Andrew Riggs / Collegian File Photo

Fresno State̢۪s Ski and Snowboard Club is at an all-time high in membership and has a trip planned for the Northstar-at-Tahoe resort this December.

As the winter season approaches, the Ski and Snowboard Club at Fresno State kicks off its eighth year with club memberships at an all-time high.

This year the club is promoting a major opportunity for snow enthusiasts on campus, a three-day trip to Tahoe.

For less than $200, club members will stay and ride at Northstar-at-Tahoe Resort in Truckee. The price covers a two-day lift ticket, condo-lodging, and some meals.

Club president Darren Tuttle is excited to bring the opportunity to fellow snow lovers on campus.

“The more people we have going on the trip, the less expensive it will be,â€Â Tuttle said.

The trip is planned for Dec. 10 through Dec. 12, during the same time as Dead Days on campus.

“We can study on the bus, but then it’s time to snowboard,â€Â Tuttle said.

Club officers Eric Sutow, vice president, Scott Carter, secretary, and Zoe Hubner, treasurer, join Tuttle in organizing and managing the club̢۪s affairs.

All are snowboarders who share a common interest in “shredding the powder,â€Â as some like to call it.

Although the club is mostly composed of snowboarders, Tuttle said skiers are just as welcome in the club.

“There is none of that ‘skiers versus snowboarders’ stuff in this club,â€Â Tuttle said. “The club is for people who enjoy all snow sports.â€Â

The Ski and Snowboard Club was founded in 2001 by a student who wanted to bring winter sports fans together to make trips cheaper. The club was created with less than 50 people, but now has over 150 members.

Club members pay $20 in membership dues for a year-long membership. Members receive an official tie-dyed Ski and Snowboard Club T-shirt designed by club member Joe Ryan, and also a 10 percent discount at The Boardroom at Herb Bauer Sporting Goods in Fresno.

Meetings usually involve free Red Bull energy drinks and raffle prizes. At the first meeting, a snowboard, pair of skis, snow goggles and DVDs were among some of the items raffled off to members.

Claire McNames, a returning club member, won a free 2008-09 season pass to Sierra Summit.

“I’m really excited,â€Â McNames said. “It’s going to be a great season.â€Â

The club usually meets once a month, but will meet at least three times in November to get ready for the season.

No snow like Tahoe…

The Ski and Snowboard Club will stay three days at Northstar-at-Tahoe

̢ۢ Club membership dues: $20

̢ۢ When: December 10-12 (Campus Dead Days)

̢ۢ Cost: Under $200

̢ۢ For more information about the Ski and Snowboard Club on Fresno State campus, click here.