FAQ

WHO CAN JOIN THE CLUB?

We're open to all! Whether you're a first time skier or someone who's been snowboarding longer than you've been able to walk, you'll be able to hit the slopes with us. 

WHAT ABOUT GRAD STUDENTS?

While we are a USG (Undergraduate Student Government) funded club, we are open to grad students, alumni, and even faculty! The only difference is that we are not able to apply USG funding to those who are not current undergraduates.

Most trips are subsidized partly by USG funding, so if you're a grad student, alumni, faculty, or even a non-SBU student, you can still go on our trips, but you'll have to pay the standard group price that we're getting from the mountain. This will appear as an option during payment as an upcharge. It'll still be much cheaper than if you were to go on your own.

Are Helmets Required?

Yes! Absolutely! Helmets are required on all Ski & Snowboard Club trips. Skiing and snowboarding are inherently dangerous sports, and a helmet is an incredibly easy way to reduce the risk of injury to your head. We have had Skiwolves in the past whose life has been spared by wearing a helmet, and for that reason we mandate them on all trips. Helmet rentals are available on all trips if you do not own one, but we reccomend making the investment in purchasing one if you plan to head out to the mountains on your own.

What does the Club do during the off-season?

The club is never truly off season. However, when there is no snow on the ground we try our best to have fun trips regardless. During the fall, as long as mountains have their mountain biking parks open, we organize downhill mountain biking trips. Besides for that we have other small indoor and nature oriented trips throughout the year. But once November rolls around, think snow!

IS THERE ANY COMMITMENT TO JOINING?

Not at all! You can join us for just one day or keep coming back trip after trip, the choice is totally yours. We don't charge dues or membership fees.

HOW OFTEN DO YOU GO ON TRIPS?

It varies. Our busiest season is the first 2/3rds of the Spring Semester, when we aim to have trips at least every other week, if not every week. Day trips are usually on Saturdays to allow everyone a day to rest before the schoolweek starts up. Weekend trips last Friday afternoon through Sunday night, and trips over breaks vary, but days spent skiing are usually midweek.

When the weather is warmer we have a variety of off season events and trips. Day trips for mountain biking and ziplining are also usually on Saturdays.

HOW MUCH DO TRIPS COST?

Day trips range from $39 to $65 on average for a lift ticket and transportation. Rental equipment and lessons add to this cost but are still heavily discounted from standard rates. Weekend  and multi-day trips vary based on destination, length and time of season.

HOW LONG DOES YOUR SKI SEASON LAST?

Our winter season lasts from November through late April/early May. We aim to take our first ski/snowboard trip as soon as mountains in the Catskills or Poconos have terrain open, and we traditionally close out our season in Northern New England at Sunday River, Maine.

We offer mountain biking trips from September through late October/early November, as well as trips for other outdoor activities.

I WANT TO GET INVOLVED. HOW CAN I JOIN THE E-BOARD?

We'd love to have you get involved!! One way to help us if you're not on the e-board is by volunteering to drive for trips. Until we get more USG funding, most of our day trips are by van. The commitment for driving is picking up a rental on Friday night (or the night before a trip), thru the night following the trip (when we return the vehicle). Drivers get a discount on their trip and full reimbursement for rental costs, gas and tolls. Email us at sbuskiclub@gmail.com for more info.

If you'd like to join the e-board, the base requirement is that you've been on at least two trips, one of them being a day trip. Elections are held in mid-late April for the following academic year. Available positions are Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, Public Relations and Fundraising Coordinator. To run for President, you must have been on the e-board for at least two semesters. You must also have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or above,  and be able to commit a significant amount of time to the club, especially during our peak winter season. It's a lot of fun and can be incredibly rewarding!