“Kick Off the Frosty Adventures: Winter Fun Days Launch This Saturday!”

Hot cocoa, s’mores, and chilly season activities are available for the first event in a series of Winter Fun Days for the Dartmouth community, taking place from noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 11, at the Dartmouth Outing Club House located on Occom Pond.

Every Saturday throughout the winter term will showcase outdoor pursuits such as sledding, snowshoeing, or skating, with gear provided.

The Saturday series is backed by the Outdoor Programs Office and the Outdoor Engagement Committee. Additional offices, such as Dartmouth Student Government, the Office of Pluralism and Leadership, and the Native American Program, will also co-sponsor and contribute to the planning of the various Saturday activities.

“We’re thrilled to host Winter Fun Days at the Dartmouth Outing Club House, allowing students to experience a range of winter activities, assuming the weather permits,” states Katie Colleran, director of the Outdoor Programs Office. “Even if cold weather isn’t your preference, we have fire pits available to keep you warm and would love for you to join us, even if just for a short time.” 

The events are part of a comprehensive initiative aimed at enhancing health and well-being within the Dartmouth community, which also provides access to winter sports and equipment. 

Holders of a Dartmouth ID can borrow equipment, including skates, snowshoes, and warm attire, free of charge from Dartmouth Outdoor Rentals, which is open on weekdays, and skates from the Dartmouth Outing Club House on Saturdays if ice conditions permit safe skating. Members of the Dartmouth community and the general public can borrow skates from Campion Arena at no cost. 

This could prove particularly useful since, similar to last year, the ice rink on the Green will open next week to both the Dartmouth community and the broader public. 

The rink, a partnership between Dartmouth and the Town of Hanover, is expected to be ready by midday on Monday, Jan. 13. It will initially welcome skaters from 9 a.m. until sunset, and subsequently from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., following the installation of lighting, according to Jim Alberghini, logistics director for Dartmouth’s Conferences and Events department. 

The ice on Occom Pond is currently not deemed safe for walking or skating.

Bruce Sacerdote ’90, an economics professor and chair of the Outdoor Engagement Committee, expresses that the Saturday events are an excellent venue for socializing and enjoying the outdoors, both of which can significantly enhance mental well-being.

“During these shorter days, having an activity that encourages you to go outside during daylight and partake in social interactions is incredibly beneficial,” Sacerdote comments. “You never realize which winter sport you may fall in love with until you experience it.”

Abida Ahmadi ’26, who is pursuing an economics degree and is a member of the Outdoor Engagement Committee, shares her enthusiasm for the Saturday activities and is motivating her friends and peers to participate.

According to Ahmadi, it is crucial for students to step back from their studies, jobs, and internships to unwind. With numerous enjoyable opportunities available, the winter series “is going to be a fantastic chance.”