Tucked in the mountains of Eastern Washington, Mt. Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park has a quiet reputation for producing some of snowboarding's best rail riders. This February, it became the backdrop for something a little different, and honestly, a lot more fun than your average contest.

On February 21st, over 20 women gathered at the top of the Mt. Spokane terrain park for the second annual Girls Gone Metal, a grassroots rail jam and community ride session dreamed up by local up-and-comer Lilith Ellis. With a background in gymnastics and skateboarding, Lilith has been turning heads fast - but what's maybe even more impressive than her riding is what she's built off the hill.

The highlight of the day? The unveiling of a custom pink Girls Gone Metal rail, fully funded by public donations and fabricated by local welder Maxine Klane. Spoiler: it rode perfectly.

Year 2 delivered everything Year 1 promised - sunshine, steel, dancing, and women from across the PNW making real connections, learning new tricks, and cheering each other on like they'd been riding together for years. What made it special wasn't just the riding though. The whole mountain showed up. Guest services rocking glitter. A lift op asking every girl loading the chair if they were "going to hit some steel?" Park crew keeping things pristine all day long.

This is the kind of event that reminds you why snowboarding matters. Rider-driven, community-first, and driving the culture. Keep an eye on Lilith Ellis and on Girls Gone Metal. This one's only getting bigger.

Words and Images by Erica Stark.