NEDERLAND – Knotted Root Brewing was the site of a real rager on January 11, 2025, as snow, stoke, and celebration collided at the second annual Pretty Chill Rail Jam. 

What started last year as a birthday party for Summit Lynch has blossomed into a community-fueled showcase of local talent, athleticism, and pure mountain spirit.

Rail jams are one of the most accessible forms of snowboard competitions, requiring only a small area, a rail or similar feature, and enough snow or ice. 

Riders take turns performing tricks without a fixed order, using a set time frame to perform as many creative moves as they can. 

Judges observe and determine winners in categories for Best Overall and Best Trick, making it an informal but exciting event for both competitors and spectators.

The event’s popularity was undeniable. Over 70 competitors – twice as many as last year – showed up to shred, and the brewery reached capacity, with parking overflowing into the Nederland Community Center and the Park ‘n’ Ride lots. 

Local Derik Stevens ran security and first response. “I’m glad they brought it back,” Stevens said. “It brings together the kids and the community, and supports athletic endeavors. Since Nederland lost Frozen Dead Guy Days, it’s a good thing for this ski town to have an event like this.”

Fifteen-year-old Logan Hanley, a member of the Eldora Mountain Ski and Snowboard Club, competed in the kids’ snowboarding division. 

With seven years of experience under her belt, Logan shared her goal: “I want to accomplish a nose stall off the pipe, among other things.” She also mentioned competing against 23 of her teammates, saying, “I’m feeling a mixture of excitement and nervousness.”

The rail jam owes its origin to Summit’s 12th Birthday Bash last year. Geoff Lynch, Summit’s dad, transformed a simple celebration into a backyard rail jam for all ages. 

The event’s runaway success inspired Geoff to repeat the magic this year, and the Pretty Chill Rail Jam was born – bigger and better than ever.

Summit, now a 13-year-old snowboarding prodigy sponsored by Burton and Oakley, took center stage once again, but this time the spotlight shone just as brightly on the wider community. 

With Burton stepping in to provide snowboards for the winners of the Men’s, Women’s, and Kids’ divisions, and Head Skis and Tyrolia bindings up for grabs for skiing adults, the stakes were higher than ever. The energy? Off the charts.

Riders of all ages and skill levels threw down impressive tricks on the custom-built rail setup. While Summit’s effortlessly smooth style drew cheers from the crowd, the heart of the event was the celebration of participation and progression. 

“I love creating a situation where people can have fun, grow, and share something new; maybe create a new path for themselves!” Geoff enthused. “It was so much fun watching the whole community, of all ages, get stoked!”

Four generous locals donated six $100 bills for the best trick in each category, adding even more excitement to the competition. 

The winners were as follows:

• Women’s Ski: Jojo Scott, with Best Trick awarded to Isabel Mezei. 

Isabel, a local who lives just down the road, shared, “I thought it would be super fun. My goal was just to have fun and see what happens!”

• Women’s Snowboard: Alex Kochner, EMSC Coach; with Best Trick going to Kayla Reiss.

• Kids’ Ski: Zimn Stillman won the jam, and Dominic Scott claimed Best Trick.

• Kids’ Snowboard: Summit Lynch took home the win, with Dylan Turk landing Best Trick.

• Men’s Ski: Austin O'melia snagged the win, while his older brother, Adam O'melia, earned Best Trick. 

Adam, a seasoned competitor with about 10 competitions under his belt, said he planned to attempt harder tricks involving multiple rotations off the rail this year.

Adam’s and Austin's stylish execution and technical prowess on the rails showed their dedication to the sport, and they are well-known in the Nederland and Gilpin communities for their mountain skills.

• Men’s Snowboard: EMSC Director David Lee won his division, with Best Trick going to Bodie Fox. Honorable mentions went to Noah Fontino, age 7, who stole the show, and Boden Baines.

The event’s success was amplified by generous sponsorships from Burton, Head, Tyrolia, Shane McConkey Foundation, La Sportiva, i70 Things, Dirthawgs, Salto Coffee, Crosscut Pizza, Peak Wine and Spirits, Decent Bagel, Good People Tree Service, Studio Montane Zone, Knotted Root Brewing, and Summit is Stoked. 

Three food trucks occupied the space out front of Knotted Root, including Kaleidoscope Kitchen, Temaki Tornado, and Mama Roo’s, keeping people fed and energized against the cold.   

Tons of swag was given away, and Salto provided free coffee and hot chocolate. DJs Guaro and B-random spun tracks to keep the vibe high throughout the event.

The event began at 3 p.m. and carried on until almost 9 p.m., with laughter, cheers, and the occasional gasp filling the air. 

This year’s rail jam proved that it’s more than just an event – it’s a full-on tradition in the making. The mix of jibbing and local stoke brought everyone together to celebrate snow sports and the Nederland community.

Thanks go to Chris Marchio and Knotted Root for hosting the event. Geoff Lynch also sincerely thanks the sponsors for helping make this event even better than last year.