On Friday, Feb. 11, the Campus Activities Board (CAB) along with the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Recreational Sports hosted the annual Night on the Slopes at Mount La Crosse. This event had deals for UWL students on lift tickets, and ski and snowboard rentals. This has become a popular night among students of all skill levels in both skiing and snowboarding.  

Mt. La Crosse is located on the south side of La Crosse just past Highway 14. Since 1959 Mt. La Crosse has offered the widest variety of skiing and snowboarding terrain in the Midwest. The ski hill adds to the variety of things students can participate in outside of campus.   

The CAB and UWL REC sports hoped to bring new experiences to the students. Aligned with the Universities core values and vision to provide opportunities both inside and outside the classroom for the development of sound mental, emotional, and ethical skills, as well as general well-being. UWL also has four keywords you can find right on the home page: welcoming, active, driven and engaged. Night on the Slopes, and many other activities the school and its organization’s host, try to fit into their keywords and mission.  

Mt. La Crosse offers 18 different hills/trails that have a variety of different difficulty levels. There is a slope for anyone. From a bunny hill to a double black diamond called “Damnation” which is the steepest trail in Mid-America according to mtlacrosse.com. Here is a trail map of all the trails offered on the hill.   

The ski hill also plays host to a bunch of downhill ski races including the Wisconsin State Meet which took place Feb. 18-21. There are also youth and adult racing events that take place throughout the winter.  

“I really enjoyed my time skiing, I am a little more experienced than my friends, but it was great seeing them out here learning and trying,” said UWL fourth-year Evan Schultz. Schultz went down the black diamond and said he clocked in at 55 miles per hour. “I was trying to go back and forth but ended up just bombing it instead.”   

As for a less experienced student “It is always a fun time at Mt. La Crosse, there are routes for all levels of skiers and snowboarders, so it fits everyone. A fun trip,” said UWL second-year student Sam Rodgers.  

The conditions were not the greatest. “One ski patroller came up to my group and me and said that this was the worst conditions he has seen in a long time so that probably wasn’t fun for the beginners to try and learn,” said Shultz. “Once the sun went down, I noticed it got super icy.” 

Besides the main attraction of Mt. La Crosse being skiing; they also have unique food and drink options in the chalet. A snack bar is located on the main floor and upstairs there is a restaurant/bar area called St. Bernard’s Room. St. Bernards hosted live music during the event, which made for a great place to warm up and rest after being on the hill.  

“While I enjoy skiing, one of my favorite parts was sitting inside and warming up in St. Bernards room,” said Rodgers.  

“I definitely found myself hanging out at the bar and listening to music more than I expected too,” said Shultz.  

Mt. La Crosse also offers a ski and snowboard repair shop and a pro shop where you can purchase different equipment and clothing from over 20 assorted brands.  

For over 60 years Mt. La Crosse is a place for any skill level and all ages to enjoy skiing or snowboarding and Night on the Slopes is a fantastic way to get more students to experience one of La Crosse’s popular off-campus spots.  

Gallery • 6 Photos

Photo taken by Jack O'Donnell.