Snow may as well be as valuable as gold for California high schoolers. Bearcats escape to the mountain slopes chasing powder and snowy slopes for their annual winter snowboarding and skiing.
Since the 1990s, snow sports have shifted from traditional skiing to a more competitive and youth focused sport. Paso High students have joined the popular winter activity along with 19% of teenagers who participate in winter sports, according to a 2021 study by Statista.
Senior Reese Thiessen, a volleyball player on campus, is a returning snowboarder at China Peak Ski Resort, CA. Inspired by her parents’ experience snowboarding, Thiessen grew up skiing until about five years ago, when she transitioned to snowboarding.
Skiing, the more traditional sport, is on two skis and focuses on downhill, natural movement. Snowboarding is on a wider board, which requires full body movement and often harder to learn.
“I think snowboarding is definitely more trendy than skiing for high schoolers,” Thiessen said.
She spends around five family vacations at their house in Shaver Lake, CA and frequenting snow resorts every year.
“I love being outdoors and it is such an exhilarating feeling when you’re on the mountain without friends and it’s a really nice day up there,” Thiessen said.
Even with a strong following, some students take limited trips to the snow because of high costs or lack of time because of school.
Cost to get resort tickets can be as much as $200 per day on top of gear rental if you don’t have your own board, helmet, goggles, or boots.
“I have spent years collecting gear because it would be way too expensive to buy all of it at once,” Thiessen said.
Moving forward she is hoping to save money to continue going on her own.
PRHS Alpine club provides opportunities for students to practice their hobby alongside their friends, for discounted prices. Senior president Christopher Jewett organizes student trips to the mountains and enjoys his weekends on the slopes.
The mission of Alpine Club is to gather as many people who enjoy skiing and snowboarding and give them the opportunity to get to the slopes.
“I like snowboarding a lot, from a young age and I like to see other people learn new things,” Jewett said.
On Feb. 5, the club took 20 students and teachers to China Peak for a day trip. The Alpine club and HOSA students also got the opportunity to ride along with ski patrol and see where they restock supplies and prepare the slopes.
No matter your chosen sport, snowboarding and skiing may just be your needed break to the mountains. You can also ride along with the Alpine club to enjoy the slopes with your peers.
