Skiers hit slopes close to home with local club

Speeding through fresh white powder isn't just reserved for those within driving distance of a major mountain range. The Alpine Ski Club of Bloomington offers these thrills and more for city residents and guests wishing to feel the excitement of a brisk winter wind whipping in their face.\nStan Ellis, director of the ASC, said his club offers diverse membership opportunities to community members wishing to ski or enjoy snow-covered landscapes. He said the ASC is open to all ski skill levels and efforts of participation.\n"It's surprising to see all of the people we have at our club," Ellis said. "The only common denominator we have is our love of the sport. Everybody comes here to ski, and it's a thrill. (We) always ski three times, because by the third time you'll be hooked. If you're going to take the sport up, you're going to get addicted to it. It's something to look forward to each year."\nASC members dive into the club for many reasons, Ellis said.\n"Sometimes it's for a social reason, or they have a friend in the ski club that encourages them," Ellis said. "The Winter Olympics influence people to get out there and try skiing. But most of the time, it's a social thing."\nSocializing isn't the only reason people choose to hit the slopes. Sometimes, skiers are in need of inspiration found only from Mother Nature, Ellis said.\n"Most of the people in the club are outdoor enthusiasts," Ellis said. "A lot of our skiers are hikers, bikers, golfers or take part in other such activities." \nNot only do skiers partake in various sports for fun, but many ASC members use their downtime to condition for new challenges throughout the upcoming season. Frequent interaction brings all members close together within the group. Once the temperatures start to drop, the ASC regularly holds club gatherings the first Tuesday of the month from September through May to plan for future endeavors.\nAlthough flying down a hill with friends can be memorable and fun, ASC racing promises to lure athletes with the added thrill of competition. \nChris Kohler, ASC race team director, said all skill levels are welcome.\n"ASC is made up of a local group of skiers," Kohler said. "We train together at Paoli Peaks, and it's an excellent way to meet new people and improve our skills."\nPaoli Peaks, located in Paoli, Ind., is hundreds of miles away from the more popular trails out West. However, Kohler said Paoli Peaks provides local competition and thrills for those who tackle its snow-covered paths.\nEllis said there is something compelling about racing down a hill at full speed with the wind biting at your skin.\n"Around the Midwest, there's not much glamour like in the West," Ellis said. "Once you ski out in the mountains, it's exciting and it's a rush. You don't have to like going fast so much, but the chilling temperatures outside adds to the excitement." \nFor those avid skiers who want to push themselves to their peak on the slopes, ASC offers some additional bonuses, Ellis said.\nKohler said the club isn't just for competitive skiers. Members compete in NASTAR -- the National Standard Race and the largest public recreational ski race program in the world -- on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. In addition to preparing and conditioning for competition, Kohler said ASC Racing organizes trips to resorts with runs for every skier's strength.\nPaoli Peaks has two parallel giant slalom slopes for side-by-side competition, including electric timing for accurate results, Kohler said. \nMany racers traveled late last spring to Copper Mountain in Summit County, Colo. A few ASC members did some cat skiing, in which a snow cat drives skiers up to non-lift areas to ski. \n"There was a special run there known as 'The Burn,'" Kohler said. "It was all moguls," referring to raised mounds of snow clumped together for more difficult skiing and big-air tricks.\nCompetition is adrenaline-fueled and ego-driven, but their love of skiing is what makes these athletes come back year after year, he said.\n"Skiing is more than a sport -- it's a lifestyle," Kohler said. "It offers people a way to meet new friends, get some exercise, have fun and do it all at the same time."\n-- Contact Staff Writer Jacqueline Faine at jfaine@indiana.edu.