Mt. Baldy: Average Joe snowboarders and free-skiers will get the opportunity to compete against everyone from the best riders in the country to their next door neighbors at an upcoming event at Mt. Baldy.
The "Money N Tha Bank" throwdown rail jam on Saturday is a grassroots competition for all ages and rider levels at the ski area known for its challenging terrain and wide open bowls.
"We call it a throw down because anything goes," said event organizer Nick Ciotti.
The event originated as an end-..of-the-year rail jam, held at the ski area, north of Upland, by LaFonzo "Snowdogg" Carter, a local snowboarder and photographer for The Sun.
He subsequently teamed up with Ciotti, a professional action sports photographer and local snowboarder, to start offering the throwdowns three years ago.
The goal from the start was to bring the soul and spirit of both these snow sports back to unknown riders and smaller underground resorts who never get the chance to showcase their talent and skills, according to the event organizers.
Ron Ellingson, vice president and marketing director for the ski area, said the event has drawn positive attention to the small resort.
"It's our biggest event of the year and very well received," he said.
The event is open to all ages, from amateur to professional athletes, male vs. female in an all out open jib jam session, which means they compete against each other on rails and boxes.
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Contestants will be judged by a panel of riders to determine an overall winner in six categories including best male rider, best female rider, best skier, best grom and best trick overall. New this year is the flat ground ollie-pop contest.
To further encourage the event, numerous sponsors have joined a helping hand with sponsored gifts added to the growing cash purse and prize tally.
Currently, the list of contributing sponsors includes Mt. Baldy Resort, Ellis Snowboards, Ski Punk Clothing, Thug Crew Snowboarding, Anenberg Clothing, Explosive Industries, Budweiser and several more high profile sponsors.
The event will also include a mid-day barbecue for all, live entertainment and an afterparty at the Mt. Baldy Lodge in the small mountain community of Mt. Baldy when the event is over.
Ellingson said there should still be plenty of snow coating the runs come Saturday.
Overall, even with the economy being what it is, it has been a great season so far.
"Christmas was great, then we had lots of snow in February and even three inches last night to start off March," he said. "Although we are seeing fewer new skiers because of the economy, people who don't want to drive to out-of-state resorts are coming here."