Sunshine Village in Banff, Alberta, was the scene of an unprecedented jib session that brought together some of the world’s top rail skiers for what could be the hardest rail ever slid on skis. The concept was simple yet thrilling: once an athlete successfully grinded the entire length of the rail, it was extended, pushing the boundaries of what was possible in rail skiing. With the majestic Canadian Rockies as a backdrop, three Red Bull athletes—Max Moffatt, Jesper Tjäder, and Hunter Henderson—turned a bluebird May day into a spectacle of skill and creativity.
The Athletes
Max Moffatt, the mastermind behind this epic event, envisioned something that would challenge even the most seasoned rail skiers. A native Canadian, Moffatt saw an opportunity to push the boundaries of the sport in his homeland. His idea was to create a dynamic event that would grow progressively harder as the athletes extended the rail, pushing their limits with each successful grind.
Moffatt was joined by Jesper Tjäder from Sweden and Hunter Henderson from the USA, both renowned for their prowess on the rails. Together, they formed a trifecta of talent.
The Set Up
The event wasn’t a competition but rather a celebration of creativity and skill. Skiers were free to push their limits on the ever-lengthening rail. Each time an athlete completed a grind, the rail was extended with new kinks presenting a mean challenge rail for them to conquer. This continuous evolution pushed the athletes to adapt and innovate with each attempt.
Capturing the Moment
An extensive Red Bull crew were on hand to capture every moment. They documented the event from every angle, ensuring that each moment of this groundbreaking session was immortalized. Their presence was not just about recording the event but also about supporting the athletes. All hands were on deck when new sections of rail were added. The captured moments weren’t just about the grinds but also about the joy, determination, and camaraderie that defined the event.
The Challenges and Triumphs
As the rail grew longer, the difficulty escalated. Each athlete had their moments of doubt and struggle, but the supportive environment fostered a sense of mutual support and solidarity. Moffatt, Tjädr, and Henderson pushed each other, sharing tips and cheering each other on. The rail extensions became a test of not only skill but also endurance and mental fortitude.
The Final Day
By the final day, the rail had reached an astonishing 210’ 8” with 7 seven kinks, four elbows and a triple drop to cap it off. The sheer length and kinky nature of this monstrous feature proved too much for some. Frustration levels reached a boiling point for most athletes. Mr. Cool and calm – Jesper Tjädr, was the only man to successfully slide the full length of the rail.
It was a fitting end to a new style of ski session. A great way to challenge the athletes and get a lot of clips for internet viewing.
Reflections
The Longest Rail event at Sunshine Village was more than just a ski film session; it honoured the sport’s evolution and the athletes’ relentless pursuit of excellence. Max Moffatt’s vision, combined with the skills of Tjädr and Henderson and the support of a dedicated crew, resulted in an unforgettable four days in the heart of Banff. This event set a new standard for what rail skiing can be and left everyone eagerly anticipating the next innovation in this exhilarating sport.
Check out the full video coverage of this session. Thanks again to Red Bull Canada for putting on another cool, innovative project in the picturesque Canadian Rockies – Sunshine Village.
