If you can see Mt. Baker, you are part of The Experience
Mt. Baker Ski Area announced it will not be holding the 36th edition of its famous downhill race, the Legendary Banked Slalom, this winter due to “unworkable” snow conditions.
This year’s race was scheduled to start Friday, February 6 and conclude Sunday, February 8. The 2027 Legendary Banked Slalom is scheduled for February 19 to 21.
In a video posted online, Mt. Baker Ski Area’s former CEO and president Gwyn Howat said the natural halfpipe where the banked slalom takes place looked primed to host the event as recently as two weeks ago, but warm and wet weather conditions washed away too much snow.
Video from the natural halfpipe shared by the ski area showed low snowpack, icy conditions and exposed rock.
“It's multiple factors right now that make this just unfortunately an unworkable course situation,” Howat said. “Our first and foremost concern is producing a fair, fun, reasonable race.”
Race organizers said they were unable to reschedule this year’s event due to weather changes happening so close to the race date. The race requires the labor of dozens of crew members and nearly 100 event volunteers, and it was too difficult to reschedule with just days until race day, Howat said.
“I want to give a shout out to our volunteers. This is the reality, the banked slalom would not happen without the amazing volunteers that we have,” Howat said.
Everyone who reserved a spot in the 2026 Legendary Banked Slalom will keep their place in the 2027 race, organizers said. Sponsors for the 2026 race will be rolled into the 2027 race as well.
The Legendary Banked Slalom began in 1985 and is one of the oldest continuing snowboarding competitions in the world. The competition was last cancelled due to poor weather conditions in 2024.
“We know it's very disappointing for many people – including us,” Howat said. “Our crew really, really looks forward to this event every year; it’s a real marker in many people’s calendars. It’s a celebration – not just a race – it's a gathering.”
