El Niño is making its way West

JAMIE EDDY | FEATURE EDITOR | THE USD VISTA

This just in: inches and inches of fresh powder are beginning to fall upon mountains across the United States. Winter’s start of snowfall is an exciting time for many college students, including University of San Diego’s Toreros.

Although USD is primarily a sunny and sandy university, there are many people who were born and raised in snowy states or have grown up shredding the powder on family trips.

After several devastating years of drought and a lack of snowfall, California is supposed to experience an El Niño winter.

This means that California is supposed to get a lot of rain, which produces snow in the mountains, which leads to a great season of skiing, snowboarding, and fun times with friends.

The perk of being a college student is that the majority of mountains, especially in California, have discounted rates for individuals with student identification.

Currently, the average ticket price for one day at any major mountain ranges anywhere from $90-$130. If you are someone that knows you will go up to the mountains at least three times, consider buying the Cali4nia mountain pass for the best value.

The Cali4nia pass for the 2015-2016 season gives access to four mountains: Mammoth, Big Bear, June Mountain, and Snow Summit.

In addition, there are no blackout dates with this pass, so you can ski throughout the holidays.There are additional discounts on rentals, lessons, and events such as concerts and ice-skating.

All of these amenities are supposed to cost $799, which is already a major steal according to some Toreros.

Senior Jonny Murray is excited about this price because of how willing resort mountains are to work with a student budget that is reasonable.

“It’s great that these mountains are partnering to give students a great deal on a pass that people will actually use,” Murray said. “I think people are willing to purchase it because it gives you access to mountains that are close to San Diego and further away.” 

San Diego State University snow club is hosting a last chance opportunity for students with a valid school ID to purchase the pass at extremely discounted rates.

For students 22 and younger, the Cali4nia pass is only $300 and for 23 year olds and up, the pass is $600. SDSU students will be set up at San Diego State University at North Library Walkway on Nov. 19 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Make sure you bring your valid school ID and a credit or debit card because they will not be accepting cash.

Even though it is still somewhat sunny and warm in San Diego, students are beginning to break out the sweaters and are feeling the winter chill. This winter is bound to be a good one with better snow than California has seen in the last couple years

Look out for USD students posting on social media and the USD Facebook page about driving up to the mountains because many times there are extra seats in cars.

Senior Macauley Berg has been a part of the USD snow club since his Freshman year and is looking forward to getting some El Niño snow this year.

“This season is going to be such a good one and I’m excited to get some new students out on the slopes with the people who I’ve been riding with since my first year here at USD,” Berg said. “The more riders and people we get on the slopes, the better time we all have.”

If you want to get away from San Diego for a weekend, head to the colder areas of California. Keep your eye out for upcoming trips and make sure to purchase a season pass at a reasonable price for a college student budget.