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Shawn White wanna-bes show off their skills in this annual grassroots event in Southern California.

Money in Da Bank Snowboard Review
Amateur Snowboarders Compete at Mt. Baldy

A snowboarder get good air at the Money in Da Bank competition.

Shawn White wanna-bes from throughout the Southern California area shred their inhibitions – and, some might say, their common sense – for one of the most carefree snowboard competitions on the planet.

It's called Money in Da Bank and it's held each March at Mt. Baldy, a low-key, basic-at-it-gets mountain just a half hour from downtown Los Angeles.

The event is for up-and-coming and amateur snowboarders and it's had as many as 70 riders compete for cash and prizes that can reach $5,000. Plus, all the Monster energy drinks competitors desire to consume.

It's money in someone's bank at the 2011 event on Mt. Baldy.

The competition consists of slides and jumps on and over a corrugated rainbow, a rainbow rail, more rails and ramps. There are three different discplines of 20 minutes each and competitors get as many runs as they can make in that time.

The event is open and free to the public (a lift ticket is required to get to the competition, unless one wants to hike up the fire road, a good exercise adventure that can take about two hours) and is as carefree as the shredders themselves.

Spectators can take a seat on the snow to the side or even behind the runs and – get this – even bring out beers from the bar. That's right, one can get a pitcher of Bud Light, Shock Top or Drifter Pale Ale, set it in the snow and have cold suds while taking in the bravado of the riders.

Everyone is just enjoying the scene, the scenery and the freedom of this small benefit – it's unheard of at North American ski resorts – that is this event. To be sure, it's no Big Bear Oktoberfest but rather a nice way to watch amateurs try to emulate Shawn White's snowboard tricks. (And, to their credit, quite a few of them put on impressive performances.)

Beers on the slopes and DJ Twitch make this a fun event for snowboard fans.

There's music – which in 2011 was from DJ Twitch – and a general "have fun and be loose" atmosphere.

"Everyone who shows up all have a chance to win money and prizes, so they can get Money in da bank,' " explained Nick Ciotti, who started the event in 2007 along with a character who goes by the name Snowdog.

"We started it to give back to riders. We do Mt. Baldy to keep it grassroots. The dates vary according to snow and weather conditions but we always do it the weekend before, on, or after St. Patrick's Day."

Entry fee is $50, $20 of which goes to the cash prize for the winners.

The 2011 Money in Da Bank was held Saturday, March 12. To enter the event, visit the Mt. Baldy website. For sponsorship information, contact Ciotti at: Nick@Ciotti-imaging.com

The action and the scene at this unique amateur snowboard contest.

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