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Lending some sugar

Outdoor Pursuits hits the slopes of Sugar Mountain

After finals students have a way to unwind and relax before going home. Students, faculty and alumni can go on a ski trip for 5 days, from December 16-21, at Sugar Mountain, N.C.
According to the Outdoor Pursuits website, the cost is $400, which includes transportation, lodging, ski rentals and tickets to go on the ski lift. However, food is extra.
Bryant Hall, a junior who works at Outdoor Pursuits, says “there is s a grocery store nearby, so you save money that way.”
Hall says that this trip is not the first of its kind.
“We did the ski trip two winters ago. Everyone that went said it was a blast.”
However, he calls this trip the “biggest trip of the year.” He also said that the smartest way to pay is through the Outdoor Pursuits online store with a $200 down payment. That way, the student has more time to pay off the other half.
According to the Outdoor Pursuits website, the bus will leave the Waterfront at approximately 5 a.m. to Sugar Mountain. There, participants spend a few days going on ski lifts, even taking lessons on the side if they wish.
“You’re free,” replies Hall. What he means is that once you’re there, you’re able to go wherever you want on the mountain, but still meet at a designated time to make sure that you’re accounted for. Staff includes Hall, another faculty member, and Grant Fleetwood, the head coordinator of the trip; this is to make sure the participants are safe.
Johnny Baker, a senior civil engineering major, has been skiing on Sugar Mountain on several different occasions. Because he will be taking the trip with his family, he will not be signing up to go with Outdoor Pursuits. He encourages other students to take advantage of the opportunity, but he has a feeling that attendance will be low because students will want to spend time with their families.
“It’s definitely a nice mountain,” Baker said. “It’s a welcoming place for skiers and a great place to learn the ropes. If you’ve never been before, it’s a blast.  [But] nobody does anything on winter break; they all want to go home. They’d rather be with their families because they haven’t seen them all year.”
Lucky for Baker, he will probably get to do both. He and his family go to Sugar Mountain every spring break to ski and escape the heat.
Students who are interested in going on the trip must make a decision soon. Spots are limited to the first 22 people, the Outdoor Pursuits website says. Registration ends on Dec. 6 at 5 p.m. Pay through the Outdoor Pursuits online store with either a credit or debit card. Once your payment goes through, you just have to sign a waiver. After that, you’re ready to go hit the slopes.
 
 

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