2024 Mt Baker Legendary Banked Slalom Washed Out to 2025

While the storm train has finally arrived, the 2023/24 ski season has faced significant challenges with a barrage of unusually warm storms brought about by the strong El Niño. This has affected various regions across the country. And unfortunately includes the renowned Mt. Baker Ski Area, the mecca of powder snowboarding. Due to these adverse conditions, we regret that the 2024 Legendary Banked Slalom has been canceled and rescheduled to 2025.

The REAL Super Bowl Of Snowboarding

While the X Games may claim the title of the premier snowboard competition, those true to the sport recognize that the REAL Super Bowl takes place at Mt. Baker during the annual Legendary Banked Slalom. It’s even normally held ON Super Bowl weekend. This iconic event was started by retailer Bob Barci and Tom Sims, the visionary behind Sim Snowboards. The story and traditions surrounding this gathering can be summed up in one word – legendary. Hence, its name. To learn more about the stories such as the duct tape trophy and the “Rob Morrow Rule”, check out our detailed article here.

What Happened?

Well, the storms have been warm… VERY warm. These conditions have posed significant difficulties in maintaining the ski area’s operations, let alone hosting events. Adding insult to injury, Mt. Baker Ski Area CEO Gwyn disclosed that the latest Atmospheric River, which hit January 28th, resulted in over 5 inches of rain. This unfortunate weather event caused a loss of approximately 14 inches of base, leaving the organizers with no option but to cancel the 2024 Legendary Banked Slalom.

Not The First Time

In a ski area renowned for its staggering annual snowfall averaging 647 inches, the notion of canceling a mid-winter event seems improbable, even impossible. Surprisingly, this isn’t the first time the banked slalom has been called off.

2005

Back in the 2004-2005 season, the cancellation was compelled by the storm track concentrating mainly on the Sierra, Utah, and Southwest regions. Complicating matters further, a mid-January Tropical punch wreaked havoc in the Northwest, which was followed by an unexpected drought. This combination resulted in closures or limitations in many areas for the next two months. Despite these challenges, the season concluded on a positive note, boasting an impressive 439 inches of snowfall.

2015

While the 2014/15 season began on a positive note for Mt. Baker, come January, the entire West experienced severe dryness. Subsequently, a warm storm with snow levels reaching up to 8,000 feet aggravated the situation. The unseasonable warmth and lack of precipitation persisted through February, resulting in a record-low winter for Mt. Baker, with only 265 inches of snowfall.

What Doesn’t Kill You Makes You Stronger

The silver lining is whenever the event has faced cancellation, Mother Nature has consistently rewarded Mt. Baker the following season. In 2005, after the cancellation, the subsequent year witnessed a remarkable 800 inches of snowfall. Similarly, in 2015, when the contest had to be called off, the winter of 2016 brought about 600 inches of snow. Judging by these past seasons, 2024/25 promises to be a powder-filled buffet, with an even more spectacular Legendary Banked Slalom on the horizon. Perhaps, now might be the opportune time to consider booking your trip.