Ski Club Is Back With New Traditions And Memories

Anna Gurskaia, Editor In Chief

The Ski and Snowboarding Club is up and running with new traditions and memories.

Originally run by math teacher, Mrs. Foisy, until the 2017-2018 school year, the club came to a rest for about four years until English teacher Mr. Johnson decided to advise it. 

“I revived the club this year, but I should say that it probably wouldn’t have happened without support from Mr. Danby, Mr. Connors, Mr. Girardin and the nursing staff.” The club went to Berkshire East four Wednesdays after school, and just went on their last trip on February 16th. Mr. Johnson enjoyed skiing and snowboarding with the students and the connections that were made between the club members throughout their trips. 

 “Snowboarding has been such a big part of my life for over 30 years, so I was excited for the opportunity to share my love of the mountain with my students,” he said. The biggest challenge Mr. Johnson faced as he tried to start the club was recruiting enough kids to cover the cost of the bus, but in 2022 he was able to secure 16 students and restart the club.  

  “We rented one of those big comfy King Gray buses, and everyone got along really well and had a ton of fun,” Mr. Johnson said. “The cost for all trips is $250, and that includes lift tickets and transportation on the bus.” 

A large part of his motivation to start the club, besides his love of the sport, was because he knew it would benefit the students after being stuck inside. “This club got them out, under the stars, on the summit of a mountain with their friends. You can’t beat that! I think we may have started a new tradition, too: meeting at the top of the mountain to take pictures with the sun setting on the horizon.”

 The members thought the club was a great opportunity for those who were able to join. “We were a fairly small group, but everyone was incredibly friendly, and Mr. Johnson was a wonderful advisor and encouraged us all to get to know each other. I’m glad joined because I met some new people and it gave me a chance to spend time with old friends too,” junior Emily Gariepy reflected. Her favorite part of being in the club was being able to take multiple trips to the mountains this year, as the club ran a single day trip to Mount Snow during the winters of 18-20. “We got to take four trips this year and I personally thought that was more fun and it felt like it made it more worth the money, compared to taking one singular ski trip. I would absolutely recommend more people join the ski club next year. It can definitely be expensive, but getting to be with other people who love the mountain and the thrill of skiing or snowboarding as much as you do makes it worth it.”  

 Another member, junior Katelynn Heinrich Stewart, recalled how the club has inspired her to join other school sports teams. “Ski Club was probably the highlight of my junior year and because of it, I’m very encouraged to try Volleyball next year.” Being very nervous to join during her freshman year, she finally went for it and made so many new friends and experienced so many new things. “My sister is going to be a freshman next year, and I’m going to make sure she doesn’t make the same mistake I did my freshman year.” 

Mr. Johnson and the students are looking forward to more years of trips and friendships. “We are definitely looking to recruit even more students next year.” If you are interested in joining the club, feel free to reach out to Mr. Johnson. Everyone is welcome!