From mountain biking in Tibet and the Grand Canyon to sea kayaking classes at the University and hiking at Spencer Butte, the possibilities the University’s Outdoor Program provides for recreation are virtually endless. This winter, the program is taking advantage of the season by offering activities such as cross-country skiing and telemark classes, as well as indoor options such as rock climbing and kayak rolling.
One of the program’s highlights this season is a presentation by snowboarder Stephen Koch, who will speak about his seven-summit trip. On this trip, he boarded the seven highest mountains on each of the continents. The program has tried to land this presentation for the past three years.
The program may not be traveling as far as Mt. Everest any time soon, but if the snow report is good, students can expect winter trips to Oregon’s ski and snowboard resorts.
Students can check for trip possibilities on the trip board at the Outdoor Program office, which provides information such as departure times and costs.
Taran Hart, donations and outreach coordinator for the program, said trips fill up quickly.
Students may also post ideas for trips at the Outdoor Program office. The office has resources such as magazines, books and maps. It also has an office staff available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays.
Community members have to pay a $15 access fee each year to join the program. This grants them access to equipment.
Gear is available for private outings as well. The Outdoor Program has rafts, kayaks, backpacks, sleeping bags, tents and rain gear, among other things. For winter recreation, it has snow shoes, ice axes, collapsible ski poles and snow saws. Deposits are required for gear.
This winter break, the program has planned a sea kayaking trip in Baja, Calif. and the gas and food costs are split between everyone on the trip. The common venture philosophy at the Outdoor Program makes for fairly inexpensive trips and opportunities for outdoor adventures this winter.