Flurries are falling outside and most people know what that means! Snow sports season is approaching quickly and Bellefonte’s Ski Club is already strapping in their boots.
The club embraces the winter season and uses its varying opportunities to take both skiers and snowboarders to our local slopes. Ski Club features returning members as well as newcomers; whether you’re ready for the ski lift, or spending your first few sessions with a guide, you are supplied with everything you need for a safe and thrilling ride.
This year, Spanish teacher Ms. Emily Zimdahl-McManus (Profe) stepped up to be an advisor. After a knee injury in college, Ms. Profe chose to abandon her snowboarding career and focus on skiing.
Every year, Ski Club takes a weekend getaway to Killington, Vermont. Though they are unable to go this year, the trip is one of Bellefonte’s most beloved. There are only so many slots, those who get to go spend the weekend in a resort with a ski slope right in their backyard. Not only is the annual trip a snowy escape, but there is nothing quite like the winter wonderland view from the top of the mountain.
“My favorite memory was my first time going to Vermont and seeing the view from the peak of Killington,” senior Austin Smith said.
A few Fridays a year the ski club provides transportation and slope passes to Tussey Mountain. These passes can be used to ski, snowboard, and hangout in the lodge for about six hours. This is a great time to let loose on a Friday night, enjoy the chilly breeze, and cherish the glowing lights of State College from the ski lift.
“My favorite memory is when people would lose skis on the lift and we would have to go get them,” senior Annie Cernuska said.
Ski Club is a great way for students to get out and do something active during the colder months, while also improving student-teacher relationships in a non-school setting. Bellefonte has quite a few staff members that know how to maneuver down a mountain; allowing relationships to develop in diverse environments.
One of the participating staff members is physical education and Back to Nature teacher Mr. Joshua Diehl. Mr. Diehl is all about exercise and he believes that snow sports bring a fun, thrilling twist to getting outside and active.
“Taking a trip out west to Steamboat, Colorado last winter with my best friends is my favorite memory. We had a blast skiing real mountains and snowmobiling in the most snow I’ve ever seen,” Mr. Diehl said.
Not only does Ski Club bring about new friendships, but it also brings families closer. Profe and several students have emphasized the memories made with their family on the slopes.
“I love going to Holiday Valley every year with my family,” senior Brynn Price said.
Snow sports are a growing passion at Bellefonte. Whether you prefer skiing or snowboarding, the rush of flying down a slope is unmatched in any other sport. There is no better feeling than walking into the lodge for some hot chocolate after a long night of binding and bruising.
