PACE to host Rail Jam on Feb. 5

While snowboarders and skiers shred the slopes at Big Sky and Bridger, the real festivities are taking form in the Office of Student Engagement (OSE) with PACE's Director of Dynamic Events, Kaylan Wait. A Rail Jam to top all Rail Jams is currently in the works, set to take place on Saturday, Feb. 5, from 5-9 p.m. on the JABS lawn.

A Rail Jam, as Wait describes, is "a freestyle skiing and snowboarding event" where winter athletes use unconventional surfaces to perform various tricks. "We're going to have three rails, an ending feature and a drop-in built out of scaffolding," Wait explained. PACE has filled the lineup with 40 athletes, including 10 male and 10 female contestants from each discipline. These competitors consist of MSU students and community members. "It's going to be a very lively atmosphere. Music's blasting, we have food, hot chocolate... there's going to be a lot going on, so even if people aren't into skiing, it's going to be a really fun time," Wait said. There will be two food trucks, yard games, a variety of sponsor tents and the event is free for everyone.

Chris Pruden, engagement and leadership advisor for OSE, is excited to see the Rail Jam come to life after years of aspiration. "This event is basically coming straight from students... we have a strong connection with the mountains and mountain sports," Pruden said. The event is meant to connect MSU's campus with the Bozeman community and increase student involvement. If there's one thing that Bozeman knows best, it's a love of the outdoors and a particular attachment to winter sports.

Both Pruden and Wait stressed the idea that PACE is for students and by students. “We want the MSU population to know that PACE is working really hard to give [students] value from their dollars through high quality and inclusive events,” Pruden said, “this Rail Jam really showcases that.”

Make sure to keep an eye out for other PACE events this semester, including Battle of the Bands, TEDxMSU and many more exciting plans. Find out more about the Rail Jam at https://tinyurl.com/yckw4mdz.