ELDORA MOUNTAIN RESORT – Every year, up to 140 people sign up and pay a $20 entry fee to compete in the popular two-day Timber Classic Rail Jam. Held on Saturday, March 28, and Sunday, March 29, it was one of their last chances of the season to show what they’ve got in the way of tricks and maneuvers on Eldora’s rails as they vied for a whopping $10,000 in cash plus prizes.

Pros and Jos aged 15 and above laid down their best runs on Saturday. The prize money attracted a field of accomplished entrants; the competition was stiff. The judges’ job deeming the best in the finals was not an easy one.

A snowboarder catching air on an out.

Photo by Dave Gibson

In the end, Brett Zmenkowski rose to the top of the Men’s Ski division to claim a cool $2,000 in first place winnings. Ashley Dunn was the big winner in the Women’s Ski category, taking home $2,000. They each also received a $1,000 Smith Optics gift card.

Other first place $2,000 winners were Hunter Ventline in Men’s Snowboard and Alex Kochner in Women’s Snowboard. The rewards for finishing second or third weren’t shabby either. Runners-up were awarded either a pair of Armada skis or a Burton snowboard and gift card. Third place finishers were handed a new Line or Burton backpack and Smith goggles.

Adam O’Melia was named Best Rising Star—good for a loaded $200 Visa card and a $100 Smith Optics gift card. Winners of other special categories, including Best Trick, Best Bail, and Best Costume, were awarded similar prize packages.

The word “grom” (short for grommet) originated in 1950s Australian surfing culture and has come to mean any enthusiastic young person skilled in the disciplines of surfing, skateboarding, snowboarding, or skiing. On Sunday, it was the groms’ turn on center stage.

Only for competitors 14 years old and younger, their newness to the sport brought a certain spark and fresh energy to the table. One after another in quick succession, during the qualifying and final rounds of the day, skiers and riders gleefully negotiated the course and repeatedly climbed back up the hill for another go-around.

Groms second place finishers weren't the only ones wearing Wildcoats.

Photo by Dave Gibson

In the Groms Youth Boys Ski division, Dominic Scott took first place honors. Sophie Levine won the Youth Girls Ski category. Bridger Gibbons captured the Youth Boys Snowboard and Sophie Rodas the Girls Snowboard. Each of them received a new pair of Armada skis or Burton snowboard. Second place finishers were presented a Wildcoat. A backpack and goggles were given to third place finishers. Those who won special categories received a gift package.

A huge thank you goes out to Woodward Eldora and Smith Optics for hosting the competition. As always, the event was well received and thoroughly enjoyed by participants and spectators alike.