Jackson Hole Ski & Snowboard Club Creates Scholarship in Honor of Max Martin

The Jackson Hole Ski & Snowboard Club (JHSC) has partnered up with the Jackson Hole Community School to create a scholarship fund in honor of beloved skier, Max Martin.

Born and raised in Jackson, WY, Martin grew up skiing with the JHSC before competing on the Division I NCAA race circuit with Plymouth State University. Martin returned to Wyoming after college and pursued a professional big mountain ski career where he represented Jackson Hole as an athlete, made incredible films and film segments, and was a pillar of the Jackson ski community.

Martin also coached younger athletes, worked as a personal trainer, and eventually founded his own training program. Martin passed away in a ski accident in Japan in January of 2026.

The Max Martin Memorial Scholarship covers full tuition at Jackson Hole Community School, as well as competitive training and racing costs with JHSC, and was seeded with an initial $200,000 gift from the Balyasny family.

The scholarship was designed to support young athletes in their athletic and academic development and to open doors for those pursuing skiing or snowboarding at a high level while engaging in a rigorous educational experience.

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One student who is committed to making the most of both athletic and academic opportunities and embodies Max’s passion for skiing and qualities as a leader, friend, and community member will be awarded the scholarship each year.

Max is remembered for the way he showed up for his friends and community, supported and uplifted those around him, and was a constant source of positivity. Any day at Jackson Hole was instantly better after getting a fist bump from Max in the Tram line, watching him hoot and holler his way down Toilet Bowl, or simply getting a groomer lap with him and feeling the infectious love and stoke he had for skiing and being in the mountains.

By expanding opportunities and helping eliminate financial barriers for young athletes in Jackson, the scholarship honors the life, values, and impact of Martin, who was deeply loved by his community and worked to uplift and support others. Max is undoubtedly remembered as much for his positive impact on the people around him as for his accolades on skis.

The Jackson Hole Ski & Snowboard Club currently has more than 530 student-athletes enrolled in Alpine, Backcountry, Freeride, and Nordic disciplines. The oldest non-profit in Jackson, JHSC develops its students’ athletic skills while emphasizing long-term development, well-being, and community connection.

In partnership with the Jackson Hole Community School’s college-prep curriculum, the scholarship aims to provide a high-level yet balanced experience.

Friends of Max and members of the ski community are invited to contribute to the Max Martin Memorial Scholarship fund. Contributions and applications for the scholarship can be found at https://maxmartinscholarships.org/.

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