In a move that industry insiders are already calling “long overdue,” Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Wyoming, today announced a bold new competition set to debut next season: The Kings and Queens of Greens.
According to resort spokesperson Andy Ericson, the groundbreaking event will gather the finest skiers from the legendary alpine hotbeds stretching from Texas to Florida for a two-day, high-stakes battle for the inaugural crowns at Jackson Hole. He noted that the event recognizes the rapidly growing demographic of skiers who arrive with brand-new outerwear, rental boots buckled to maximum pressure, and a healthy respect for gravity. Competitors will be judged on a series of technically demanding disciplines designed to showcase the full spectrum of beginner-level excellence.
Events will include the Most Pizza-to-French-Fry Transitions over a carefully measured course, the always-thrilling Chairlift Exit Routine with style points awarded for dramatic arm windmilling with poles in-hand, and the tactical challenge of Navigating the Lift Line Maze, where strategic pole placement and polite-yet-aggressive shuffling 6 inches every 30 seconds are expected to separate the amateurs from the professionals. But the highlight of the competition promises to be the crowd favorite: Worm Turning, a precision maneuver involving a sudden and inexplicable full-body rotation across the slope that officials say “captures the true spirit of recreational skiing.”
Ericson said the dates for the inaugural Kings and Queens of Greens are still being finalized, pending snow conditions and the availability of several dozen volunteer Jackson Hole ski instructors willing to stand downhill with crash pads.
Reaction to the announcement of the Kings and Queens of Greens has been largely positive across the southern skiing community, though several potential competitors have raised scheduling concerns. One skier from Alabama noted that a January competition window would conflict with the next University of Alabama national football championship game and the week-long celebrations that traditionally follow. “It’s not that we wouldn’t come,” the skier explained, “it’s just that historically those games tend to run long and involve a lot of post-game commitments.” Not so worried about football, a skier from Louisiana expressed concern that if the event dates overlap with Mardi Gras, participation from the state could be severely impacted. “In that case,” the skier said, “you might see attendance drop to only the truly dedicated—or the ones who already missed their flight home.” Feedback from Florida skiers focused less on the calendar and more on infrastructure. Several respondents indicated uncertainty about competing in a venue without immediate access to Publix, noting that the availability of properly prepared deli sandwiches could play a significant role in pre-race preparation. Ericson acknowledged the logistical challenges and confirmed they are carefully reviewing the event calendar.
To ensure peak athletic performance, organizers have confirmed that après sessions—as well as mandatory pre-event gatherings, sometimes called “avant”—will feature the traditional Fireball shot skis, a key component of the event’s training regimen. Resort staff added that they are also exploring contingency plans, including a temporary lift-line hydration station stocked with sweet tea, boiled peanuts, and emergency sunscreen. Ericson concluded the announcement by noting that the event reflects the resort’s commitment to inclusivity of all ski levels, skill development, and “celebrating the unique artistry of people who learned to ski exclusively during long weekends.”
