On Thursday, Feb. 8, the well-known Hoot Owl bar in Canton had a collaboration with the St. Lawrence University Outing Club to host a rail jam ski event. This festive, competition-based freestyle skiing event, hosted in the Hoot Owl parking lot, was open to anyone interested, granted they purchased the $5 wristband required for entry. The Outing Club sold the wristbands in the Sullivan Student Center on both Monday and Tuesday of this week, from roughly 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.   

Although rail jams are not a new spectacle at the snowy, ski-loving SLU–students can be found sliding PVC tubes even before the first real snowfall–this one was the first of its kind. Not only was it one of the first rail jams held off campus, but it was the first-ever partnership between The Hoot and the SLU OC. Historically, SLU has had high involvement with The Hoot, but collaborative events have been dampened by COVID-19. The OC spearheaded the setup of the event, providing the rails and features on which the skiers competed, while The Hoot added an intriguing new location, especially for those above the age of 21. Kunoco Pizza and the Commons College theme house contributed to the sponsorship of the event as well. When asked about the possibility of a good turnout, Finn Mallinen ’25, a member of the OC, said, “I hope so; everyone loves The Hoot.” He was “very excited,” he said, adding to the buzz of the already anticipated event. Mallinen is credited as one of the curators of the idea, along with Ellie Nichols ’25.    

The proceeds from the sales of the wristbands, along with any donations made, will be used to help fund Titus Weekend in March. This annual, highly anticipated weekend has been renowned for a long time amongst students as one of the high points of the SLU spring semester. 

 There is special emphasis on it this year, as the event will return at least in part to Malone’s Titus Mountain itself after a Covid-caused hiatus. The additional cost of the improved location requires more creative methods of fundraising, and the OC has not failed to meet those needs while also introducing a new event in the process. Like Mallinen, an OC member, ‘Alden Timm ’25, said he is hopeful that “a lot of people come and show up, not only to support Titus but have a great time skiing.” Timm reported that although the revenue from the rail jam will “cover some of the Titus weekend cost, it won’t cover all of it.”   

In hopes of maximizing participation, the event catered not only to skiers but to spectators as well. Ellie Strade ’27, although not competing, responded with “Hell yeah, I’m going” when asked if she would attend the event. There was music playing and one free drink offered to anyone over the age of 21. Additionally, the purchase of a wristband included automatic entry into a raffle. Possible prizes for the raffle included winter gear from Eastern Mountain Sports and Backcountry Squatters, Kunoco hats and pizza coupons, Darn Tough socks, shot-skis, and even a free ticket to Titus Mountain. Skiers were far from forgotten, though, and were rewarded further for their participation. There were additional prizes given out to winners of the rail jam or standout competitors.