Outdoor Life kicks off spring semester with climbing, skiing activities

The Spring 2024 semester kicked off amidst a cold snap, with high temperatures dipping into the single digits, but Director of Outdoor Recreation Katie Bigbee is connecting students with plenty of opportunities to stay fit indoors, with outdoor activities planned as it warms up a bit.

“Our winters are long here in Montana, but our need for vitamin D and ability to stay mobile are still present throughout these cold months,” Bigbee said. “One of the best ways to fight fatigue, seasonal blues and strive for great work-life balance is doing a fun and active outdoor sport such, snowshoeing, fat tire biking, sledding, Nordic and/or downhill skiing."

Montana Tech Outdoor Life will hold a free climb night from 7-9 p.m. at Recreate Climbing and Fitness Gym on Wednesday, December 10. The event is no cost for all students. Shoe rentals are included. The gym is located at 1101 Utah in Butte. Contact Bigbee at cbigbee@mtech.edu if transportation is needed.

On Sunday, Jan. 14 Outdoor Life will hold a Nordic Ski Day at Homestake Lodge at 1 p.m. Ski lessons and rentals will be provided free for Montana Tech students. Homestake Lodge was just voted #6 on USA Today’s Best Cross Country Ski Resorts 2023. Nordic, or cross-country skiing, is different from downhill skiing in that it often takes the skier across flatter terrain, rather than down a steep run.

“Homestake Lodge is a world-famous Nordic ski destination that we just so happen to have right here in our Butte backyard,” Bigbee said. “With over 35 kilometers of trails --15 are dog-friendly trails--there is something for every ability level.”

Homestake Lodge is located on Homestake Pass. Its physical address is 530 Upper Rader Creek Rd, Whitehall, MT 59759. Contact Bigbee at cbigbee@mtech.edu if transportation is needed.

Bigbee also has numerous other activities planned for winter including snowshoeing, downhill skiing, indoor climbing, horseback riding, and much more!

To stay up to date on the latest offerings follow Montana Tech Outdoor Life on Instagram @outdoortechmt.