Luckily the weather held off just enough to make visibility only an annoyance today. When that annoyance however involves looking at sliding down a 50 foot metal rail on your snowboard, it all becomes a different story. The contest consisted of a 50 foot stairwell with two box rails on the outside with a long gap rail down the middle. Luckily Park City made this an invite only so, not only was it designed by the riders but it was judged by them as well. This gave the competition a very non-competitive feel, which is good when you're about to slide a steep rail backwards on your snowboard.

After everyone got warmed up a pattern emerged. There was the slow approach with variation possibilities along the long ride down. Then there was the launch-on variation usually landing more than half way down the rail. Most riders preferred the 270 launch on to backslide. Then as variations emerged riders began attempting the 450 backslide. Few if any made it but simply witnessing this attempt was frightening.

Chris Engelsman took the top prize with the 270 backslide followed by Seth Hout in second and Chris Coulter in third. Only three women competed. Jessica Dalpiaz, Hana Beaman and Jaime MacCleod shared some slides and shared the prize taking home $700 each.

The jam format reminded everyone why jam formats always work. Because riders are never late for their run and nobody is waiting. They just go when they're ready. The jam consisted of three 15 minute sessions. Riders could throw down as many tricks as possible with the best trick from each heat being scored. Both the men and women competed together making it a no pressure event especially after a late night of Danger Kitty.

This jam a la jib event highlighted Park City's park building abilities. It's hard to miss the park here. Even with the limited amount of snow on the mountain, Park City has built a park that hits tower above the trees with more handrails than you can bonk your stick at. So if you like-a-da jib...If you love a good trauma park that lasts the whole run...Park City spells fun.

So now with funky Flea Santa fresh on our minds We can all share the same happy wish during this holiday time May funky Santa blanket us with peace and snow And help us free our minds regardless of where we go

Ride on children,

— Hans Prosl, MountainZone.com snowboard translator