Winter is right around the corner, and at Buck Hill, we’re gearing up for one of our most exciting seasons EVER. Whether you’re a die-hard rider, a weekend skier, a terrain-park regular, or someone who lives for après-ski energy, the 2025–2026 winter season is packed with new features, legendary events, and truly unforgettable midwest hill vibes.

If you’re already counting down the days until the lifts start turning, here are the Top 5 reasons this winter at Buck Hill is shaping up to be the best one yet—and why you’ll want to secure your Season Pass early.

 

1. Downhill Disco Returns: Après-Ski Energy You Won’t Find Anywhere Else

 

If you know, you know: Downhill Disco is more than an event—it’s a full-hill mood.

This season, the disco lights return with HNTR & Fallon, bringing a high-energy, beat-heavy après-ski party that transforms the hill into a dance-floor-meets-snow-glow experience.

Expect:

• A packed hill buzzing with winter nightlife
• Elevated sound and lighting
• A community event that gets bigger (and wilder) every year

 

 If you’re looking for a unique experience on the hill with energy, rhythm, and a little glitter in the snow, Downhill Disco is your night.

 

2. New Terrain Park Rails: A Legacy Gift That Elevates Our Parks

 

One of the biggest highlights of the upcoming season is something truly special.

The Risvold family has generously donated six brand-new, professionally crafted terrain-park features, along with funding to completely refurbish two existing features—all in loving memory of their son, Adam Risvold.

These new features are being built by Coastal Jibs out of Quebec, a world-class fabricator known for innovative, durable, and rider-approved park elements.

What this means for you:

• Expanded creativity and flow in our parks
• Higher-quality sets designed for progression
• More options for beginners and experts alike
• A meaningful addition to Buck Hill’s freestyle community

We’ll be debuting these new features at a special rail event on Thursday, December 18th, and trust us—you’re going to want to be there. It’s going to be one of the most exciting updates to the park scene in years.

 

3. The Rattlesnake Banked Slalom Is Back—And Bigger Than Ever

 

Buckle up. The Rattlesnake Banked Slalom returns on Sunday, March 8, 2026, and this year, the stakes are higher, the turns are tighter, and the bragging rights are bigger.

If you’ve never raced it, here’s what you’re missing:

• Fast, technical riding
• Banked walls that reward skill and speed
• A rowdy, high-energy crowd
• A snowboard-only event that embodies pure soul riding

And the huge news for 2026:

Winners of the Men’s & Women’s Open divisions will earn a spot in the 2027 Mt. Baker Legendary Banked Slalom.

That’s right—the iconic, historic Mt. Baker LBS, the original soul-event of snowboarding, with roots stretching back to 1985. This is a massive opportunity, and we’re honored to offer riders a direct path to one of the most meaningful competitions in the sport.

Whether you’re racing, cheering, or soaking in the atmosphere, the Rattlesnake Banked Slalom is an event that radiates everything we love about snowboarding: community, creativity, history, and absolute chaos in the best possible way.

 

4. The Midwest’s Only Halfpipe: A Buck Hill Icon

 

You may have heard this once or twice, but it’s worth saying again:

Buck Hill is home to the Midwest’s ONLY halfpipe.

And this season, it’s back, cut clean, and ready for riders who want to elevate their line, boost their style, and push progression.

A great halfpipe is more than a feature—it’s a proving ground. It’s where riders learn edge control, amplitude, timing, switch confidence, and true freestyle flow. It’s a rare gem in the Midwest, and we’re proud to offer something that keeps riders coming back from across the region.

If you’ve been wanting to learn pipe riding or dial in your tricks, this is your winter.

 

5. Uphill Access: First Tracks, Sunrise Views & Pure Solitude

If you’ve been craving quieter mornings, untouched corduroy, or a new way to move your body outdoors, Uphill Access at Buck Hill is about to become your new obsession.

Whether you’re training for a backcountry trip, looking to switch up your fitness routine, or simply seeking solitude away from crowds and noise, uphill travel delivers an entirely different hill experience. First ascend starts Friday, January 2nd! 

With Uphill Access, you can:

• Make first turns on freshly groomed trails

• Start your day with a sunrise overlooking Crystal Lake

• Escape the rush and find your own rhythm

• Train with gear you’ll use for backcountry touring

• Enjoy a peaceful, self-paced workout in nature

Reach the top, take a deep breath, adjust your goggles, and drop into a line that feels like pure winter bliss.

If you’re dreaming of something new this season, grab your gear and join us for Uphill Access at Buck Hill.

Why This Season Is the One to Commit: Get Your Season Pass

 

With new terrain-park features, iconic events, the Midwest’s only halfpipe, must-ride spring days, and an après-ski scene that just keeps growing, the 25/26 winter season is shaping up to be something truly special.

A Season Pass is hands-down the best way to enjoy everything Buck Hill has to offer:

• Unlimited riding all winter
• Best value per day on the hill
• Access to every major event
• No blackout dates
• The freedom to ride when the snow (or stoke) hits

If you love winter, if you love progression, if you love being part of a community that lives and breathes snow—now is the time to lock in your pass.

 

 

Final Thoughts: Winter Is Calling—Are You Ready?

Whether you’re here for the parks, the pipe, the races, the parties, or the powder days, Buck Hill is gearing up for a season built around progression, hype, community, and celebration. From the Downhill Disco to the Rattlesnake Banked Slalom to our brand-new Coastal Jibs rails, the hill is ready—and we can’t wait to welcome you back.

See you on the snow.
25/26 is going to be legendary.