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. 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!
This a SNOWBOARDER ONLY event. Helmets are REQUIRED. A season pass or day ticket is required.
Call to inquire about adaptive categories - (970) 268-5158.
Racers Ready!
Thank you for joining us for our first Duke’s Ditch Banked Slalom. We’re stoked that you’re joining us for a day of racing and good times on the Grand Mesa. You all make this event possible!
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