3rd Rail Jam coming to Raging Bull park in Algonquin

Uniting some of the nation's best amateur skiers and riders with elements of the hip hop culture, the renowned 3rd Rail Jam is making the rounds again for 2010 at five resorts across the nation.

The grass-roots snow competition will continue the tour on Saturday, Feb. 6, at Raging Buffalo, off Route 31 in Algonquin.

Creating its own pocket of culture inside snow sport culture, the 3rd Rail Jam brings aspiring amateur riders to resorts nationwide. Up to 150 riders per stop will take part competing for cash prizes and a limited edition Launch Snowboard designed by graffiti legend Pose2. If that's not enough, check out "The Battle Below Zero," a freestyle MC competition pitting eight local MCs against one another- something that has never been held on snow before.

Additionally, Under Armour, Skull Candy, Turbine, and Kangol will be on hand to show products from their new lines and giveaway product to lucky attendees.

Slick Rick will follow each rail jam with pulsating after-parties that will include break dance crews. Originally from the U.K., the Grammy-nominated rapper, Slick Rick, set the tunes for Snoop Dogg who covered Rick's hit song, "La-Di-Da-Di," and is popularly known for his song, "Children's Story," often heard on the dance floors in addition to his role in Jay-Z's, "Girls, Girls, Girls."

Named after the most lethal rail on the Subway in New York City, the 3rd Rail Jam founders Timmy Grins and Pat Hession work to create the most grimy contest setups, rarely seen at resorts.

The competition is open to four divisions: 14 and younger, all girls, best of breed and skiers. For information, or to register for the 3rd Rail events, visit 3rdrailjam.com.

Also at Raging Buffalo this month, there is still time to qualify for a spot at nationals, or to just come out and compete for fun.

The USASA competitions will be held Saturdays and Sundays, Feb. 14-28. This is where Shaun White and Danny Kass got their starts before becoming Olympic Medal winners. For more information, visit ragingbuffalo.com.