This famed race at Sugar Bowl ski resort started eons ago – 1940 to be exact.
The Silver Belt Classic made its debut more than eight decades ago and now it returns to the venerable slopes of Sugar Bowl on March 29-31 with some innovation, while maintaining old standards – major competition, fun and a resort celebration.
“Fifty athletes – from top ski pros, to wild cards and local legends – will be invited to this athlete-judged, film-based event that includes two distinct concepts,” said Mike Jankowski, Sugar Bowl Resort’s executive director of sport. “We’ve designed this new format to highlight the creativity and athleticism of our competitors, and we are ready to host the action.”
At its inception, the Silver Belt featured Olympians, World Cup skiers and random thrill-seekers from around the world that traveled to Sugar Bowl for the Silver Belt Classic. Historically, it was billed as a high-speed, off-piste giant slalom that would test the grit of all those who ventured past the starting line.
In the “good old days,” skiers pointed their long-wooden planks down the 1,300-foot course, trying to embrace the natural terrain. It was a true test of their grit and skill as they expertly carved their way down Sugar Bowl’s natural gullies and chutes.
NEW SILVER BELT FORMAT: Day one (Friday, March 29) will feature a freeride session where athletes will use all the natural terrain in the Silver Belt Gully to showcase their skills.
The next two days (March 30-31) will introduce an all-new concept – called ShapeShifter. This portion of the competition will require athletes to identify natural elements – hips, cliffs and spines – to be shoveled, shaped and shifted into new terrain features.
When the work is complete, the competition will resume, and the cameras will roll. Athletes will use their freshly sculpted canvas to push the progression of freeride competition, with the full athlete field ultimately determining who among their peers should take the Silver Belt top spot along with the cash prize.
“The Silver Belt is not just a competition. We’re redefining it as a celebration of innovation, skill, and progression,” said Bridget Legnavsky, Sugar Bowl Resort president and CEO. “We’re confident this event and the terrain it will be held on will continue to inspire a high caliber of freeride performance, like the Silver Belt Classic more than 80 years ago.”
Athletes interested in competing who want to be considered for a ski-only wildcard slot can apply online here.
The three-day event will feature live music, giveaways, demos and more. Spectators are invited to visit the resort on all event dates to take in the action.
The 2024 Silver Belt is sponsored by Arc’teryx, Atomic, GoPro, Oakley, Soundboks and Yeti.
Visit www.sugarbowl.com for more information or to purchase lift tickets.
