Why Am I So Excited for Winter Term?
It's the fourth day of classes already! Time really flies by—I can't believe I was on the bus up from New York City only six days ago.
It's the start of Winter Term here at Dartmouth. This means the cold is getting colder, the wind is getting windier, and the fun is getting funner. Jokes aside, it gets a little chilly here in the Upper Valley. But as long as you make sure to bundle up, you will be more than ok! We've covered the weather, but what do I mean when I say the fun is getting funner?
![a yellow school bus waits on the side of the road. Snow covers the ground.](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/wysiwyg_width_only_590/public/admissions/wysiwyg/screenshot_2025-01-18_at_11.22.29_am.png?itok=5xKIXR5R)
Well, the fun doesn't stop in the Winter—cold doesn't bother us, but rather it opens up so many new possibilities and opportunities. My friends and I have been gushing (practically every day) about how excited we are to go skiing! Dartmouth has its own ski resort, The Dartmouth Skiway which is open to the public and only a 20-minute drive from campus. The Dartmouth Skiway provides a free shuttle for the Dartmouth community every day of Winter Term.
And skiing here at Dartmouth isn't only for the pros! About five of my friends signed up for free beginner ski lessons at the Skiway this term. Not only are the lessons completely free, but the skis, boots, poles and helmets they rented are too! These classes are so popular that they fill up the day the registration is posted! Moreover, these classes can fill a PE credit.
![two women hold skis and smile at the camera. The sidewalk is snowy and the blue sky is dotted with clouds.](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/wysiwyg_width_only_590/public/admissions/wysiwyg/screenshot_2025-01-18_at_11.22.37_am.png?itok=iDc6YKN4)
The DOC, which stands for the Dartmouth Outing Club and is the oldest and largest collegiate outing club in the country, thrives in the Winter. They offer student-led snow hikes, overnight camping, nordic skiing and more, all at no cost to students. Moreover, students can rent out all the snow gear imaginable for free—from ski gear to jackets to ice skates!
![an ice rink on top of dull gray grass. A blue sky above.](https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/sites/admissions.prod/files/styles/wysiwyg_width_only_590/public/admissions/wysiwyg/screenshot_2025-01-18_at_11.22.42_am.png?itok=FMwTRlU6)
Speaking of ice skates—I can't wait for our ice skating rink on the Green, our central quad, to open up!
I'm really excited to explore nature in the snow during my first Winter Term at Dartmouth, and I'll be sure to update you on my exciting adventures. :)