Why’s it so quiet on campus you may ask? It’s because everyone went to the mountains!
It’s well known that we at the University of Utah love the outdoors. From hiking and biking in the warm months to skiing and snowboarding in the cold months, the Wasatch Mountain Range in our backyard offers a multitude of fun.
So, if you arrive at the U and don’t know who to start shredding the slopes with, the two largest clubs on campus need to be on your radar. Time for a battle of the bands, or more accurately, a battle of the winter clubs: Utah Freeskier Society vs One Love Ski & Snowboard Club.
Utah Freeskier Society
Founded in 2001, Utah Freeskier Society, also known as Freeski, is the largest and oldest club at the University of Utah. Open to skiers, boarders, and everyone in between, Freeski hosts dozens of events throughout the year to get students connected with friends, the outdoors and affordable pass and gear prices. Freeski often works with companies such as Teton Gravity Research and Faction Skis to host events.
As well as One Love, Freeski hosts and promotes film premieres on campus and in the nearby Salt Lake City area. 2023-2024 club president Jacobi Seacord cites “Mountain in My Mind” as his favorite of their hosted series. Seacord explains that this film series is about mental health in the ski industry, with the ticket sales and raffle tickets raising money for a local cause. Seacord added “hosting films helps bring our community together” and is essential in continuing programming for the club.
Freeski also hosts volleyball nights, ski swaps, wax nights, avalanche educational events, ladies’ nights and ski meetups. During spring break 2024, Freeski hosted a members only trip to Mt. Bachelor in Oregon.
With no fee to join, Freeski offers an exciting winter sports club experience.
One Love Ski & Snowboard Club
One Love Ski & Snowboard Club came to the U in 2007 for all people, “skiers, snowboarders, or even sledders,” quips board member Miles. Hosting a record number of events in the 2023-2024 school year, One Love has grown a ton in recent years.
One Love regularly does tabling and annual events such as a ski swaps and wax nights. In Jan. of 2024, One Love hosted a members-only trip to Jackson Hole, Wyoming. One Love also hosts women specific events, camping trips, film premieres, park clinics, rail jams and mountain meet ups.
While some events are open to everyone, access to the group chat, specific passes and gear discounts require a $10 membership fee — a small price for the large amount of quality events One Love puts on.
One Love emphasizes that their club is a space for people of all levels and involvement in winter sports, welcoming anyone interested in a fun time.
What Connects Us
Freeski and One Love Ski & Snowboard clubs have a lot in common. Which club you join will honestly come down to which one matches your vibe.
Student Charlie Maulding is involved with both Freeski and One Love, sharing that “The clubs inspire a communal-like feeling within skiing and riding while at the U.”
Praising the organizations, Maulding added, “It’s fun, I can relate to everyone in the clubs. If you want outdoorsy friends, here’s where you can look.”
Specifics aside, both clubs offer similar discount codes for ski passes and gear all around Utah. Both clubs have discounts directly on their websites or, you can send an email to claim your special code. One Love offers most of these discounts to members only, so you’d request your code with a $10 membership fee.
If responsibility and experience off the snow is what you seek, getting involved in Freeski or One Love executive leadership boards might be the way to go. One Love has a leadership application form through their Instagram, and Freeski is currently receiving applications from all students, encouraging incoming freshmen to apply for a position by emailing [email protected].
Advice to incoming students of the U: check out the club tabling events at the start of every semester and join both Freeski and One Love. Your college experience is what you make of it, and having more options is the way to go.
Find a carpool on the Freeski chat and attend a rail jam with One Love. The U can be such a fun school, and Utah Freeskier Society and One Love Ski & Snowboard club are a great place to start.
