Gazette file photo. A large crowd waits in anticipation as a competitor prepares to head down the rail in at last. year's Jibba Jabba .

HOUGHTON — Jibba Jabba returns this winter with major course upgrades, the revival of a fan-favorite feature and increased prize money for top riders of the night. Downtown Houghton’s premier freestyle snowboard event takes place on Saturday, Feb. 14. The event is 100% volunteer driven, is grassroots-based and is broadly supported by community involvement, passion for a shared cause, and snow-sport-loving enthusiasts.

Back by popular demand, Jibba Jabba will reintroduce the original Year One “Volcano” feature, a standout element that helped define the event’s early identity and quickly became a rider and spectator favorite. Organizers are also debuting a new drop-in designed to increase rider speed, allowing for higher-performance tricks and bigger moments throughout the course. Additionally, course designers have released two images of other rail and feature sections.

In addition to the revamped layout, Red Bull Best Stomp is coming back. The crowd-favorite award will once again recognize the single most dialed trick of the night — with one rider taking home a $1,000 cash prize.

Prize money is also increasing across the board. For the first time, Jibba Jabba will award $2,000 to Best Male Rider and $2,000 to Best Female Rider of the night, reinforcing the event’s commitment to progression, equity, and top-tier competition.

“Jibba Jabba has always been a labor of love for us,” said Jenn Reed, co-organizer of Jibba Jabba. “This event is built by community volunteers, sponsors who believe in it, and people who care deeply about snowboarding. We grew up going to grassroots snowboarding events and always said that one day we wanted to host something of our own — something that gives back. Creating a space where young riders feel welcomed, inspired, and supported is how you build the future of snowboarding in a community.”

“I’ve been building features my whole life–my first boxes were literally a high school science project,” said Dustin Reed, course builder and co-organizer. “Jibba Jabba is about pushing creativity and style in a setting that still feels professional, fun, and welcoming. This year’s course is designed for more speed and flow, giving riders the confidence and tools to go bigger than ever, while keeping that community-first spirit at the core.”

Known for its electric atmosphere, creative course design, and after-dark energy, Jibba Jabba continues to draw top regional riders while remaining rooted in the Keweenaw’s grassroots snow culture.