Interim at Calvin provides students with additional time to relax and explore a wide range of new interests. While the cold temperatures can deter some from spending time outside, the shift in seasons brings opportunities for students to discover outdoor recreation activities.
There are a variety of opportunities close to campus for both beginning and more experienced skiers and snowboarders. Cannonsburg Ski Area, located north of Grand Rapids, offers beginner and intermediate ski runs.
Lift tickets are half-off for students with college ID, and rentals cost $15. On Sunday, students can take advantage of a combination rental and lift ticket for $25.
Calvin Snowsports, a student-run organization, is organizing trips for Calvin students to Cannonsburg Ski Area on Jan. 23 and to Holiday Valley in New York during Interim break from Jan. 27-30.
“Our organization is all about bringing new people into the snowsports community,” said Ansley Kelly, student leader of Calvin Snowsports. “To that end we sponsor a variety of events that are designed to be beginner friendly and also an array of trips and expeditions to keep the advanced and expert members of our community challenged.”
Caberfae Peaks Ski Resort is located in Cadillac, about two hours north of Grand Rapids. With some more advanced ski runs located at the resort. With rates starting at $20, it is an affordable option for higher-caliber skiing in Northern Michigan.
“I learned how to ski at Caberfae, and it has a good range of greens to learn on, but also some black diamonds,” sophomore ski enthusiast Maaike Mudde explained. “Michigan might get a bad rap compared to Colorado or Europe, but the weather makes it fun.”
Those interested in trying out cross-country skiing can traverse the trails at Cannonsberg for a $5 fee or at Pando Ski Park, located north of Grand Rapids for $7.
Kauffman Golf Course in Wyoming offers affordable cross-country ski rentals and trail fees with a mix of open air space and forested trails. Many other golf courses in the area allow cross-country skiiers.
