As winter settles in and snow begins to cover the hills, Lakeview Ski Club is getting ready for another season on the slopes. The first few snowfalls always bring a buzz around school, and ski club is a big reason why. Students start talking about upcoming trips, checking their gear, and looking forward to getting outside after a long week of classes. While the club is excited every year, this season feels especially energetic. With new members joining and returning skiers ready to improve, the group is heading into winter with a fresh sense of excitement.
This year also marks a transition for the club. Several seniors who were longtime members graduated last spring, and their absence is noticeable—but it has also opened the door for new students to step up. Instead of feeling like the club is “missing” something, many members say it feels like a new chapter. There are more first-timers than usual, along with plenty of students who have skied for a few seasons and are starting to feel more confident. That mix could have been challenging, but it has turned into one of the club’s biggest strengths. Beginners are able to learn quickly because they’re surrounded by people who encourage them, and experienced skiers get the chance to help others while still working on their own skills.
On trips, it doesn’t take long to notice the supportive attitude. Students share tips on how to stop, how to get up after a fall, or how to handle a steeper run. They wait for one another at the bottom of the hill, celebrate small wins, and laugh off wipe outs. Even students who don’t know each other well at school often end up talking on the bus ride, eating together during breaks, and skiing in groups by the end of the day. Over time, those little moments build trust and turn into real friendships.
A big part of that welcoming environment comes from one of the club advisors, Dean Shanower. For him, ski club isn’t just about supervising a trip—it’s about giving students opportunities they might not otherwise get. He enjoys watching students try something new and gain confidence, even if they are nervous at first.
Shanower explained why he keeps coming back year after year: “I truly enjoy sharing something new and exciting with my own kids, and I want to extend that same opportunity to other students. Watching them gain confidence, try something outside their comfort zone, and have fun alongside their friends is incredibly rewarding. It’s more than just skiing—it’s about creating memories, building connections, and giving students experiences they might not otherwise have.”
For many students, ski club becomes one of the best parts of winter. Junior Malea Smith said joining changed the way she felt about cold-weather activities. “It has given me something new and fun to be involved in that I never thought about doing before,” she said.
“My first year of ski club was my freshman year. I did not expect to have fun, but my perspective changed completely after being able to spend time with my friends, doing one of my favorite activities. Now I look forward to participating every single year!” Smith’s experience is common among members—people join because it seems interesting, then stay because it becomes something they genuinely look forward to.
Junior Allie Williams also said the club has become more enjoyable as she’s gained experience. She joined because it sounded fun, but over time it turned into something she truly values. “Now that I am experienced in this club, I’m getting better, and it’s more enjoyable,” she said.
“I have made so many friends to ski with, not only at Lakeview ski club but also on any weekend to just go. I love ski club and the memories I have made from it,” For students like Williams, ski club doesn’t just create fun afternoons on the slopes—it helps build confidence that carries over into other parts of life.
As the season continues, the club is ready to take on whatever comes. Beginners will keep improving, experienced skiers will push themselves on harder runs, and everyone will share the excitement that comes with each trip. Whether it’s someone successfully making it down a hill for the first time or a group racing to catch one more run before closing, ski club is full of moments people remember. If the early weeks are any indication, Lakeview Ski Club isn’t just going skiing this winter—they’re building a season of memories that will stick long after the snow melts.
