Boot ‘N’ Paddle: A Look into the Outing Club’s Spring Semester
What’s up, booters-n-paddlers? The residents of 58 Park Street are back, better-rested and fired up for the upcoming semester—and we hope you feel the same. I spent my break skiing and dreaming of snow. I am incredibly disappointed by what has become the standard Christmas thaw (f*ck climate change), but it seems winter has returned to the Northeast (woohoo!!!). Now that we’re back, the Outing Club has been plotting a few major events for this semester, as well as continuing with our regularly scheduled trip programming, so it’s time to break out your snowpants and pull on your mittens as we head into the semester.
As some of you know, the OC hosts the biggest event of the year every spring: TITUS. For those of you new to a SLU spring semester, TITUS is friggin’ rad. We’ll pile onto the Richard F. Bush ’52 Quad for a Rail Jam on Friday, March 6, then head to Titus Mountain Saturday morning, March 7, for a full day of skiing, live music and general epic fun. Everyone is welcome at Rail Jam—and no matter if you’re skiin’, ridin’ or hangin’ out, après-ski attitudes and attire are strongly encouraged (dare I say mandatory?). In order to travel with us via bus to Titus Mountain on Saturday, however, tickets are required. More info will be coming soon; keep an eye out. I highly recommend coming to the mountain—it’s a classic St. Lawrence event, and one of the best weekends of the year.
For those of you new to snow or skiing, don’t worry! We will be putting on several Learn-to-Ski events in the weeks leading up to TITUS. These are low-stakes afternoons on the Quad where you can borrow our gear, and we’ll help you learn how to ski! In addition, there will be some Learn-to-Rail opportunities, where I’ll be getting bruised up falling off the PVC pipe all day. Stay tuned for upcoming details; both will be announced well in advance. Also, the outdoors are meant for everyone. No matter your ability or comfort level, we’ll meet you where you are and help build some confidence. No experience at all is necessary. We’d love to see you out there.
Other trips will continue to go out per usual. I definitely want to ski tour up Azure Mountain (a moderate trek with a lively ski trail down), and would love to venture into the High Peaks to find some freshies (snowpack-dependent, of course). I am also a big fan of winter camping, so be on the lookout for a fort building or a overnight lean-to somewhere.
All of these activities (and more) will be announced via our email ListServ, so if you’re not yet on the list or are having issues receiving emails, let us know! There is also the Spring Club Fair happening today, Feb. 1, from 4-6 p.m. in the Student Center, and we’ll be around to talk winter or answer questions. The vast majority of folks living in the OC this semester are snowsports enthusiasts—come hang and talk about skiing, gear and snow! Join us, won’t you?
Your Phriendly Neighborhood Outing Club correspondent,
Ella Robjent ’28