Beehive Basin Banked Slalom

Beehive Basin Banked Slalom: Where Snow Meets Soul

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Building the Course

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This event started with Kirby Grubaugh—a local photographer and snowboarder who wanted to create an inclusive, welcoming space for riders.

Every year, volunteers spend a week digging and shaping the hand-built course. There’s grilling, laughter, and hard work, all leading to race day when 100+ riders and even more spectators make the trek to Beehive Basin.

Two Runs + Lap for the Lost

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Each rider got two timed runs, with their best one counting. The day closed with the “Lap for the Lost”—a party lap dedicated to friends and family who are no longer with us.

The event also shines a light on mental health in mountain towns. Living in places like Bozeman and Big Sky comes with incredible views and endless adventure, but it also comes with challenges: isolation, long winters with little sunlight, and a “work hard, play hard” culture that can make it tough to slow down and check in with yourself and others.

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Mental Health & Mountain Living

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Mountain states consistently report some of the highest suicide rates in the country (Psychology Today, The Paradise Paradox). Yet, there’s good news—time outside is a proven mental health booster. Sunshine helps regulate mood through Vitamin D production. Fresh air, movement, and social connection improve sleep, reduce anxiety, and help fight depression.

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Events like the Banked Slalom are part of the solution. They bring people together to ride, connect, and remind each other: it’s OK to be vulnerable, to check in on your friends, and to ask for help when you need it.

Athletes like Drew Petersen (and his film Feel It All) are leading the charge, encouraging open conversations about mental health in the outdoor community.

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Shifting Away From Old Habits

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Mountain town culture is also shifting away from heavy drinking. Non-alcoholic beers like Athletic Brewing and Best Day Brewing are taking hold, and cannabis products are stepping in as a wellness-focused alternative to alcohol.

At Juniper Dispensaries, we carry cannabis beverages and products that enhance outdoor experiences without the hangover:

• CANN Blood Orange Cardamom (4mg CBD : 2mg THC) – Juicy, bright, and lightly spiced. Whether you sip one or enjoy a few, CANNs keep you feeling light, happy, and clear-headed.
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• Salute 100mg Dragon Fruit Tangerine Beverages (100mg THC : 100mg CBD) – A tropical citrus punch to sip chilled or mix into your own concoctions.
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• House-made Sour Green Apple Gummies (10mg THC each) – Tart, sweet, and made with full-spectrum Rick Simpson Oil (RSO) for relief from pain, inflammation, and anxiety.
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• Full-Spectrum 1:1 Cannabis Salve (200mg THC : 200mg CBD) – Designed for athletes and outdoor lovers, this topical offers fast, targeted relief after long days outside.
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These options give mountain town locals and visitors ways to enjoy social moments and recovery rituals without leaning on alcohol—a positive shift for mental health and active lifestyles.

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Why Juniper Shows Up
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The Banked Slalom reflects what we value at Juniper:

• Community – supporting local events and spaces that bring people together.
  
  
• Inclusivity – welcoming everyone, no matter their experience or background.
  
  
• Adventure – celebrating time outside, whether digging a course or riding it.
  
  

We’re proud to sponsor events that strengthen our community and celebrate life in the mountains.

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See You Next Year
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Thank you to Kirby Grubaugh, every volunteer, and everyone who came out to ride or cheer. We’ll see you back at Beehive Basin on May 3rd next year. Bring your board, bring a friend, and maybe bring a shovel.

Join the newsletter to hear about community events like this one!

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Join the Journey
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Whether you’re riding the slopes at Big Ski or Bridger Bowl, hiking up Hyalite Canyon, or just enjoying Southwest Montana, Juniper Cannabis is here for the adventure. Visit a dispensary near you in Bozeman or Belgrade and keep the spirit alive.

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Frequently Asked Questions About the Beehive Basin Banked Slalom

What is the Beehive Basin Banked Slalom?
The Beehive Basin Banked Slalom is an annual snowboard event in Big Sky, Montana, where riders of all levels come together for timed runs, community connection, and a celebration of mountain culture.

When is the next Beehive Basin Banked Slalom?
The 8th Annual Beehive Basin Banked Slalom will be held on May 3rd next year. Riders and spectators are welcome to join this unique Montana snowboard race.

How can I participate in the Banked Slalom?
Registration typically opens before race day with limited spots available. Each rider gets two timed runs, and the best one counts. Spectators are encouraged to attend, cheer, and connect with the community.

What is the “Lap for the Lost”?
The “Lap for the Lost” is a meaningful ride at the end of the event, honoring friends, family, and community members who are no longer with us. It also highlights the importance of mental health awareness in mountain towns like Big Sky and Bozeman.

Why is mental health part of the Beehive Basin Banked Slalom?
Mountain town living offers incredible outdoor adventure but also challenges such as isolation and long winters. The Banked Slalom brings people together, reduces stigma around mental health, and encourages riders to support one another.

What role does Juniper Cannabis play in the Banked Slalom?
Juniper Dispensaries proudly sponsors the Beehive Basin Banked Slalom as part of our mission to support community, inclusivity, and adventure in Montana. We also provide cannabis beverages, edibles, and topicals that offer a wellness-focused alternative to alcohol for athletes and locals.

Where can I find Juniper Cannabis products in Montana?
You can visit Juniper Cannabis dispensaries in Bozeman and Belgrade, Montana. Our staff can recommend products like cannabis beverages, edibles, and full-spectrum topicals designed to enhance outdoor adventures and support recovery after a long day in the mountains.

Which cannabis products are best for outdoor activities in Montana?
Popular options include cannabis drinks like CANN Blood Orange Cardamom for a light social buzz, RSO-infused gummies for relaxation and recovery, and 1:1 cannabis salves for post-ride muscle relief. These products provide a mindful, hangover-free alternative to alcohol for mountain athletes and adventurers.

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