What Makes the Mt. Baker Banked Slalom so Legendary?
“There aren’t many contests where the average weekend warrior can ride and compete on the same course as Terje Haakonsen, but the Mt. Baker Legendary Banked Slalom is one of them. Now in its 29th year, the Banked Slalom challenges riders through a timed run down one of Mt. Baker’s natural halfpipes. While sounding fairly straightforward, the course winds its way down a gully littered with icy ruts, steep berms, and unexpected corners for a leg burning two minutes, a true test of snowboard skill.
In a world of video parts, extreme games, and Superpipes, riders from all over the world continue to flock to this seemingly outdated turning contest each year. A melting pot of talent from all walks of snowboarding, from pros and amateurs of all ages looking to test their skill, to a teeming group of young up-and-comers, there is never a shortage of competitors at this event. Hear from Kimmy Fasani, Ben Ferguson, and a handful of other riders about what makes the Banked Slalom so legendary, as well as the draw of a contest based on edge control rather than airtime.” – Burton Snowboards
