One of the iconic ski races in Tahoe takes place this weekend at Palisades Tahoe.
The legendary Rahlves Banzai Tour returns to Palisades Tahoe April 11-12, bringing one of the most exciting and unconventional ski and snowboard competitions back to Lake Tahoe.
Created by local Tahoe-ski racer Daron Rahlves, the Banzai blends big-mountain freeride terrain with the head-to-head intensity of ski and snowboard cross. Athletes drop in four at a time, taking on natural features and battling all the way to the finish. Spectators are welcome.
After a decade away from Palisades Tahoe, the event returns, bringing together past champions, rising talent, and a new generation ready to test themselves on an iconic venue. Rahlves will also be one of the competitors on the final day of racing.
“What I love most about the Banzai Tour is watching people push themselves. You see athletes step into something that feels big and a little intimidating, and then they figure it out,” Rahlves said. “Nine times out of 10, they rise to the challenge. It’s also just a really fun format. As a competitor, it’s intense and exciting, and for spectators, it’s easy to understand.
Rahlves is a four-time Olympian, competing for the U.S. in 1998, 2002, 2006, and 2010. As one of the most accomplished ski racers in American history, he had World Cup victories, World Championship medals, and a legendary win on the Hahnenkamm, cementing his place among the sport’s elite.
He was known as a fast, aggressive, and always on the edge skier – whether it was a challenging race course, a film segment, or a powder day at Palisades Tahoe.
Rahlves was extremely successful on the World Tour, competing in alpine skiing (downhill, Super G, giant slalom) in his first three Olympic appearances and switching to freestyle ski cross for the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Games.
Event Schedule
- Friday, April 10: 4:30 to 7:30 pm, kickoff event at Sierra Surf Club (Tahoe City)
- Saturday, April 11: 9 am to 3:30 pm, qualifying runs
- Sunday, April 12: 9 am to noon, finals; 1 pm – awards at KT Base Bar sun deck
The Banzai Tour blends big mountain freeride terrain with the intensity of ski and snowboard cross.
The Banzai Tour blends big mountain freeride terrain with the intensity of ski and snowboard cross. This year’s event will take place on Siberia terrain, where athletes will race in four-person, head-to-head heats over natural features in a fast-paced battle to the finish line
The competition is impressive and so is the prize money – $20,000 overall. There will be $5,000 awarded in each division (Men’s Ski, Women’s Ski, Men’s Snowboard, Women’s Snowboard). The breakdown is First $2,500; Second $1,000; Third $650; Fourth $450; and fifth $400.
“I love seeing the mix of athletes. You’ve got past competitors coming back alongside a new generation of younger skiers and riders,” Rahlves said. “That’s what it’s all about, getting as many people involved as possible and creating something bigger than just a local event.”
The Banzai Tour is open to skiers and snowboarders ages 18-over, with Men’s and Women’s Ski and Snowboard divisions. Registration is available online here, with limited spots available.
The Rahlves Banzai Tour is made possible thanks to the support of partners and sponsors, including Red Bull, Toyota, Atomic, Giro, Mountain Gazette, Morgan Stanley, Bubs Naturals, Yeti, Wend Waxworks, Barton Health, Tahoe Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, Deschutes Brewery, Flylow, Shane McConkey Foundation, and the North Tahoe Chamber.
For behind-the-scenes content, athlete highlights, and real-time updates from the event, follow Daron Rahlves on Instagram at @daronrahlves.
