Before heading out on a much needed vacation, Anja Whittington's Outdoor Pursuits II (OPII) class ventured down to Big Rock in Mars Hill for some lessons in downhill skiing. If you remember from before, OPII is the same group who had a crash course in cross country skiing at Aroostook State Park a few weeks ago. The Thursday afternoon session at Big Rock was led by Mark Shea (left, wearing orange). Mark is the Marketing Manager/Snow School Director at Big Rock, and an alumnus of the University of Maine at Presque Isle! He currently teaches adventurous individuals how to ski, as you can see from these awesome photos!




[ABOVE Clint Carter, student at UMPI, "If you’re not falling you’re not trying hard enough..."]

On a scholarly note...
Leah Finnemore, Senior Recreation and Leisure Services student, has been involved in a research opportunity through the Maine Policy Scholars program. As the 2009 scholar from UMPI, Leah has had the opportunity to research and discuss an issue that is facing the State of Maine today, which is Fiscal Responsibility for Backcountry Evacuations. For an overview of the project, watch Leah's interview with WAGM by clicking on the link below!
LEAH FINNEMORE ON WAGM WITH LAURA THOMAS

As part of her research, Leah has created an online survey for recreation enthusiast across Maine. Take a few minutes and fill out the survey, which is completely anonymous; we welcome your feedback!
RECREATION RESEARCH SURVEY 2010

Many of you are familiar with UMPI's Nordic Ski Coach, Alexei Sotskov. In his first year at UMPI, Alexei has set the team off on the right foot at the beginning of Carnival season (called "Carnival" races because they are a combination of Nordic and Alpine competitions), and we are wrapping up the season with the Williams Carnival this weekend and next weekend at EISA Championships, held in Middlebury, Vermont. Since February 9, however, Alexei has been coaching the New Zealand XC Ski Team at the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver! To stay updated on this amazing adventure of Alexei's, check out the blog he is keeping...
ALEXEI GOES TO VANCOUVER 2010


Thanks for reading, and happy recreating!