Skiers and snowboarders catch a ride on a lift at China Peak Mountain Resort in Lakeshore. Fresno State’s Ski and Snowboard-Club president Dylan Thompson recommends China Peak for beginners.
Winter weather is here and so is the skiing season. Students looking to ski and meet new people have an opportunity to join the Fresno State Ski and Snowboard-Club, which features discount rates for members and allows students the opportunity to get outside and have some fun on the slopes.
Dylan Thompson, president of the club, said its purpose is to build a social group on campus that skis and snowboards and helps people get into the sport with carpooling and good deals. He also said the club aims to help people progress at skiing and snowboarding while making lifelong connections.
Thompson said the club is open to anyone who is interested in making new friends or getting into a new sport.
He said the club has members who have never boarded or skied and recommends China Peak Mountain Resort for beginners.
“China Peak has a great staff to teach people how to board and ski along with more than enough equipment to teach,” said Thompson. “They have two moving carpets and a great academy run.” The club plans to have two to three official club days at China Peak where members will barbecue and kick back.
“We also plan to go to Northstar at Tahoe and a smaller resort called Bear Valley,” said Thompson. “Members get a rad T-shirt, deals on gear, rentals, drink specials and discounts from our sponsors.”
Club members get a discount on rentals at China Peak for those who don’t have the proper skiing or snowboarding gear, said Thompson.
He said there are still $169 season passes available to all college students enrolled in this semester or next.
At China Peak, club members can purchase a season pass for $99. Also at China Peak, members can purchase a lift pass for $67.
Thompson said for the Northstar trip members will get a special deal.
It will cost $290 for two nights and two days of skiing and boarding with breakfast, dinner and beverages. He said a group of six can purchase the deal for $119 each.
Signups for the Northstar trip are due on Dec. 18.
A club meeting will be held on campus on Dec. 11 and 12 to discuss the trip.
To help students enjoy their trip and avoid serious injury, Thompson made the following recommendations:
ӢWear a helmet! It is crucial and an easy way to fix many problems.
”¢Do not take up the whole run and don’t forget to call your drops off slopes when you are in the park!
”¢Make sure your gear fits and is properly suited for the weather, because it will be a long day. If you don’t have the proper equipment, it will be a long and uncomfortable day.
Club meetings are on Wednesdays from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. and on Thursdays from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.