Although most of us are sad to see the warm weather go, the Binghamton SnoCats, a Student Association-charted ski and snowboarding club, are getting ready to hit the slopes and start their fifth season.
Even if members have no experience skiing, the club ensures an easy acclamation to the winter sport. SnoCats President Stephen Ceresoli estimated that of the group’s more than 500 members, about one-third have little to no experience.
“We cater to all levels,” said Ceresoli, a junior double-majoring in industrial and systems engineering and graphic design. “It’s not always about going fast. It’s about making friends and having a good time.”
Ceresoli said that he started to enjoy the sport more once he joined SnoCats, despite being an experienced skier before college.
During the trips, these inexperienced members have the ability to take part in “Ride With a Pro,” a program in which beginners can participate in group lessons taught by other SnoCats. This allows new riders the opportunity to practice on less intimidating hills, and new members to make friends with other students in the group.
The first trip is scheduled for Dec. 4 at Okemo Mountain Ski Resort in Vermont. This trip is the only event that offers two different passes: one for access to the whole mountain and another lower mountain ticket, which is less expensive.
The group also holds day trips to Greek Peak, a ski resort in Cortland. Over winter break, the group arranges a week-long trip to Killington Grand Resort Hotel. During any trip, members are allowed to bring non-member friends from school or home if the guests signed up at least three days before the trip.
The SnoCats will also hold their annual Movie Premier, scheduled for 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 18 in Lecture Hall 2. This event is simply a screening of Level 1 Production’s ski film “After Dark.” For the showing, Level 1 also sends different types of free gear that get raffled off during the Premier.
Adam Triculis, who serves on the group’s Executive Board as vice president of membership, said that SnoCats membership is easy.
“There’s no meetings, it’s pure fun. The only time we bother you is when we go snowboarding,” said Triculis, a junior majoring in management.
Triculis, now in his third year in the group, said that SnoCats advertises by posting events on their Twitter and Facebook accounts, as well as by tabling in the University Union every Wednesday.
Triculis said he joined as an experienced snowboarder but that there is always the opportunity to learn and improve.
“It’s the best thing you’ll do all winter. There’s nothing to do in Binghamton during then,” he said.
Ceresoli said the SnoCats plan to start taking photos of their members this season, including action shots of members performing jumps and riding through trees. Members would be able to download these pictures for free.
Overall, the group makes a point to provide a comfortable atmosphere for everyone who joins, and hopes to provide new experiences for all who attend the trips.
“I joined SnoCats because it allowed me to go skiing. It opened me up to new mountains that I would have never been able to go to if I didn’t join,” said Dave Walters, a current member of the SnoCats and a junior majoring in philosophy, politics and law.
SnoCats will hold two general interest meetings this semester at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 8 Lecture Hall 14 and at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 9 in Lecture Hall 8.
They encourage all who are interested — experts or beginners — to attend.