Economy downturn hits outdoors

From the down-turning economy to the dry season, Utah still comes through in supporting its local resorts. A major source of help for Weber State University students is the WSU Outdoor Program, formerly known as the Wilderness Recreation Center.
“The WSU Outdoor Program is a part of campus recreation,” said Daniel Turner, WSU Outdoor Program coordinator. “We operate a full-service outdoor equipment rental center, adventure programs including trips, outings, workshops, classes and clinics, challenge courses and the Weber Rocks Climbing Wall.”
More than $1 billion of Utah’s $7.1 billion tourism industry is linked to skiing and snowboarding. Utah’s 13 ski resorts hosted 3.9 skier days during the 2008-09 season, according to the state tourism office. The WSU Outdoor Program helps contribute to that number by offering opportunities for students to hit the slopes at a decent price.
“We have seen a slight decline in pass sales this season,” Turner said. “It is hard to say if the economy is to blame or if Mother Nature is to blame ­— after all, we really have not had great conditions.”
Spokespeople for Utah’s resorts say that after a 6 percent drop in business in 2008, they have taken a more aggressive marketing approach.
“Resorts are resorts; they are in the business of drawing people out to ski (and) board,” Turner said of the new marketing efforts. “I have noticed that many places capped their ticket price this year and some even kept prices the same as last year.”
Many students opt not to buy season passes due to lack of funds or time, but through the WSU Outdoor Program, students and community members can go on ski trips and outings for a fraction of the usual cost.
“I never buy season passes because they are too expensive for how many times I go,” said Katie Christian, a senior at WSU majoring in communication with a copywriting emphasis. “If I had more time, then I probably would, but it’s just not worth the cost if I only go three times.”
The WSU Outdoor Program offers anything from a $13 Tuesday ski ticket to Wolf Mountain to a $56 lift ticket to Snowbasin. They also offer rental equipment for the community, which is even cheaper with a Wildcat ID card.
“The thing that interests me the most is getting equipment for cheap and discount passes,” Christian said. “Anything I can do to save a little money is always helpful.”
In spite of the drier season, many people continue to work skiing and snowboarding into their budgets.
“I believe that it all comes down to priorities,” Turner said. “Everyone is individual in this. Myself personally would rather ski than eat, but this concept might be a bit farfetched for some. I think it all has to do with what people are passionate about.”
Others expressed different priorities. When speaking of things she had to cut back on, Sara Larsen, a junior at WSU majoring in public relations and advertising, said spending money on skiing just was not in the budget.
“I have never bought a season pass,” Larsen said. “It makes working full days crucial, and I feel like I need to save my money for other things. I haven’t had a chance to go up this year — sadly.”
Although Larsen hasn’t made it to the slopes this year, she said she had heard of the WSU Outdoor Program and has rented its equipment a couple of times.
Regardless of the economy or Mother Nature, the WSU Outdoor Program is looking out for its students and the community to give everyone a chance to ski and snowboard.
“We are in the business of creating opportunities that inspire engagement in healthy, active lifestyles,” Turner said. “We provide the tools for adventure. Come take advantage of these great opportunities.”