Although winter can be a difficult season, there are many options to stay active through the cold and get your exercise in. As the semester starts, one of the best ways to stay in shape this season is to take advantage of the many perks of the Student Development Complex (SDC).
The first opportunity at the SDC is the pool, which offers open and lap swimming every day of the week in the morning, evening, and night with specific times being listed on their website at michigantechrecreation.com. Additionally, the pool offers open log rolling on Tuesdays from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Another opportunity up at the SDC is the ice arena, which hosts open skates on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12 p.m. to 1:15 p.m. The ice arena also offers skate rentals and skate sharpening offered at $5 each. A student ID is required to access the SDC facilities for students.
Another good way to stay active during the winter season is to take advantage of Mont Ripley, the ski hill just across the portage from the school. Students who are interested in skiing or snowboarding can order a free season pass by going to the Mount Ripley website at mtu.edu/mont-ripley/ and filling out the Pass Request Form. Mont Ripley also offers season equipment rental at a discounted price of $225 for students and includes boots, skis and/or boards, poles, and a helmet for the entire winter season.
Additionally, the resort offers equipment reservations to ensure that rental equipment is available for renters as soon as they get to the ski hill. Those who wish to reserve equipment need to fill out the google form hosted on the Mont Ripley website, or visit the renting office at the bottom of the hill during operating hours.
If downhill skiing is not your style, the Outdoor Adventure Program offers Nordic ski and snowshoe rentals at $10 a day, which you can use to help explore the Tech Trails located across the street from Sherman field behind the SDC.
No matter what you decide to do to stay active this winter, always remember to stay safe and warm, bundle up when spending time outside, and most importantly, don’t forget to have fun.
