Editor’s note, April 7: Kick off venue changed.

OLYMPIC VALLEY

The Winter Olympics took place this year, but the most intense ski racing event of the season will be at Palisades Tahoe this April on the famed KT-22 mountain peak — with an alternate route on Siberia. 

Rahlves’ Banzai is back after an eight-year hiatus to give a whole new generation of up-and-coming super racers a shot at joining the tour veterans and vie for the generous $20,000 cash purse plus ultimate bragging rights.

When Daron Rahlves started his namesake tour back in 2008, it aroused great interest and 200 competitors from all over the country signed up to take part in the dream of racing like Rahlves and possibly getting the chance to race against him in the Super Final. A Banzai is the ultimate race format because it combines skiercross, big mountain, and downhill racing on an all natural, ungroomed course that starts at the mountain peak and finishes at the very bottom of the hill. 

Riders in groups of four have to negotiate bumps, jumps, drops, moguls, chutes, and straight-lining schusses while avoiding natural terrain features, such as rocks, boulders, trees, and fellow competitors. This all takes place on an ungroomed mountain course, providing plenty of thrills and close calls. Four charge out of the start gate together and the top two racers from each heat advance to the next round.

To participate in the gnarliest race in the western hemisphere, be at Palisades Tahoe this April and bring some wax! Sign up here.

The Rahlves’ Banzai takes place April 10 through 12 at Palisades Tahoe. The fun begins with a launch party at Sierra Surf Club at 4:30 p.m. on April 10. 

~ Mike A.K. Akay and Daron Rahlves