Back by popular demand! Once a high-speed, off-piste giant slalom, Olympians and World Cup skiers from around the world traveled to Sugar Bowl in 1940 for the famous Silver Belt Classic. From April 2 through 5, the Silver Belt is honoring its legendary past with a fresh, adrenaline-packed freeride competition that is an athlete favorite, allowing qualifiers to throw their biggest airs. Big prizes and even bigger performances are in store for 2025.

Sugar Bowl has intentionally brought back one of its most coveted events to celebrate the love of sport and competition, with a special focus on inspiring the next generation of skiers and riders. Rooted in a legacy of testing grit, the Silver Belt has evolved from its 1940s origins into a freeride competition that honors its storied past while embracing the creativity and progression of today’s skiers and riders.

From April 2–5, top athletes from around the world will descend on the famed Silver Belt Gully to showcase their skills. Competing for a $10,000+ cash prize purse split between the top three females and males—and the coveted Silver Belt title awarded to the best overall athletes—this event promises an unforgettable celebration of talent, grit, and the pure spirit of the sport.

The Silver Belt competition is judged by the athletes themselves, providing a unique integration of all competitors, for a fun and fair winner selection. 

Venue:

The Sugar Bowl Run, off Mt. Disney.

Qualifier:

Athletes grouped into heats by gender & category.

Judging:

Athletes from the previous heat will judge the next heat.

Finals:

Top athletes from each heat move to the finals.

Best of Two:

Athletes get two runs to put it all on the line.

Filmed Runs:

Every run is captured for peer judging.

Pick You Best:

Athletes select their strongest run for review.

Highlight Reel:

Our team creates an edit of the selected runs.

Cast Your Vote:

Finalists gather to watch each run and cast their votes for the best of the best.

April 2 | Qualifier

8AM | Rider Meeting

9AM | Inspection

10AM | First Run Begins

April 3 | Build Day

9AM - 4PM | Silver Belt Course Build 

April 4 | Silver Belt Finals

9AM - 4PM | Finals in Silver Belt Gully

9AM - 4PM | Vendors + Live Music at Village Lodge

4PM - 6PM | Village Après Party

6pm - 8PM | Judging + Awards in Village Hall

Huge prizes on the line! $10,000+ cash, trophies, and the prestigious Champion Silver Belts will be awarded to the top male and female athletes in the Silver Belt Finals. Qualifying athletes will also win awesome prizes!

*Athletes subject to change based on availability.

Interested in partnership opportunities? Drop us a line.

In the 1940s, the Silver Belt Classic was a proving ground for Olympians and World Cup skiers from around the globe. This high-speed, off-piste giant slalom demanded courage and precision as competitors raced their long wooden skis down a 1,300-foot course carved into Sugar Bowl’s rugged natural terrain. Winding through gullies and chutes, the Silver Belt quickly became a legendary test of grit, skill, and mountain mastery. Not only was it harrowing and treacherous, but from 1940–1956, you had to hike up to get there!