Ski and Snowboard Club makes new tracks
Ski and Snowboard Club drops in on new rails and larger competition

Andrew Lanoue | staff writer
alanoue@smcvt.edu

Before there was a St. Michael's College Ski and Snowboard Club, the two groups were separate entities.

Divided by the number of boards attached beneath their feet, the two clubs went down different “trails.” This all changed two years ago when the Freestyle Club and the Snowboard Club joined forces to become one of the fastest growing clubs on campus. 

 
Before the snow falls

Michael Hayes, president of the St. Michael’s Ski and Snowboard Club has devoted much of his time to improving the club’s participation and recognition. New last year was the first annual St. Michael’s Jibfest.

The event, in the 300s field, brings a piece of the mountain to campus by providing man-made snow, professional rails, and a competitive atmosphere. Hayes says that there have always been numerous Jibfests, but they were on a much smaller scale.

“Kids used to drop in off the back of pick-up trucks, but we couldn’t get enough speed for the rails,” Hayes says. “It’s not even close to what we have now.”

A snowboarder grinds a rail to impress the crowd at the 2006 Ski and Snowboard Club's Jibfest. Photo courtesy of Mike Hayes.

At this year’s Jibfest, Hayes says he plans to rent out scaffolding to construct a towering drop-in ramp. This year’s highlight of the Jibfest will be the two new boxes that the club is purchasing. An 8 foot and 12 foot box will be the latest addition incorporated in the Jibfest.

First-year Nick Bush and president of snowboarding for the Ski and Snowboard Club, says the club is working to keep the event fresh and new for the riders and attendees. 

Bush says the new boxes cost close to $1,500. The club has been successful at finding money to purchase supplies. By selling T-shirts and stickers, and finding sponsors, they have managed to continue the Jibfest.

Hayes says that they have found a range of new sponsors to promote this year’s event. The St. Michael’s Student Association (SA) and Student Activities office are helping fund the event. The SA is assisting with the cost of three live bands that are performing, and with the new stage, Hayes says.

The Jibfest's title sponsor this year is Jay Peak.  And because of the event’s growing fame, finding sponsors was easier this time around, Hayes says.

“It takes a lot of time, but it’s huge for the club,” Hayes says.

He even designed a professional quality sponsorship packet to give to desired sponsors. The success of the Jibfest is crucial for the club, he says.

“It’s a good way for people to come together to look at the sport.” says Luke Leighton, a sophomore and member of the club. 

First tracks                                          

This year the St. Michael’s Ski and Snowboard Club has 250 members.  Hayes says the club targets skiers and snowboarders and it is not exclusive to ability levels.

“It gives people with the same hobbies a chance to get together,” Leighton says.

Hitting the ramp at last year's Jibfest. Photo courtesy of Mike Hayes.

Hayes is also responsible for the merger of the Freestyle Club and Snowboard Club two years ago. Hayes says that when he first came to St. Michael’s, the Freestyle Club was for skiers and involved attending competitions, while the Snowboard Club had a non-competitive format, but still pushed friendly progression for riders.

Last year was the first full official year for the newly formed club. According to Hayes, each club had its own financial accounts, which were rather limited. With the merging of the two groups, both accounts became one, making more money available for unified club activities.

Although the combined money was helpful, Hayes says that the clubs merged primarily because it made organization much easier to handle.

Since the merge, the Ski and Snowboard Club has used a number of methods to promote itself, Hayes says, from WWPV radio, to mass e-mails, and even posters. One source of endorsement that Hayes is particularly happy about, is the video they made of last year’s Jibfest. He says that it has received around 10,000 views on YouTube. Hayes says this is a great way to get the club’s reputation out there, and it may even influence prospective students, looking for a college with an involved winter scene.

For members of the club who do want to compete, Hayes says a good way to show some skills is at the Jibfest. He says a new feature of the club this year, is the availability of going to local gyms to train. Members can sign up on a first-come, first serve basis to go to the Hruska Gym in Winooski to train on the trampolines. Hayes says they will be renting it out for several sessions to train for the winter.

Bush says it gives people a chance, “to go crazy and try some things.”

Both skiers and snowboarders compete at the Jibfest each year. Photo courtesy of Mike Hayes.

When winter comes, Hayes says that they will be traveling to several competitions around New England, for the people who decide to compete.

Eyes on the future

The future of the club will rest in the hands of the executive board that Hayes is trying to put together, he says. He is amazed with how much the club has grown. Before its success, the St. Michael’s Ski and Snowboard Club was somewhat frowned upon by the school, Hayes says.

“I hope I leave behind enough stuff so people can run it next year,” Hayes says. “I hope it doesn’t slip back down.”

Bush says that the club keeps on growing, and Hayes wishes that the Jibfest continues to be successful.

“It’s what they remember us for,” Hayes says. “And all that matters is that everyone’s happy at the end of the day.”