Josiah Welch | Features Editor | jwelch3@mail.smcvt.edu
Photos by Amelia Tierney.
The snow is falling this winter, but you’re not into skiing? Snowboarding not your thing? When winter rolls in, many students dream of hitting the slopes. But what if you’re looking for something different? Vermont winters offer a wide range of activities beyond the traditional downhill rush. From snowshoe hikes or ice climbing to yoga in the commons or a trip to an indoor climbing gym, there are a variety of ways to stay healthy and active during the long winter months
Winter can be far more enjoyable when you find a way to get outside and away from your everyday routine. Kyle Casabonne, ’27, Business Administration major and member of Shred MC said he felt like his winter was over after a bone bruise in his knee stalled his skiing. “Having to find new hobbies has been a challenge,” Casabonne said. Along with rehabbing his knee, he said ice fishing, hiking and ice skating keep him busy and help fill the void left by not being able to ski has left.
The St. Michael’s College Adventure Sports Center (ASC) offers a variety of opportunities for anyone looking to have an experience in the outdoors. Director of the Adven-
ture Sports Center, Eben Widlund said “I think it is important to get away from what can be a stressful residential area.” The Center offers winter trips led by trained student instructors and professional staff.
These include day hikes to local mountains, ice climbing trips at Smugglers Notch, or for those really up for adventure mountaineering. All the necessary equipment for any ASC led excursion is provided by the college and transportation is also free. The ASC knows thatoutdoor winter activities can be expensive and wants to make it moreaccessible to students. “When I lookat a student on an ice climbing trip, it’s about $3,000 worth of equipment,” Widlund said. Students do not need any previous experienceor training to participate.
For students looking to grow their skills and gain more experience, there are opportunities to participate in the instructor training program starting in the spring.
Gretchen Reynolds, ‘27, became a student instructor after weeks of training and taking part in multiple different ASC-led trips. Reynolds said she appreciates watching the growth of other students trying new activities. The opportunity to meet other people and make connections is a big part of these trips and what makes them so rewarding. The outdoor events calendar found on the ASC’s website gives a full list of the opportunities and dates for all the trips planned. February is packed with day hikes and learning how to ice climb. If you are interested in signing up, just stop by the Adventure Sports Center on the ground floor of Alumni Hall or register through their email, Adventuresports@smcvt.edu.
Beyond just taking part in the ASC’s planned trips and using their equipment for any adventure of your own, there are other ways to engage and connect in the surrounding community. For students especially there are discounts offered, like ice skating at the C Douglas Cairns Recreation Arena in South Burlington or Leddy Park Arena in the New North End of Burlington at just $5. Want to try rock climbing? Check out Petra Cliffs Climbing Center and Mountaineering School in Burlington and take advantage of discounted climbing day passes, punch cards, or memberships which include free guest passes starting at just $70 a month for students. They are open 7 days a week and until 10 p.m. on weekdays. They also offer outdoor excursions through their mountaineering school so you can take your climbing to the next level.
Photos by Norah Beckwith.
If you are looking for a little more relaxed afternoon, try taking a glass blowing class at AO Glass in Burlingtonand leave with a glass piece of your own design. Classes are offered in time slots Thursday-Saturday and registration is made easy through the AO Glass website. While there, check out an inventory of hand-crafted glass pieces and learn about the company’s history turning an old-age craft modern.
Looking to stay on campus? Try out yoga in the commons. A strong and slow style class with restorative poses preparing the mind for the obstacles of everyday life. Taking place at the International Commons every Tuesday from 5:00-6:15 pm. No prior yoga experience is necessary and all equipment is provided.
If you’re looking to just enjoy the view, the Sea Caves at Arthur Park are a great example of winter wonders on full display. Accessi- ble by a frozen pond and a short hiking trail, these unique natural features are elevated in the winter months. Just a short 15 minute drive from the St. Michael’s College campus. Even closer is The Flynn
Center, a theater and live music venue. It offers shows year round including a Sam Morril comedy show or former Trutv Impractical Jokers star Sal Vuncano performance. Visit The Flynn Center’s website to find dates for both of those shows and many more. Just down the road from The Flynn is the Echo Leahy Center. Built in 1959 this science museum and aquarium displays Lake Champlain inspired exhibits. The family oriented Echo is an engaging and informative experience. Tickets for admission start at $18 for students and the center is open 7 days a week. Make sure to bring some friends and don’t miss out this winter.