11

ENTERTAINMENT

The Norwich Guidon
Dec. 11, 2003

NU students enjoy benefits of discount ski tickets

By John Higgins
Norwich Guidon Staff Writer

Without even realizing it, many Norwich University students are letting the opportunity of a lifetime pass them by. Not only are a large number of students ignoring an opportunity to save hundreds of dollars, but they are also missing out on an opportunity to learn how to do something that will enhance their time spent in Vermont.

Inexperienced students have the greatest opportunity of all; they can try something that normally coasts about $90 for free, and they can experience it with their friends from Norwich.

Out of the total number of full-time students who attend Norwich University, "We have sold about 100 season passes a year," said Chandler Stowell, the director of student activities, intramurals and recreational sports.

Stowell said he has been committed to helping Norwich students for about 10 to 12 years by giving them the opportunity to purchase season ski or snowboard passes at a very generous discounted rate from Sugarbush Resort.

Stowell, who was once a coach of the Norwich ski team and the "director of the ski program at the old ski area," also known as Paine Mountain. He also said that he is a member of the professional ski association and "directed the ski school for many years over at the ski area."

"I approached the various ski resorts in the area: Sugarbush, Bolton Valley and Stowe, and said, okay, what can you do for me?" that was after the Norwich ski area was closed down in the 1980s.

At that point, "Sugarbush stepped up to the plate and offered us a very reasonable season pass rate," Stowell said, "and for the first couple of years, the university paid for half of the student body's season passes."

"Then it was erased from the college booklet that we offered free skiing anymore." It was at that time that Stowell went to Sugarbush and said, "Can you still give us a reasonable rate for a season pass?" and they did; they gave Norwich a deal in which students could get season passes for $299. That is still the current rate that Norwich students pay, said Stowell. Not only are the season passes given to us at a reasonable rate, but they also let us establish our own ticket sales." Stowell said, "where we can sell reduced tickets for Sugarbush." Every ticket that is sold at Norwich is $10 cheaper than at the mountain. That agreement was established about eight to ten years ago.

Stowell said that he is always looking to improve the relationship Norwich has with local resorts, and as proof, just last year Norwich established a "program where everyone at Norwich had the opportunity to learn to ski free, with rental equipment, a lesson, a lift ticket, and transportation all free, and that was at Bolton, Sugarbush, and Mad River." Stowell also said that the same opportunity will be offered this year. "It's crazy if other schools don't permit it and take advantage of having the mountains around."

Stowe at one time offered Norwich a special package that allowed students to ski on Thursdays nights at a good rate, but Stowe did away with the package.

"They think that they have the clientele that will pay the big prices, so they run with it."

"I have established a pretty good rapport with the ski areas," Stowell said. "The ones that treat us good are Sugarbush, Bolton and Mad River."

When I retire, I would love to be a representative for Sugarbush or Stowe," said Stowell.

"I just love the sport; you've got to, being here in Vermont, and that's one of the basic reasons I established the program, because I think anyone and everybody that comes to Norwich should have the opportunity to learn to ski, snowboard, cross country ski or snowshoe."

The Norwich Guidon is a twice-monthly student newspaper distributed at Norwich University. It provides laboratory experience for students in the Communications program. Claims asserted by letter writers, editorials and other articles do not represent the positions of Norwich University. The Norwich Guidon welcomes signed letters to the editor. They should be no longer than 300 words. Unsigned letters will not be printed, but names may be withheld upon worthy request. All letters are subject to editing for length and good taste. Mailing address: The Norwich Guidon, Communications Center, Norwich University, Northfield, VT 056632. www.norwich.edu/guidon. If you have any questions or comments about the paper, please contact Professor Ken Bush at kbush@norwich.edu.