Titus Has Returned
I’m sure you’ve heard, either from your great third uncle on your mother’s side who graduated in ’69 or your Admissions tour guide, that “The Final First Ever 12th Annual Evolutionary Great Mt. Titus Gnarly North Country Global Cool Down Wicked Weekend Ski Event” is one not to miss throughout your time at St. Lawrence. Lucky for us, it’s making a grand return this March 1st and 2nd.
Historically, Titus was the biggest event at St. Lawrence University, predated by the infamous “Snow Bowl” event (1930-2011) which was nationally recognized in PLAYBOY magazine. The new Titus tradition began in 2010 and continued annually through 2020, even raved about in POWDER ski magazine. A dusty box in the Outing Club basement preserves centuries of Titus memorabilia, serving as a testament to the enduring spirit of exploration even in sub-degree weather. As a small liberal arts school in the North Country, a strong community connection is embodied in St. Lawrence tradition and helps us appreciate the unique long and cold winter season. Titus acts as a time to come together and celebrate the winter and provides an exciting date to look forward to in the push through spring semester.
The weekend kicks off on Friday, March 1st, at 4 pm with a bang. Facilities and the Outing Club collaborate to transform the Kirk Quad into a hub of activity with the annual rail jam. The week before, you will find them creating a snow mound decorated with rails and jumps, offering participants the chance to showcase their skills in front of a cheering crowd. Students swarm to spectate, adorned in their tackiest 80’s snow gear. Rail jam provides an inclusive opportunity for SLU students to experience the North Country regardless of ski experience. And for those who prefer to stay off skis, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the festivities, including a women’s frying pan toss or hanging around the grill while the Outing Club cooks up Canton’s finest hot dawgs.
But the excitement doesn’t end there. Saturday the 2nd brings the main event: a full day of skiing, snowboarding, and dancing at Titus Mountain. Buses leave the Vilas Hall Parking lot at 9 am and head east toward Malone. Students arrive at the upper mountain, which is reserved for SLU students only. In the past, the Titus event happened at the lower lodge amidst the general public – it’s safe to say this will never happen again. SLU students are free to explore the lodge, ski trails, and trees of the upper mountain unencumbered by the fear of our shenanigans becoming a spectacle of the local Malone community. Once safely off the bus, students file into the lodge to put ski gear on and wet their whistles. This year, we will have a couple of hours to adjust to the altitude, take some laps on the hill, and try your chance speed dating on the double chair before the music begins. Around high noon, we will be graced by the musical accolades of Marcy band and Sprawl, new hyphy student bands. Following Sprawl, DJ Lucki Luc will take the stage and serenade us into a mosh pit of drum and bass house music.
As we eagerly anticipate the return of the “Final First Ever 12th Annual Evolutionary Great Mt. Titus Gnarly North Country Global Cool Down Wicked Weekend Ski Event” on March 1st and 2nd, it’s clear that Titus Weekend holds a special place in the hearts of St. Lawrence students past and present. This year’s Titus is of utmost importance. It is an effort to revive the St. Lawrence Tradition post-COVID. From its humble beginnings to its evolution into a campus-wide celebration of winter and community, Titus embodies the adventurous spirit and camaraderie that defines our university. As we come together to ski, snowboard, and dance against the backdrop of the Adirondack landscape, we reaffirm our connection to each other, our strength to get through the dark winters, and the unique traditions that make St. Lawrence University. So mark your calendars, grab your skis and that 80s neon garb, and join us for a weekend of thrills, laughs, and memories.
Can’t wait to see you all there,
Your Phriendly Neighborhood Outing Club.