21st year for the Mt. Baker event
February 8th, 2006
By Hans Prosl
Legendary Banked Slalom Video Documentary
2006 Event Photos
It’s good to know that in a day when a snowboarder is on the cover of the New York Times 20th Winter Olympics Special Preview Section with corporate logos all over her, that there’s still an old, friendly, north-west, bro-down competition like the Legendary Mt. Baker Banked Slalom.
There’s not too much hype about the Legendary Banked Slalom. No TV, no paparazzi, no extreme media. There are no auto, airline or soft drink sponsors. There are no gold medals, only a duct tape trophy.
That doesn’t that pro snowboarders from around the world, different generations and different disciplines don’t show up on a yearly pilgrimage to revel in one of snowboarding’s oldest competitions.
In its 21st season the Legendary Banked Slalom has had its share of heros and legends who return to this sacred place to re-live a moment in time when mountains like Mt Baker were just allowing snowboarders on the trails, helping convert snowboarding from a sledding and backcountry toy to a legitimate mountain discipline.
Last weekend’s race had racers from six to 66 years old. They had categories from next generation to juniors to young amateurs all the way to masters, grand masters, super masters with a bunch of pros, locals, older amateurs and mid master’s in-between. It’s about bonfires, baked Salmon and tons of swag given away to the kids just for competing.
It’s an individual race up and down the sides of a natural gully in the heart of Mt. Baker, Washington. They have a DJ and a warming tent at the top, next to a fun little starting hut where everyone preps to test their skills down the infamous gully and hope not to veer off course and sink into some of the deepest snow on the continent (200+ inch base). It’s always a time to catch up with old friends and ride some deep powder.
My favorite legend from the Banked Slalom was when boy-wonder, Terje Haakonsen strapped in and won the contest going switch. It can still be seen in his 1st documentary, Subjekt Haakonsen. Thankfully however, someone has finally produced a movie giving the whole cherished history and vibe of one of the best celebrations of snowboarding you can find. For a real feel of the Legend, check out Platinum the movie here.
And if you’re ever in the north-west in February don’t miss this staple of snowboarding’s history served up fresh every year from Mt. Baker, Washington. And while you’re at it you just might enjoy some of the deepest snow on earth.
2006 Legendary Banked Slalom Winners
Pro Men: Temple Cummins, 1:32
Pro Women: Victoria Jealouse, 1:37
Pro Masters: Jason Troth, 1:35
Older Amateur Men: Skye Allsop, 1:33
Women Amateurs: Regina Lind, 1:42
Younger Amateur Men: Aaron Robinson, 1:34
Juniors: Logan Beaulieu, 1:40
Next Generation: Aaron Muss, 2:06
Women Masters: Julia Carson, 1:48
Masters: Brian Bozack, 1:37
Mid Masters: Randy Haugen, 1:43
Grand Masters: JT Taylor, 1:45
Super Masters: Bob Rodger, 2:14
