GHS ski program stronger than ever Participation jumps to alltime high

Jackson Dalleck Giddyup Staff Writer

Not many high school students have the chance to take one day a week to ski at a world- class ski resort like Crested Butte Mountain Resort (CBMR), and earn credit for it. But students at Gunnison High School can do just that.

Participation in the GHS Ski Program hit an alltime high this year, with a total of 18 students skiing or snowboarding. The program is steadily growing back to its regular size, after the pandemic reduced the number of participants.

Austin Gibney, counselor at the Pathways program, took over the ski and snowboard program three years ago and has seen participation grow every year. Based on the growth of the ski program, he plans on expanding the outdoor program to what it was before the pandemic. Gibney would like to add climbing, ice climbing, hiking and many more outdoor activities, in addition to the current skiing and mountain biking programs.

Th e ski program takes place every Tuesday for six weeks in the middle of winter, and students earn 0.25 credits for their participation. It's a good way for students to take advantage of the opportunities and resources that surround them, Gibney said.

Participation in the program does not require students to already know how to ski or snowboard, and quite a few are just learning how to ski and snowboard, Gibney said. After taking school vehicles to CBMR, students are grouped by ability and placed with an instructor for the morning. After lunch they are free to ski or ride with other students. Some students take the school transportation back to school while others stay late and utilize the RTA.

This season, students have already been to CBMR twice and have been fortunate to enjoy massive powder days.

“It is fun to ski in powder and to skip school while having fun and earning a credit,” said program participant Burk O’Rourke.

This program is a good way for Gibney, as a counselor, to connect with students outside the classroom.