Sixteen-year-old Kaiser Pellman represented the Bridger Ski Foundation Snowboard Team at the week-long U.S.A. Snowboard & Freeski Association’s (USASA) national championships, placing an impressive 9th in his age group in the Rail Jam. Kaiser made it through the qualifier round and into the finals, under the lights. 

The rail jam format gives athletes 20 minutes to hike and get as many tricks in as possible on a rail course. Coach Josh Lucas says, “It is about showing an overall solid impression for the judges. The rail jam pushes the athletes' comfort zones as the rail setup was a ‘street style’ setup, which means there were stairs between the features.” 

Kaiser also competed in slopestyle, placing 20th. “Overall, Kaiser has been our top athlete on the snowboard team and shows passion and determination to progress,” says Josh. “His comfort level on rails and in the air has continued to excel.” 

Teammate Brayden Reich also qualified for the championships but unfortunately got injured at the beginning of the month and was unable to compete. “He’s on a strong recovery and is eager to get back on his board. I know for sure he will be coming back next year hungry,” said Josh.

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