Andrew Riggs / The Collegian
Heavenly, Kirkwood and, for the locals, Sierra Summit, are just a few of the places people can go to experience some of the joys of winter — snow.
Fans of skiing and snowboarding on campus might be interested to know that they have unofficial winter travel agents at their service.
The Ski & Snowboard Club is open to all students at Fresno State.
The club has been around officially for six years. Club Vice-president Adam Roche, a senior communications major, said that there are over 200 members and that they are always looking for new members.
Andrew Riggs / The Collegian
Students who might be on a tight academic budget do not have to worry about expensive club dues.
In fact, club President Jeremy Yager said the $20 fee covers the club membership and provides plenty of swag opportunities to its members.
Roche said the fee gets members a 10 percent discount at local sporting goods store, Herb Bauer̢۪s.
The club also has a designated night where they get 20 percent off skis and snowboards at Herb Bauer̢۪s.
Members also get a T-shirt with the club logo and have an opportunity to purchase a season pass to Sierra Summit for a discounted price.
This past weekend, the club sent two snowboarders to an invitation-only Urban Rail Jam at the Dodge Ridge ski resort in Modesto.
Andrew Riggs / The Collegian
Roche, who works at Herb Bauer̢۪s, had the inside track to the event from his other employer, Red Bull energy drinks.
“We have a really good relationship with Dodge Ridge, so we got an invite from the general manager to send two of our riders to the competition,â€Â Roche said. “It’s kind of cool because we got the general manager saying we want two riders from your snow club.â€Â
Yager, a senior civil engineering major, said they sent two of their more experienced and better riders to the competition.
Darren Tuttle and Justin Silva had the chance to win $250 and a Santa Cruz snowboard at the competition.
“Both riders faced serious competition and Justin made it to the final round after landing several amazing tricks that pleased the judges,â€Â Roche said.
Twenty-five of the area̢۪s best skiers and snowboarders started atop a 12 foot scaffolding ramp in front of over 500 spectators.
There were two heats to determine who would be selected to ride in the final round.
Tuttle rode in heat two, while Silva rode in the first heat.
“Justin did incredibly well,â€Â Roche said. “I would say top five. They only judge for first place, but maybe he was even top three.â€Â
The event also featured a taco-eating contest sponsored by Taco Bell, a winter carnival and a parade.
Roche and the Ski and Snowboard Club have more plans for dead days other then studying for finals.
“We are taking as many people as we can to Northstar up in Tahoe,â€Â Roche said.
Last year, the club sent over 80 members on a similar trip. $160 covers lodging, lift tickets and most meals.