From snowshoeing by volcanoes to fighting through raging water on a kayak, Adventure Outings has opened up its trip registration for Spring 2026. A mix of free and paid outings are balanced with clinics and workshops hosted by trained students.
Each semester AO releases its scheduled trips for the semester. Planned, prepared and led by trained students, the trips and workshops are offered to both students and the Chico community. Trips can be registered for on the Associated Students website.
The student-led team is offering a new opportunity to help students get out to the mountains. On Fridays a shuttle service can take nine people from Chico State to Boreal Ski Resort for $25. The shuttle will leave early morning and return late evening, according to the website.
This semester of trips will kick off with a hot cocoa mixer in the WREC climbing gym on Thursday from 6-9 p.m.
The other kickoff outing is their Wildcat Welcome Hike, geared for students who are new to campus. The hike through Upper Bidwell Park will take place Jan. 31 at 2 p.m. People wanting to attend the free excursion can meet in front of the WREC. Spots are limited to 25 people.
For those ready to embrace the cold in the winter months, AO is hosting several backpacking, backcountry skiing and boarding, and snowshoeing excursions into the mountains. But with snow in the backcountry comes the threat of avalanches.
AO is hosting the American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education Avalanche Class and the AIARE level 1 avalanche class late February in Lassen Volcanic National Park. While equipping people with the necessary skills like risk management and rescue situations, the cost can be an inhibiting factor at $250 to $675.
But for those looking to get outside just for the day, AO is offering hikes to Phantom Falls, intro to archery, rock climbing and paddle boarding. The costs of these trips range from $15 to $100.
If you’re more of an enjoyer of the outdoors by watching nature documentaries, the Banff Mountain Film Festival will be returning to the Laxson Auditorium on April 10-11. Chico State is a satellite campus for the festival and screens a selection of short films across two nights, tickets can be purchased online for just one or both of the nights, beginning at $12.
As the temperature heats up and the snow melts, AO is shifting from flying down mountains on skis to cutting across waves on a surfboard. In spring, AO is offering trips such as whitewater kayaking, rafting and surfing in Santa Cruz.
Adventure Outings manages a scholarship called the Get Outdoors Fund, helping students who need financial assistance pay for trips.
AO also maintains an equipment room within the WREC where community members can check out gear, such as crash pads, backpacks, climbing shoes, kayaks, tents and more.
During winter break, Program Director Nate Farrington was fired from his position. This has not impacted any of the trips for this semester, said Trask Baughman, program coordinator for AO.
Chris Hutton can be reached at [email protected] or [email protected]
