Molly Lovell
Sports Editor
Calling all skiers and snowboarders, get your equipment ready because USM’s ski and ride club is gearing up for another season of wintry fun.
Beginning in November, the club will travel every weekend to Sunday River or Killington in Vermont as well as to locations in New Hampshire. Don’t fret about those gas prices though because everyone car pools. There are no dues, people pay left over costs out of pocket, and it’s simply a casual atmosphere. “It’s just a bunch of people getting together and having fun,” said Vice President Josh Chase.
Skiers and snowboarders alike are welcome, as are people of all levels. Chase said most of the people who join are already fairly experienced, but if a novice were to join in he’d be more than willing to help them out.
Chase is eager to get the word out about the club. They have ten to twelve very active members right now, but he thinks there are a lot more people who’d like to take part. At the club’s last meeting he saw 25 to 30 new faces.
Though the club receives money from USM to support their efforts, they are working to raise money for a trip to Park City, Utah or possibly Colorado. Last year they raised enough money to travel to Killington for four days. With the money raised, the club was able to cover lift tickets, four nights lodging right on the mountain and at least one meal per day for each person.
The club sold hot chocolate and raffled off a television and lift tickets to aid in their fundraising efforts last year. This year they’ve already had a car wash and plans are in the making to talk to local businesses about donating items for another raffle.
President Ian Slaymaker said Joe Jones and Eastern Mountain Sports could be possibilites. He’s hoping local ski and ride shops will want their name attached to the club.
They are also trying to network beyond campus by joining with the University of Maine at Orono’s outdoors club. UMO’s club is trying to branch out and develop a club similar to USM’s and Chase is hoping the two groups can organize a weekend trip together.
“It’s all about connections,” said Chase. The more people the club can network with, the more opportunities might be presented to them.
One club member may have a connection that can get the group a cheap rate on a condo for their trip west. Another member works at EMS and is able to score free rentals.
Chase and Slaymaker are especially excited about a trip to Tuckerman’s Ravine in New Hampshire. It’s a deep powder mountain with no lifts, so before taking to the slopes people have to hike to the top. Have no fear though, the club has acquired two avalanche certified members this year.
Those interested in learning more about the ski and ride club should e-mail [email protected].
Molly Lovell can be contacted at [email protected]