Leo Watson '20 of Indianapolis, Ind., displays his skills.

Skiers and snowboarders get ready at the top of the rail jam behind Smith Hall during Skill 'N' Grill on Jan. 17.

Thorn Merrill '19 of Morrisville, Vt., take to the rail jam behind Smith Hall.

Members of the �ֲ���ý Shred Club and friends pose for a photo as they grill behind Smith Hall at Skill 'N' Grill.

On Tuesday night, the normally quiet grove of pine trees between Lake Andrews and Smith Hall was transformed into a lively, adrenaline-fueled rail jam for the annual Skill ‘N’ Grill competition.

With tuneage from DJ Society, a rail from the Mount Abram ski area, a grill from Dining Services, and snow delivered by Facilities Services, the setup was ripe for skiers and snowboarders from the Shred Club and the Freestyle Ski Team, joined by friends from the University of Maine at Farmington.

“Skill ‘N’ Grill is always one of the best events of Winter Carnival, and this year it definitely got a lot better,” said Sam Rickerich ’18 of York, Maine, referencing the venue change from Mount David to centrally located Smith Hall.

Rickerich, who tries to ski once a week in the winter, appreciates the variety of the �ֲ���ý ski scene. “The community of skiers here is great, from the teams to freeskiers to people just getting into it.”

Eli Nixon ’19 of Eliot, Maine, secured  a few event sponsorships from local Maine companies, who gave out ski swag and other prizes. “A representative from Mount Abram was there, and he was so stoked with how the event was going,” said Nixon.

Getting outside with friends, Rickerich concluded, “definitely makes winter in Maine a whole lot better.”