Student organizers with UMD’s Outdoor program held a “Winter Adventure Sampler” to give other students, as well as members of the community, a chance to try out their offerings Monday.

They provided equipment and had teachers to introduce people to ice skating, snow shoeing, fat biking, and cross country skiing.

"We're just trying to get people out here enjoying the outdoors in the winter," said one of the program’s staff, UMD student Nathan Horsch.

Many were grateful for the opportunity to get out in the sun and try something new with friends

"So far I've just done the snowshoeing, but I really liked it, it was something I've never done before and it was pretty neat to try," said UMD student Moriah Cebulla before strapping into a pair of cross country skis.

The event’s coordinator, UMD student Zach Hassing, said this was one of the biggest events he’s ever taken part in, but that everyone had on their masks and maintained social distance.

He also felt this event was important to advertise to his fellow students, as well as the community at large, that the UMD outdoor program will be offering a ton of opportunities for people to get outside and have fun during the winter and spring.

"Now more than ever, we need to get outside, stay active,” said Hassing. “The UMD outdoor program offers many great programs and experiences for community members and UMD students; people who have been inside for too long."

While some upcoming outdoor program outings are exclusively for UMD students, many are open to the general public.  The full list can be found here.

UMD also offers equipment rentals, which are also open to the general public, which can be found here.

To see the original report and related stories, follow this link to the WDIO-TV website here.  https://www.wdio.com/duluth-minnesota-news/umd-winter-adventure-sampler/5982555/?cat=10335