The rumors are true — it has, in fact, snowed at Skidmore College. And while there wasn’t a lot of snow this time around, the first snowfall holds the promise of a winter wonderland to come. For those of you from the Northeast and Midwest, snow is as natural as brushing your teeth in the morning. But those of you who hail from the warm tropics of Florida, California, Arizona and the like, snow is something new entirely.
Having been surrounded by snow my entire life, I’m often surprised by how many snow questions I get from prospective students and their families. The most surprising sentiment they express to me, is how astonished they are that nothing comes to a complete standstill during the snow. Yes, classes still go on, and basketball games are still played, students still trek to the dining hall, and clubs still meet.
So, that got me thinking, what are the top 10 things to do at Skidmore in the snow?
10. Take your class outside! Snow doesn’t stop the hardcore scientists from experimenting in the great outdoors. Take Dr. Halstead’s chemistry class; snow and frozen lakes didn’t stop them from taking water samples last winter.
9. Make Snow Art! We are a school where Creative Thought Matters, after all. So get creative with snow (and even with chicken patties from the Dining Hall) like Katie, Erica and Kelly did in this photo!
8. Attend the Winter Carnival. Brought to you by Skidmore’s freshman class (with the help of some upperclass officials) the annual Winter Carnival features fan-friendly acts like the National College Comedy Festival and a bonfire with fireworks on opening night. Skidmore’s a capella groups perform at the bonfire and other activities include a snowman building competition and a Valentine’s Day Dance.
7. Study! C’mon, you knew we were going to say it. It may be cold and snowy outside, but students stay warm and cozy by the fire in the Dining Hall — a great place to catch up on readings for class. Looking for a less-trafficked area for studying? Head up to the third floor of the Lucy Scribner Library.
6. ChowderFest in Downtown Saratoga Springs. It may be too cold to make the 10-minute walk downtown in February, but a free bus ride with your Skidmore ID card will get you there just fine. Hop around to different shops and restaurants enjoying samples of Saratoga’s finest chowder. Don’t forget to vote for your favorite or pick up a ChowderFest shirt when you’re done!
Thanks to Saratoga Chamber of Commerce for the photo (and the chowder!).
5. Cross-country skiing in North Woods. Skidmore’s North Woods are primarily designated for research and education; but in the winter months, you can access these areas for skiing and snowshoeing. Make sure you stay on the right trails though!
4. Snowball Fights! What would winter be without snowball fights? Well, it would be summer, I guess. Students blow off some steam in between classes and on the weekends with organized snowball fights on the Green.
3. Hot Chocolate in the Dining Hall. You may have heard it all before, but Skidmore’s Dining Hall is pretty fantastic. What better way to warm up after that snowball fight then with a nice cup of hot chocolate while munching on some wood-fired pizza or some vegetables from Emily’s Garden?
2. Plays and concerts and recitals, oh my! Ok, so you don’t ski and the idea of a bunch of college kids taking aim at you with a snowball kind of freaks you out. Don’t worry, there are still a ton of options available to you. Winter is a great time to catch one (or more) of the many plays, concerts, skits, recitals, bands, ensembles — you name it — on campus. Check out the new Arthur Zankel Music Center for the big-name acts and keep your eye on the campus calendar for all the show times, including student performances.
1. Beatlemore Skidmania! The highlight of winter for many members of the Skidmore community, Beatlemore Skidmania is a eclectic tribute to the Beatles staged every year by Skidmore students. This year is the 11th annual show, and — get this — it’s on 11/11/11, no big deal. The show is organized by six students in the Advanced Beatles Seminar taught by Gordon Thompson. The theme this year is the “The Beatles and Beyond” and features more than 20 acts from the campus community. Enjoy the highlight reel from the 2010 Skidmania below.
Still want more snow? Check out the Facebook album from the first snow this year.
