Every Friday after school – when Ohio is lucky enough to get snow – students load the charter buses. These buses, characterized by the pizza, Mountain Dew, and movies provided for the long drive, cart the students up to Snow Trails Mountain for Ski Club."The bus can be really nice," comments one student. "You don't have to waste gas money to get up there, and if you're with your friends, it's really fun."
Some older students would rather drive up on their own, preferring the freedom to the convenience of the bus. By driving alone, students are free to leave at any time, or stay until all the lifts have closed. The biggest danger of self-transportation is the potential of icy roads while driving home late at night.
Most students have their own snowboards or skis, which can be transported on the bus or in a ski rack. For those who do not, rental services are available at Snow Trails. The line is usually an ungodly length, so many students who do not want to invest in skis or a snowboard can rent seasonally from Aspen Ski and Board.
For the most devoted skiers and snowboarders, and those who have never had the opportunity to experience real mountains, Ohio’s small hills can still provide entertainment. Many snowboarders now consider themselves experts at finding impromptu jumps and routes through the park’s “glades.” Icy runs and dirt patches are routine inconveniences on many Ohio hills, especially when spring approaches, but many students have high expectations for the season this year because we have already had several snowfalls.
"I hope it'll be good," says Amy Mauger. "But it's Ohio. It's flat."
That is the general consensus among students, who, although they enjoy ski club, recognize that
the terrain is less than satisfactory. Often times, it takes longer to ride up the chair lift than it does to get down the slope, which leaves students with the option of making their own excitement. The terrain park at Snow Trails is the popular destination for most advanced riders and skiers, who enjoy testing their skills on the ramps and rails. Another popular resort in the area is Mad River Mountain, which boasts a better terrain park, according to several riders.Because Ohioan hills are less than satisfactory, Ski Club becomes a very social event. The slow ski lifts provide ample time to talk to your friends, and strapping in at the top of the hill allows for another five minutes of conversation for the snowboarders in the group. When the cold becomes too much to bear, the lodge is an excellent place to get food and hang out. Even watching novice snowboarders tumble down the slope can be an entertaining pastime while warming by the fires inside.
Skiing and snowboarding are great wintertime sports for staying in shape in lieu of less active wintertime activities. Through the Ski Club, students are able to experience an amazing sport to which they would not otherwise have access.
