Winter Wonderland

By Jessica Daniel

Horizon Reporter

The winter can be a hard time for students, with little sun and cold weather. However, this area offers great opportunities for outdoor activities during the winter with some special deals for students.

One of the easiest ways to get involved is through Whatcom’s International Friendship club, which offers students’ activities such as ice skating, snowshoeing, and winter river float trips.

“Our trips are a great way to try out something new in a very safe way and at very low cost,” said Ulli Schraml, who is the advisor of the club activities. Schraml says that all activities involved put safety first, and can be adjusted so everyone has fun.

There are plenty of benefits for participating in the activities, Schraml said. “First of all, you get to meet people from all over the world and you will learn about other cultures,” he said.

Schraml said that all the activities are subsidized and very cheap, especially considering that transportation is included. “In short, it’s a great way to make new friends and to learn something as well: from cultural issues to how to snowshoe or kayak,” said Schraml. If interested, there are flyers at the International Programs office in Syre room 201.

If ice skating and snow shoeing aren’t your thing, how about snowboarding? Considered one of the more popular activities to the residents of Whatcom County, Mt. Baker is as close as it gets.

Student and snowboarder, T.J. Butenschoen, 21, has been snowboarding for the last two and a half years. He said he tries to get up to the mountain at least 20 times a year. One of his favorite runs at Mt. Baker is Sticky Wicket. “It’s really steep and fast,” he said. “I do mute and tail grabs, and occasionally a 180.”

Butenschoen said it costs about $65 with gas for a day pass to get up to Mt. Baker. He usually hitchhikes up to the mountain, but has a word of advice, “Hitch hike only if you are armed.”
The ski area is open from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. If gear is what you need, it can be rented at Mt. Baker along with a day pass ranging from $32.90 to $47.50.

If the season’s pass is what you’re looking for, they range from $535 to $730, with Whatcom students getting a discount for a season pass at $650.00.

However, there are College Pass Requirements. To get the discounted seasons pass, you must be currently enrolled for 12 or more credits, with proof that tuition has been paid for by showing a current registrar’s printout with a receipt of full tuition paid for a minimum of 12 credits along with a current I.D. The pass will not be made without this proof.

The Mt. Baker Cascade Adventure’s Baker Bus offers transportation from Kendall, Maple Falls and Glacier service that is scheduled every day of ski area operation. However, Bellingham service is available only on the weekends and holidays. The prices range from $6 to $12 for pick-up.

Students can also rent gear from Western Washington’s University’s Outdoor Center. Although Whatcom students don’t get a discount, Western has all types of gear available for a reasonable price.

Activities for January with the Friendship Club

01/15 Ice skating: about $5

01/30 Snow shoeing at Mt. Baker area: $10

Contact Information: 360-303-3244

E-mail: uschramel@whatcom.ctc.edu

2009-10 Mt. Baker ski area events

01/10 Baker Beacon Rally

01/18 Local’s Qualifier

Western Washington University‘s Outdoor Center

Monday through Friday 10am-4:30pm

Located at Viking Union 150 near the Garden St. entrance

(360) 650-3112

Upcoming Western Events:

Wednesday, December 9 to Sunday, December 13

Level 1 Avalanche Certification

When December 9th to December 13th 7 p.m. weekdays, 6 a.m. weekends

Where Outdoor Center

Cost $275 WWU students w/ ID, $290 guests

Saturday, December 12 to Monday, December 21

Wilderness First Responder certification class

When December 12th to December 21st 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Where Outdoor Center

Cost $595.00

Saturday, January 9

Snowshoe Day Hike

When January 9th 8 a.m.

Where AS Outdoor Center

Cost $30 WWU students, $40 guests

Thursday, January 14

Ski/Snowboard Tuning Clinic

When January 14th 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Where AS Outdoor Center

Cost $5.00

Snow Clinic

When January 14th 7 p.m.

Where AS Outdoor Center

Cost $8.0

Saturday, January 23

XC-Ski day trip

When January 23rd 8 a.m.

Where AS Outdoor Center

Cost $30 WWU students w/ ID, $35 guests

Sunday, January 24

Backcountry Ski/Board day trips

When January 24th 8 a.m.

Where AS Outdoor Center

Cost $35 WWU students w/ ID, $40 guests

Equipment Rentals for Western

We only accept cash or checks.

Climbing & Mountaineering

Day                             Weekend

Rock Shoes $4.00 $9.00
Crash Pad $4.00 $9.00
Helmet $2.00 $5.50
Mountaineering Boots $8.00 $18.00
Gaitors $1.50 $3.25
Crampons $3.00 $6.75
Ice Ax $3.00 $6.75

Snow Sports

Snowboard Package $14.00 $31.50
Snowboard $10.00 $22.50
Snowboard Boots $8.00 $18.00
XC Ski Package $7.00 $15.75
XCountry Skis $5.50 $12.25
XCountry Boots $4.00 $9.00
XCountry Poles $1.00 $2.25
Telemark Ski Package $15.00 $33.75
Telemark Skis $8.00 $18.00
TelemarkBoots $8.00 $18.00
Telemark Poles $1.00 $2.25
Climbing Skins $3.00 $6.75
Snowshoes $5.00 $11.25
Snowshoe Poles $1.00 $2.25
Avalanche Tranceiver $5.00 $11.25
Avalanche Probe $2.00 $4.50
Snow Shovel $3.00 $6.75
Snow Saw $1.50 $3.25

Weekend rentals may be picked up after 1 pm on Thursday (if available).

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