March 2025st and 3nd, 1, Minakami, Gunma PrefectureMt.T by Hoshino ResortsThe Tenjin Banked Slalom 2025 was held at Tenjin. This year marked the 15th anniversary of the event, and top riders and amateur snowboarders from all over the country gathered to compete in a heated battle.
Photo & Text Gaisu
Tenjin Banked Slalom: The culmination of the season
The Tenjin Banked Slalom, held every year in early March, attracts many skiers from all over the country, both professional and amateur, and is a place to test the results of the season's skiing. This year, the area was blessed with snow, and the starting position was returned to the full-scale ridge.
The author also participated in the 40+ class as an entry and photo-taking reporter. After registering, participants were given one course inspection. Information had spread that the area around the "Big Bank" in the middle was particularly technical, and when I actually skied there, it was quite difficult. Still, it was an easy and pleasant course.
After the opening ceremony, the qualifying rounds began with the veteran class for those aged 50 and over. Every year, this class is particularly lively, with a battle between the discerning seniors, with their pride at stake. In the elementary and junior high school class that followed, parents cheered on the children, and the race became heated. The junior high school class race was worth watching, with the children skating as fast as adults.
The over 40s class, which I also entered, was packed with skilled riders from all over the country. I took on the challenge with a board that I had waxed just beforehand by the official tournament company, "S TUNE". Perhaps the warm-up exercises that Terje (Haakonsen) taught me just before the start of the race paid off, as I was able to clear the big bank without making a mistake. The course conditions were also good, and I was able to have a satisfying ride.
In the final open class of the preliminaries, Kinoshita Kana advanced to the top of the women's class, while Hamaguchi Tanjin advanced to the top of the men's class, beating Terje.
The final was a heated battle between old and new riders
The results of the preliminary rounds will be announced on the official LINE account at around 19pm. In response to this, participants will be heard at their accommodations, with cheers and regrets mixed with comments such as "Yay! We made it through!" and "Unfortunately we didn't make it...", and will be happy or sad about their results. A live event will also be held at "Canyons" on Saturday night, and the after-party will be filled with excitement as people talk about the preliminary round results.
The next day, the finals were contested with two runs per class. The slope was a little icy in the morning, but gradually it started to ease up. I also made it to the finals just in time, skiing carefully in the first run and aggressively in the second run. Although I slowed down on the big bank, I managed to complete the race.
The focus of attention in the men's open class was the showdown between Terje and Hamaguchi Tanjin. Hamaguchi attacked with a stable line, while Terje impressed with his smooth and elegant skating. After the final runner, Yoshida Keisuke, finished, the Digger team performed a party run to close the competition.
In the end, the fastest time was recorded by snowboarding legend Terje Haakonsen, who took home his third consecutive victory.
A fierce battle that transcends generations and the future of snowboarding
This is the 15th time this event has been held. The lineup of riders has changed significantly. For example, Terje and Hamaguchi are 50 and 18 years old, a difference of 32 years. However, the appeal of banked slalom is that it transcends generations and allows riders to compete in earnest.
Every year, new stars are born, inspiring even the veterans. I think that the inheritance of this snowboarding culture is what Tenjin Banked Slalom has demonstrated. As I myself get older, I realize that I have grown a little, but I also realize that there are still goals I need to challenge. I'm sure that each participant took home some kind of feeling from this tournament.
And just as tournament producer Fukushima Daizo said, "This is a banked slalom created by everyone," it was a tournament worthy of the 15th anniversary, with everyone involved, including athletes, staff, manufacturers, shops, and ski resorts, coming together to create an exciting event.
Below are Terje's comments in table format.
The significance of continuing Tenjin's unique style
"This year's competition started from the top of the ridge, which I think gave the participants a more challenging skiing experience and allowed the skiers to show their individuality, so it was interesting to watch. In creating the course, the amount of snow made the terrain thinner, making it easier to draw lines, but it took a lot of trial and error to adjust the course after the big bank. If the snow becomes sticky due to the temperature, it won't reach the next bank, and conversely, if it freezes, the skiers will go too fast. We all shared our ideas and created a relatively smooth course, so I think it turned out to be. This work created a sense of unity on site and improved the atmosphere at the competition. It was difficult from an operational standpoint with a small number of people, but the performance of the young skiers stood out. Of course, the veterans were also inspiring the skiers during the competition, so we all enjoyed ourselves. I felt that the new generation was getting stronger. They gave each other advice, and the charm of the community went beyond the competition. This is what makes it "Tenjin (Mt.T)". And as expected, Terje's skiing was amazing! He was stable and dynamic, and his third victory was a convincing one. We are also looking forward to the emergence of young skiers such as Hamaguchi Tanjin. We may see new developments at the next tournament. I think it is important to continue this "Tenjin-ness" while cherishing it. The value of this tournament, which brings together the players, management, sponsoring manufacturers and shops, and ski resorts, is great, and it is most important to continue it. And above all, it is because we can hold it in this place that TENJIN BANKED has meaning, and we have a wonderful world-class field here. This tournament is made possible thanks to the cooperation of all the staff at the ski resort. And because it has been held for 3 times, we would like to further develop it as the "ultimate grass tournament created by everyone" while being conscious of passing it on to the next generation and incorporating new ideas.- Tournament Producer: Fukushima Daizo
TENJIN BANKED SLALOM official site here.
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