Junior marketing major John Muller, 21, barely stood on a snowboard a year ago. This January, he’s tackling Canada’s slopes with Rowan’s Ski and Snowboarding Club and a group of friends who won’t let him quit.

His introduction to snowboarding, although chaotic, was memorable. At the indoor slope at the American Dream Mall in East Rutherford, New Jersey, Muller fell again and again while witnessing a toddler zipping past him almost effortlessly. 

“I must have fallen a hundred times that day,” said Muller.

Even through the tumbles, something clicked that day. He learned that he loved snowboarding. That spark ultimately carried him forward, making him go from a nervous beginner to someone eager for bigger slopes and new experiences. For him, snowboarding quickly became more than just a sport; it was a way to connect with people who shared the same rush of carving down a snowy hill. That anticipation of testing himself only deepened as he became more involved with Rowan’s Ski and Snowboarding Club.

“I’ve already met new friends through planning for the Canada trip. I’m so excited to see the mountains, fall a lot, and just learn more. And I get to rub it in my brother’s face that I’m snowboarding in Canada before he is,” Muller said. 

The trip to Mont-Tremblant in Quebec, Canada, is the club’s signature event and the result of months of planning. Madison Schulz, 21, a marketing major and co-president of the Ski and Snowboarding Club, oversees the logistics of the trip in coordination with a third-party travel company called Outside Life.

“I basically ran everything with the Canada trip with the rep. We started planning in August by picking the destination, working out lodging, lift tickets, and making sure everything is organized for the students,” said Schulz. 

Her fellow co-president, Jake Bley, a sophomore biological science major, manages other trips like the club’s frequent excursions to Blue Mountain in Pennsylvania. While Schulz maintains her focus on the big international adventure, Bley grounds the club in its regular outings closer to home, though smaller in scale, they still come with their own set of moving pieces. From figuring out transportation to ensuring newcomers feel comfortable tackling the slopes. 

“Carpooling is always a big question,” said Bley. “Not everyone has a car that can handle snow, so we set up a system to make sure everyone has a ride. No one gets left stranded.” 

Apart from Schulz and Bley, they have assistance from their public relations officer, Nina McManus, 20, a junior environmental science major. McManus aids the club’s officers in helping get the word out about upcoming meetings, trips, and events, as well as encouraging participation from its members. 

“The hotel we’re staying at this year is right in the center of town. It’s ski-in, ski-out, and within walking distance of restaurants, shops, and nightlife. The inclusion of the outdoor hot tub has also proven to be a big selling point,” said McManus. 

The club prides itself on accessibility. Skiing and snowboarding can be expensive hobbies, but through the club, interested Rowan students can take advantage of discounted rentals and season passes, subsidized by the club through their budget. 

“For the first 30 students who meet the requirements, we’re subsidizing $75 of the Blue Mountain student season pass, which is already a discounted season pass,” said Bley. 

Through the subsidization of the passes provided by the club, the costs are brought down to roughly $160 instead of the original $240, making it easier for students to participate. The trips are not just open to Rowan students, but also to friends and family. 

“Technically, anyone can go. Last year, someone even brought their dad. This trip costs $743, which includes hotel, lift tickets, and nightclub passes for five days, but we try to give students as much value as possible,” said Schulz. 

Sign-ups for the Canada trip are competitive. Last year, the 70 available spots filled up in a matter of minutes, with this year’s roster expected to fill up quickly. Bley, Schulz, and the rest of the e-board’s members organize rooming, allowing students to choose their roommates whenever possible. 

“We try to keep everyone happy and make sure the rooming works for all participants,” said Schulz. 

Beyond the big Canada adventure, the club runs weekly trips to Blue Mountain in the spring semester, fundraisers like Chipotle nights and bake sales, and provides a welcoming environment for students of all skill levels. 

“You don’t have to be good at the sport to join. Everyone here is outgoing and open to teaching people, whether they’re beginners or have been skiing for years,” said McManus. 

For John Muller, all of these details add up to one thing: opportunity. The Canada trip isn’t just a week of skiing and snowboarding; it’s a chance to grow, improve, and form friendships that last far beyond the mountain.