February 19, 2010

Many people are driving to Wintergreen this winter to enjoy snow conditions better than that resort has seen in years.

All the snow makes for perfect timing for a unique skiing and snowboarding event this weekend.

"We've seen about 5 feet of snow at Wintergreen," said instructor Ryan Hammer. "It's one of the most freak instances of Wintergreen history. Wintergreen has never seen this much snow ever."

All that snow, combined with a long stretch of colder-than-average days, has resulted in a snow base of 50 to 70 inches and plenty of features in the terrain park.

"The one Saturday where it snowed about 2 feet, I was up here and it was up to my knees it was so deep," Hammer said.

This Sunday at Wintergreen Resort is the Rail Jam. Skiers and snowboarders plan on doing jumps, rails and other tricks.

The Rail Jam, or slope-style event, is a ski and snowboard trick contest on jumps, rails and boxes. Judging will be based on style, degree of difficulty, creativity and consistency. But even if you're not good enough to compete, it's a great spectator event.

"The whole left side of Upper Diamond Hill is normally spectators," Hammer said.

Sunday's event will feature both local and regional riders, many who call Wintergreen home.

Registration begins at 11 a.m., and the event will get underway at 11:30 on Terrain Park.