Events October 29, 2026
Rail Jam returns to campus
Heather L. King - Associate Director of PR & Communication
The University of Utah is partnering with Woodward Park City to bring the thrill of freestyle skiing and snowboarding back to campus on Nov. 6 from 4-9 p.m. with the second-annual Rail Jam.
“Last year’s inaugural Rail Jam showed just how much energy and creativity this event can bring to campus,” said Erica Andersen, University of Utah executive director of Student Engagement & Leadership. “We’re thrilled to bring it back this year, in even bigger and better ways with the help of Woodward, and give students another opportunity to experience this exciting sport and forever connect it to the U.”
U students can register for a chance to compete for podium finishes in four student divisions: Women’s Student Ski, Men’s Student Ski, Women’s Student Snowboard and Men’s Student Snowboard.
Campus is advised that beginning Nov. 1, the Student Union Lawn will be transformed into an urban snow park where freestyle skiers and snowboarders will throw down their best tricks on rails, boxes and features on Friday night, Nov. 6. The event will include live entertainment from DJ Matty Mo and a vendor village for spectators to enjoy a festival atmosphere in addition to the competition. Currently, 25 companies and organizations will attend alongside 10 student organizations.
The student competition will be complemented by a professional exhibition and demo, where pro skiers and snowboarders will offer insight, share techniques and inspire progression throughout the session.
Rail Jam will feature professional skiers Tom Wallisch and Taylor Lundquist and professional snowboarders Reid Smith and Katie Kennedy, with Wallisch and Smith returning as U alumni.
Rail Jam is presented by Woodward Park City, an action sports resort offering year-round opportunities for athletes of all levels to develop their skills.
“Partnering with the University of Utah gives students a chance to drop in, push their progression and feed off the energy of pro riders right on campus,” said Gar Trayner, general manager, Woodward Park City. “Whether they’re chasing the podium, dialing in a new trick or experiencing a rail jam for the first time, we want everyone to feel the creativity, camaraderie and pure stoke that make snowboard and free ski culture so special.”
Admission to Rail Jam is free for U students, staff and faculty. Tickets for the general public are $10 and can be purchased here. Please present your email receipt at entry. A clear bag policy will be enforced at this event.
Call for Volunteers: Be Part of Rail Jam!
Rail Jam is looking for students, faculty and staff who are willing to lend a hand before, during or after the event. Volunteering is a fun way to experience Rail Jam from a different perspective, get behind the scenes and help make this exciting campus tradition a success. There are a variety of volunteer opportunities available, including ticket taking, managing water stations and more. Sign up here. Snacks will be provided.
The University of Utah welcomes individuals with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. For questions about accessibility or to request accommodations, please contact the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX at oeo@utah.edu or 801-581-8365. Advance notice will help us provide any reasonable accommodations.
MEDIA & PR CONTACTS
Heather King
Associate Communications Director, University of Utah
(801) 556-8501
heather.king@utah.edu
