Leave your preconceptions at the door because you do NOT need to ski to be a member of the snowsports club at college or uni. Like other clubs and societies at university, it’s just as much a social club as a sports club, and a great place to meet new people.
Sadly we aren’t blessed with year-round snow here in Scotland, so during the other 10 months of the year, snow lovers far and wide congregate at regular social events organised by their club to share their appreciation of winter sports.
Whether you’ve never set foot on snow or you can tell your cork sevens from your misty fives, you will receive a warm welcome and a huge amount of encouragement in this club. As one of the busiest clubs in most universities, there is always something going on with regular socials organised by social conveners from the university committee. The best way to get involved is to simply turn up to one of the socials and you’ll soon be taken under the wing of a keen committee member/offered a Jägerbomb.
If you fancy learning the ropes, clubs put on regular lessons at nearby dry ski slopes where you will be taught by professional instructors at discounted prices. Beware: if you’ve only skied on snow in the past, dry slopes will be a challenge at first, but they will hugely advance your skiing tekkers. You might think you need to rush out and buy all the gear, but most snowsports centres will lend you ski pants (salopettes), a jacket and a helmet free of charge. Helmets are compulsory for learners and a good idea in general. Don’t risk permanent brain damage just because you styled your hair before a lesson.
If you’re already a seasoned skier or snowboarder and want to up your game, most unis run race training which will whip you into shape for any of the competitive events throughout the year. In race training you can practise your slalom skills by weaving in between lines of posts and work on your speed and balance. If racing doesn’t appeal to you, then the freestyle categories are becoming more and more popular where you can practise sliding, spinning and flipping off various features such as flat boxes, bars and jumps (kickers). Most clubs meet up to practice their freestyle techniques where advanced members pass on advice to keen novices.
The first event of the academic year down Glasgow way is Snow Fresh, hosted by Snow Factor at the beginning of October in Braehead. Students from all over Scotland are invited for a night of snowy fun at Braehead’s huge indoor slope, which will feature a full freestyle park setup as well as plenty of piste to get your ski legs back into the game. This is a hugely popular event with plenty of food and drinks promotions available in the German inspired Bar Varia which has a huge balcony overlooking the slope with DJs blasting tunes until midnight. Even if you don’t want to ski or can’t afford to hire gear, it’s worth it for the entertainment, great atmosphere and taps aff nonsense.
The second event of the year is the Scottish University Downhill Championships (SUDS) at the end of October where Scottish unis compete for glory in various racing and freestyle events. Following SUDS is the British equivalent (BUDS) in November where university snowsports groups from all over the UK arrive at Hillend dry slope in Edinburgh in droves, loudhailers in hand, ready for some inter-uni competition. The competition takes place over two days and gives competitors a chance to compete in events such as giant slalom, big air, slopestyle and racing. There is a bar to keep you hydrated, stalls selling snow gear and DJs playing all day and into the night. Don’t fancy competing? No worries, BUDS is a great fun trip through to Edinburgh for all. It’s a chance to get to know club members, see some incredible skiing skills and bails, experience hostel life, and enjoy Edinburgh nightlife when BUDS takes over City nightclub.
The highlight of the snowsports calendar is the university holiday which usually takes place in January and is a great Christmas money investment. Universities take buses down through Britain, across the channel and over to the Alps in France or Austria. The price you pay for these holidays includes your transport, accommodation and lift pass for the week. The trips are truly unforgettable because you’ll have the chance to meet loads of new people, ski and snowboard all day and party all night. Thanks to the fresh mountain air, your hangover will be gone in no time but it’s not all about the booze – committees organise upgrades such as tobogganing trips and mountain meals as well as fancy dress days on the slopes, and unforgettable après ski dancing as the sun sets over the Alps.
So head to the union, check out when your next snowsports social is and get involved!
