Marunuma Kogen Banked Slalom held on 3/31 (Sat) and 4/1 (Sun).Banked slalom has become very popular in recent years, but many people may have been curious about this Marunuma banked, "What kind of course was completed?" "What is the atmosphere at the competition site?"
In this article, I will report on this tournament that I actually participated in.
Photo: Tomokazu Kuwano
A new tournament was born in Gunma prefecture, the sanctuary of Banked Slalom
It is held every week in Gunma, with Tenjin / Banked Slalom in the first week of March, Okutone / Antelope Race the next day, White Valley / MINAKAMI BANKED CLASSIC in the third week, and Kawaba / M & M in the next week. Banked slalom.Gunma Prefecture was eventually established as a sanctuary for Banked, and each tournament has created unique courses that have attracted many users.
Meanwhile, a new banked slalom was held at Marunuma Kogen on the weekend of the last week of March.The major difference between this tournament and other Gunma tournaments is that it is hosted by the slopes.Toru Ishiyama is in charge of producing the course.He is currently in charge of park production as a digger in Marunuma, and he is enlivening the Katashina area while communicating closely with the snowboarders who visit the slopes.
It is actually last year that he was assigned to produce this Marunuma Banked course for the first time.Actually, at the same time last year, Vol.0, which is a trial tournament of this tournament, was held.Although the tournament ended successfully, there were still some issues to be solved regarding the course development.When I interviewed Toru Ishiyama about last year's tournament before the tournament, it seems that he was suffering from a shortage of staff for course development because the first event was suddenly decided.In addition, the number of banks in the course was set to 20 banks, which is relatively large, and as a result, it exceeded the range where we could finish comfortably.
A new banked slalom sponsored by the slopes.Taking advantage of the experience of last year's trial tournament, what kind of tournament was Vol.1 officially held this time?
Appearance of a course that simply feels G, which is the comfort of the bank
This spring, when the seasons change earlier than usual, one to two weeks.I was worried about the snow in Marunuma and the condition of the course, but when I arrived at the site, the worries suddenly changed to excitement.
It may be rude, but the course was so interesting that it couldn't be compared with the course image I had in advance.
The total number of banks this year is 13, which is much shorter than last year's 20 banks.The four banks in a row from the start are about the size of the chest, which is higher than last year.It is necessary to pay attention to the overspeed before the snow loosens, but it can be washed comfortably.
After that, the 5th to 7th banks are the rhythm section that connects quickly.It is necessary to rhythmically capture the bank here while adjusting the speed, but it feels pretty good to make.The following 8 to 10 banks are comfortable to speed up, and the course is made under the lift line so far, so the attention is great.Cross the straight corridor and connect to 11 banks that take advantage of the natural terrain on the opposite side of the slope.This is always a shaded and icy bank to watch out for, but if you clear it, you will reach the goal by passing through Koyama of 12 banks → the last bank of 13.The flow of the whole course is like this.
It feels good at the beginning, a quick rhythm on the way, then speeds up, crosses the corridor, and finishes comfortably at the end.In other words, it is not a monotonous course, but it is a course that sometimes requires slowing and slowing of speed, so each bank has its own individuality and is interesting.
And the first concept of this course is "a bank that feels the centrifugal force G".If you can keep the high line of the bank, the speed will come naturally.The concept of the creator, who simply wants the bank to feel the original comfort, is incorporated into the entire course.A wonderful bankline created while taking advantage of the artificial and natural terrain was completed.
The total number of entries this year is 160 including snowboarders and skiers. Many participants of all ages, from kids under the age of 10 to adults over the age of 35, enjoyed this course to the fullest.
The tournament format is qualifying on the first day and the final on the second day, but after the final on the next day, even those who lose the qualifying can participate in the time trial, so it's nice to be able to skate one each on Saturday and Sunday.There was also a category of double entry for snowboarding and skiing, but it was impressive.
A new movement that brings together the slopes and the locals
Behind the creation of this best course is the presence of ski resort staff, including Toru Ishiyama, and excellent operators.Furthermore, it is a proof that Gunma's snowboard shop and genuine Marunuma local have become one.
Toshi-kun (Toshiya Seyama), a rider who was one of the members involved in the course development and tournament management this time, and who had lived up this area as a Katashina Bian in the past.Since the accommodation was the same as him, when asked about the background of this construction, "The operator's skill was really wonderful" and "Katashina Marunuma Local became one and worked hard to create the course". , Highly appreciated the future potential for this tournament.
Banked slalom competition sponsored by ski resorts.The atmosphere at the site was a tournament that everyone could enjoy, with participants playing the leading role regardless of whether they were snowboarding or skiing.Banked slalom for users.With this concept, many people supported the tournament behind the scenes and created a wonderful course, successfully completing the two-day tournament.
I actually participated in this tournament for the first time, but there is no complaint about the interesting course & tournament atmosphere that completely locks on.
Originally, Marunuma is loved not only by freestyle but also by snow surfers as a slope with interesting natural terrain.That is why this banked culture was naturally accepted by the participants.Will a permanent banked course appear only in Marunuma in the near future?I also want to expect the possibility of.
Behind the great success this time, I feel that the best course was completed and it was a wonderful tournament because of the support of volunteers who were involved in course development and tournament management behind the scenes as well as on the slopes.
From the atmosphere of this site, I think it became a tournament that could be a spark for the movement in the Katashina area in the future.
In addition, the winners of each class in this tournament were given the right to participate in next year's TENJIN BANKED SLALOM.Gunma's banked scene is likely to get even more exciting next season.Finally, this Marunuma Banked is scheduled to be held at the same time next year, so if you couldn't attend this year, please try it next year.
The qualifying result isplease use this form.
The final result isplease use this form.
Award Ceremony PHOTO
