The news just keeps getting worse for Mt Baker; the famous North-Western resort has been forced to cease operations until more snow turns up.

Baker, as you are probably aware, is the home of the Legendary Banked Slalom. Still one of the highlights in the competitive calendar, the LBS has been going since 1985 and was due to mark its 30th anniversary back in February. However, the conditions mean that the race had to be postponed until 21st & 22nd March, and even then as a stripped down ’29 1/2′ version. As things stand, even that might be tricky and the event may have to be cancelled outright – for only the second time since its inception.

It’s a sad state of affairs when a resort that’s famous for record-breaking snowfalls has to shut up shop this early in the season

The last time that happened was in 2005, where a relatively poor winter eventually gave way to some epic spring dumps. With any luck the same will happen this year, meaning that the LBS can go ahead as planned – and, more importantly to the folk who work and ride there, the resort can start running its lifts again.

It’s a sad state of affairs when a resort that’s famous for record-breaking snowfalls has to shut up shop this early in the season, so hopefully this is only a temporary measure. The guys in charge certainly seem to be staying optimistic, pointing out that this sort of thing happens every 15 years or so and by no means spells disaster. FIngers crossed they’re right

Head to the Mt Baker snow report page to see the video announcement, and read the story in full.