March 1st, 2025
BIGGER, HARDER, AND BETTER THAN EVER BEFORE…
The annual Rhythm Rail Jam is officially back, and this time, we’re turning up the stoke for the biggest showdown yet!
We’re talkin’, the gnarliest jibs, sickest lines, and butters so phat you could spread ‘em on toast–all in front of 2,000 frothed out onlookers – we told ya, it’s going to be massive.
Once again, 2025’s event will see the Rhythm crew taking over Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu Freeride Park, where they’re promising to put on the craziest event to date. Expect huge raffles, food trucks, pop-up bars, DJs, and some of the gnarliest lines Niseko’s park scene has ever seen.
For those who have been before, it’s easy to see why the Rhythm Rail Jam stands up as the biggest and best showcase on the annual Niseko event calendar. For those that haven’t, it’s truly something that needs to be seen to be believed.
TIME TABLE
Time | Event |
|---|---|
13:00 | Riders registration |
14:00 | Riders warm up sesh |
14:30 | Grom Heat |
15:00 | Grom Award Ceremony |
15:30 | Heat 1 |
16:00 | Heat 2 |
17:00 | Heat 3 |
17:30 | Ninja Show & RAFFLE DRAW! |
18:00 | FINAL HEAT! |
18:40 | Award ceremony |
19:00 | Fire works & Fire dancer show |
20:00 | After Party at Niseko Snow Dome! |
Please note: Times are approx and may differ on the day.
TIMETABLE
Time | Event |
13:00 | Rider Sign In |
14:00 | Rider Warm Up |
14:30 | Groms Heat |
15:00 | Grom Ceremony |
15:30 | Women’s Heat |
16:00 | Men’s Heat 1 |
16:20 | Entertainment |
16:40 | Men’s Heat 2 |
17:00 | Raffle Draw! |
17:20 | FINAL HEAT |
18:00 | Entertainment |
18:20 | Awards Ceremony |
19:00 | FINISH |
20:00 |
Please note: Times are approx and may differ on the day.
Meet the judges
blurb about guest riders
Briege
Mcentee
Snowboard judge
Briege McEntee is the owner and designer of Public Menace, a streetwear brand built on bold expression and creativity. As a freestyle snowboard coach, they bring the same fearless energy to both their designs and the sport.
Ryunosuke
Tanaka
Ski judge
Ryunosuke Tanaka is the Manager at Niseko Management Service, bringing extensive experience in the ski industry. Passionate about the Niseko region and freestyle skiing, and he actively promotes the sport and fosters a strong skiing community. With a deep commitment to hospitality and outdoor sports, he strives to enhance the Niseko experience for both visitors and locals.
Tadeo
Leslie
Snowboard judge
28 years old from Patagonia, Argentina.Full cert ski and snowboard instructor. Freeride professional athlete, 4x times champion of South America Freeride tour, Freeride judge by IFSA and FIS slopestyle Judge. Produced in 2019 movie called “Matanuska” in Alaska. Sponsors: Affinity snowboards, Bouton Lefam and Freeride Argentina.
Emi
Matsuura
Snowboard judge
Niseko Local.
Pioneer of Women’s Freestyle Skiing.
Freestyle Ski Halfpipe Athlete.
Ranked 7th in the World.
After competing in World Cups around the world, she moved to Niseko to share the joy of freeskiing through kids’ camps and lessons.
Later relocated to Sri Lanka.
Currently the owner of Bears Café at Niseko Annupuri Ski Resort.
Briege Mcentee
Snowboard judge
Briege McEntee is the owner and designer of Public Menace, a streetwear brand built on bold expression and creativity. As a freestyle snowboard coach, they bring the same fearless energy to both their designs and the sport.
Ryunosuke Tanaka
Ski judge
Ryunosuke Tanaka is the Manager at Niseko Management Service, bringing extensive experience in the ski industry. Passionate about the Niseko region and freestyle skiing, and he actively promotes the sport and fosters a strong skiing community. With a deep commitment to hospitality and outdoor sports, he strives to enhance the Niseko experience for both visitors and locals.
Tadeo
Leslie
Snowboard Judge
28 years old from Patagonia, Argentina.Full cert ski and snowboard instructor. Freeride professional athlete, 4x times champion of South America Freeride tour ,Freeride judge by IFSA and FIS slopestyle Judge.Produced in 2019 movie called “Matanuska” in Alaska.Sponsors: Affinity snowboards, Bouton Lefam and Freeride Argentina.
Emi
Matsuura
Ski Judge
Niseko Local.
Pioneer of Women’s Freestyle Skiing.
Freestyle Ski Halfpipe Athlete.
Ranked 7th in the World.
After competing in World Cups around the world, she moved to Niseko to share the joy of freeskiing through kids’ camps and lessons.
Later relocated to Sri Lanka.
Currently the owner of Bears Café at Niseko Annupuri Ski Resort.
FAQ
Anyone with sufficient skiing or snowboarding experience can sign up.
Registration can be done online through our website. All sign-up’s will need to upload a video of themselves riding alongside an official registration form. From there, selected participants will be contacted via email.
We recommend early registration – spots fill quickly!
No, it’s free entry!
Riders will be judged based on:
・Style and creativity
・Technical difficulty
・Execution
・Overall impression
This year’s event has a total prize pool of ¥500,000 in cash prizes!
Raffle tickets are sold at Rhythm Niseko stores (Hirafu, Summit, Setsu).
Also we will sell the tickets at the event site 1pm-4pm on 1st March.
Ticket: 500JPY
Prizes: Epic prizes from our favourite brands!
Raffle draw: 17:00PM (Times may vary on the day)
All proceeds donated to POW Japan.
There will be food stall and pop-up bar options on the night.
Yes! After party will be hosted by Don Julio 1942 presents Hirafu Snow Dome Bar!
Start: 8pm til late
First 100 shots on the house!
Rail Jam Special price drinks all night!
DJ!
Yes, please contact the event organizers to register in advance.
Rhythm Media contact: alex.c@rhythmjapan.com
The event will proceed unless weather conditions pose a safety risk. Any changes to the schedule will be communicated through our social media channels and website.
T&C
- All competitors in the Adult categories must be aged 15 and up.
- All competitors in the Grom category sections must be aged between 6 – 14 years old.
- Event may be postponed or cancelled due to weather
- All participants must register in advance or on the day of the event, subject to availability.
- All participants must sign a waiver releasing the event organizers, sponsors, and venue from liability in case of injury.
Stay in Style at Chatrium Niseko Japan – 10% Off for Rail Jam Guests!
Stay in Hirafu Village, just moments from Grand Hirafu ski lifts and Niseko’s best dining and nightlife. Unwind après-ski at Kamimura, Temporada, or The Flat’s Restaurant & Bar before relaxing in our spacious suites with stunning mountain views.
Enjoy 10% off with promo code “Rail Jam”.
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