The Canyons was already known for hosting the biggest New Year’s event in the area when it decided to add a rail jam last year. Now, with 2009 just hours away, the resort is once again set to end the old year right with a free New Year’s Eve Rockin Rail Jam Celebration.
“It’s a way to kick off the New Year and the ’09 season,” Canyons marketing and events manager David March said.
The invitation-only rail jam is designed to wow all spectators, whether they are rail-jam fans or new to the terrain park. The invitation-only event will include about 25 riders and skiers from the Canyons as well as top riders from other local resorts and throughout the county.
The New Year’s Rail Jam is truly a public-friendly event. Rather than asking fun-seekers to hike up the mountain, The Canyons staff has brought the rail jam down to the plaza of The Resort Village. Terrain-park features will be re-created in the center of the village and will feature rails, boxes and even a corrugated pipe.
“We have such a great terrain park We thought it would be cool to bring more fun to the event,” March said.
March said that by bringing the terrain park down the hill makes the fun to be in one area and makes it accessible for the entire family. Guests staying at the resort can just head outside and skiers and boarders finishing up the day can stop on their way out. Fun-seekers from Park City and Salt Lake will be able to ride the Cabriolet from the lower parking lot.
“It’s a great way to say thank you to our pass holders and guests,” March said.
There will be a purse of $1,000 awarded to the top three riders.
For those that aren’t snowboard savvy, an emcee will provide descriptions of all the riders and educate the spectators as to what they’re watching. Those just looking for entertainment can enjoy the show and background music by DJ Velvet.
“It’s an experience of extreme sport,” March said. “People that have never seen it will be drawn to it.”
After the rail jam, a concert by Salt Lake rock band Fastback will follow. March said the band specializes in rock and blues and covers many favorites. The band will take a quick break for the fireworks display before wrapping up the night with more tunes.
The event will wrap up by 8 p.m. to allow the public to attend other New Year’s Eve celebrations and young children to enjoy all the festivities of the holiday without staying up too late.
All events are free and will take place in the Resort Village from 4 to 8 p.m. For more information, visit www.thecanyons.com.
Events Schedule: 4-5 p.m.: Rockin’ Rail Jam qualification round and music by DJ Velvet
5 -6 p.m.: Rockin’ Rail Jam final round, awards ceremony and more music 6-7:30 p.m.: music by Fastback 7:30 p.m.: Fireworks in Resort Village 7:45-8 p.m.: Fastback