Annual Vernon Ski Trip
February 10, 2010 • Ben Stokes
Filed under Student Life
The town of Vernon’s Ski trip is starting up again this January. A five week program where students in grades 8-12 get a chance to go up to Massachusetts and do some night skiing. The mountain that you travel to every week is Berkshire East; also know as the “Beast of the East.” Although not a very large mountain, it is always a fun time going down the same trails with all of your close friends.
Ski trip is talked about year around by those who take part in the event.
“I start preparing for next year after the last one starts,” says a four year veteran of the trip, Bobby Waggoner.
Not the best skier or snowboarder? That doesn’t mean that you don’t have a chance to go on the trip. There are different rates that cover different packages for this trip. For example, you can get a deal where you have lessons and rentals for around $300 dollars. If you don’t need lessons and just rentals there is a deal for that too. Don’t need lessons or rentals? Then you are paying the lowest price of around $200 dollars. All of these prices are flat rates that are paid once you sign up.
This fee also includes a bus ride up and back which is equally as fun as the skiing and snowboarding itself. They are coach buses where you can sit comfortably with all of your friends, eat as much as you want, and watch a good movie or two. Things have been known to get out of control once in a while but it’s all out of good fun.
Here are a couple of tips if this is your first time on the ski trip. First, bring your own food! They have a cafeteria there that serves delicious food, if you are willing to pay a lot of money. You are allowed to eat on the buses like I said before so if you want to just bring a couple dollars for a snack that is fine. Just don’t rely on their cafeteria if you’re trying to save some pennies.
Also, dress as warm as possible! In case you weren’t aware this is the middle of winter. Not only that but it is night time when you are skiing or snowboarding down these slopes. Goggles, a face-mask, gloves, jackets, and snow pants are a must if you want to avoid frost bite.
“Hand warmers and under armor are what help me stay warm every Friday night,” says Jenna Poist, a third year veteran of the trip.
Last but not least, make sure you are always with a friend. Being out on a mountain like Berkshire East, it is very easy to get lost. If you are with someone it will reduce the chance of getting lost. Also if you get hurt, being with someone will make it easier to notify ski patrol and get you to safety faster.
If you keep all this in mind than you will have some of the best Friday nights of your life. The memories will stick around for years to come and if you’re lucky you’ll make a new friend or two out there. If you’re too late this year, but are still interested come November 2010 you can sign up at the building located in the center of Henry Park.
Have fun and happy skiing!
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