Does the West Coast need a Rail Jam like R2R?

[ErinCarpenter]

Generally the west coast seems to have more comps and ski oriented events than the east coast from what I can tell. But in the past couple years I haven't really been seeing much in the way of rail jams in the PNW. Timberline used to host a rail jam every other Friday night and they were awesome, but stopped for some unknown reason. Now there are the USASA rail jams around, but they aren't jam format. Maybe there are rail jams going on and I'm just oblivious. What does NS think, should the west coast have a fat rail jam like R2R or should that be unique to the east coast?

 

[FigNewton]

Everywhere could use more rail jams. Major competition that don't require memberships are something that we need to bring back.

With that being said War of Rails is coming back and that is at the same level if not bigger than R2R.

 

[fredyferl]

The WC should have a big rail jam like R2R but with an open qualifier, not invite only.

 

[Squirrel_Murphy]

But in the past couple years I haven't really been seeing much in the way of rail jams in the PNW. Timberline used to host a rail jam every other Friday night and they were awesome, but stopped for some unknown reason. Now there are the USASA rail jams around, but they aren't jam format. Maybe there are rail jams going on and I'm just oblivious. What does NS think, should the west coast have a fat rail jam like R2R or should that be unique to the east coast?

Because while terrain parks and rail jams are definitely fun, there's a lot of big mountains out here, a lot of snow ( on an average year, ) and a shit ton of backcountry. It's pretty spread out with what kind of riding people are into. That being said, there are quite of few rails jams, they just might not be publicized to where you notice them as much.

 

[a_lurker]

War of rails dude

 

[stupendous-man]

Because while terrain parks and rail jams are definitely fun, there's a lot of big mountains out here, a lot of snow ( on an average year, ) and a shit ton of backcountry. It's pretty spread out with what kind of riding people are into. That being said, there are quite of few rails jams, they just might not be publicized to where you notice them as much.

There are rarely big mountain comps either though. And terrain park skiing has undoubtedly gone up in popularity in recent years, which favors rail jams even more.

I think resorts definitely need to hold more rail jams, sans overbearing organizations (USASA). R2R is cool, but its still more of a pro jam. Rail jams that are more low key and local-oriented that anyone can compete in are a ton of fun, and everyone walks away stoked and usually with a few new tricks. Resorts need more jams for tha kids

 

[Mr.Bishop]

Generally the west coast seems to have more comps and ski oriented events than the east coast from what I can tell. But in the past couple years I haven't really been seeing much in the way of rail jams in the PNW. Timberline used to host a rail jam every other Friday night and they were awesome, but stopped for some unknown reason. Now there are the USASA rail jams around, but they aren't jam format. Maybe there are rail jams going on and I'm just oblivious. What does NS think, should the west coast have a fat rail jam like R2R or should that be unique to the east coast?

Little industry insight here:

Events have gone through a really tough time over the last even 10 years. Industry sponsorship support for low-mid tier events really fell away. Raising money for events in general went through a huge struggle, where it was a joke to even think you could get money out of ski brands.

Mega contests get support, and the contests that do happen usually are wrangled together by either one passionate guy that just loses money until he gives up or 1-2 sponsors that foot huge bills for whatever reason and just keep it alive.

That being said - I've actually been seeing an uptick in the amount of event sponsorship that brands are willing to bite on. The Tell A Friend Tour has been quite successful for us ever since partnering up with Andy two years ago.

So there's a chance that you'll see more start to crop up in the next couple of years. I know internally we've been working on growing TAFT, but we've also stared brainstorming other event ideas that are a little more structured.

 

[Mr.Bishop]

Oh - and you should hand write letters to brands you like telling them that they should sponsor more events.

 

[elcornholio]

Everywhere could use more rail jams. Major competition that don't require memberships are something that we need to bring back.

With that being said War of Rails is coming back and that is at the same level if not bigger than R2R.

Came here to say this.

 

[Squirrel_Murphy]

There are rarely big mountain comps either though. And terrain park skiing has undoubtedly gone up in popularity in recent years, which favors rail jams even more.

I think resorts definitely need to hold more rail jams, sans overbearing organizations (USASA). R2R is cool, but its still more of a pro jam. Rail jams that are more low key and local-oriented that anyone can compete in are a ton of fun, and everyone walks away stoked and usually with a few new tricks. Resorts need more jams for tha kids

That's just it though, more people want to ski just to ski, not be in a competition.

 

[Lbird]

Timberline used to host a rail jam every other Friday night and they were awesome, but stopped for some unknown reason.

I would love it if they brought this back, I would definitely come out. Meadows does have the rerack rail jam series but that's just monthly.

 

[FigNewton]

Little industry insight here:

Events have gone through a really tough time over the last even 10 years. Industry sponsorship support for low-mid tier events really fell away. Raising money for events in general went through a huge struggle, where it was a joke to even think you could get money out of ski brands.

Mega contests get support, and the contests that do happen usually are wrangled together by either one passionate guy that just loses money until he gives up or 1-2 sponsors that foot huge bills for whatever reason and just keep it alive.

That being said - I've actually been seeing an uptick in the amount of event sponsorship that brands are willing to bite on. The Tell A Friend Tour has been quite successful for us ever since partnering up with Andy two years ago.

So there's a chance that you'll see more start to crop up in the next couple of years. I know internally we've been working on growing TAFT, but we've also stared brainstorming other event ideas that are a little more structured.

the problem with events like TAFT is that they do not provide recognition. Kids that want to do comps, but don't have enough money for all the stupid FIS/USSA fees can go to events(like R2R, SJO, Carinthia Open, etc) that still get their name out. Don't get me wrong TAFT is awesome, but it has no benefit to the riders other than maeeting some pros and having a fun day skiing.

 

[casey_cope]

War of rails... Ah fuck

 

[Mr.Bishop]

the problem with events like TAFT is that they do not provide recognition. Kids that want to do comps, but don't have enough money for all the stupid FIS/USSA fees can go to events(like R2R, SJO, Carinthia Open, etc) that still get their name out. Don't get me wrong TAFT is awesome, but it has no benefit to the riders other than maeeting some pros and having a fun day skiing.

yeah sorry, read a bit deeper into my post. My point was that TAFT showed that event sponsorship is back.

This means more opportunity to actually expand into the category of events like you're talking about.

Look for our first test event at the Annual Member Gathering this year.

 

[LAME.]

Kids that want to do comps, but don't have enough money for all the stupid FIS/USSA fees can go to events(like R2R, SJO, Carinthia Open, etc) that still get their name out.

THIS. I dont have parents that are looking to ball out on my interest in skiing, and its difficult, as well as extremely expensive to even get into contest without a coach, and an organization backing you.

being and independent "athlete" is rough.

 

[-WZ-]

The west definitely needs more rail jams. hell, even just more small jams at the hill would be nice

 

[Willskiforfree]

I live in Utah and I pretty much never hear of local comps besides usasa stuff, a few years ago PC had Friday night jib fights every week. I never see any comps anymore

 

[Lbird]

The west definitely needs more rail jams. hell, even just more small jams at the hill would be nice

Yes, I would love a local mini series more than a big to-do

 

[ROBOT]

keep shit local/ small biz and core brands. spread good vibes to the scene wherever its poppin.

 

[FigNewton]

I live in Utah and I pretty much never hear of local comps besides usasa stuff, a few years ago PC had Friday night jib fights every week. I never see any comps anymore

There is Slug Games

 

[JOYSTICK*]

Hope people remember Jibassic at Boreal, one of the best railjams of the time.

08 podium went Wallisch, LJ, Dylan Curry

 

[BennyBagels]

Nailed it.

 

[Willskiforfree]

There is Slug Games

I went to the slug games and wasn't allowed to compete because it was q snowboarder only comp.