Marmot Coombs Classic at Jackson Hole Celebrates Ski Legend

March 3, 2010
For Immediate Release

Marmot Coombs Classic at Jackson Hole Celebrates Legendary Ski Mountaineer 1st Annual end-of-the season event honors legendary Jackson Hole skier and Marmot Athlete, Doug Coombs (1957-2006)

“The mountains are my religion” — Doug Coombs

Legendary ski-mountaineer and Jackson Hole local, Doug Coombs (1957-2006), was loved and admired by everyone around him. His prolific career included skiing some of the boldest lines in Alaska’s Chugach, the Tetons, Europe and the Himalayas. Doug’s passion for adventure skiing was intoxicating and he inspired us all to explore the backcountry and carve the sidecountry.

But Doug Coombs was far more than a superstar; he was a great friend. To commemorate his remarkable skiing life, Marmot and Jackson Hole Mountain Resort are hosting the first-ever Marmot Coombs Classic, a celebratory spring skiing event to finish off the year strong—just like Doug!

Each participant in the event receives one raffle ticket for each lap they complete on designated routes. There are two route options for skiers and riders with different abilities. The more challenging option takes you into Jackson Hole’s renowned “hike to” terrain: skiers and riders take the Pepi’s Bench Headwall Hike, which starts in the Cirque and down the Coombs Headwall—named for Doug. The other route follows the Casper Traverse, starting near the top of the Bridger Gondola, into Casper Bowl. Brace yourself, because the traverse is also known as ‘Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride’.

After the event there will be a party outside of Nick Wilson’s Cowboy Café featuring live music from the Chan Man Roots Band. There will be some sweet raffle prizes from Marmot and K2: Marmot will be giving away a Coombs Sidecountry Collection outfit (jacket & pants), the 2010 Backcountry 30 and Sidecountry 20 ski packs (both inspired by designs from Doug) and Randonnee Ski Gloves. Prizes from K2 include Rival Helmets, Carbon Lockjaw poles and (of course) a pair of K2 Coombacks with skins! Sign up for the event and you’ll receive a commemorative patch and for each lap you complete, you’ll earn one raffle ticket — more laps get you more raffle tickets!

Marmot Coombs Classic / Sunday, March 28
Event Details:

•9:30—1:30 PM / Event: Marmot Coombs Classic
•8:30—1:00 PM / Registration: To sign up for the event, meet at the bottom of the mountain, between the tram and the gondola. Here you’ll pick your desired route and receive your commemorative patch. *Note, the maximum number of raffle tickets you can earn is five (5).
•3:00—5:00 PM / Party: Outside Nick Wilson’s Cowboy Café

For more info contact: Margaret Brady – margaretb@jacksonhole.com or Bill Lewkowitz – bill@jacksonhole.com