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).
