The Legendary Banked Slalom - Snowboarding at Mt Baker

The Legendary Banked Slalom takes place Friday February 6 thru Sunday February 8 at the Mt Baker Ski Area.
Mt. Baker has been a kind of Mecca for the snowboarding world ever since they first opened their chairs to snowboarders in the early'80s. The early boarders there started a contest. In 1985, 14 snowboarders raced on Superbowl Sunday to avoid the crowds, and a tradition was born.

This year in it's 24th season, the Banked Slalom has become a celebration of the sport to locals and pros.

This is still the peoples competition, winners receive an embroidered Carhartt jacket and duct-tape trophy instead of the big prizes of other major races but that doesn't stop the best in the world from showing up.

I hear they also come from far and wide for the salmon barbeque and party after the event.

image courtesy of flickr.com by alexindigo