Outdoor Center Excursions

Outdoor Center Excursions

The Outdoor Center enhances opportunities for students and other members of the WWU community to involve themselves in outdoor recreation activities. This fall, we have a host of in-person events available to all so come join us in exploring the outdoors and connecting with ourselves and others! All Outdoor Center excursions are either free or low-cost ($10). 

On our excursions, we attempt to engage all of our participants in fun and absorbing activities based on their comfort and ability levels. This will mean checking in with everyone to see what they want out of the trip and checking in multiple times during the trip to assess how the trip can best fit the groups' needs. We believe that there is a way to balance the excitement level of an activity and the perceived risk/exertion for each of our participants so that everyone can leave our program having learned something and enjoyed themselves.

Winter 2023 Registration

Registration for excursions in the first half of Winter '23 will be open on Wednesday, January 4 at 10 AM. Registration for excursions in the second half of Winter '23 will open on Wednesday, February 1 at 10 AM.

Students can sign up in-person at the Outdoor Center (Viking Union 150, off Garden Street). Trips have a limited number of spots and typically fill up fast - registration is first-come, first-serve. Students will have the option to place themselves on a waiting list once trips are full but there is no guarantee that any spots will open.

Winter 2023 Excursions Schedule

Wellness Weekdays (FREE; registration required)
First Half of Winter '23

Groovy Gear Sewing Clinics (6 p.m. – 8 p.m.)

  • Dates:
    • Thursday, January 19
    • Thursday, January 26
    • Thursday, February 2  
  • Description: Want to learn how to make your own outdoor gear? During this three-week clinic we’ll make insulating fleece hats, pants and more to keep you warm, toasty and super stylish for all your winter activities. Join us to sharpen your sewing skills, build lasting community, and personalize your layering systems!
  • Essential Eligibility: N/A

Backcountry Cooking Seminar (Wednesday, January 25 from 4:30-7 p.m.)

  • Description: Join us to cook a hot meal and get introduced to the ins and outs of backcountry cooking. We’ll be meeting in the Outback classroom where we’ll teach use of stoves, food safety in the backcountry and maybe roast a marshmallow or two! Open to a variety of dietary needs and preferences!
  • Essential Eligibility: N/A

Jewelry Making and Crafting at Lakewood (Friday, February 10 from 4:30-6 p.m.)

  • Description: Spend the afternoon next to a cozy fire in the Lakewood lounge making jewelry and crafting. Snacks, warm drinks, sweet tunes, and transportation provided.  Option for a short nature walk, weather permitting.

Second Half of Winter '23

Backcountry Seminar Series (6 p.m. – 8 p.m.)

  • Dates:
    • Wednesday, February 8
    • Wednesday, February 15
    • Wednesday, February 22
  • Description: Join us for three weeks of educational seminars around backcountry travel (ski, splitboard, snowshoe)! Come listen to guest speakers and learn more about this mode of travel!
  • Essential Eligibility: N/A

Intro to Bike Maintenance Clinics (4:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.)

  • Dates:
    • Wednesday, March 1
    • Wednesday, March 8
  • Description: Want to be able to fix your own bike? Come learn the basics of bike maintenance from bike techs at the Outdoor Center. Topics will include changing and patching a tire, cleaning and lubing your chain, adjusting your seat and handlebars, and more! You can BYOB (bring your own bike) or practice on our bikes here.
  • Essential Eligibility: N/A

Weekend Excursions (Cost $10; registration required)
First Half of Winter '23

Kulshan Backcountry Ski Adventure (Saturday-Monday, January 14 – 16)

  • All Participants must attend Pre-Trip meeting on Tuesday, January 10 from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM.
  • Description: Enjoy an overnight weekend of backcountry skiing around Kulshan (Mt. Baker) – participants can expect to build their touring skills while exploring backcountry zones and camping overnight.
  • Essential Eligibility: Intermediate skiing experience is required for this trip; prior backcountry experience is preferred.

Intro to Ski & Snowboard at Mt. Kulshan (Saturday, January 21)

  • All Participants must attend Pre-Trip meeting on Tuesday, January 17 from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
  • Description: Want to try snowboarding or skiing? This is geared towards first-time or new riders that want to build confidence, skill, and community, so we’ll be staying in the beginner areas of Mt. Baker Ski area
  • Essential Eligibility: No prior ski or snowboard experience is needed.

Slipping Sliding, SLEDADVENTURE!!! (Saturday, February 4)

  • No Participant Pre-Trip meeting!
  • Description: Join us for a classic snow day out at Mt. Kulshan! You can expect sledding, snacking, snowballs, snowmen/snow-angels, hot drinks, and lots of giggles. This trip is designed for people looking to reconnect with their inner child through play. No experience required - MUST be ready for snow and a good time!
  • Essential Eligibility: basic hiking / walking skills

Women & Non-Binary Full Moon Night Hike (Sunday, February 5)

  • No Participant Pre-Trip meeting!
  • Description: Join us for a night hike up the Chanterelle Trail near Lake Whatcom as we bask under the light of the full moon. The moderately challenging route is about 5 miles and 1,000 feet elevation gain.
    Essential Eligibility: basic hiking / walking skills. Women- and non-binary identifying folks of any experience and ability are welcome!

Second Half of Fall '22

Leavenworth Cross Country Ski Adventure for Women and Non-Binary People! (Saturday - Monday, February 18-20)

  • All Participants must attend Pre-Trip Meeting on Tuesday, February 14 from 5:00 PM – 7 :00 PM
  • Description: Join us for a restorative weekend in Leavenworth filled with low intensity classic skiing, playing in the snow, gummy bears and hot cocoa!
  • Essential Eligibility: No prior xc experience is needed. Women- and non-binary identifying students.

Vancouver XC Ski Adventure (Saturday - Sunday, February 25-26)

  • All Participants must attend Pre-Trip meeting on Tuesday, February 21 from 5:00 – 7:00 PM
  • Description: Join us for a weekend of exploration across the border! We'll head up the slopes for some mellow cross-country skiing and group bonding. Never been on skis before? No problem; cross-country skiing is a great place to start! Valid passport required.
  • Essential Eligibility: basic hiking/walking. Must have a valid passport and ability to cross the border. No prior xc experience needed.

Accessibility

For disability accommodations, questions or requests please contact our Outdoor Center Co-Coordinators and as.oc.excursions.coord@wwu.edu and as.oc.ex.asst.coord@wwu.edu or call 360-650-7677 at least two weeks before the trip. For more information check out our website.

For any other questions or feedback, you can also reach out to our Outdoor Center Co-Coordinators or call the front desk at the Equipment & Bike Shop at 360-650-3115