Weekend getaway: Legendary Banked Slalom

Craig Hill, staff writer • Published February 11, 2011 Modified February 11, 2011

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What: If you haven't registered yet for the Legendary Banked Slalom snowboard race, you are too late. However, this event is about more than the race. It's a celebration of snowboarding history and is considered one of the most important on the road snowboarding traveled to become a mainstream sport. In addition to watching some of the best boarders in the Northwest race down a natural half-pipe, you can check out the rest of Baker's killer terrain.

When: Friday-Sunday

Where: Mount Baker Ski Area

Getting there: From Interstate 5, take state Route 542 east from Bellingham to its terminus at the ski resort.

Cost: The banked slalom is free to watch. Lift tickets cost $47.27, $34.29 youths (7-15), $41.24 seniors (60-69), $28.27 super seniors (70 and older), ages 6 and younger and fifth-graders are admitted free.

Also: The Legendary Banked Slalom is the nation’s oldest snowboard race. In 2005, Seattle-based Flying Spot Entertainment released “Platinum,” a movie about the Legendary Banked Slalom. You can watch the six-minute trailer for the movie at platinumthemovie.com.

Information: www.mtbaker.us

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