BY HEATHER FOSTER

Sun Valley’s Olympic Snowboarder Chase Josey took second overall this past week at Mt. Baker’s 36th Legendary Banked Slalom.

Josey, a two-time Olympian, Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation alum, and member of the 2024/25 U.S. Snowboarding Halfpipe Team, rode fast and furious to a second overall finish in the Pro Men—just .09 seconds out of first place.

In their first trip to the famed Legendary Banked Slalom, SVSEF athletes Naomi Gorringe and Vivian Smith rode their way to fifth and sixth in the Junior Girls division respectively. And SVSEF Snowboarding Program Director and Coach Andy Gilbert landed a top ten finish in the Grand Masters division.

Entries alone are hard to come by for the event—they are either earned through pro rider invitation, top results at a specific few qualifying events or winning lottery spots.

Josey returned as an invited rider among the Pro Men. Gorringe earned her spot through her strong performance and win at the recent Baldy Banked Slalom, and Smith was one of the lucky ones to snag a lottery entry. Gilbert carried over his 2024 entry to this year.

The “Baker Banked” made a much-welcomed return this year after being cancelled in 2024 when warm weather and rain caused the Mt. Baker Ski Area’s snow base to recede by 14 inches in just a few days. The course crew had their work cut out for them this year with 41″ of new snow in the days leading up to the event.

“I couldn’t be prouder of and stoked for our young riders, Naomi and Vivian, for jumping into the Baker Banked—it truly is a legendary event and an opportunity to learn and ride amongst so many of the best in the sport,” said Gilbert. “The snowboarding culture is just amplified at Baker—and for us to share this experience all riding there on our own—and with one of the greatest mentors our young riders could ask for in Chase—these are the opportunities and memories that last a lifetime and help athletes grow through the sport they love so much.”