By Andrea Bickford, Staff Writer
A mountain, some snow, and a large group of friends is all you need to have an outdoor experience unlike any other. Here at UMass Dartmouth, the Ski and Snowboard Club knows that better than anyone.
If you’re looking to get out into the open air and escape the mundane schedule of the school week, then you might consider joining the Ski and Snowboard Club. This club offers students a unique opportunity to escape university stress and feel the freedom of speeding down the face of a mountain.
While the Ski and Snowboard Club lacks typical club meetings, they make up for it with all-day trips to one of the various mountains located within the New England area. Because the all-day trips take place on Saturdays and transportation is provided, it is an easy way for you and your friends to take a daycation away from campus!
The cost to attend one of the club’s all-day trips is less expensive than you might expect. For only $50.00 for students and $55.00 for non-students, anyone can have a thrilling day on the mountain. The president of the Ski and Snowboard Club, Jonathan Greve, pointed out, “Students join the club because…they can expect to pay half the price of a normal ticket.” Paying only half of the original price for a ticket is a mountainous discount! Greve adds, “It is an expensive sport, but we offer a cheaper option.”
If you don’t have friends that want to accompany you on one of their all-day trips, there is no need to worry. That is because the Ski and Snowboard Club encourages you to make new friends within their community. Greve explains, “This year, our big goal was to invite new students to come in and meet us, as well as tune and wax their equipment; which we offer for free to trip-goers.” You can enjoy making new friends while watching a movie and tuning your gear.
Some of the most memorable ski and snowboard experiences are with the new friends you make. Greve recalls that one of his best memories was, “Riding in big groups of people with all of your friends and looking around and seeing the trail is filled with people that you know.”
Don’t be intimidated if you are new. The Ski and Snowboard Club is open to all students of all ability levels. Whether you are a novice or an expert, you’ll fit right in with their group of outdoor adventurers. Greve advises students to, “Definitely try it, and keep trying it. A lot of people can get frustrated their first time, but once you get your feet under you it’s a lot more enjoyable.”
The club will be taking all-day trips to Killington on 2/10/18, Okemo on 2/24/18, and Sunapee on 3/3/18.
If you are interested in joining the Ski and Snowboard Club or need more information, you can reach out to either their President, Jonathan Greve, Vice President, Patrick McNamara, Secretary, Jade Anderton, or Treasurer, Alex Russel. They can be found at their table in the campus center during the week before a trip, between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. You can also sign up and pay for a trip at their table.
Go ahead and take advantage of the low prices, bring old friends, meet new friends, get out into nature, and most importantly have an adrenaline-fueled day away from your responsibilities. Get your thrills in now, because spring is just around the corner!