Updated 2/6/26: After our February 2026 issue went to print, the 37th Legendary Banked Slalom was postponed due to “an unworkable snowpack in the Natural Halfpipe.” We corrected and updated the online version of our article with information about the postponement. Thank you. — The Editorial Department at Bellingham Alive.
The 37th Legendary Banked Slalom, originally intended to take place this Feb. 6-8, was postponed and will now occur at Mt. Baker Ski Area in 2027.
This world-famous snowboarding race is a hallmark of snowboarding culture in the Pacific Northwest, drawing locals and pros alike to prove their skills on the banked slopes of Mt. Baker’s renowned natural halfpipe. Competition typically spans a three day weekend, with two days of qualifiers and a final day pitting the best of the best against each other.
Elsa Ericksen
The Banked Slalom traces its roots to the early days of snowboarding. In the 1980s, as snowboarding grew in popularity, most ski areas were skeptical of the quirky riders who duct taped hightop sneakers to improvised boards. The inaugural Banked Slalom was held at Mt. Baker in 1985 in large part because the ski area was one of the few around the country welcoming snowboarders. Some of the biggest names in the sport have run the Banked Slalom, and the grassroots race continues to draw high levels of competition from around the world.
Despite rising to a high level of prominence, the Banked Slalom stays true to its humble origins, reminding competitors and spectators of the early days of the sport. There is no cash prize—instead, racers compete for duct tape trophies, an embroidered Carhartt jacket, and bragging rights.
Elsa Ericksen
In late January, Mt. Baker Ski Area announced that the 37th Legendary Banked Slalom would be postponed till 2027. According to their announcement video, this winter’s atmospheric rivers washed away snow in the natural halfpipe. What was left was “sugary” and “unworkable,” and the forecast predicted low snowfall to come. They expressed their gratitude to the large number of event crew and volunteers who usually make this event possible, many of whom make time in their busy lives to support the event each year.
They clarified that racers and sponsors would “roll over” to next year’s event. They also announced that while the Legendary Banked Slalom often took place over Super Bowl Weekend in the past, they will be scheduling the event for later in February moving forward to leave time for more snowfall. The 37th Legendary Banked Slalom will now take place next year, Feb. 20-21. Mt. Baker Hwy., Deming, 360.734.6771, mtbaker.us
