Just in time for colder temperatures, Hillsdale students have formed the college’s newest athletic club: Hillsdale College Ski and Snowboard Club.

The Ski Club plans to give students the opportunity to hit the slopes, regardless of skill level, according to club president junior Connor O’Donohue. 

“We want to give students the opportunity to enjoy Michigan winters, whether they’ve skied before or not,” O’Donohue said. “People complain about the weather all the time, but we want to give students an opportunity to have fun together and to enjoy the awesome winters we have here in the state.” 

The Ski Club hosted its first meeting Oct. 27. During the meeting, club leadership unveiled the group’s first resort event: a weekend trip to Caberfae Peaks in Cadillac, Michigan. 

O’Donohue said that the trip would take place on Jan. 13, the day before spring classes begin.

“There are still a few spots left, and if any other people with a car would like to drive, we can add spots to the trip,” O’Donohue said. “Lift Tickets will cost $29. If you don’t have skis or a snowboard, rentals are available for an additional $29.”

Club vice president and sophomore Peter Kaiser said the group has an ambitious long-term vision, with hopes to stay in Hillsdale’s Rockwell Lake Lodge or travel to Europe.

“In club leadership, we’ve been talking about making a trip out to New England or Colorado over spring break,” Kaiser said. “While it isn’t set in stone, after talking with the administration, there’s a decent possibility we could use college shuttles and stay at Hillsdale’s cabins as well for our in-state trips. Our most ambitious goal, though, is to make a trip to Austria by senior year.”

O’Donohue emphasized that the club is open to skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels, welcoming both beginning and returning enthusiasts. 

“If you’ve never skied before, this is a great way to get into it,” O’Donohue said. “We have a number of experienced skiers who we know are going to be coming on some of these events we’re having, and they would love to help you learn how to ski.” 

Sophomore Reagan Kobach, the club’s secretary, encouraged students to sign up for the club email list by contacting codonohue@hillsdale.edu, and to follow the club’s Instagram page, @hillsdaleskiclub, for further information as details are finalized. The initial enthusiasm, Kobach said, is tremendous. 

“I’ve talked to so many people on campus who have skiing as their foundational hobby,” Kobach said. “I made an Instagram account, didn’t even have to promote it, and we gained over 100 followers just from people excited about a Hillsdale skiing club.” 

Sophomore Marcelle Little is one of the club’s experienced skiers, and earliest members. She said she remembers asking her orientation guide during her first time on campus whether Hillsdale had a ski club.

“I started skiing when I was probably 8, so for about the past 11 years or so,” Little said. “I never thought that I would like teaching people how to ski, but I did, and I found this was a really fun way to share what I love with them, and watch them learn, as they keep building from there.” 

The financial commitment for prospective members, according to O’Donohue, is intentionally minimal. 

“There aren’t any dues to join the club, and there’s no financial obligation,” O’Donohue said. “We’ve been working with multiple different ski areas to get the best group rates for our trips, and we’ve been able to get the cost of skiing substantially lowered — people are surprised at how affordable a ski trip can actually be.” 

As winter weather rolls in across Hillsdale’s campus, Little said she is confident the ski club will be an attractive alternative to the winter blues. “It’s really a good club, and such a wonderful sport,” Little said. “Come do what you love, hear about our plans, and meet new people that you had no clue were into the same winter sports you are — it’s really a great time.”