This article originally appeared on Newschoolers.com. It has been edited for brevity.
For the sixth consecutive year, Killington Mountain’s “Rails 2 Riches” has continued to be a highlight of the skiing and snowboarding season. Attracting both amateurs and professionals, competitors vied for a share of the $15,000 prize money, with only the top three in each division cashing in.
The competition, offering $3,000 for first place, has always been intense, and this year was no exception. A month prior, online registration for the 100 available spots opened at 8:00 p.m. and filled up in mere minutes, reflecting the event’s popularity.
Tess Hobbs, Event Coordinator at Killington, commented on the registration frenzy, noting the rapid pace at which spots were filled. Additionally, a few spots were reserved for winners of the Loaded Turkey Rail Jam held on November 21st.
On the morning of the event, competitors filled the K1 lodge, a mix of anxiety and excitement palpable in the air. With check-in at 9:00 and qualifiers not starting until 12:30, skiers had the opportunity to either hit the slopes or relax in the lodge.
Ian Compton, an East Coast native now residing in Utah, returned specifically for R2R. Despite his usual cheerful demeanor, he admitted to feeling nervous about the competition.
As qualifiers approached, skiers gathered at the course’s base, which featured a down rail, a down-flat-down, and a down box with a mini kink. The absence of last year’s winner, LJ Strenio, was noted among the competitors.
Judges Connor Manning, Keegan Manning, Avert Guldemond, and EC Headwear’s Matty B oversaw the action, which kicked off with practice followed by an hour of qualifiers in an open jam format. The atmosphere was electric, with skiers eagerly showcasing their skills.
Late arrival Strenio made a dramatic entrance, utilizing the new rule allowing inverts and attempting a misty 4 off the down box, resulting in a spectacular crash but emerging unscathed and smiling.
Notable performances included Quebec’s Dominic Laporte and Hugo Pelletier, impressing with smooth moves on the down box.
After intense qualifiers, the top ten men and top five women advanced to the finals, competing for the big check.
The finals, held under portable generator lights, saw both snowboarders and skiers pushing their limits. The down-flat-down feature was particularly popular, with competitors executing technical tricks and daring air-to-disaster moves.
Ian Compton highlighted a switch tails 270, pretzel 2 on the down-flat-down as his personal best. The women, including Jackie Kling and Kim Lamarre, also showcased their skills on this feature.
Tess Hobbs rewarded outstanding performances with cash incentives, adding to the event’s excitement.
After an hour of intense competition, peer voting determined the winners, with judges considering these votes in their final decision.
Julia Krass, Jackie Kling, and Kim Lamarre topped the women’s division, while Will Hibbs, Hugo Pelletier, and LJ Strenio led the men’s.
Killington’s hospitality and the competitors’ impressive performances made the event a memorable one, setting the stage for next year’s Rails to Riches
