For many prospective post-secondary students, choosing the right program is important. But often the decision to attend a university comes down to the quality of student life offered outside of the classroom.

Caden Brown, president of the ski and snowboard club and an avid skier for 19 years, said he chose to attend Carleton four years ago because there was a ski and snowboard club that catered directly to his biggest interest.

“Even though I didn't know what I wanted to study, I knew where,” he said.

Boasting a membership and alumni of more than 1,000 people, the ski and snowboard club at Carleton is one of the university’s largest clubs, attracting many high school students interested in winter sports.

“Since Carleton is so close to Mont Tremblant I actually checked to see if there was a snowboard club before I enrolled in the school,” said Reese Hong, a member of the club for two years.

Known for its weekly trips to Mont Tremblant every Sunday, this club makes the most out of the winter season, including rowdy parties and the infamous Jibtest, the annual end of the season rail jam. 

Daly Brown, the creator of the club and the older brother of Caden, said he started the club six years ago because he wanted to get a whole bunch of people together to shred (snowboard) and party.

“When it first started, we struggled to fill one bus a week and we didn't have the support of the administration. Now we have waiting lists for three busses and have been featured in

Maclean’s magazine multiple times,” said Daly, referring to the annually published Maclean’s Guide to Canadian Universities.

Since the club’s creation they have added an overnight trip, the rail jam and a pre-season party.

“I feel like we've built a reputation around people having a genuinely good time,” Caden said, describing the club as place to meet new people with similar interests and leaving the stress of school and work behind.

“It’s a good release and great way to get away,” said Drew McLean, vice-president of the club.

With the season winding down the club expects to make three more trips to Mont Tremblant before exams in April, if Mother Nature permits.

It will be hosting the fifth annual Jibtest rail jam March 26, in Parking Lot 2 in front of the Unicentre.