Plymouth State students compete in annual rail jam competition

PLYMOUTH — The Marketing Association of Plymouth State University hosted its annual Rail Jam competition on a slope outside the Hanaway Rink in Holderness on Feb. 21.

Approximately 70 student competitors navigated rails and performed tricks on snow park elements provided by Gunstock Mountain and snow features created by members of MAPS and other student organizations. The event drew more than 200 spectators throughout the day, who cheered on the participants while they competed for special prizes and giveaways.

“Rail Jam 2025 was a great event and an opportunity for MAPS members to integrate key concepts in settings outside the classroom, including sponsorships, social media, leadership, event marketing and digital marketing,” said Assistant Professor of Marketing and MAPS Faculty Advisor Raj Sachdev. “Rail Jam is an opportunity for students not only to collaborate and have fun but build essential skills for the real world. It is a time when everyone comes together for a broader purpose.”

Head student organizers and seniors Emma Hodkins and Zane Clark were supported by senior Samuel Bonner, former MAPS head of Rail Jam, and senior Alden Dimick, MAPS Rail Jam lead.

Approximately $3,500 in prizes from sponsoring organizations were awarded to top skiers and snowboarders in both men’s and women’s divisions.

The winners were as follows:

• First Place Women’s Skis: Emma Nardi
• First Place Men’s Skis: Nicholas DuMond
• First Place Women’s Snowboard: Erin Sampson
• First Place Men’s Snowboard: Zakkary Ober

The 2025 bibs worn by competitors, which have become coveted collectors’ items, were designed by MAPS Director of Graphic Design Collin Ford in conjunction with the club.

Event sponsors included Gunstock Parks, Walk2Campus, Ken Jones Ski Mart, Freeriders Ski Co., Nitro Snowboards and Ski Fanatics. Coffee was supplied by Dunkin’.

To learn more, visit plymouth.edu.