The Raging Elk Kinky Rail Jam could become a permanent fixture of spring after warm weather boosted participation last weekend.
The annual park competition was postponed last month amid an extreme cold warning and rescheduled to Saturday, March 23.
LOOK BACK: Fernie Alpine Resort cancels competition amid extreme cold warning
Thirty-four competitors travelled from as far as Calgary to throw down their best tricks on the rails, boxes and other features at Fernie Alpine Resort (FAR).
They enjoyed slushy conditions with temperatures well above zero.
FAR’s Social Media and Events Coordinator, Emma Polit, said participation was up on previous years, declaring the spring time rail jam a great success.
“It’s definitely a possibility that we’ll hold it in the spring again next year,” she said.
“We are planning a meeting with the rail park crew at the end of this winter to go over plans for next year.
“We have a few ideas so we’ll have to wait and see what we can make happen.”
Judges Dylan Siggers and Jacob Sebastiani scored competitors on their “overall impression”, which was based on creativity, execution, style and difficulty of trick.
The winners in the skiing categories were: Riley Prentice - Mini Grom Girls (11 and under); Jack Nash - Mini Grom Boys (11 and under); Kale Wenzlawe - 12-15 years Grom; and Dale Vasey - Men 16 and over.
In the snowboarding categories, Logan Poremants won Boys 12-15 years; Jade Fahie Women 16 and over; and Antoine Boursseau Men 16 and over.
This weekend, FAR will host the Dirty Dancer Banked Slalom and Kokanee Retro weekend.
“These are two great spring events, so we’re hoping that Mother Nature gives us some great sunny spring weather so that we can get a big crowd up to enjoy it,” said Polit.
More than 100 competitors have already registered for the slalom, a two-day snowboard-only event, which will take place at Dancer Gully in Lizard Bowl. The event caters to all ages with categories ranging from Mini Grom (9 and under) to Pro Masters (40 plus).
“We’ll also have the beer garden at the Bear’s Den open, which is the perfect spot to watch it all go down,” said Polit.
“The plaza will be buzzing in the afternoon with a Kokanee beer garden and DJ Rocswell playing tunes. He’ll then head upstairs to the Griz Bar to keep the party going into the night.”
For more information or to register, visit Skifernie.com.
