By Brock Bergeson
Although finals are over, students still need an occasional break from the hustle of school, jobs and college life.
Perhaps one of the best-kept secrets to get away is cross-country skiing at Aspen Grove, which is only three miles past the Sundance resort. Along with the many BYU students that take time to ski and snowboard during the winter months, cross-country skiing is just as available, despite being less popular.
Lindsey Runyan, a freshman from Boise, Idaho, looking to study radiology, enjoyed Aspen Grove because of the chance it offered to escape from school last weekend.
?Aspen Grove is a nice little place to get away,? Runyan said.
Not only is this place only 25 minutes away, it?s also beautiful and quiet. Kevin Miller, a sophomore from Boise, Idaho, majoring in exercise science, found Aspen Grove to be a great place for cross-country skiing.
?The serenity is cool and calmly,? Miller said.
In fact, Glen Parker, director of Aspen Grove, describes this getaway spot as a retreat from life.
?Aspen Grove is like an island oasis from the world,? Parker said.
During the winter months from December to March, Aspen Grove offers
cross-country skiing from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday for only $9
per person, which includes equipment and a trail pass.
For those of you who are looking for a little more romantic atmosphere, they also offer night cross-country skiing if you can get a group of 10 or more people together. The night cross-country skiing is also $9 and is from 4 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday.
Aspen Grove is currently enjoying about four feet of snow. They have professionally groomed trails that wind throughout the cabins and all the majestic settings of the camp.
However, officials said that the danger of avalanches is extremely high this time of year, so staying inside the boundaries is the best way to ensure the personal safety of all skiers.