Boardroom Banked
Boardroom Banked
A Day Built for Snowboarders, By Snowboarders, and All For a Good Cause
Photos / Ashley Baron
Snowboarders across the western New York region are pulling out the fresh wax as they prepare for the 5th annual Boardroom Banked Slalom at Holiday Valley, Sunday, March 5. It’s not just a day to go fast, but a day to celebrate the sport of snowboarding and how far it’s come since its unsocially acceptable beginnings. The rebels of years past are now middle-aged men and women who have instilled in their own children the freedom and stoke of carving on edge, and you’ll see many of them - moms, dads, kids - anxious to enter the gate at the top of HV’s Champagne slope come race day.
Riders of all ages will compete for bragging rights and some of the most unique, handmade trophies you’ll come across in the local competition scene, on a custom built banked slalom course in four separate categories: Groms (15 and under), Women’s Open, Men’s Open, and the OGs (Original Gangstas, for those not up on their shrediquette. These are the guys 35 and older.)
“While the Banked is a day to celebrate western NY snowboarding, we also use it as a tool to raise money for a great cause,” said Spencer Timkey, owner of The Boardroom Snowboard Shop which organizes the event. “For the second year in a row, we’re proud to partner with P.U.N.T. Pediatric Cancer Collaborative, a Buffalo-based non-profit that assists families dealing with the difficulties of pediatric cancer.”
Last year, the event collectively raised $4,500 for the organization and the goal this year is even higher.
“This is one of my favorite days of the year,” said Timkey. “We've got all ages out there absolutely ripping, and all coming together for the love of standing sideways. It's unbelievable to see the support we get from people, especially since this isn't a banked slalom in the traditional sense. But our feeling - and it has been since Day 1 - is that it's less about who wins and more about celebrating snowboarding. The bonus? Working with an organization like P.U.N.T. that's out there doing God's work. It's just such a great day all around. The scene… tons of high 5s, a couple cold ones, music blasting. And we're in the process of building the trophies and they are going to be so good!”
Snow conditions may change day to day, week to week (welcome to WNY), but the one thing that will never change, is the fact that snowboarding is, at its core, about community. Cultivating that sense of community is something that The Boardroom Banked Slalom was created on. Each year, the event has grown in participation and fundraising levels, and has become a staple in ensuring that the western New York snowboard community stays in touch with one another. People of all ages, having fun, doing what they love, and showing their support not only for each other, but for others in need.
Along with the registration proceeds heading to P.U.N.T., the event committee has rallied up some pretty cool raffle items, including a framed photo from Lisa Bobwicz (@l_b_photo), a signed Dawson Knox jersey, custom prints from legendary Lib Tech team photographer Tim Zimmerman, and a few other surprises along the way. Raffle tickets can be purchased during the Boardroom Banked, with winning tickets drawn at the day’s conclusion.
Let’s talk about this year’s course. "We've been dealt a pretty tough hand when it comes to weather this season, but the snowmakers at Holiday Valley are the MVPs and we've got a substantial base to work with on Champagne,” explained Timkey. “The course may not look like it has in the past, and depending on how the next week shakes out, we're going to do our best to build a course that's fun and fast. It may be our finest hour.”
Finest hour indeed. No matter the end product, you can count on a course filled with high-octane turns, where competitors will no doubt test their skills in a timed format to see who the fastest riders on the course are. Judges will take your best two of three runs, and all riders will receive a Boardroom Banked 5 Phunkshun mask that doubles as a bib, lunch on-site from West Rose, and the opportunity to win tons of great swag from the industry’s best brands.
“Even if you’re not riding, we want you to come and enjoy the day,” said Timkey. “Beer tasting from EBC, music, and non-competitors will have their fair share of chances to take home some pretty sweet prizes.”
Moosevision will be set up on-site offering hot waxes for a donation, and according to Timkey, P.U.N.T. has invited a special family along to come tell their story. It’s expected to be an emotional day for sure.
Registration is $45 and should be completed in advance online; find the link at boardsandpowder.com. “Last year we were turning riders down the day of the event so don’t delay in signing up,” said Timkey. Discounted lift tickets are available for registrants.
“The Banked has proven that the western New York snowboarding scene can go pound for pound with anybody in the game. So we’ll see you Sunday, March 5 for the running of the 5th annual Boardroom Banked. Let’s celebrate snowboarding, and let’s make a difference!”
