2025 Buck Hill Rattlesnake Banked Slalom Recap | On Sunday, March 2nd, 2025, Buck Hill Ski and Snowboard Area in Burnsville, Minnesota, transformed into a serpentine playground for snowboarders, hosting the third annual Rattlesnake Banked Slalom. Under sunny skies and gradually warming temperatures, riders from across the nation converged to test their mettle on a course that promised both challenge and exhilaration.
Rattlesnake Banked Slalom Overview
The day began with temperatures in the 20s, climbing into the low 40s as the sun asserted its dominance, creating ideal conditions for both competitors and spectators. The course, meticulously laid out on Warner’s Way Run by the Buck Hill Park Crew, featured 45 tight-radius banked turns – a stark departure from the previous year’s wider turns. This design demanded impeccable rhythm and precision, pushing riders to their limits. The varying pitches of Warner’s Way introduced sections that required strategic navigation, with giant slalom panel gates set vertically to up the ante.
This event has carved its niche in the snowboarding community, strategically scheduled the day after the Burton Snowboard Mystery Tour race at Theodore Wirth Park. This timing offers enthusiasts an action-packed weekend of racing, solidifying the Rattlesnake Banked Slalom as a must-attend event in the Midwest snowboarding calendar.
Race Format & Categories
The competition was structured to accommodate a diverse range of participants, categorized by age and gender:
Men:
Junior Class: 15 & Under
Open Class: 16–39 & All Ages
Master Class: 40 & Over
Women:
Junior Class: 15 & Under
Open Class: 16–39 & All Ages
Master Class: 40 & Over
Notably, the Open Class was inclusive, allowing riders aged 15 & under and 40 & over to compete for prizes if they chose, though mandatory for those between 16 and 39. Each rider was granted two timed runs, with their fastest time determining their placement. In the event of a tie, the second-fastest run served as the tiebreaker.
The course’s intricacies meant that maintaining a seamless rhythm and executing smooth, un-skidded lines were paramount. The initial gates set the tone for each run, emphasizing the importance of quick edge-to-edge control and precision. Riders quickly learned that staying low, smooth, and on edge without skidding were the keys to clocking competitive times.
Standout Performances and Results
The event showcased a plethora of talent, with riders delivering performances that resonated with both passion and prowess.
A standout moment was the blazing performance by Lucas Caye, who clinched the fastest time of the day at 42.18 seconds. Equally inspiring was the dynamic duo of Paul and Kylie Vincent, a married couple who both ascended the podium – Paul securing 2nd in the Men’s Open Class and Kylie dominating the Women’s Master Class with a 1st place finish.
The Men’s Master Class (40+ years) boasted the largest contingent of competitors. This group, rich with experience spanning every era of snowboarding, showcased that age is merely a number when passion drives performance.
Women’s Junior Class:
1st – Aurora Brooks
2nd – Alyson Tomczak
3rd – Raina Gilbertson
Men’s Junior Class:
1st – River Petersburg
2nd – Leo Fallgatter
3rd – Clay Hooker
Women’s Masters Class:
1st – Kylie Vincent
2nd – Jennifer Moore
3rd – Aimee Gilbertson
Men’s Masters Class:
1st – Mark Beauchman
2nd – Dustin Hummel
3rd – Tim Dunklee
Women’s Open Class:
1st – Amber Zierden
2nd – Eva Kate
3rd – Neev Zaiet
Men’s Open Class:
1st – Lucas Caye
2nd – Paul Vincent
3rd – Tyler Mills
FULL LIST OF RESULT BELOW ARTICLE.
Atmosphere & Community
The Rattlesnake Banked Slalom was a celebration of the snowboarding community’s camaraderie and spirit. Competitors, while vying for top spots, exuded a collective enthusiasm, often assisting each other with board tuning and pre-race preparations. The event’s ambiance was elevated by Red Bull’s energetic soundtrack, fueling both riders and spectators throughout the day. The Buck Hill Race Department ensured seamless operations, from precise timing to accurate result tabulations. A cadre of dedicated volunteers managed everything from registration to rider staging, embodying the event’s community-centric ethos.
Zombie Boardshop played a pivotal role, orchestrating prize packs and liaising with esteemed partners like Burton Snowboards, Salomon Snowboards, Vans, Volcom, Capita Snowboards, and Union Bindings. The start corral buzzed with excitement, amplified by Red Bull’s music and refreshments from Buck ’54 Bar & Grill. The day’s proceedings encapsulated the quintessential spirit of snowboarding – fast lines, good vibes, and a tight-knit community celebrating the sport they love.
Final Thoughts and Looking Ahead
At its core, the Rattlesnake Banked Slalom is about bringing snowboarders together for a day of fast turns, high fives, and good times. This year’s event proved that mission was accomplished. Riders traveled from as far as California and Washington to take on the course, proving that the Rattlesnake has grown beyond just a local showdown – it’s becoming a must-hit stop on the Midwest snowboarding calendar.
The course itself was a whole new beast this year, with 45 tight banked turns that demanded precision, edge control, and sheer determination. Compared to last season’s wider-radius layout, this year’s setup pushed riders to the limit, forcing them to adapt and refine their technique. Feedback from competitors has been overwhelmingly positive, with many embracing the added challenge and offering suggestions for future tweaks. One thing’s for sure – next year’s course will continue to evolve, keeping riders on their toes (and on their heels).
Looking ahead, the buzz around expanding the field sizes is real. With how quickly registration fills up, there’s strong consideration for opening up more spots so more riders can experience the thrill of racing through the course. The Rattlesnake Banked Slalom is growing, and with the support of the snowboard community, sponsors, and Buck Hill’s dedication to hosting high-quality events, the future looks bright (and fast).
The third annual Rattlesnake Banked Slalom was a masterclass in what makes snowboarding great – tight competition, camaraderie, and a shared love for riding. From the groms laying down quick times to the seasoned vets proving they’ve still got it, every rider brought their A-game and helped create an unforgettable day.
With another successful event in the books, the Rattlesnake continues to build its legacy as a can’t-miss race in the Midwest. The community, the course, the energy – it all came together in perfect harmony, proving once again that banked slalom racing is alive and well. So start training now, because next year’s Rattlesnake Banked Slalom is bound to be bigger, better, and just as gnarly. See you at the top of the course in 2026.
