Winter Experiences (WE) marks a new chapter in outdoor adventure during the winter months of the Pacific Northwest, expanding what winter recreation can look like for the Reed College community. Designed in response to some of the limitations of the traditional PE ski and snowboarding program, WE prioritize accessibility, flexibility, and variety. Rather than focusing on a single activity or a narrow window of time, the program offers weekly opportunities throughout the entire semester, welcoming students of all experience levels and interests. By moving away from large, single-destination trips and 54-passenger buses, WE opens the door to more nimble, diverse, and student-centered winter outings.
Through WE, students can explore a wide range of winter environments and activities—from sledding, skiing, and snowboarding at different resorts to winter camping and other seasonal adventures. This variety allows participants to engage with the outdoors in ways that feel approachable, exciting, and personally meaningful, whether they are stepping into the snow for the first time or building on years of experience. While no PE credit is offered, the program emphasizes something equally valuable: shared experiences, community building, and the kind of social connection that comes from trying something new together. Winter Experiences is about creating memorable moments, fostering belonging, and ensuring that winter adventure at Reed truly meets the needs of the entire student body.
Cosmic Tubing - Overnight at the Reed Ski Cabin 2/6-2/7 Friday/Saturday
2/6-2/7 3pm-3pm: Head up to the mountain Friday and hit the groovy cosmic tubing zone at SkiBowl, a short walk from the Reed Ski Cabin. Eric Kallio our Ski Cabin Manager will be there to support you on your adventures. Be prepared to help out cooking some good food at the cabin evening and morning, it is a communal event so bring your chef's hat! Sauna, games and cozy winter vibes will carry you back to campus around 3pm on Saturday after a chill morning.
Cost: $40
Mt. Hood Meadows Ski Day Shuttle Friday 2/13/26
2/13 Friday: Hit the road w/ Rodney at 12:30pm for and afternoon evening at Mt. Hood Meadows. We will offer a shuttle for folks to get to the mountain by 2pm and ski till 7:30pm. Back on campus around 9:30pm Sunday. No lessons are offered on this trip.Individuals are responsible for all costs for the trip. Providing shuttle only.
2/20-2/21 Friday/Saturday 3pm-5pm: Join our Swiss Army Knife instructor Nate Watt on this journey to the Reed Ski Cabin for an evening of fun at the cabin, followed by the a.m. start of skiing at the Summit resort a short walk from the cabin. This is a beginner, never skied before but wanted to check it out with some chill slopes and fellow friend's adventure. Good food, good tunes, good vibes on the hill will keep you smiling down the slopes. Back on campus around 4-5pm.
Cost: $0-$150
Intro Ski/Board Cooper Spur Resort 3/7-3/8 Saturday-Sunday
3/7-3/8 Saturday/Sunday: WE is offering another opportunity for folks either with no or little to no skills on the slopes a chance to get on the mountain and explore. Cooper Spur resort offers more terrain and is perfect for those still learning the way of the snow. Guide Chris Bullard will shepard you to this quaint location for some fun and excitement. We will provide overnight lodging and food for the group at the Resort; you provide the costs of the lift/lesson/rental you might need. This is a great opportunity to explore a cozy mountain retreat with your fellow Reedies.
Cost: $0-$250
Timberline Lodge Shuttle Bus EARLY 3/14 Saturday
3/14 Saturday: Hit the road 5:30am for and day of skiing/boarding at Timberline Lodge. Your guide Chris Bullard will help you get set up and on the slopes. We will offer a shuttle for folks to get to the mountain by 8am and ski till 2:30-3pm. Back on campus around by 5:30pm. No lessons are offered on this trip.Individuals are responsible for all costs for the trip. Providing shuttle only.
Cost: $0-$250
Mt. Hood Meadows Shuttle 3/20 Friday
3/20 Friday: Hit the road with Rodney @ 12:30pm for and afternoon evening at Mt. Hood Meadows. We will offer a shuttle for folks to get to the mountain by 2pm and ski till 7:30pm. Back on campus around 9:30pm Sunday. No lessons are offered on this trip.Individuals are responsible for all costs for the trip. Providing shuttle only.
Cost: $0-$250
Spring Break White Pass Resort 3/25-3/28 Thursday -Saturday
3/25-3/28 Thursday-Saturday: Spring Break on the slopes!! Head north to Washington and explore this quaint mountain community tucked under the watchful eye of Mt. Rainier. We have housing and food for you already covered. Depending on your goals, we can ski 2 days on the resort or a day x-skiing and a day on the resort. We are flexible, the only must do is to have fun and enjoy this fantastic opportunity.
4/4-4/5 Saturday-Sunday: We will be staying in a rustic waterfront resort tucked in the cascades on Saturday night after a drive south. Chris Bullard your guide will keep you busy and get you prepped for a ski day Sunday at Willamette Pass. A small but world class resort tucked in the Willamette Forest. WE have the lodging, transport and food covered. You are responsible for the cost of skiing/boarding. Very jealous of anyone who gets on this trip... so much fun!!!!
Cost: $0-$250
Mt. Hood Meadows Shuttle 4/10 Friday
Friday 4/10: Hit the road with Rodney @ 12:30pm for and afternoon evening at Mt. Hood Meadows. We will offer a shuttle for folks to get to the mountain by 2pm and ski till 7:30pm. Back on campus around 9:30pm Sunday. No lessons are offered on this trip.Individuals are responsible for all costs for the trip. Providing shuttle only.
Cost: $0-$250
Timberline Lodge Shuttle Bus EARLY 4/18 Saturday LAST TRIP
Saturday 4/18: Hit the road 5:30am for and day of skiing/boarding at Timberline Lodge. Your guide Chris Bullard will help you get set up and on the slopes. We will offer a shuttle for folks to get to the mountain by 8am and ski till 2:30-3pm. Back on campus around 5:30pm. No lessons are offered on this trip.Individuals are responsible for all costs for trip. Providing shuttle only.
Cost: $0-$250
Costs and Financial Aid
Resorts and skiing are expensive! This is a problem for all of us and something you need to consider before signing up for a trip. Financial Aid is available but not guaranteed to folks, on the application below please indicate your FA request at time of application.
Some folks might have all the gear, experience and passes to resorts ready to go, great jump on in the van and we will get you to and from. Others need it all and that is where costs for this sport can be prohibitive. The $$ amount you see on the descriptions below indicate that potential wide range of costs per person. So, our promise is that 13 days, prior to the trip leaving we will have a final cost to you depending on where you fall in the cost spectrum.
Individuals are responsible for pre-purchasing any lessons, lift tickets and rentals on their own. If you qualify for FA, you will be reimbursed a specific amount, depending on the need.
Overnights WE will cover all lodging, transport and food costs for the group. All other needs for boarding/skiing are the participants responsibility. Day trips WE will cover transportation and food.
How do I register for an event?
Click this link to sign up via google form.(Reed Authentication Required). Please indicate as much detail as possible in the form. You will only submit one registration form for all events. In the form you can indicate your preference from 1-10 - 1 being most wanted-10 least wanted.
Due to the nature of pre-reserving items online for most resorts if you need them. Your final confirmation if you are choosing to participate is required 13 days in advance of the outing.
If you fail to reserve necessary items needed for your personal day on the mountain we will try and assist you but you may not be able to partipate fully.
FAQ's
Who is taking us on these adventures? We have a stable of qualified guides/instructors that will be driving 15-passenger vans/SUV's to locations. These guides will act as risk managers and group organizers. They expect you to be an active participant in cooking (overnight), helping others and being a positive impact with the group. They are not ski instructors, if you need instruction being a beginner, then a lesson is required for purchase by individuals.
How are people selected for the trips? The sign ups will be out live at the start of the semester. Sign up for whatever trip you like. Just make sure you sign-up before the deadline. After the deadline, WE will reach out to you to confirm your place and follow up with details for you to complete in order to finalize your spot.
Is this going to cost me money to participate? Yes, in almost every case this program will have some cost to you. WE is covering instructor wages, transportation, overnight accommodations and food on all outings. Depending on your needs to access ski resorts those costs are yours to absorb. If you indicate you have a FA need on the intake form we will reach out to you when you are selected to let you know what amount we can offer to reduce the cost of the outing. Full financial coverage is not probable.
How do I get reimbursed for expenses if I qualify? You will submit receipts via Etrieve with proper codes to be reimbursed after the event is completed. WE will not pre-purchase necessary items, it is up to you to get what you need from the resort in advance.
Can I go on multiple trips? It is possible, but we will give preference to those who haven't participated so a larger population of folks can experience a winter event this semester.
Other important Details
These are substance free events. No smoking, vaping, alcohol or other drugs are allowed on these experiences.
Waivers must be filled out prior to departing from campus.
Emergency contact information must be on file with WE staff prior to departure.
If you no-show on the reservation you will be not allowed to register for any future events this semester. Common courtesy indicates that you occupy a space and if you don't show you take away a spot from a fellow Reedie. Not cool!
You are responsible for all clothes and gear. Please see the Backpack Co-Op Google calendar for open hours. Plan ahead and get your gear prior to departure to ensure you are all set.
You are responsible fo pre-purchase of lift tickets, rentals, lessons on the day of the adventure. Cost must be paid by participants in advance.