The University of Maine at Presque Isle’s Outdoor Adventure Program International [OAPI] is offering an adventure-packed spring full of adventures and activities for campus and community members to enjoy, including dog sledding, a ski resort getaway, a winter ascent of Mt. Katahdin, and a zip line adventure at the Grand Falls Gorge.
The fun starts with a Dog Sledding Adventure on Sunday, Jan. 29 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This is your chance to experience the exhilarating sport of dog sledding. Participants will get to meet the mushers, play with the dogs, harness up the team, warm up with a delicious lunch, go for a ride, and maybe even drive a team. Registration deadline is Thursday, Jan. 26 by 4 p.m. Cost is $20 for UMPI students and $35 for non-students.
On Friday, Feb. 3 at 1:30 p.m., OAPI will host a Snowshoe at Aroostook State Park, providing a leisurely snowshoe tour of the park’s trails. Enjoy the beauty and solitude of the park in winter. No experience is required. Participants should meet at Gentile Hall by 1:30 p.m. This event is first come, first served, and is free for UMPI students and $5 for non-students.
Just a week later, on Friday, Feb. 10 through Sunday, Feb. 12, OAPI will offer a Saddleback Ski & Ride Getaway, giving participants the chance to enjoy a weekend of skiing or riding at one of New England’s premiere ski resorts. The trip includes an on-mountain condo, 2-day lift ticket, transportation, meals (while at Saddleback), and two nights’ lodging. The registration deadline is Jan. 25 by 4 p.m. A $100 non-refundable deposit is due at the time of registration. Cost is $200 for UMPI students and $250 for non-students.
On Friday, March 2, there will be a Cross-Country Ski at Aroostook State Park. This event is especially for those who have always wanted to try XC skiing and those who would like to explore some of the ski trails at the park. No experience is required. Participants should meet at Gentile Hall by 1 p.m. This event is first come, first served, and is free for UMPI students and $5 for non-students.
OAPI ventures out for a Winter Ascent of Mt. Katahdin on Saturday, March 10 through Sunday, March 11. This is an epic adventure that requires a great deal of stamina and determination. The group will snowshoe in on Saturday and stay overnight in the lean-tos. On Sunday, the group will be up before dawn and attempt to reach the summit of Maine’s highest peak (weather permitting). This will be a physically and mentally demanding trip, so participants must be in great physical condition. There will be mandatory pre-trip meeting. Bad weather dates are March 17-18. The registration deadline is Feb. 10. Non-students may sign up beginning Jan. 24. Cost is $125 for UMPI students and $155 for non-students.
At 2 p.m. on Friday, April 13, OAPI will offer a kayak roll clinic in the Gentile Hall pool. Participants can learn or hone their kayak rolling skills in preparation for the upcoming whitewater season. Whitewater guide and UMPI Recreation student Josh Stahl will provide instruction on how to perform this essential skill. This event is free for UMPI students; $7 for non-students.
OAPI will again lead a Zip Line Adventure with a trip on Saturday, April 28. Participants will get to see the spectacular Grand Falls Gorge during the spring run-off as they’ve never seen it before… dangling above it on a steel cable! The registration deadline is Wednesday, April 25 by 4 p.m. Cost is to be determined.
The spring semester events schedule wraps up on Saturday, May 5 with Outdoor Rock Climbing in Acadia National Park. Participants will experience one of the most scenic rock climbing areas in the east – Otter Cliffs on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean – with PCIA certified climbing guide Lenny Cole. Some prior climbing experience indoors or outdoors is recommended. The registration is deadline Wednesday, May 2 by 4 p.m. Rain date is May 6. There will be a mandatory pre-trip meeting for this trip. Cost is $40 for students and $60 for non-students.
If you plan to head out on an adventure of your own, keep in mind that OAPI rents out gear – including snowshoes, skis, tents, sleeping bags, canoes, and kayaks – for a nominal fee, including a $20 deposit at the time of rental. Those wishing to take advantage of OAPI rentals are advised to check on availability and reserve gear in advance through Kim McCrea, Assistant Director of Gentile Hall and Manager of OAPI.
For more information about any of these events or to register, contact McCrea at 768-9401 or kimberly.mccrea@maine.edu. Follow OAPI on Facebook for the latest information on upcoming trips, trip pictures and more. You can also visit OAPI’s website at www.umpi.edu/gentile-hall/oapi to find out more about the club. OAPI hosts club meetings on the first and third Thursday of each month in the OAPI office located in Gentile Hall. All are welcome.
