OAPI offers slate of spring events

With winter in full gear and warmer weather in the future, the University of Maine at Presque Isle’s Outdoor Adventure Program International (OAPI) is offering a series of spring adventures for campus and community members to enjoy, including a winter mountain climb, cross country and alpine skiing, and rock climbing. 

The first event of the season kicks off on Jan. 21 and again on Jan. 28, Feb. 4, Feb. 11, Feb. 25, March 4, March 11 and March 18 when OAPI offers free rides to Big Rock Ski Area in Mars Hill. The mountain offers free Wednesday night lift tickets and OAPI provides the free transportation to the site. The shuttle departs from Gentile Hall at 4 p.m. and returns by 9:45 p.m. Organizers will cancel if driving conditions are unsafe. If you would like to attend, please be at Gentile Hall by 3:45 p.m.

For women who wish to “learn the ropes” of indoor climbing, OAPI will offer a series of climbing nights for women beginning Tuesday, Feb. 3 in Gentile Hall. No experience is required and instruction will be provided for the sessions which meet on the first Tuesday and third Wednesday of February, March and April from 6-9 p.m. This activity is free for UMPI students and Gentile Hall members; cost for non-members is the $7 day pass fee.

OAPI ventures out for its White Mountain Winter Ascent from Wednesday, Feb. 18 to Saturday, Feb. 21. Participants will be able to experience winter travel in the White Mountains of New Hampshire on this four-day trip.

Cost for UMPI students and non-students is to be announced. Registration deadline for this trip is Monday, Jan. 26 and a $50 deposit must be made at the time of registration. Participants are expected to take part in two pre-trip meetings. The first pre-trip meeting will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 27 at 7 p.m. at Mojo in Presque Isle. The second pre-trip meeting will be held on Sunday, Feb. 8 from 11 a.m. to dark at Aroostook State Park. Show up at Gentile Hall by 10:40 a.m. to carpool or meet the group at the park.On Friday, Feb. 27, OAPI will go cross country skiing at the Nordic Heritage Center in Presque Isle. There is no experience required and skis are available at the OAPI office. The group will leave Gentile Hall at 1 p.m. for this free event. Registration deadline is Thursday, Feb. 26.

OAPI takes to the snow on Sunday, March 8 with a shelter building session at the University of Maine at Presque Isle campus. The group will meet at Gentile Hall around 1 p.m. for this free event.

More winter survival skills fun is on tap for Saturday, March 14, when OAPI hosts a Slumber Party. Participants will have the opportunity to sleep outside and experience winter temperatures with OAPI’s canvas wall tents! It’s warm; you won’t believe it until you try for yourself! The group will meet at Gentile Hall at 7 p.m. for this free event. Registration deadline is Friday, March 13.

OAPI returns to the caves of Quebec on Saturday, April 25 with a cave exploration trip. No experience is required. The group will leave Gentile Hall at 7 a.m. and return by 8 p.m. Cost for UMPI students is $25; $30 for non-students. Registration deadline is Friday, April 24 with a 50 percent deposit due at time of registration.

On Friday, May 1, OAPI will offer a Kayak Roll Session. Participants will get to learn the basics or practice whitewater kayaking techniques at the Gentile Hall pool. Event time is to be announced. This event is free.

The spring events schedule wraps up on Saturday, May 2 with Outdoor Rock Climbing. Get outside and climb real rock with a certified rock climbing guide. The group will leave Gentile Hall at 5:30 a.m. and return by 10 p.m. Cost for UMPI students is $30; $40 for non-students. Registration deadline is Friday, May 1 with a 50 percent deposit due at time of registration.

For more information about any of these events, contact Amanda Morin at 768-9401.