Ski club offers new experiences
By: Hunter McIntyre
Sports Editor
At Hudson Valley Community College there are many clubs and organizations to join, but the Ski and Snowboard Club offers experience and discounted prices.
Last semester the longtime adviser of the club, Thomas P. Rogan, retired. Putting the responsibility in the hands of interim advisor, Keith Thomas.
Thomas has been the athletic trainer for Hudson Valley Community College since 2004. He’s been skiing for years and volunteered for the position of adviser because of his experience and passion for the sport.
The club originally started in the 90s but things are changing this year due to Rogan’s retirement. However, the club is still planning to do their annual trips.
In the past ski club has visited Gore and Hunter Mountain but this year they plan on attending Jiminy Peak.
“I love it when students come up to me after a big storm and are anxious to get out there,” Thomas said. “We go to Jiminy Peak and we have twilight tickets which means they’re active from 3 p.m. until closing time which is typically 10 p.m., no blackout dates and the tickets are $20.”
“The tickets are non-refundable, cash only and they are electronic so you don’t want your phone or a pack of gum near it because the foil will alter the message from the pass to the gate,” Thomas continued.
Tickets are generally twice as expensive so this is a deal for anyone who wants to learn to ski or is just looking for cheap tickets since the club is meant for everyone. According to Thomas, roughly 30 – 50 students generally attend and they can purchase more than one ticket at a time.
As a future goal, Thomas said, “I’d like to eventually get trips on board with it, like overnight trips but I don’t know if that going to be in the works at this point in time.”
“It’s really a great club we didn’t have like formal meetings like other clubs on campus but the tickets are just such a great price and it’s amazing to be around so many people who share the same passion for skiing and snowboarding,” said Jacob Swanson, a liberal arts major.
“You don’t need to be an expert,” Swanson said. “Last year we had people who had just bought skiis and some that rented but we also had people who have been doing it for years,” he said. “It’s great for everyone because of all the great hills for starters and experts plus its no big loss if you end up not liking it or discovering its not your thing because the tickets are cheap and the club has no commitment.”
The Ski and Snowboard Club is a great way to meet people with similar interests and to save money whether you’re a pro or beginner. To purchase tickets, visit Thomas in MCD 173.