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Spring 2024 Trips & Events

Winter scene featuring dramatic icicles cascading down a snowy slope with trees intermixed

By Month:

Click on the links listed by date under each activity to get more information and to register.

Spring Semester:

Featured Activities:

Link by Activity:

JanuaryJanuary 2024

1 person in a practice medical scenario sits on the ground with their leg splinted, while two care-givers smile

wfr-januaryJan. 3-10 - Wilderness First Responder - Lowell, Mass.

  • 8-day class for WFR certification open to all! Includes CPR certification.
  • Cost: Public $795 or Student $720, plus optional additional $120 housing. Students: Please use your student email when registering.
  • We recommend early registration. A waitlist is maintained once the class is filled.
  • Starts every day (including weekend days) promptly at 8 a.m. at Campus Recreation Center (322 Aiken St., Lowell, MA 01854), expected dismissal each day around 5 p.m.
  • Physical Exertion: Low. Only slow and controlled scenarios and classroom sessions; no strenuous activity.
  • No pre-requisites, experience or gear needed!
  • See our Instructional Workshop website for more information and to register
  • Maximum class size 18 people; minimum size 12 people. Encourage your friends or acquaintances to join!
Person hikes across a frozen lake backlit by sun.

jan21winterhikeJanuary 21, Sunday - Winter Hiking Skills - Lonesome Lake, N.H.

  • Learn how to hike in snow and cold temps! Lonesome Lake is a beautiful alpine lake, worth the uphill hike to see it! We love the cold and sparkling snow, come appreciate winter with us! 
  • Cost: $25. Registration Deadline: Thursday, January 18
  • Meets at 8 a.m. at the Outdoor Center and Bike Shop (5 Lawrence Dr. Lowell, MA 01854). Expected return by 6 p.m.
  • No experience or gear needed. Transportation provided.
  • Physical Exertion: Medium to Strenuous
  • See our Winter Hiking Skills webpage for more information on the activity and location
  • Register online - Jan 21, 2024 Winter Hiking Skills
  • Group size minimum of 5 people, maximum 10. A waitlist is maintained once the trip is filled. Encourage your friends to join!
  • Fill out your Required OAP waiver and read our Cancellation Policy
a man lit by the sun smiles as he passes on cross country skis with a snowy field behind him

jan27xcskiJanuary 27, Saturday - Cross Country Ski - Jackson Ski Touring Foundation, N.H.

  • Jackson, New Hampshire has a whole lot of winter to love! The Jackson Ski Touring Foundation offers excellent learning terrain for OAP, plus some gentle hills to challenge yourself as you learn more.  Never skied? No problem, we're ready to teach you!
  • Cost: $50. Registration Deadline: Thursday, January 18 (Note early deadline!)
  • Meets at 7:30 a.m. at the Outdoor Center and Bike Shop (5 Lawrence Dr. Lowell, MA 01854). Expected return by 6 p.m.
  • No experience needed, and rentals are included in the price. Transportation provided.
  • Physical Exertion: Low to Medium
  • See our Cross Country Ski webpage for more information on the activity and location
  • Register online - Jan 27, 2024 Cross Country skiing
  • Cross Country Ski Sizing form needed no later than Thursday, January 18, please.
  • Group size minimum of 5 people, maximum 10. A waitlist is maintained once the trip is filled. Encourage your friends to join!
  • Fill out your Required OAP waiver and read our Cancellation Policy
A group in downhill skiers smile at the top of a snow covered run.

jan28downhillJanuary 28, Sunday - Downhill Ski & Snowboard - Pats Peak, Henniker, N.H.

  • Join us for the classic winter sport of downhill skiing or snowboarding! We've got gear rentals and lessons available with transportation from Lowell. Pats Peak is especially welcoming and affordable to UMass Lowell students. There is a warming lodge to take a break in as needed.
  • Costs vary by services requested:
    • $82 Lift Ticket Only
    • $117 Lift Ticket and Lesson
    • $122 Lift Ticket and Rentals
    • $115 Beginner Full Package: Lift Ticket on Lower Mountain Only, Rentals and Lesson
    • $157 Full Package: Lift Ticket, Rentals and Lesson
  • Registration Deadline: Thursday, January 18 (Note early deadline!)
  • Meets at 8 a.m. at the Outdoor Center and Bike Shop (5 Lawrence Dr. Lowell, MA 01854). Expected return by 6 p.m.
  • No experience or gear needed. Transportation provided.
  • Physical Exertion: Medium to Strenuous, depending on your ability and personal challenge level
  • See our Downhill Ski & Snowboard webpage for more information on the activity and location
  • Register online - Jan. 28, 2024 - Downhill Ski Pats Peak
  • Group size minimum of 5 people, maximum 10. A waitlist is maintained once the trip is filled. Encourage your friends to join!
  • Fill out your Required OAP waiver and read our Cancellation Policy

FebruaryFebruary 2024

four hikers smile while standing on an snowy patch near a mountain summit Image by Alex Antonellis

feb10winterhikeFebruary 3, Saturday - Winter Hiking Skills - Monadnock Mountain, N.H.

  • Monadnock is a classic New England mountain and super for a winter hike! Learn how to hike in snow and cold temps - we may use snowshoes and/or microspikes, and will teach you all about how to enjoy the cold and sparkling snow.
  • Cost: $25. Registration Deadline: Thursday, February 1
  • Meets at 8 a.m. at the Outdoor Center and Bike Shop (5 Lawrence Dr. Lowell, MA 01854). Expected return by 6 p.m.
  • No experience or gear needed. Transportation provided.
  • Physical Exertion: Medium
  • See our Winter Hiking Skills webpage for more information on the activity and location
  • Register online - Feb 3, 2024 Winter Hiking Skills
  • Group size minimum of 5 people, maximum 10. A waitlist is maintained once the trip is filled. Encourage your friends to join!
  • Fill out your Required OAP waiver and read our Cancellation Policy
a silhouetted person skates on natural ice on a plowed path on a sunny day with white snow all around Image by Seven Days, Vermont

February 11 (Backup date), Sunday - Outdoor Ice Skating - Lake Morey, VT

  • Moved from original date of Feb. 4, waiting for ice conditions to improve. Next back-up plan if needed: shorter skating session at Tsongas Center in Lowell (for $15, remainder refunded). This will be announced by Thursday, February 8.
  • Come ice skating with us on natural ice on a real pond, a truly unique experience! Lake Morey on the New Hampshire / Vermont border has a 4.5 mile loop regularly plowed during the winter by a local resort. This means that not only is the ice regularly checked for safety, the skating trail is kept in good condition. Skating on natural ice is similar to skating at a rink, except better because you have beautiful surroundings, and the ice can be more contoured and bumpy depending on conditions. We will likely spend about 2-3 hours on the ice. Give it a try with us!
  • Cost: $30. Registration Deadline: Tuesday, January 30
  • Meets at 9 a.m. at the Outdoor Center and Bike Shop (5 Lawrence Dr. Lowell, MA 01854). Expected return by 4-5 p.m.
  • No experience needed, rental ice skates are included. Transportation provided.
  • Physical Exertion: Low
  • See our Winter Fun webpage for more information on the activity and location
  • Register online - Feb 4, 2024 Outdoor Ice Skating
  • Group size minimum of 5 people, maximum 10. A waitlist is maintained once the trip is filled. Encourage your friends to join!
  • Fill out your Required OAP waiver and read our Cancellation Policy
Three people cross country ski up a small hill in the woods.

feb24xcskiFebruary 10, Saturday - Cross Country Ski - Bretton Woods, N.H.

  • Learn the joys of "skinny skiing" gliding on fresh, white snow and appreciating nature! Never skied? No problem, we're ready to teach you! Bretton Woods on the side of Mt Washington is a great place to learn. We'll start on a flat course, then we have the option of heading to the woods with some hills.
  • Cost: $55. Registration Deadline: Thursday, February 1 (Note early deadline!)
  • Meets at 7:30 a.m. at the Outdoor Center and Bike Shop (5 Lawrence Dr. Lowell, MA 01854). Expected return by 6 p.m.
  • No experience needed, rentals are included in the price. Transportation provided.
  • Physical Exertion: Low to Medium
  • See our Cross Country Ski webpage for more information on the activity and location
  • Register online - Feb 10, 2024 Cross Country Ski
  • Cross Country Ski Sizing form needed no later than Thursday, February 1, please.
  • Group size minimum of 5 people, maximum 10. A waitlist is maintained once the trip is filled. Encourage your friends to join!
  • Fill out your Required OAP waiver and read our Cancellation Policy
A person in snowshoes walks down the trail with the group ahead of her in snow-covered forest Image by Andrew Chapman

feb18winterhikeFebruary 18, Sunday - Winter Hiking Skills - Cardigan Mountain, N.H.

  • At over 3000 ft, Cardigan Mountain with its bare summit is a great place with a great view and fun and challenging trails. Learn how to hike in snow and cold temps! We love the cold and sparkling snow, come appreciate winter with us!
  • Cost: $25. Registration Deadline: Thursday, February 15
  • Meets at 8 a.m. at the Outdoor Center and Bike Shop (5 Lawrence Dr. Lowell, MA 01854). Expected return by 6 p.m.
  • No experience or gear needed. Transportation provided.
  • Physical Exertion: Medium
  • See our Winter Hiking Skills webpage for more information on the activity and location
  • Register online - Feb 18, 2024 Winter Hiking Skills
  • Group size minimum of 5 people, maximum 10. A waitlist is maintained once the trip is filled. Encourage your friends to join!
  • Fill out your Required OAP waiver and read our Cancellation Policy
Several people glide downhill on skis and snowboards

feb24downhillFebruary 24, Saturday - Downhill Ski or Snowboard  Evening Deal Under the Lights - Pats Peak, Henniker, N.H.

  • Evening skiing under the lights at Pats Peak is a super fun way to enjoy winter, especially at night! The mountain offers a special Pay One Price (POP) event on certain evenings. There are beginner tips available from 4-6 p.m. There is a warming lodge to take a break in as needed. Come try skiing or snowboarding with us!
  • Cost: $90 for Combo Lift and Rental. (Note beginner tips are offered for free during POP nights.) Registration Deadline: Thursday, February 15 (Note early deadline!)
  • Meets at 1 p.m. at the Outdoor Center and Bike Shop (5 Lawrence Dr. Lowell, MA 01854). Skiing approx. 3-8 p.m. Expected return by 10 p.m.
  • No experience needed, rentals are included in the price. Transportation provided.
  • Physical Exertion: Medium to Strenuous, depending on your ability and personal challenge level
  • See our Downhill Ski & Snowboard webpage for more information on the activity and location
  • Register online - Feb 24, 2024 Downhill Ski Pats Peak
  • Group size minimum of 5 people, maximum 10. A waitlist is maintained once the trip is filled. Encourage your friends to join!
  • Fill out your Required OAP waiver and read our Cancellation Policy

MarchMarch 2024

Hikers in the Snow Headed for a Mountain Summit.

SpringBreakMarch 3-9 Spring Break - Winter Extravaganza! - Lake Placid, N.Y.

Enjoy your Spring Break doing our awesome Winter Extravaganza - each day will be filled with ice climbing, cross country skiing, downhill skiing or snowboarding, snowshoeing, and fat biking! If you're going to live in New England, get out and spend time outside appreciating the most beautiful time of year with long and warmer days and great snow conditions! Please see the Spring Break webpage to check it all out.

  • Cost: $895, including van travel, your UMass Lowell (UML) guides, gear and all food for these 7 days! $325 deposit will be due upon registration; remaining payment of $570 will be due no later than February 15. Students, faculty or staff!
  • Non-UML guests are welcome to join at a cost of $1195. Bring along your friend, sibling, or significant other!
  • Registration is now open, and will stay open for waitlisted people to join until late February, 2024. Register online - March 3-9, 2024 Spring Break Trip Winter Extravaganza
  • No experience or gear needed for any of the sports; however, general fitness is strongly recommended. All rentals are included in the price of the trip. Transportation is provided from Lowell and for all activities in Lake Placid.
  • Physical Exertion varies by sport/activity.
  • Informational and preparation meetings in advance of trip.
  • See all the details and register at our Spring Break webpage.
a group of people smiles while they stand atop a snowy overlook

mar17winterhikeMarch 17, Sunday - Winter Hiking Skills - Belknap Range, N.H.

  • With its low elevation and welcoming trails, the Belknap Range is a great place to get some experience outside in winter. Our staff will teach you new skills, like how to use snow shoes and microspikes, and how various conditions change. Come appreciate winter with us!
  • Cost: $25. Registration Deadline: March 14
  • Meets at 8 a.m. at the Outdoor Center and Bike Shop (5 Lawrence Dr. Lowell, MA 01854). Expected return by 6 p.m.
  • No experience or gear needed. Transportation provided.
  • Physical Exertion: Low to Medium
  • See our Winter Hiking Skills webpage for more information on the activity and location
  • Register online - March 17, 2024 Winter Hiking Skills
  • Group size minimum of 5 people, maximum 10. A waitlist is maintained once the trip is filled. Encourage your friends to join!
  • Fill out your Required OAP waiver and read our Cancellation Policy
Three people roll over a victim with a splinted leg and touch their spine in a medical scenario

mar23-24wfaMarch 23-24, Saturday & Sunday - Wilderness First Aid - Lowell, Mass.

  • Learn the basics of first aid in an outdoor setting! Open to both public and UMass Lowell students / faculty / staff.
  • Cost: $195 public or $180 student, plus optional $30 lodging and/or $45 CPR add-on
  • We recommend early registration. A waitlist is maintained once the class is filled.
  • Meets each day at 8 a.m. at the Campus Recreation Center (322 Aiken St, Lowell, MA 01854)
  • No pre-requisites, experience or gear needed!
  • Physical Exertion: Low. Only slow and controlled scenarios and classroom sessions; no strenuous activity.
  • See our Wilderness Medicine Courses webpage for more information and to register.
  • Maximum class size 20 people; minimum size 12 people. Encourage your friends or acquaintances to join!
Group of hikers standing atop Mount Moosilauke’s summit near an iced over marker sign with a snow covered mountain side in the background.

mar30winterhikeMarch 30, Saturday - Winter/Early Spring Hiking Skills - Moosilauke, N.H.

  • Warmer temps, longer days, and melting snow and ice make great conditions for hiking! Moosilauke has stellar views from its treeless top!
  • Cost: $25. Registration Deadline: Thursday, March 28
  • Meets at 8 a.m. at the Outdoor Center and Bike Shop (5 Lawrence Dr. Lowell, MA 01854). Expected return by 6 p.m.
  • No experience or gear needed. Transportation provided.
  • Physical Exertion: Medium to Strenuous
  • See our Winter Hiking Skills webpage for more information on the activity and location
  • Register online - March 30, 2024 Winter Hiking Skills
  • Group size minimum of 5 people, maximum 10. A waitlist is maintained once the trip is filled. Encourage your friends to join!
  • Fill out your Required OAP waiver and read our Cancellation Policy

aprilApril 2024

woman in a harness hangs on a rope while gripping a tree and rock climbing

apr7climbingApril 7, Sunday - Rock Climbing & Crag Cleanup - Den Rock, Lawrence, Mass.

  • Try your hand(s and feet) at climbing on real rock outdoors! The views are even better up there! In celebration of spring, we'll also do our own little green-up day cleaning up any trash from this popular spot.
  • Cost: $30. Registration Deadline: Thursday, April 4
  • Meets at 8 a.m. at the Outdoor Center and Bike Shop (5 Lawrence Dr. Lowell, MA 01854). Expected return by 6 p.m.
  • No experience or gear needed. Transportation provided.
  • Physical Exertion: Low to Strenuous in bursts, depending on your challenge level
  • See our Rock Climbing webpage for more information on the activity and location
  • Register online - April 7, 2024 Rock Climbing and Crag Cleanup
  • Group size minimum of 5 people, maximum 9. A waitlist is maintained once the trip is filled. Encourage your friends to join!
  • Fill out your Required OAP waiver and read our Cancellation Policy
a group of people walk on a flat beach by the ocean with a blue sky above

apr13wellnesshikeApril 13, Saturday - Wellness Day Hike - Parker River National Wildlife Refuge

  • Relax and enjoy nature with us. The OAP staff for the wellness day hike will lead a calm and rejuvenating hike with intentional relaxation and reflection activities, while enjoying the ocean views.
  • Cost: $25. Registration Deadline: Thursday, February 11
  • Meets at 8 a.m. at the Outdoor Center and Bike Shop (5 Lawrence Dr. Lowell, MA 01854). Expected return by 6 p.m.
  • No experience or gear needed. Transportation provided.
  • Physical Exertion: Low
  • See our Hiking webpage for more information on the activity and location
  • Register online - April 13, 2024 Wellness Day Hike
  • Group size minimum of 5 people, maximum 10. A waitlist is maintained once the trip is filled. Encourage your friends to join!
  • Fill out your Required OAP waiver and read our Cancellation Policy
Cyclists lined up with bright safety gear on a dark night.

apr14-15bikingApril 14-15, overnight Sunday-Monday - Midnight Marathon Bike Ride - Boston, Mass.

  • Ready for an adventure? Bike the 26.2 miles of the Boston Marathon route overnight with new UMass Lowell (UML) friends. The trip is supported by a van and three OAP staff, so you have support the whole way.
  • Cost: $30. Registration Deadline: Thursday, April 11
  • Meets at 9 p.m. at the Outdoor Center and Bike Shop (5 Lawrence Dr. Lowell, MA 01854). Expected return by 5 a.m., but could be as late as 7 a.m.
  • No experience or gear needed, bikes can be provided. Transportation provided.
  • Physical Exertion: Strenuous
  • See our Bike Touring webpage for more information on the activity and location
  • Register online - April 14-15, 2024 Midnight Marathon Bike Ride
  • Group size minimum of 5 people, maximum 9. A waitlist is maintained once the trip is filled. Encourage your friends to join!
  • Fill out your Required OAP waiver and read our Cancellation Policy
UMass Lowell Image

apr14kayakingApril 20, Saturday - Kayaking Afternoon - Merrimack River, Lowell, Mass.

  • Spend some time on our own river here in Lowell with the OAP! Take advantage of this great opportunity right here in your own backyard! We'll do some paddling introduction, get everyone set up with safety gear (wet suits), and head out on the river for a few hours.
  • Cost: $15. Registration Deadline: Thursday, April 18 (A 4-hour guided tour is usually priced at $30-40!)
  • Meets at 1 p.m. at the Bellegarde Boathouse, 500 Pawtucket Blvd, Lowell, MA 01854). Expected finish by 5 p.m.
  • No experience or gear needed. Transportation provided.
  • Physical Exertion: Low to Medium, depending on river conditions
  • See our Paddling webpage for more information on the activity and location
  • Register online - April 20, 2024 Kayaking
  • Group size minimum of 9 people, maximum 14. A waitlist is maintained once the trip is filled. Encourage your friends to join!
  • Fill out your Required OAP waiver and read our Cancellation Policy
A group of 9 people smile at the top of an overlook with mountains and a pond beyond

apr21dayhikeApril 21, Sunday - Day Hike - Kearsarge, N.H.

  • A warm weather hike is just what you need before the semester is over! This route gives you tons of opportunities to appreciate beautiful views and reset yourself before exams.
  • Cost: $25. Registration Deadline: Thursday, April 18
  • Meets at 8 a.m. at the Outdoor Center and Bike Shop (5 Lawrence Dr. Lowell, MA 01854). Expected return by 6 p.m.
  • No experience or gear needed. Transportation provided.
  • Physical Exertion: Medium
  • See our Hiking webpage for more information on the activity and location
  • Register online - April 21, 2024 Day Hike
  • Group size minimum of 5 people, maximum 10. A waitlist is maintained once the trip is filled. Encourage your friends to join!
  • Fill out your Required OAP waiver and read our Cancellation Policy

MayMay 2024

two people paddle a canoe at sunset with a darkening sky

may7kayakingMay 7, Tuesday - Senior Week Sunset Kayaking - Merrimack River, Lowell, Mass.

  • This last OAP experience of the spring semester is open to anyone on campus during senior week! We will celebrate any graduating seniors on the trip. We'll meet at the Boathouse, do some instruction, get everyone set up with safety gear (wet suits), and head out to enjoy a late afternoon sunset paddle.
  • Cost: $15. Registration Deadline: Sunday, May 5
  • Meets at 4 p.m. at the Bellegarde Boathouse (500 Pawtucket Blvd., Lowell, MA 01854). Expected finish by 8 p.m.
  • No experience or gear needed. Transportation provided.
  • Physical Exertion: Low to medium, depending on river conditions.
  • See our Paddling webpage for more information on the activity and location
  • Register online - May 7, 2024 Senior Week Kayaking
  • Group size minimum of 8 people, maximum 14. A waitlist is maintained once the trip is filled. Encourage your friends to join!
  • Fill out your Required OAP waiver and read our Cancellation Policy
group of people in kayaks smile gathered together on the water

Summer at UMass Lowell (UML) Kayak Center

The UML Kayak Center will open in early June, 2024! Join us for regular kayaking by yourself or with friends! More information can be found on the UML Kayak Center website.

Want to work in the outdoors this summer?? We will be hiring staff for the Kayak Center, usually posted on JobHawk in April. You may also reach out directly by email to: kate_ford@uml.edu to inquire!

Future and Past Trips

Future Trips

Do you have opinions on what trips you would like to see in the future? Please fill out our quick survey:

Outdoor Adventure Program Feedback survey

Archived Trips

Please visit our Archived Trips page for a taste of recent trips that are already completed.

Contact Us

Contact Kate Ford, Outdoor Programs Coordinator, with any questions, concerns, or ideas for fun new trips at kate_ford@uml.edu.

Man wearing backpack standing near stream pointing at camera with smile Image by Daniel Cremin

Becoming a Trip Leader

Do you see yourself leading awesome adventures for UMass Lowell? Read more at our Becoming a Trip Leader page.