Ski and Snowboard club goes slopestyle
Becoming a part of the Ski and Snowboard Club ended up being the best choice Sylvian Lake sophmore Kristi Batchnik made as a freshman at Central Michigan University.
“It’s absolutely my favorite freshman memory, and it’s probably the best choice I made since coming to Central,” she said.
The club is aiming to be more competitive this year while still priding itself in being inclusive and welcoming new members regardless of skill level on the slopes.
For five or six weekends each winter, competitions take place against other schools in the league at Boyne Mountain, Crystal Mountain and Marquette Mountain. There are two days of ski and snowboard races each weekend. These races consist of two timed runs.
At the end of the weekend, the winning time for a team and individual is determined.
“We do our best to make sure everyone’s having a good time,” said Batchnik, treasurer for the club. “You get really close with people you would not expect to.”
Clarkston senior Courtney Parkhill joined the club her second year at CMU.
Parkhill’s snow sport of choice is boarding, but the club president said the races vary between skiing and snowboarding. She explains that skiing is more technical and fast paced, while snowboard races are sometimes held on lower-grade hills.
Initially intimidated by the competitive racing aspect and traveling with people she did not know, Parkhill said in the end, joining the club was “worth it to try new things.”
Spending weekends together at ski lodges for competitions provides bonding opportunities for the club to come together, and also teaches beginners the ropes. Races last for about three hours both days, leaving the rest of the time free for members.
Even though Batchnik came into the RSO already comfortable with competing on the slopes, she stressed this is not necessary to join the club.
There are no tryouts held because the roster has to be finalized at the beginning of the fall semester each year before snow is on the ground. The RSO is capped at 40 people this year because of growing interest. It’s first- come-first served for the most part, and membership is determined by whoever turns their dues in first.
Unlike years past, all members are required to tip the starting gate and take part in all races.
Dues for the club this year are $500. This covers racing dues and a season pass to Crystal Mountain, which is discounted because of club membership. Batchnik said the executive board has worked hard to keep the price one of the most reasonable in the league.
