Hey there SLUsers! Feel like you peaked in high school? Not me — I’ve peaked approximately three times now. Want to know the secret behind my success? Peak Weekend! What is Peak Weekend, you ask?
Hunter Corliss, OC house maintenance coordinator and hiking enthusiast, wistfully recalls what Peak Weekend means to him: “Peak Weekend? It’s hard to put into words…I enjoy hiking, but I love Peak Weekend.”
Perhaps this love of Peak Weekend comes from the tradition behind the event. Every year, SLU students simultaneously summit 46 Adirondack high peaks. This year, SLU OC house members will be guiding 14 pre-approved trips of varying length. OC President Hannah Frye released the following statement about this year’s plans:
“This year’s Peak Weekend is a reduced version of the annual Peak Weekend where SLU students hike all 46 high peaks in the Adirondacks. This year, we strive to include peaks that are closer to the county, or are less populated, to ensure the safety of SLU’s campus. At the end of the day, it’s about getting outside and having a lovely day and we can’t wait to do so!”
Taking place October 9th, 10th, and 11th, Peak Weekend is fast approaching. In the meantime, what should prospective hikers keep on their mind? At time of this publication, all you need to know is the following:
1. Check your email in the coming week for the list of official Peak Weekend trips from the OC listserv (Pro Tip? Turn Silent Mode OFF).
2. Pick the trip that sounds best for you and email back the trip leader ASAP.
3. Rub your lucky rabbit’s foot and—hopefully—you will be randomly selected for the hike!
Finally, if you’re on the fence about singing up for a Peak Weekend hike, let me convince you otherwise. My first Peak Weekend experience was misty, mystical, and deeply missed. I remember the fall foliage became a snow-dusted wonderland near the alpine zone. I remember summitting Mt. Marcy in a snowstorm, with a group of friends who became closer from the experience, and who reflect on it fondly. Finally, after a long—but fulfilling—day of hiking, I remember feeling appreciative for the natural world and a community that shares these values.
What’s more, that’s just my experience! Just ask anyone about their experience – quick math estimates over ¼ of the SLU student population has been on a Peak Weekend trip. So, for the love of Peak Weekend, tradition, and friendship, we hope to see you on the trails!