The Sugarbush Shuttle

In the winter months, Reverend William Wick spends his Saturdays doing what he loves most: Skiing the slopes of the Sugarbush Ski Mountain in Warren and teaching others how to ski.

When Wick is not strapped into his skis, he is commonly found on another hill, at Norwich University, talking with students about anything and everything.

For the past 16 years, Wick, of Northfield, Vt., has been a personal ski instructor at Sugarbush. A bigger part of his life, however, is serving as the NU chaplain, a position he has held since 1989.

Combining his love for skiing and his involvement with Norwich students, Wick drives a shuttle to and from Sugarbush on Saturdays, a new opportunity this year, according to the campus activity board.

"I teach at Sugarbush on my days off from here, so I am driving that way anyhow," Wick said, "so any folk who would like to go to the mountain and do not have a car or do not want to drive on the back roads (can) come with us."

This shuttle was suggested to run last year on Sundays, but they had difficulty finding a driver, according to Wick. "With my being a Rev, I am kind of tied up on Sundays, but Saturdays are fine. I am happy to drive a shuttle van over there," Wick said.

Early on Saturday mornings, those who signed up for the ride pack up the van with their snowboards and skis, and head towards Warren. The van seats six.

For students such as Devan Schmid, a 19-year-old freshman international studies major from Manahawkin, N.J., "It is definitely a great way to spend your Saturday."

As a skier since he was 5 years old, "I am trying to go every weekend I can," Schmid said. "If I wasn't there skiing this Saturday, I'd probably be in my room trying not to fall asleep doing homework or in the library."

Josh Menge, 19, a criminal justice sophomore from Amsterdam, N.Y., "found out about the shuttle through an event flyer in my mailbox." Menge said, "I only used it once so far, but would like to take advantage of it again soon."

"The ride there and back is free, and the lift ticket if you buy it from the information desk is $50, which is a huge saving compared to the $80 at the mountain," said Trevor McMinn, 19, a freshman chemistry major from Madison, Conn.

"I will never rob them of a full day at the mountain," Wick said, "except on the rare occasion that there is a championship hockey game that we leave early to get back for."

Not only is Sugarbush a convenient location for Norwich students, but "It is an excellent mountain with over 100 trails and a variety of different terrains," Menge said. Schmid calls it "one of the better places in the East." 

"Sugarbush's facilities are great compared to other mountains, very clean and well kept," Menge said. "My only complaint is the over-priced food, and I would recommend to anyone going that they should bring a lunch or snacks with them to get through the day without going bankrupt."

Quite often, more than six people sign up for the shuttle, according to Wick. "I know more want to come, but six is a very limited number," Schmid said.

"I know a lot of people that want to go, but the list fills up so fast it's hard to get a spot," McMinn said.

Wick mentioned trying to get another shuttle going, but it has been difficult to find drivers.  

Schmid and his friends all go to ski together, and his favorite memory on the mountain was "getting stuck in the woods when we went into a glades trail," Schmid said. Menge fondly remembers, "Watching my roommate wipe out hard while skiing." McMinn simply enjoyed, "just being there to relax while snowboarding."

"I have used the shuttle twice now and I love it. I would definitely use it again and would recommend it to everyone," Hay said.

It is a great opportunity to meet new people, but it is not required to ski or snowboard together, because everyone is at a different level, according to McMinn.

"I am a Florida kid so skiing was a new experience that I was excited to try," Hay said. "The Sugarbush staff has been very helpful and kind in my experience. They were able to get me confident and competent on the slopes in less than an hour."

Wick's encouraging attitude comes from his 16 years as an instructor. "Most of the people I teach are lower-level skiers because I am a patient man and I love to see folk fall in love with a sport that is my passion," Wick said.

Sugarbush's staff also enjoys the company of Norwich students. "They love the cadets, addressing them as yes sir and yes ma'am," Wick said. The staff often observes the students to be extremely fearless.

"The common comment from the staff is that the students are wonderful young people, and then I remind them that many of those people in a few years will be serving and protecting our freedom," Wick said.

After a long day at Sugarbush, the van packs up and heads back to campus.

"The ride back consists of us thanking Rev for the ride and then lots of sleeping," McMinn said.

"The rides are nice in general because Rev takes the scenic route, so if you decide to stay awake you get a great view of the Vermont ridgelines," Hay said. "Otherwise you can sleep or talk. Rev is always open for questions and tips so it's good to take advantage of any advice or stories he may give while driving."

"I consider the shuttle as a luxury; it is a free round-trip to the mountain that allows you to relax during the commute both ways as well as defraying some of the financial burdens of driving back and forth at your own expense," Menge said. 

The shuttle sign up is at the information desk in WCC and dates are listed to run through March. "For those interested, sign up the earlier the better," Wick said, "I love to get them out there to play in the snow."