Gelande Quaffing World Championships

In 1986, the skis were skinny and the snow was fat, and during a 14 foot storm, the infamous underground crew of the Jackson Hole Air Force was going stir crazy in the Bear Claw Café, waiting for the mountain to open. In those days the bar tender would send a freshly filled beer mug sliding down the bar to the patron who ordered it. One fateful night a beer mug slid off the end of the bar, took air, was caught seconds before a glass shattering catastrophe, and promptly pounded. Gelande Quaffing was born. Apres’ ski competitions followed, testing the unique skills of all who entered, and provided exciting entertainment for all spectators. But somewhere along the way gelande quaffing was lost and the après ski spirit forgotten.

Until now.

20 years later, the site of the original Bear Claw Café won’t let its voice be forgotten. On February 26th, the Village Cafe will host the 2nd Annual Gelande Quaffing World Championships, and the spirit of the past will live on again at the base of the mountain. This unprecedented event will host entrees from throughout the snowsports industry and remind the world of ski culture’s colorful past.

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