Winter Sports

Dec. 27, 2014

ROCK THE HOLIDAYS AT BOYNE

If you’re looking for a rockin’ good time full of winter sports dazzle and camaraderie, check out a Rail Jam! It’s a winter sports competition open to both skiers and snowboarders that takes place on a specially designed ski hill with extra features to challenge these competitors’ skills.

At Boyne USA, the Holiday Rail Jams at Boyne Highlands and Boyne Mountain add even more pizzazz to the proceedings, which take place the week between Christmas and New Year’s.

These are fast-moving events complete with music, pro announcers and various divisions, plus prizes and plenty of cheering from fans and fellow sportsfolk. And, if Santa brought you some new winter gear, this is definitely the place to show it off.

"Typically, the Rail Jam course consists of a box feature, as well as a more difficult rail feature," explained Dan Turcott, Boyne’s events professional. "Sometimes the terrain park crew feels extra creative and builds a feature that has been floating around in their minds for months, so each year is different."

Competitors are divided by age and, during the "Jam" portion of the event, they vie for taking as many runs as possible in a stipulated amount of time, all while trying to make an impression on the judges with tricks and style that they hope will qualify them for a spot in the finals.

"The finals are typically two runs and competitors are judged on their performance and placement within their division as determined by the judges," Turcott said. "We then distribute awards immediately after the event on the hill, along with some drawings for giveaways to the competitors who did not make it to the finals."

The Rail Jams at both Boyne locations are sponsored by The North Face, so that company provides prizes and giveaways for the top finishers, in addition to Boyne gift cards.

It’s lots of snowy fun for the participants, as well as for those who aren’t at competition level just yet.

"Spectators always seem to enjoy the action supplied by the athletes. They can have their favorite beverage while watching the on-hill action," Turcott said.

Boyne Highlands’ new macaroni and cheese bar is another great accompaniment for this hearty day on the slopes, along with even more winter fun outside the competition course.

As the event takes place in the middle of the holidays, both participants and spectators can enjoy horse-drawn sleigh rides, free equipment demos and tons of other activities, including Boyne’s New Year’s Eve Torchlight Parades down the ski hill and a fireworks show.

"Having The North Face on board as sponsor allows us to offer great prizes and giveaways for this event while keeping the entry fee nominal," Turcott said. "And our crew always goes the extra mile to make sure we have a great setup."

Boyne Highlands’ Holiday Rail Jam takes place Monday, Dec. 29 with registration from noon to 1:30pm. Boyne Mountain’s Holiday Rail Jam is Tuesday, Dec. 30 with registration from 2pm to 3:30pm. The entry fee for both events is $5 and spectators are welcome. For more information, visit www.boyne.com or email Dan Turcott at dturcott@boyne.com.