someone who’s wearing denim. If it’s good enough for JP Walker, it’s good enough for me.
If you're headed to Jackson Hole (or you're already there), you'll get to take advantage of some early season snowfall. The summit has gotten 5" of fresh snowfall in the last 24 hours, good for 73" total for the season on the summit, and 45" at the mid-mountain.
It's been a slower start to this season than the last, as just five of 13 lifts are spinning as of December 9. The legendary Aerial Tram and Bridger Gondola are both closed, and just 16 out of 130 trails are open. Fourteen of those trails are groomed, and there are not yet any open terrain parks. Pray for snow!
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