DURHAM- On March 24, UNH’s Ski and Board Club held its annual Rail Jam event on Thompson and Scott Hall Lawn. The club has been running at UNH since 1999 to grow the ski and snowboarding community by providing transportation to nearby mountains.

The Rail Jam is back for its second year after taking a short hiatus due to COVID-19, however that did not stop their numbers from growing. Around 30 participants came out to the Rail Jam to show off their ski and snowboarding skills in front of a large number of spectators.

Participants compete in front of three judges with the chance to win various prizes donated by sponsors of the Ski and Board Club, such as ski equipment and apparel.

Setting up the event was not an easy task, as finding real snow and donors to provide the rails took time.

“The first step in our process is to get the rails donated generously by Waterville Valley Terrain Parks,” said William Lennon, trip coordinator of the Ski and Board Cub. “Then we were just trucking snow from behind the campus rec building for two days, then created what we can.”  

The goal of the Rail Jam is to provide a positive atmosphere where students can showcase their ski and snowboard skills.

“It’s kind of a way for students to have some fun, to ski with friends. We have a lot of different park setups, a lot of different rails to try out. You come and pay dues and have a good time,” said Michon Whitney, the club’s risk manager. 

While the event was free for spectators, participants were required to pay a fee to compete. Proceeds help fund the club so they can continue having trips and events for UNH students. 

Participant Connor Nowak looked forward to the event, as it creates a community environment where they can practice the sports they love. 

“It’s something I enjoy doing… getting a community here, hanging out with friends and meeting new people,” said Nowak. 

While the Rail Jam is over, the club hopes next year they can continue to grow in numbers and hold two Rail Jams. 

“Next year we are going to try to do two Rail Jams, one in the winter and one in the spring again. Just try to increase the participation… The Rail Jam just brings more awareness to the Ski and Board Club,” said Lennon.