The Ski and Snowboard Club held its second Rail Jam competition of the year. Despite the rain, the Rail Jam produced a successful turnout. Four students’ combined efforts are responsible for putting on the event.

No business like snow business

The club is led by juniors Nick Bush and Chris Bishop, and seniors Caitlyn Courcier and David Schumacher.

“We are all equal in power,” Bush said. “Title’s don’t mean a lot.”
Planning the Rail Jam required less effort than the Jib Fest that took place first semester, Schumacher said.

Junior Chris Bishop throws beanies out to the crowd. (Photo by Maura Bannon)

“Huge props to the physical plant for making the huge snow mound,” Bush said.
Physical plant began plowing the mound in early February, which created a solid base for skiers and riders. Through volunteer work, leaders and members combined around 20 hours of shoveling time from Wednesday to Friday to shape the mound, Bush said.

“We were lucky to have a snow storm on the week of the event,” he said.

It was a lot of fun, and everyone was really helpful and supportive, Courcier said. “This one was a lot easier, and we already had the snow.”

Putting together events like this involve planning, but there are many things that good preparation can’t foresee, Schumacher said. Things always work out he said, but not always according to plan. Weather, injuries and technical difficulties all affect organizing an event, he said.

The “freshtastic” four

People see the finished product of Ski and Snowboard Club events, but organizing an active club can be a demanding job.

In the beginning of the year the club put together a sponsorship packet because it’s important to build relationships with our sponsors and create brand awareness, Courcier said. Financing can be involved, and it is necessary to be able to think ahead, Bush said.

The freshtastic four running the show, giving out prizes and announcing the after party. (Photo by Maura Bannon)

“There is no way we could do this all on our own,” Courcier said.

Liability is another big factor. The club hired Green Mountain Security to watch the rails the night following the Jib Fest, Schumacher said.

The four leaders are also friends. Running the club helps them stay in touch. They stay in contact and are always bouncing ideas off each other, Schumacher said.

“It’s constantly in my head,” Bishop said. “It makes us closer, but sometimes there’s friction.”

Last semester Bush studied abroad in Australia. The group was glad he returned to share the responsibilities. It was a lot of work for only three people, but this semester has been really laid back, Courcier said.

“It’s definitely good to be back. I was missing the loving embrace of Vermont and shredding with my friends,” Bush said.

Before it melts

With several plans for the spring ski season, the four friends hope to keep the club active until the snow melts. The Battle for Burlington, an intercollegiate competition, will be held at Jay Peak Resort on Saturday, March 28.

“We’re trying to win again,” Schumacher said.

The club is trying to organize a competition at Smugglers’ Notch, similar to the Battle for Burlington, but on a smaller scale. This event would involve a possible barbeque, but its fate rests on future snow conditions, Schumacher said.

The club is planning to set certain days out of the week to open the rails on the snow mound in the 300’s field, Schumacher said.

These rail sessions will be open to students, but will be regulated, Bishop said. Having fun is one of the main goals for club, Bishop said.

Although he's dirty on the rails, junior Nick Bush keeps a clean smile. (Photo by Andrew Lanoue)

“We’re there to support competitive skiing, but at the end of the day we’re all friends,” Bush said.
Schumacher and Courcier will graduate this year, leaving positions for new club leaders. Bush and Bishop have kept an eye out for potential prospects.

“Looking for recruits is an ongoing process,” Bishop said. “We are actively recruiting.”
Increasing the Ski and Snowboard Club’s recognition is another club aspiration. We put a lot of time into the sport, Schumacher said.

“We definitely want more recognition in the community,” Bush said.

Keeping the club positive and centered on community remain important for the club.

“We’re trying to create more of a community and not an elite group,” Courcier said. “We want to raise activity and bring people together.”