Every college student is looking for a reason to skip class. Today, U students have a good excuse.
Students can say they had to support their school and attend the annual Rail Jam.
“It’s during the day so people might choose to miss a class to watch it,” said Brandon Patterson, director of arts and special events,. “Classes tend to be a little more flexible this time of year so more students can come out and see it.”
Any skier or boarder, from amateur skill level to professional, can apply to compete in the event. The finalists in the competition win prizes from the Tour’s sponsors, including snowboards, skis, concert tickets and more. Along with these prizes, they earn an opportunity to compete in the Campus Rail Jam Tour’s competition finals in Portland.
The Rail Jam is put on by the UPC, which coordinates with the Galvanic company to bring a huge Rail Jam setup to the Union’s backyard. This will be the second year Galvanic has visited the U on its Campus Rail Jam Tour.
The years before, the OneLove Ski and Snowboard Club put on the event but on a much smaller scale.
“We really wanted to hype it up and get it big so we decided to work with this company,” Patterson said.
After last year’s success, UPC immediately picked a date for this year’s Rail Jam and started planning.
This season, they have improved the drop-in ramp so it is not as steep and gives riders and skiers an easier time getting on the rail. UPC is also working with more local companies, OneLove, and the Free Skiers Society to promote the Jam.
Whether students are competitors or spectators in the Rail Jam, it serves as a way to bring the entire student population together.
“The best part about Rail Jam is it brings a lot of people together, because whatever you are, you can enjoy Rail Jam,” Patterson said.
Not many universities provide the opportunity for students to walk out of their classes and be immediately immersed in an extreme sport competition. Spectators will see what snow sports are all about and can even catch swag just for watching.
“This is just another entity where students can come and feel comfortable attending an event, like Rail Jam and really get into what that culture is about, what snowboarding, what skiing is about and really appreciate that,” Patterson said.
The event kicks off at noon today on the Union patio.