By Leslie James, Editor
The weather has brought hints of winter mixed with fall during the month of October, but as the winter months close in, the Sliding Aardvarks have rejoined to plan outings on the slopes.
For $5, students and faculty can join PPCC’s Ski Club, which allows a huge discount for day passes at resorts like Monarch Mountain, Ski Copper, and Eldora Mountain. The club’s new director, Billie Jo Giles, took over this year to shove some love into the group after former leader, Larry Giddings retired.
“We will try to go to more affordable slopes, but if the club has 15 or more people, we can qualify for the group rate at resorts like Arapahoe Basin,” Giles said.
Students are required to fill out waivers and pay for their day pass at each resort, but Giles said lift tickets won’t cost more than $40. Students and faculty can carpool in PPCC’s SUV for each outing.
Club members are encouraged to bring their own friends and family, but those who are not enrolled at PPCC have to drive separately. Skiers and snowboarders are all welcome to come regardless of skill level. They will meet at the designated campus at 6 a.m. the day of the outing, and spend the whole day on the hill, returning about 8 p.m.
Club members are required to have their own gear, including helmets, which are not required, but greatly encouraged! Giles recommends that students bring their own foods, as lodge prices will surely empty a college student’s wallet.
The Sliding Aardvarks are happy to welcome twin sisters, Shelby and Chalee Mullin as the club’s secretary and president.
The Mullin sisters have been skiing since age 9, but are new to Colorado’s renowned slopes.
“I’ll probably stay with the more advanced riders, but I’d also like to help the other inexperienced ones,” Chalee said. “We also have old equipment we could lend out to those who are new.”
“I like to take it slow on the hill and enjoy the ride,” Shelby said.
During the kick-off meeting Oct. 12, 14 students showed up in-person and over WebX. Giles and club participants decided Saturdays will work best for everyone.
Skiiers also proposed fundraising ideas, such as holding a “ski swap” where seasoned skiiers could donate or lend their old equipment to the club.
The first day on the slope will be Saturday, Dec. 1 and all will head up to Monarch Mountain. Price is to be determined.
To join the club, attend the next meeting at Centennial Campus in room A253 Nov. 9 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Remember, forms must be filled out and Giles will collect the $5 membership fee at the next meeting.
The club may decide on different dates, but these are the tentative dates for Spring skiing:
- January 26 Saturday
- February 16 Saturday
- March 16 Saturday
Contact BillieJo.Giles@ppcc.edu to access the waivers and to let her know the full number of your party so she can coordinate with the ski resorts.
