The Great Outhouse Races

.... at Ski Sapphire Valley, NC! 
Be sure to scroll down for more videos and this years schedule of events! 

Be sure to watch our promo video  here  and see how it feels to be strapped inside an outhouse!

2026 Great Outhouse Races will be;

February 7, 2026

Want to participate in the
Great Outhouse Races?

Call 828-743-7663

Countdown clock to the 2026 

Great Outhouse Races!

Ski Sapphire Valley
Great Outhouse Races -
On This Page Menu

  1. RIDE FROM INSIDE VIDEO - take a ride from inside one of these crazy outhouses! [Watch Here]
  2. THE LOOK OF TERROR - a look of terror grips the face of a first time 'pooper pilot'! [Image Here]
  3. SCHEDULE OF EVENTS - come early and enjoy the festivities including special food options and music! [Schedule of Events]
  4. WAKE UP CHARLOTTE, NC TV CREW - on site at the Great Outhouse Races! [View it Here]
  5. TRICK SKIIER FACE PLANT VIDEO - A few years ago a 'trick skier' entertained the crowd just before the Outhouse Races - well - he really wasn't that good! [Watch Video]
  6. GENERAL  CONVERAGE -  of The Great Outhouse Races from Ski Sapphire Valley! - Interviews and Images before the races!! [Watch Here]
  7. UNC-TV - North Carolina Weekend TV coverage of the Great Outhouse Races [View it Here]

The Great Outhouse Races

.. at Ski Sapphire Valley
This video includes a ride from inside an outhouse!!!

The Great Outhouse Races at Ski Sapphire Valley is an annual winter event where participants compete in decorated outhouses on skis. The race typically involves teams of at least three people, with one person skiing, or shall we say 'pooping'  while sitting on an outhouse and the others pushing the outhouse from behind to get started.

 The Great Outhouse Races at Ski Sapphire Valley

The outhouses are decorated in a variety of themes and are often quite elaborate and creative. In addition to the races, there are usually other festivities and activities taking place, such as food and drinks, music, and games. The event is a fun and unique way to celebrate winter and bring the community together.


The Great Outhouse Races at Ski Sapphire Valley..
...note the look of terror in the 'pooper pilot' on the left below...
The Great Outhouse Races
The Great Outhouse Races at Ski Sapphire Valley
Schedule of Events

The 2026 Ski Sapphire Valley Great Outhouse Races will be on February 7, 2026!!
This is a new date!!!

Agenda The Great Outhouse Races 

11:00  Special Food Service
11:30 - 2:30 PM - Music Band TBD
1:30 PM - Outhouse Check In
2:00 PM - Judging Begins
2:30 PM - Static Parade
2:55 PM - Opening Ceremonies
3:00PM - Races Start! 

Ski Sapphire Valley's Great Outhouses Races - Great Food, Music and Fun!

"Think of this as a half-day tailgate party!"


 Food and beverages will be available for purchase or you can bring your own picnic!

There are some grills near the firepit if you want to cook out.

Live music completes the experience! 

Southeast Tourism Society has named Sapphire Valley Outhouse Races as one of the STS Top 20 Events in the Southeast... read more from the Press Release below...

Great Outhouse Races
The Ride From Inside!

This is a great video showing all the fun around Ski Sapphire Valley leading up to the Great Outhouse Races. Then, take Ride from Inside as we show what it takes to win! The poor pooper in this outhouse took a real beating but emerged victorious! 

The Great Outhouse Races at Ski Sapphire Valley
... more videos and photo gallery...
The Great Outhouse Races...
at Ski Sapphire Valley

WCNC-TV AT SKI SAPPHIRE

The Wake Up Charlotte team was on the slopes at Ski Sapphire Valley doing an early test and prep for the Great Outhouse Races!

MORE VIDEOS LIVE SKI CAM
The Great Outhouse Races...
at Ski Sapphire Valley


Trick Skier
Face Plant

A few years ago a 'trick skier' entertained the crowd just before the Outhouse Races - well - he really wasn't that good!

The Great Outhouse Races...
at Ski Sapphire Valley

Great Outhouse Races at
Ski Sapphire Valley

Come join us for the day - tube, ski, board, zip, sit by the fire, listen to music and catch the races!
Crazy? Maybe.
Dangerous? Perhaps.
Fun? Without a doubt!
For a good cause? Definitely!
Always Benefits a local charity.
COME FOR FUN, FOOD, MUSIC AND CRAZINESS ON THE SLOPES!

Great Outhouse Races

General coverage of The Great Outhouse Races from Ski Sapphire Valley! - Interviews and Images before the races!!

The Great Outhouse Races...
at Ski Sapphire Valley
Press Release: ATLANTA, Ga. (October 18, 2018) – Southeast Tourism Society has named Sapphire Valley Outhouse Races as one of the STS Top 20 Events in the Southeast for February 2019.
[Read the Full Press Release Here]
Southeast Tourism Society Selects Outhouse Races as an ‘STS Top 20 Event’
ATLANTA, Ga. (October 18, 2018) – Southeast Tourism Society has named Sapphire Valley Outhouse Races as one of the STS Top 20 Events in the Southeast for February 2019.
This year’s Outhouse Races are from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on February 16, 2019. The STS Top 20 Festival and Event Awards have highlighted programs around the Southeast since 1985.
Travel industry experts select 10 events per month, and STS publicizes them throughout the United States. The complete list is published on two websites: Southeast Tourism Society and Travel Media Press Room.

Crazy? Maybe. Dangerous? Perhaps. Fun? Without a doubt! You won’t find Outhouse Races on snow anywhere else in North Carolina! Dozens of outhouses race to compete for the throne. Spectators come from throughout the Southeast to line the course and cheer on those brave enough to see if the outhouse crashes and burns or sails across the finish line.
Homemade outhouses can be made of wood, cardboard, plastic, or any other homemade items. There are three people to a team and outhouses are secured on a set of skis, which can be provided to you by the Sapphire Valley Ski Area. These skis are pushed by two team members, while one team member ‘sits’ inside.
 “The Top 20 Festival and Event Program is celebrating 34 years of spotlighting the best festivals and events in the Southeast. Our goal is to provide well-deserved accolades for the dedicated event organizers and additional media exposure for their events,” said Monica Smith, president and CEO of the Southeast Tourism Society. “The Southeast offers so many unique, year-round, opportunities for attendees to create memories and support an industry that is an economic generator for its community.”
Events considered for the STS Top 20 recognition must be at least three years old and have attendance of at least 1,000. The online nomination link and submission deadlines are available at SoutheastTourism.org or by calling 770-542-1523.
STS, founded in 1983 and headquartered in Roswell, Ga., is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting travel and tourism within 12 states – Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia.

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'Sapphire Valley' - This name was created in 1954 by the Howerdd Family / High South Ventures, LLC
"Ski Sapphire" and " Ski Sapphire Valley" created in 1964 by Gene Howerdd, Jr
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