Winter allows for snow activities, fun
Campus Times
February 27, 1998
Summer always brings fun and fitness. The sun, the beach, surfing, blading
and volleyball.
But what is there to do in the winter, during the cold dreary wet months,
when all life seems to offer is a warm fireplace and a good book?
But there is only so much relaxation one can take before they go cross-eyed
and restless. Luckily, this week with 2-3 feet of new snowfall on the nearby
mountains there are plenty of outdoor activities only a short road trip
away.
Of course there is the traditionally-loved sport; snow skiing. For those
summer-lovers out of the loop, that is the one with two long skis that are
strapped to the bottom of one's feet that send the skier racing down the
powdered mountain.
Or for the more conventional snow sporters that enjoy surfing or skateboarding
during the warmer months, there is the snowboard. It is a wider, shorter
"ski," in which the boarder fits both feet in standing sideways,
and does not include poles. Some find it to be easier than snow-skiing,
while others just cannot seem to get the hang of it.
Senior Matt Rinehart has been snowboarding for six years. "I skateboarded
before that so it's an easy transition for me. I go about once or twice
a week. I like it, it's a good hobby."
Need not be a pro or even have past experience skiing or snow boarding.
At Snow Summit, located in the San Bernardino Mountains only two hours away,
there are lessons that include lift tickets and a few hours of instruction
for only $49.
The lessons guarantee results, and if the potential skier cannot pick
up the talent, an instructor will continue the lessons until possible.
"Snow skiing is easy to learn. My brothers took me up a hill and
I learned," said Senior Steven De los Reyes, who learned to ski when
he was 9 years old.
Angela Mlinarevic, sophomore, has just began snowboarding at Bear Mountain
this season. "It is easy, but it is difficult getting up in the beginning."
There is also the newly acclaimed snow sport: snow skating, or skiing
on Lazer Blades, which integrates rollerblading and snow skiing to create
a boot almost identical to rollerblades, but with an actual blade attached
to the bottom. It is said that learning to ski on Lazer Blades is easier
than traditional skis because turning is much faster and requires much less
effort. Lazer Blades can be used with or without poles.
Because snow skating is still so new, not every ski zone accommodates
snow skaters, although Snow Summit and Bear Mountain, also located in the
San Bernardino Mountains do allow them.
So, it has been established that there are activities during the winter
months, but most average students cannot afford purchasing snow skiis, a
snowboard or snow skates and a lift ticket.
No worries, there are always rentals. At Snow Summit ski and snowboard
rentals are $16. An all day adult lift ticket from 8 a.m.- 4 p.m. is $32
and night skiing lift tickets costs only $24.
"It's expensive unless you get a season pass, then it's not bad
at all. It's definitely worth it," said Rinehart.
Although the cost still may seem high for some students, it does not
mean they must be confined to the indoors.
For absolutely nothing the snow can be enjoyed by simply borrowing a
trash can lid and sliding down a mountain (tree-cleared, of course). And
for those students who can afford to splurge just a bit, a discus can be
bought for $5-$10 at any grocery store near the snow.
Of course, there is the always traditional building of a snow man, which
costs nothing and requires no equipment.
For more information on snow activities call Snow Summit at (909) 866-5766
or Bear Mountain (909) 866-5753.
Snow Summit recommends making ticket reservations for weekends.
