Ski and Snowboard News, Deals, and Events

The Volcom Stone Peanut Butter and Rail Jam series for amateur snowboarders returns for another 17-stop North American tour. It will drop in on Sierra-at-Tahoe Jan. 3 for the first of five California events.

The PB&RJ series is part of Volcom's "Let The Kids Ride Free" philosophy that is attempting to create a unique competition environment where young riders can hang out without all the fees, rules, stipulations, and overall coldness that typically exists at other events.

The Peanut Butter and Rail Jam events will be run slightly different from your everyday rail jam: Instead of having three rails in a row, the Volcom people have put them side-by side to create a rail zone that is expected to boost the energy level and a feeling of camaraderie.

There's no cost (other than lift ticket, of course) to enter the competition, which will be separated into four divisions - 15 and under, 16 and over, girls, and open - and there will be a bunch of swag (i.e., free prizes and food.) so that everyone who enters walks away with something, even if it's only a peanut butter and jam sandwich.

There's always the chance to score an invitation to compete the PB&RJ championships that take place at Mammoth April 25.

The California leg of the tour is scheduled to have other stops at Mammoth Mountain Jan. 4, at Mountain High Jan. 9, and at Bear Mountain Resort Jan. 11.