UTAH TECH UNIVERSITY'S STUDENT NEWS SOURCE | September 06, 2024

Shred the pow with the Snowboarding club

With the establishment of the new Utah Tech Snowboarding club, Trailblazers anxiously wait to hit the slopes. The group is open to all skill levels and provides enjoyable opportunities to meet new people and create memories while soaking up upcoming snow adventures. Emily Vanmiddendorp | Sun News Daily

Share This:

The Utah Tech University Snowboarding Club is a group of passionate riders turning the mountains into their canvas, and you can do the same.

This newly created club was founded this school year and already has over 100 members. Each week the club travels to Brian Head Resort and spends the entire day on the mountain, enjoying the snow, fresh air and cold breeze.

Whether you’re a seasoned rider or strapping on a board for the first time, the club offers a welcoming environment for all skill levels. Experienced members willingly share their knowledge, providing mentorship that goes beyond the snow-covered terrain. 

Bailey Naber, a freshman general studies major from Eastvale, California, heard about the club through one of her friends. Naber said she joined with the hope of connecting to others with the same interests. 

“I thought it’d be a super fun way to meet new people,” Naber said. “I love snowboarding, so why not do it with a bunch of people that also like it? I get to meet new people and have a lot of fun on weekends.”

The club, although rooted in snowboarding, extends an open invitation to skiers, fostering a welcoming environment for all winter sports enthusiasts. 

The creation of the snowboarding club was prompted by a perceived gap in the clubs offered on campus. Jillian DeGidio, club president and founder, is a junior design major from Mission Viejo, California, who wanted to fill that void and provide students with an opportunity to connect over a shared passion for snow sports.  

With the cold months coming, DeGidio said there is no better time to join the club than right now.

“We have been trying to talk to Brian Head about getting student passes,” Degidio said. “If we do end up going through with that, then we would probably add a fee later on. But for now, it’s completely free.”

While the club regularly hits the slopes at Brian Head, DeGidio envisions broader horizons for future excursions. Degidio said there are plans underway to organize trips to other renowned resorts like Park City.

DeGidio talked about the future of the club saying they are trying to collaborate with the university’s recreation center to make snowboarding gear accessible for rentals at lower costs.

Henry Levitan, a sophomore criminal justice major from Los Angeles, said those interested in joining the club can connect with the members of the club to find out more information. Students can email or send a direct message to the Utah Tech Snowboarding Club Instagram

“Just reach out and ask,” Levitan said. “We’re open to all new members, and then we’ll give you the link to our Slack.”

As for activities, the club adopts a flexible approach, typically organizing trips every Saturday. While regularity is aimed at, members also have the freedom to organize outings based on individual schedules.

As the snowboarding club at Utah Tech continues to grow, it leaves an indelible mark on the university’s culture. The mountains surrounding southern Utah aren’t just a backdrop; they are an integral part of student life, fostering a sense of adventure, skill development and community.