Ski and snowboard looking for snow, pumped for winter

With winter just a few short months away, it's time to get out those boots, wax up those skis (or boards) and start praying for snow. \nMost people don't make the connection between skiing and Indiana, after all, this is a state that has a maximum height of just over 1,200 feet. But while there are no mountains resembling the Rockies, that doesn't mean there are no opportunities to hit the slopes in this state -- or out of state. \nAnd that's where the IU Ski and Snowboard Club comes in. The club, which currently has about 50 members, is expected to expand to about 100 by the time winter rolls around. It's a network of like-minded powder hounds. \nDon't have a car? No problem, club Co-President Matt Bort said members travel to nearby Paoli Peaks (about an hour away by car) nearly every weekend. Never strapped on a board or a pair of skis in your life? That's OK, too.\n"We work with Paoli Peaks, and they offer a lot of lessons," Co-President Alejandro Miranda said. "We're more than happy to help beginners start. We like getting beginners -- it's nice to spread the sport and help each other out."\nMembership dues cost $10 to enter the Ski and Snowboard Club. But it's more than just a membership. It provides a lot of discounts from Paoli, including an opportunity to buy one ticket and get one free and discounts on rentals and season passes. Members also get 10 percent discounts at J.L. Waters, an outdoor equipment store. \nBut the planned trips may be the best part of joining the club.\nThe first is a trip to Copper Mountain in Colorado over winter vacation, and the second, which has not be planned yet, will be during spring break. \n"I suggest anyone who ever wants to ski should go because it will be the best ski trip," club member and sophomore Dave Simpson said.\nThe Copper Mountain trip gives members the chance to travel to one of the premiere ski resorts in North America for about $400, which includes four days of skiing, lodging, events and the cost of travel. \nAnd because there are people attending from six Big Ten schools, as well as schools from all over the country, there's a good chance to meet someone to match anyone's skill level -- whether on the slopes or at one of the many parties that take place. \nMiranda said the Ski and Snowboard Club is hoping to know by mid-October how many people will be taking the trip, so if anyone is interested in attending the trip or in joining the club, they should send an e-mail to snowski@indiana.edu or visit www.indiana.edu/~snowski/home.htm. \nFrom beginners to the bunny hill to double black diamond fans, this club is open to all.\n"There's such a wide variety of skill levels that you're bound to find somebody at your same skill level to go out and improve," Miranda said,. "and also to observe better skiers, to perfect."\n-- Contact staff writer Andrew Petersen at andpeter@indiana.edu.