Are You the "Best Skier in the West?" Register Now for the Sun Valley Stampede
Think you might be the “Best Skier in the West”? Consider hoofing it to Sun Valley, Idaho, next month.
On March 13 and 15, the ski resort is hosting The Sun Valley Stampede, a competition presented by POWDER, that’s about figuring out who can rip the hardest.
Registration just opened, and those who advance through the qualifiers will have the chance to compete against invited pros and fan-voted wildcards.
This isn’t a racing, ski cross, or freestyle competition. Well, not exactly. It’s more like all three. Across a course that includes everything from moguls and jumps to giant slalom, the Stampede is about rewarding well-rounded skiers.
You’ll be scored on style and speed, so technique fundamentals and a deep bag of tricks will both prove handy. So will strong legs: the course is set to span about 1,000 vertical feet and take around two minutes to complete.
Like any good ski event, the fun at the Stampede extends off the mountain. Live bands and DJs are set to perform, joining a Vendor Village featuring local brands, demos, and giveaways. Spectating the action is a sport, too.
Welcome to the ski party you’ve been looking for.
The 2026 POWDER Photo Annual is here! Look for a print copy on a newsstand near you, or click here to have a copy shipped directly to your front door.
Sun Valley Stampede Course Breakdown
Carving Section
Athletes open with a high speed carved segment designed to reward precise edge control, intelligent line choice, strong balance, and clean transitions. This section is presented as a dual GS course directly out of the start.
Mogul and Variable Terrain Section
The course drops dramatically into a mogul or mixed snow zone that challenges athletes to absorb terrain, maintain rhythm, and adapt quickly. This section tests composure and technical control under pressure.
Air and Freeride Feature Zone
The final zone features optional airs, banked turns, and creative terrain elements that allow athletes to express style, amplitude, and control. Smart line choice and confident execution are rewarded throughout.
Overall Flow
The course is designed to ski as one continuous mountain run from start to finish. It is not three separate events, but a fluid test of complete all mountain skiing.
Photo: Courtesy Sun Valley Resort
Sun Valley Stampede Schedule
Friday, March 13
- 2:00–4:00 PM: Athlete Registration (Warm Springs Lodge)
- 2:00–5:00 PM: Live music by Aaron Golay and the Original Sin (Warm Springs Plaza)
Saturday, March 14:
- 9:00 AM–3:15 PM: Qualifying Rounds
- 9:00 AM–5:00 PM: Vendor Village Open
- 12:00–2:00 PM: DJ BearSkinRug set (Warm Springs Plaza)
- 2:00–5:00 PM: Live music by Hook & The Huckleberries (Warm Springs Plaza)
Sunday, March 15:
- 10:00 AM–2:00 PM: Finals
- 9:00 AM–5:00 PM: Vendor Village Open
- 12:00–2:00 PM: DJ Locomotive set (Warm Springs Plaza)
- 2:00–5:00 PM: Live music by Kris Lager Band (Warm Springs Plaza)
- 3:30 PM: Awards Ceremony
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