Since the 1970’s Tyrone High School has provided a ski club for middle and high schoolers. The club once headed up by retired math teacher Richard Ward is now lead by Mrs. Elaine Conrad, a 6th grade social studies teacher. Conrad took over for Ward about ten years ago.

When ski club first began there were no snowboarders.  Ski club was for skiers only.  Now there is an equal mix between skiers and snowboarders.  The 2014-2015 club consisted of 88 students. Tyrone is the largest school sponsored group that travels to Blue Knob to ski.

The club travels to Blue Knob All Seasons Resort near Claysburg, Pennsylvania four times each season.  The resort has 34 trails which are all used heavily by the Tyrone skiers and snowboarders.

The total cost of ski club at Tyrone is $140- that includes the rental skis or snowboard, the lift ticket, and the bus.  Extra fees are for lessons, food, and helmet rentals. The cost at Blue Knob during the week for the same four trips would cost $220 plus transportation costs.

“One parent thanked me for providing the opportunity for their child to be a part of a school activity where skills are learned and friendships and memories are made,” Mrs. Elaine Conrad told the Eagle Eye.

To join ski club you must be a Tyrone student in grades 5-12.  No experience is needed.  Lessons are available for discounted extra fee.

“Ski club is a lot of fun. I wish I started doing it before my senior year. The ski instructors were nice and really understanding. I never would have started skiing if it wasn’t for the ski club” said senior and first time skier Molly LaPorte.

Every three years the club plans a trip to Smugglers Notch, Vermont.  Smugglers Notch has three mountains that contain a total of 93 trails.

“Smugglers Notch is Blue Knob times ten” says TAHS teacher and ski club chaperone Todd Cammarata,“There is so much more to do.  Smugglers Notch provides a lot more and a lot steeper terrain.  It’s a fun place.”

Conrad says that she hopes to plan a trip to Vermont next year but nothing has been decided as of yet.

Mrs. Conrad is planning to retire from teaching at the end of this school year, however she will be back in the winter planning next years ski club.

“I enjoy being able to give students the opportunity to learn and experience something new and fun.  Skiing is a sport that can be enjoyed by all ages,” said Conrad.