As winter settles into the valley and snow begins to cover the surrounding mountains, students across the community are once again trading classrooms for slopes and trails. With the first significant snowfalls of the season, skiing, snowboarding, and snowmobiling have become a regular part of winter routines, giving students a way to stay active and connected during the colder months. Rather than spending every weekend inside, many students now fill up their cars with gear and head toward local winter recreation areas. Popular destinations include Pine Creek, Grand Targhee, and the world-renowned Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, where fresh snowfall and scenic terrain draw riders of all skill levels.
Early winter storms have already drawn many students outdoors. On weekends and after school, groups of friends can be spotted loading skis, snowboards, and snowmobile gear into vehicles before making the drive toward mountain roads that squeal with anticipation for winter fun. For some, these snowy escapes are a long-standing tradition that stretches back to early childhood. For others, this is their first season stepping onto snow with friends, eager to learn and share in the thrill of winter recreation.
“There’s always a lot of excitement when the season starts,” senior Ella Cranney said. “Once the snow sticks, everyone wants to go.” Her enthusiasm reflects a broader trend among students, many of whom eagerly track snowfall reports and talk about conditions long before winter officially begins. Whether planning which resorts to visit or debating which trails to take, snow and cold weather have become a topic of conversation just as common as the latest homework assignment.
Snow sports have grown in popularity among students in recent years, offering an outlet beyond school and extracurricular activities. With more accessible information online, easier equipment rental options, and supportive friend groups encouraging others to try new activities, winter recreation feels less intimidating than ever. Resorts like Jackson Hole and Grand Targhee provide terrain for a wide range of skill levels, offering everything from gentle beginner slopes to challenging runs for experienced riders. At the same time, Pine Creek remains a familiar and accessible option, especially for students who want to stay closer to home while still taking advantage of fresh snow.
“It’s something everyone talks about at school,” senior Brennen Barber said with a laugh. “On Mondays, people ask where you went and how the snow was.” For many, winter isn’t just a season to endure — it’s a season full of experiences that can’t be found anywhere else. From spontaneous group outings to planned weekend trips, snow sports have become a key way students relate to one another and bond through shared experiences.
Snowmobiling also plays a role in student winter life, particularly for those who enjoy riding trails and exploring backcountry areas near Pine Creek and the surrounding mountain zones. For these students, snowmobiles aren’t just machines; they’re a social connector, a way to explore places beyond groomed slopes and to make memories with friends and family.
“It’s one of the main ways we hang out during winter,” senior Mason Pack said. “It gives us something to look forward to when it’s cold.” His words capture a simple truth: winter can be long and cold, but when there’s an activity centered around adventure and community, the season suddenly feels full of purpose and possibility.
Accessibility has made snow sports more appealing to students of all experience levels. With rental equipment easily available, supportive friends to show the ropes, and welcoming terrain at multiple resorts, many students feel more comfortable trying winter sports now than they might have in years past.
“No one expects you to be perfect,” senior Lincoln Wagner said. “Everyone starts somewhere, and people are usually willing to help.” That sense of encouragement is often what keeps students coming back. Even when someone falls or struggles on a trail, there’s always someone nearby ready with a tip, a laugh, or a helping hand. It’s this community atmosphere — inclusive and supportive — that makes winter recreation feel less intimidating and more inviting.
Along with the fun, students also recognize the responsibility that comes with winter recreation. Whether it’s checking weather conditions, wearing proper safety gear, or planning trips with caution, preparation remains an important part of the experience. Students are mindful that winter sports come with risks — but they also understand that with knowledge and care, those risks can be managed so that fun and safety go hand in hand.
As the season continues, snow sports are expected to remain a key part of student life. Whether it’s skiing at Jackson Hole, snowboarding at Grand Targhee, or spending time close to home at Pine Creek, winter recreation gives students something to look forward to amid the colder months. For many, winter wouldn’t feel the same without the thrill of turning cold weather into opportunity. Snow sports give the season meaning beyond the classroom, making winter something to anticipate rather than endure.
