If you want to know about the club that brings stoke to the (mild) slopes, you are in the right place. 

Whether you are just now hearing about what cross-country skiing is or you’ve been racing competitively your whole life, you have a place on the snow with us. Our goal is to extend the passion of XC skiing to all those interested, regardless of skill. 

Accessibility is the key to enjoying the North Country winters! Before I graduate at the end of this semester, I wish to vastly grow the club to have a stronger presence at SLU and to be able to have something for everyone. 

With the help of Co-President Zoe Starkey ’25, I think we can accomplish just that. Having been resurrected post-COVID-19 by former club president Sheridan Millington ’24, Club Nordic now has a sizeable budget that will greatly aid us in our first funded season in several years! 

We have allocated money for travel expenses, registration fees, waxing supplies, and maybe even team swag in the future! 

Speaking of travel, we plan to host trips to Higley Flow State Park, Mt. Van Hoevenberg, Gatineau Park (Ottawa), The Vic (Paul Smith’s), and various race locations. Don’t have time to take a half-day trip? Come slide around on the golf course with us every week! 

We plan to meet at a regular time twice during each week, as well as take a trip to one of the above locations each Sunday, so be there or be square. We’ll be utilizing the OP gear room to get skis under our feet and SLU vans to get us to the farther trail systems, so don’t worry about any cost! 

The Avenue of the Elms is a beautiful and perfect spot to learn how to ski if that is what’s holding you back. 

We’d be happy to teach you; I’m sure you’re a natural. 

For those interested in racing, you’ll be happy to know that we’re in the process of getting SLU registered with the US Collegiate Ski and Snowboard Association! 

This will give us the opportunity to improve our craft alongside other schools across the Northeast at various locations, including New York, Vermont and New Hampshire. 

The race atmosphere is truly a one-of-a-kind experience; some people are there to win, some are there for a good workout, and others are there for the love of the sport! Additionally, Paul Smith’s College’s Nordic Team has expressed an interest in supporting us in our endeavors by providing us access to their world-class trail system. 

Thank you, Paul Smith’s College! XC skiing is an amazing full-body exercise that can help you destress from your busy, stressful week. 

Nonetheless, it is a great way to explore the North Country and beyond. 

There’s only one rule to follow: have fun! 

“I am really looking forward to spending time in our backyard here at SLU and exploring new places like Higley Flow!” said Starkey. “I’m excited about the possibility of racing and to teach new people how to ski! Cross country skiing is such a fun way to enjoy the snow while we have it, and I can’t wait to enjoy it with members of the club!” she continued. 

Regardless of your reason to ski, we hope to have you with us, making the most of our annual dwindling snow. So let’s go outside SLU!