Cloudy and cold conditions didn’t deter competitors at the Wisconsin Union’s Rail Jam from showing off their talent as their skis and snowboards jumped, spun and flipped down a mini terrain park Saturday at the Memorial Union Terrace.
The event, hosted by Hoofers Ski and Snowboard Club, is an annual Winter Carnival fixture, bringing excitement and adrenaline to viewers and competitors alike.
University of Wisconsin-Madison senior Luke Violich was excited to enter the ski competition, bringing his favorite tricks to the rails — namely, “the Flat Three,” where a skier combines a backflip with a 360-degree horizontal spin.
Violich encouraged junior Connor Kasbohm to compete in the Rail Jam with his snowboard. The two of them traveled every other weekend to local slopes to enhance their skills in preparation for the competition.
Every athlete has different methods of getting themselves in the zone before they attempt new or difficult tricks.
“I like to turn on some good music, get my mind right and do some cool stuff,” Violich said.
Kasbohm took a different approach. “I like to not think about it and just do it,” he said.
The audience oohed and ahhed as they gathered shoulder to shoulder around the terrace, many even watching from the roof. Many community members attended to support friends and family competing, while others simply came to enjoy the high-spirited, action-packed competition.
Nora Zaveri, a UW-Madison junior, returned after enjoying last year’s competition. While her favorite part prior to the competition was the free Red Bull available at the Union, Zaveri expressed her excitement at being able to witness the athletes perform backflips and other impressive tricks.
The competition was not designed for the weak. Throughout the four-hour event, many athletes took a tumble either on the ramp or the rail, with some even losing their skis in the process.
However, none of the competitors let a wipeout get in the way of making another attempt. Their resilience inspired some attendees to consider competing in future years.
Two UW-Madison freshmen, Cooper Johnson and Matthew Plant, attended the Rail Jam for the first time this year. Both are avid skiers and interested in joining the competition next year.
Now that Johnson is aware of the event, he is excited to bring his ski equipment, and his best game to next year’s competition.
Plant expressed similar excitement for next year. “I’m not too good on rails. I’m usually better with jumps, but I’d be willing to give it a shot,” Plant said.
The event ran smoothly, providing entertainment to the gathered crowd and an opportunity for skiers and snowboarders to showcase their passion and talent. Community members are already eagerly awaiting watching and participating in the competition next year.
