Duke's Ditch Banked Slalom

Come be a part of history! Banked slaloms have a renowned place in the saga of snowboarding—it all began in 1985 with the Mt. Baker Legendary Banked Slalom, the longest-running snowboard competition in North America. This year, Powderhorn is honored to present our first annual Duke's Ditch Banked Slalom, a new event created to draw our snowboarding community closer together. The Duke's Ditch Banked Slalom is named in honor of the late, great Duke Taylor, who was instrumental in making snowboarding accessible to the Western Slope. This race course will be built through the cooperative efforts our staff and volunteer racers. Through this event, our shared passion for standing sideways boosts sportsmanship, camaraderie, recognition, and growth for boardin' culture in Western Colorado. So condition those quads, tune your board, and get ready to drag knuckles... we're absolutely thrilled by the opportunity to kick off our own banked slalom tradition, Wild West style!

We will also be hosting Vintage Day on Saturday during the Banked Slalom event. Experience snowboard history up close! Over 60 legendary vintage boards will be on display, showcasing the evolution of the sport - from icon graphics to game-changing shape. This epic collection is brought to you by some of the biggest collectors on the Western Slope. Bring a throwback board made before 1990 to have a chance to ride the course when the race is over.

The race course will be built on Lower Maverick, and is closed to EVERYONE prior to race start. Anyone that enters the course without permission will be disqualified from racing. Racers will be given two laps to attempt their best time. Course starts are spaced roughly 30 seconds apart.

Categories:

Grom Girls (≤12) Grom Boys (≤12)

Teen Girls (13-17) Teen Boys (13-17)

Women (18-29) Men (18-29)

Ladies (30-39) Gentlemen (30-39)

Golden Girls (≥40) Grumpy Old Men (≥40)

Adaptive (call (970) 268-5158 for more information)

Race registration is $44 and opens March 1. A limited number of free race entries are available to volunteers . If you are interested in helping to build the race course, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to inquire!

Registration closes Friday, March 28th at 11:59 PM (midnight)

Racer Rules & Schedule

Race Day Schedule (3/29/25):

• 8:00AM-10:00AM: Racer Check-in – (Cottonwood Room in the base lodge)

• 9:00AM-11:30AM: Course inspection. Visual inspection only, no practice laps.

• 11:45AM: Rider’s Meeting at the top of the course. Race course is on Lower Maverick (view a trail map)
  

• 12:00PM: Race start. Racers will be dropped by category. Two runs per racer, best of two times. Category start times will be posted in the base lodge and at the top of the course.

• Approximately 4:30PM: Awards on the Sunset Deck. Awards time subject to change.

   

Racer Rules:

• You must have a Powderhorn ticket or season pass. Discounted tickets are available for registered racers at the Powderhorn Ticket Office.

• You must wear a helmet while racing.

• You must have a signed waiver.

• You should be in the start area a minimum of five minutes before your run – start times are subject to change, so we highly recommend giving yourself plenty of time. If you miss your start time, there will be no reruns.

• Rider and snowboard must be behind the start gate prior to the beginning of the run.

• Rider must be on his/her board when crossing the finish line.

• Rider must pass through timing eye at the finish line. The timing eye is located 6 to 20 inches off the ground depending on terrain. Don’t ollie over the finish!

• Your bib must be visible at all times. We need to verify your bib number while you’re on course. If your bib is not visible, you will not get a recorded time, and you will not get a rerun.  

• Violation of any of these rules may result in a DNF for your lap, or outright disqualification.

   

Disqualification or DNF may also result if:

• Improper start:

• Leaving the start gate before signaled.

• Not being at the start gate at time of the start signal.

• Missing any gate. Any questions just ask.

• Unsporting conduct (You know what that means…)

• By obstructing other racers during the contest or tripping the finish timing at any other time than your run.

• Any violation of any of our Mountain Policies, Rules, and/or Laws.

• Attempting to race while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

• Reckless behavior or disregard for the safety of others while at the resort.

   

Where to stay:

• Tiny Homes at Powderhorn – Use promo code DBS25 for 20% off your stay. 

• Camping – 4th (dirt) lot only at Powderhorn.

• Visit https://www.powderhorn.com/plan-purchase/stay.html for lodging options in Mesa, Palisade, or Grand Junction.

   

One important race day modification: Time permitting, the throwback category will be open to all registered racers after all age categories are run. If you want a third race lap, mount up your pre 1990 snowboard for a chance at the throwback title.