Slash and Burn Banked Slalom

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What is it about banked slalom events that are so damn fun? The only way to truly understand is to participate in one yourself. This past Saturday 231 riders ranging from ages 5 to 50+ made their way to Howelsen Hill in Steamboat Springs to try their luck in the appropriately named Slash and Burn Banked Slalom. Now in its second year the Slash and Burn not only nearly doubled the number of riders, the course got extended all the way to the top of the hill. All that growth didn’t come easy though, with a vast majority of the course being built and shaped by hand with a dedicated crew of volunteers and participants over the course of several weeks.

Riders awoke to bluebird skies and chilly temps on race day, which made the previous days slushy banks more appropriate for the gate bashers that normally train on the steep pitch adjacent to the course. Luckily, as temps rose throughout the day so did peoples stoke, as well as their BAC, with coolers full of adult beverages abound. The course was steep with more than a few unforgiving turns laced throughout the minute plus-affair, with the crux being the very first bank. Dropping straight into a tight right-hander, more than a few people’s dreams were dashed before they even got a chance to get going. With its proximity to the start, it was the best place for heckles and cheers depending on how you faired. Times from the first run were posted at the bottom which let you know how you stacked up, but mainly provided fuel for shit talking and second run bets, for which times would not be known until after awards. Free beers and a “best of” format helped keep the crowd around for second runs, which went hours past the scheduled finish time. Grom awards were handed out at the hill for those not old enough to attend the awards/after party at Carl’s Tavern later that night.

In keeping with the spirit of small grassroots events, almost half of the proceeds went to the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club to help fund future generations of shredders, which will hopefully carry on the torch of fun, soul-filled events like this one. The evening’s festivities did not disappoint with the Scott Sullivan Duo providing tunes, and event sponsors providing rad swag, like a brand new 2016 Slash deck for D.F.L. and a RIDE snowboard for the guy who had the “Lamest Sidekick”.

After the dust had settled, Steamboat locals held their own with Mick Dierdorff taking the win in Open men and Billy Winters finishing second a head of a humbled yet stoked Olympian with an affinity for 3rd place… On the Women’s side local 16-year-old Savanna Atkins finished 3rd behind two other Olympians, Maria Ramberger and Erin Nemec, first and second respectfully. With new snow falling outside and the race finished, riders relived close calls or the best crashes while nursing egos with every dirtbag snowboarder’s favorite, one dollar PBR’s.

Here’s to hoping you get a chance race your buddies and face the clock at a resort near you in one of the most fun events you’ll ever do.

A huge thanks to all of the sponsors that made this event happen and for supporting the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club: SmartWool, Powder Tools Board Shop, Weston Snowboards, Slash by GiGi, Never Summer, Salomon Snowboards, Smokin Snowboards, Carl’s Tavern, Airblaster, Zeal Optics, Dragon Alliance, Skullcandy, Celtek, Rad Gloves, Crispy, Colorado Skateboards, Sweetwood Jerky, Honey Stinger, Snowboard Magazine, Snowboard Colorado Magazine, Strap In For Life, and FamilyShred.com

Check out the results of the First Annual Slash and Burn Banked Slalom right here.

Slashandburnbanked.blogspot.com