Skiing and Snowboarding are some of the most widely participated in winter sports. Roughly 11.8 million people just in the US ski or snowboard every year. Norwin is no different in that it has tons of students who master the slopes and deserve some spotlight themselves. These students are dedicated to their craft, so much so that they build courses in their own back yards, go to resorts every weekend, or do what they can with the Ski Club. Skiing has always been a popular pastime for Norwin students but this year truly showed that with the frigid temperatures, and the monumental amounts of snow made for a perfect ski season.
Ski Club:
Jan 9-13 the Norwin Ski Club took their annual big trip to Vermont. While in the green mountain state the students were able to ski and two amazing resorts which were Stowe and Sugar Bush. While at the resorts students skied and snowboarded for countless hours with friends.
“The mountain conditions were amazing at these too resorts,” said Ski Club adviser Jack Momeyer. “While sometimes the mountains were a little icy, the skiing is still amazing.”
On the long trip students did more than just ski. They got to tour a Ben & Jerry’s ice cream factory, go bowling, and have a pizza night. Not only that at the end of a long day students could choose to relax in the resorts indoor pool at the end of the day. While ski trips like this usually require some more advanced skill, the ski club offers smaller trips if a student is just starting out. For these smaller trips students usually head to Seven Springs. No matter what you choose to do with Ski Club it is almost guaranteed that you will have a good time with or without friends.
“If you are just starting out skiing make sure to take it slow,” said Momeyer. “Skiing can be a fun lifetime sport if you put the time in.”
Even though this years Ski Club events have come to a close, next year for the 25-26 season looks just as bright as the last. This coming year the trip on the list will be taking students to Vermont again to Killington and Pico resorts. If you are looking for fun in the snow Ski club is your place to look.
Students:
Some students eat, breathe, and sleep on the slopes. Skiers and/or snowboarders like junior Karlie Johnson, and senior Jake Osterberg ski almost every week hitting the slopes two to three times a week. To get to that level of dedication they have been practicing and getting better for a majority of their lives.
“I began skiing around the age of 8. After about 4-5 years of skiing on and off, I realized I enjoyed snowboarding more,” said Osterberg. “I have been snowboarding every winter since then.”
Skiing and snowboarding for these students is more than just a hobby instead it’s ingrained into their lives. It doesn’t make up their entire life, but more often than not it gives these students a place to have fun over the winter. Many of these students have a lot going on with school and extracurriculars, but still find time to purse their passion in the snow.
“I love skiing because it gives me the opportunity to be outside and in nature while also being active,” said Johnson. “Being an athlete, it gives me something to look forward to in the winter.”
Many of the Skiers at Norwin’s home resort is Seven Springs ski resort. Out of the 33 slopes at Seven Springs some stand out more than others. To like a certain run is more than just if it’s challenging or just about the slope itself it can be more than that. For example on the Gunner Lift there is a run called Lost Girl. While the run itself is fun one of the best parts about it is the scenic chairlift ride up to it.
“Skiing is awesome and a great way to meet new people and stay active,” said Johnson. “It’s also a great way to get into nature.”
While Seven Springs is the majority of peoples home resorts, many people live to venture away from the commonality of the home resort. Snowboarder Jake Osterberg is the prime example of that. He has gone to more local resorts like Seven and Wisp, but he has widened his horizons to an unprecedented scale by going to resorts like Big Sky in Montana, and Copper Mountain in Colorado. Having this long of a skiing resume Osterberg knows the kind of terrain he likes best.
“I love all kinds of terrain– but a good, steep tree run is unmatched. Any run that requires an extra challenge is where I have the most fun,” said Osterberg. “I also enjoy storm days especially, as extra snow gives good cushion for progression.”
While the resorts and terrain are some of the most important parts of skiing and snowboarding, to many people so is the equipment. Some of the most popular equipment comes from Patagonia, and Arc’teryx. Those brands are more renowned for their clothing like outerwear. Some brands aren’t always as accessible to your every day person for example the Vermont based company Skida.
“My favorite brand right now is Skida,” said Johnson. “They are a Vermont based brand, and you can pretty much only get it there so it’s pretty exciting to get it.”
Skiing/Snowboarding is not just an activity for a select group of people. It is a global culture that takes everyone in. People should always try to get out and give it a shot. Skiing could allow you to travel the world, meet new people, have fun with friends and so much more.
“The ski culture is also very welcoming, as everyone can embrace their own unique style on the mountain,” said Osterberg. “Get out there one day, start small, and work your way up!”
