New and Creative Ski Race Announced at Sun Valley Resort, Idaho

The Best Skier In The West will be crowned after tackling a course that features...

Matt Lorelli
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powder.com
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January 20, 2026

Good morning, skiers! I come to you with one of the most exciting bits of news I've written about in quite some time:

POWDER will be the presenting sponsor of a new ski race at Sun Valley Resort, Idaho, dubbed 'The Sun Valley Stampede'. The competition will run from March 13-15, 2026, on Bald Mountain's Warm Springs terrain.

Hold your horses, friend. I know what you're thinking, "Who cares? POWDER is hosting a downhill race for a bunch of ski racers dressed in speed suits and Lycra?"

*BUZZER SOUND* Wrong! This race will be anything but normal and is an entirely unique idea cooked up by Sun Valley's world-class operations team.

Skiers will race head-to-head on a course featuring race gates, a skier cross course, natural terrain (that means moguls!), and even park features.

The ultimate goal is to challenge racers across a variety of terrain and disciplines, all within the same run, to crown the "The Best Skier in the West."

"Warm Springs has always been the heart of ski racing at Sun Valley, and we're excited about keeping the momentum going with an event like this, something new and innovative that builds on our legacy," said Pete Sonntag, Chief Operating Officer at Sun Valley Resort. "The Stampede is our take on crowning 'The Best Skier in the West,' a format that challenges athletes in every way while creating a festival atmosphere that brings our community together. We can't wait to welcome competitors and spectators to experience this new tradition and see what makes this mountain and this valley so special."

Keep reading for more about The Sun Valley Stampede presented by POWDER Magazine.

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 Format

The Stampede challenges athletes across all age groups on a course that blends elements of racing, skier cross, natural terrain, and park features.

Saturday's qualifying rounds determine Sunday's head-to-head bracket, with competitors scored on both style and speed.

Top finishers from each age group advance to compete in the championship bracket, crowning the first-ever Sun Valley Stampede champion, "The Best Skier in the West."

Sun Valley's Warm Springs features over 3,000 feet of sustained vertical. It's the perfect venue to put skiers to the test.
Photo: Courtesy Sun Valley Resort

Sun Valley Stampede Schedule

Friday, March 13 – Welcome Day

2:00–4:00 PM: Athlete registration (Warm Springs Lodge)
2:00–5:00 PM: Live music and pro athlete introductions (Warm Springs Plaza)

Saturday, March 14 – Qualifier Day

9:00 AM–3:15 PM: Qualifying rounds
9:00 AM–5:00 PM: Vendor Village open
2:00–5:00 PM: Live music (DJ and Hooks & the Huckleberries)

Sunday, March 15 – Finals & Celebration

10:00 AM–2:00 PM: Championship heats
9:00 AM–5:00 PM: Vendor Village open
12:00–5:00 PM: Live music (DJ and Kris Lager Band)
3:30 PM: Awards ceremony (Warm Springs Plaza)

*POWDER* was started by Jake and Dave Moe on the slopes of Sun Valley Resort over 50 years ago. The image above was the cover of the first issue that ran in 1972/73.
Photo: POWDER Magazine Volume 1, Issue 1, 1972

Sun Valley Stampede FAQ

When can I register for the event?
Registration will open in early February 2026.
Are spectators welcome?
Yes! The public is encouraged to attend. Come watch the best skiers in the west throw down, grab a drink, and enjoy the live music.
Where can I keep up to date on Sun Valley Stampede news and event info?
Stay tuned in here at POWDER or follow Sun Valley on Instagram for all news and info related to the Sun Valley Stampede presented by POWDER Magazine.