Sliding into spring with the MSU Backcountry Club

Sunny and 50 degrees yesterday? Maybe spring is finally here. But wait, it’s snowing today? Everyone hoping for an early spring may have to keep wishing for at least a couple more weeks. It looks like winter is putting up a fight. One group of people celebrating that news is MSU’s Backcountry Club. Dedicated to a community of backcountry skiers and snowboarders, the club strives to create a place for both beginners and advanced snow enthusiasts to shred together and learn the skills necessary to stay safe in the mountains.

The Backcountry Club is “very much active,” said Chris Kussmaul, president of the club. “We hosted Alaskan mountaineer, Luc Mehl, to speak in January, hosted our own Avalanche workshop in February and co-hosted the Backcountry Film Fest at the Emerson in February as well.” The club meets about once a month and allows members a space to find new touring partners, as well as informs members about the risks and dangers associated with avalanches.  

With a record snowfall this year, the snow might stick around for a while longer. You can enjoy the recent warmer weather and still ski your heart out at the same time. Winter may or may not be coming to an end, but who cares. Spring skiing and boarding is just as good.So, if you’re interested in joining the club, contact msubackcountryclub@gmail.com to get involved.