Neil Edgeworth Memorial Banked Slalom Marks 26 Years of Snowboarding Tradition

It’s not the gear, the medals, or the big money comps—it’s the feeling. And this past weekend at Big White, that feeling was everywhere. The Neil Edgeworth Memorial Banked Slalom, now in its 26th year, wasn’t just another race on the calendar. It was a full-circle gathering of the snowboard community—one rooted in memory, momentum, and meaning.

What started in 1987 as the Inland Snowboard Big White Banked Slalom evolved into something far deeper after tragedy struck. When Neil Edgeworth, a local legend and mountain soul, passed away in an avalanche in France, the event was renamed in his honour. Since then, it’s become a sacred space on snow—where riders come to rip, reflect, and reconnect.

For more competition updates and highlights, follow the Neil Edgeworth Memorial Banked Slalom group on Facebook.

A Community in Motion
This year, 255 riders showed up to race—not for prize money or points, but for pride, fun, and legacy. The age range stretched from 7 to 65, proving that edge control and mountain stoke aren’t limited by birthdate. The fastest time of the weekend belonged to Chris Bradley (West Kelowna), who clocked an impressive 1:26:51 in the Pro Men’s division.

But speed wasn’t the only thing worth celebrating.

Lee Adam, one of Neil’s longtime friends and a figure in the snowboard community, was honoured with the Spirit Award.

Rising Riders, Real Stories
The weekend also delivered performances that turned heads and warmed hearts. Nathaniel Hawthorn, winner of the Men’s Para category, reminded everyone what true grit looks like. Meanwhile, 12-year-old Semyon Rudyka posted the most improved time of the weekend—a huge achievement for a young rider already showing serious promise and determination.

A Course Worth Talking About
One thing riders couldn’t stop talking about? The course.

This year’s setup was a creative blend of Para World Championship banked slalom design and SBX slalom elements—a hybrid track that challenged and inspired. Many veterans called it the best course in years, and the vibe at the bottom confirmed it.

More Than a Race
Events like this remind us why snowboarding matters. It’s not just the gear or the tricks—it’s the people. The stories. The shared history. The Neil Edgeworth Memorial Banked Slalom is proof that a good run can be about more than time. It can be about tradition. It can be about tribute.

And it can bring a whole mountain family back together.

See you next year!

Visit the BC Snowboard website for full results.