Spring 2025 Outdoor Adventure Trips

A group of students cross-country skiing.

Link by Month:

Click on the links listed by date under each Outdoor Adventure Program (OAP) activity to get more information and to register.

Link by Activity:

January 2025

A group of eight people sits inside a classroom while a practice patient lies on his back and the instructor holds a hiking pole demonstrating how to make a leg splint.

Wednesday January 8 - Wednesday January 15 - Wilderness First Responder course

  • The Wilderness First Responder (WFR) course presented by Wilderness Medical Associates is an eight-day long (72+ hours) course and takes an in-depth look at responding to medical issues and emergencies in the wilderness context. This course is appropriate for anyone looking for wilderness medical knowledge - general outdoor enthusiasts, search and rescue, ski patrol, , anyone who is seeking to gain a better understanding of how to manage and treat a variety of medical issues in the wilderness context. This course is open to the public.
  • Cost: Starts at $730 student price; $805 public price. Housing optional add-on.
  • Meets each day at 8 a.m. at the Outdoor Center and Bike Shop (5 Lawrence Drive, Lowell, MA 01854). Expected finish by 5 p.m.
  • No experience or gear needed.
  • Read more and register at our Workshop and Certifications webpage. 
  • Fill out your Required OAP waiver and read our Cancellation Policy
a group walks down an icy trail in the trees Image by Rishab Vyas

January 26, Sunday - Winter Hiking Skills at Kearsarge, New Hampshire (N.H.)

February 2025

Three people cross country ski up a small hill in the woods.

February 1, Saturday - Cross Country Skiing at Jackson Ski Touring Foundation near Conway, New Hampshire

  • Learn the joys of "skinny skiing" gliding on fresh, white snow and appreciating nature! Never skied? No problem, we're ready to teach you! Jackson is a great place to learn - beginner friendly starting flat course following by heading to the woods with some hills. *If the weather provides snow in our area, we will instead go to Great Brook State Park!
  • Cost: $55. Registration Deadline: Sunday, January 26 (inquire with us if you're past this 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 and transportation are included.
  • Physical Exertion: Low to medium.
  • See our Cross Country Ski webpage for more information on the activity and location
  • Register Online - OAP 2025 - February 1 - Cross Country Skiing at Jackson, N.H.
  • 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 woman in winter gear skates towards the camera on a totally smooth surface of lake ice with trees and sky behind.

February 8, Saturday - Outdoor Ice Skating on Real Ice at Lake Morey, Vermont (Vt.)

With Back-up Date of February 15, Saturday

  • 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! Please HOLD BOTH DATES on your calendar - the ice will determine if we need to use the backup date.
  • Cost $30. Registration Deadline: Thursday, February 6 (extended to Thursday, February 13 if needed)
  • Meets at 9 a.m. at the Outdoor Center and Bike Shop (5 Lawrence Dr. Lowell, MA 01854). Expected return by 6 p.m.
  • No experience needed; rental ice skates and transportation included in the cost.
  • Physical Exertion: Low.
  • See our Winter Fun webpage for more information on the activity and location
  • Register Online - OAP 2025 - February 8 (back up date February 15) - Outdoor Ice Skating at Lake Morey, Vt.
  • Group Size minimum of 6 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.

February 9, Sunday - Downhill Skiing/Snowboarding at Pats Peak, New Hampshire

  • 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:
    • $85 Lift Ticket Only (normally $99)
    • $124 Lift Ticket and Rentals (Ski or Snowboard) (normally $147)
    • $139 Lift Ticket and Lesson (normally $169)
    • $114 Beginner Full Package: Lift Ticket on Lower Mountain Only, Rentals and Lesson (normally $129)
    • $173 Full Package: Lift Ticket, Rentals and Lesson (normally $217)
  • Registration Deadline: Sunday, February 2 (inquire with us if you're past this 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 and Snowboard webpage for more information on the activity and location
  • Register Online - OAP 2025 - February 9 - Downhill Skiing at Pats Peak, N.H.
  • Group Size minimum of 6 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
Group of hikers standing atop Mount Moosilauke’s summit near an iced over marker sign with a snow covered mountain side in the background.

February 16, Sunday - Winter Hiking Skills at Moosilauke, New Hampshire

a man lit by the sun smiles as he passes on cross country skis with a snowy field behind him

February 17, Monday (Presidents Day) - Cross Country Skiing at Bretton Woods, New Hampshire

  • 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 Mount 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. *If the weather provides snow in our area, we will instead go to Great Brook State Park!
  • Cost $55.Registration Deadline: Sunday, February 9 (Inquire with us if you're past this 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 and transportation are included.
  • Physical Exertion: Low to medium
  • See our Cross Country Skiing webpage for more information on the activity and location
  • Register Online - OAP 2025 - February 17 - Cross Country Skiing at Bretton Woods, N.H.
  • Group Size minimum of 6 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
Two Women at a Daytime Campfire in the Snow

February 22-23, Saturday-Sunday: Try Winter Camping!! Plus a winter hike!

  • Come with us to try winter camping in a safe and fun environment! Our trip leaders are psyched to introduce you to an overnight winter camping experience. Plus we will do a winter hike near Lincoln, N.H. We have warm gear to use, and food is included in the cost! Being outside in the winter allows you to feel accomplished and discover a whole new world outside - tracking animals in the snow, discovering the sparkle of snow in the moonlight, and appreciating the crescent moon as you snuggle into your warm bed. Safety is our number one priority - so the trip leaders will make sure you are fully ready for the experience with all the warm gear and strategies.
  • Cost $65. Registration Deadline: Friday, February 14
  • Meets on Monday, February 17 at 7:30 p.m. for an in-person planning meeting.
  • Meets Saturday morning at 10 a.m. for a gear shakedown and to depart; expected return on Sunday by 5 p.m.
  • No experience or gear needed, just a willing attitude! Transportation provided.
  • Physical Exertion: Low to medium.
  • See our Winter Fun webpage for more information on the activity and location
  • Register Online - OAP 2025 - February 22-23 - Winter Camping Experience in N.H.
  • Group Size minimum of 5 people, maximum 8. 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

March 2025

A person in snowshoes walks down the trail with the group ahead of her in snow-covered forest Image by Andrew Chapman

March 1, Saturday - Winter Hiking Skills at Mount Cardigan, New Hampshire (N.H.)

Several people glide downhill on skis and snowboards

March 2, Sunday - Downhill Skiing/Snowboarding at Pats Peak, New Hampshire

  • 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:
    • $85 Lift Ticket Only (normally $99)
    • $124 Lift Ticket and Rentals (Ski or Snowboard) (normally $147)
    • $139 Lift Ticket and Lesson (normally $169)
    • $114 Beginner Full Package: Lift Ticket on Lower Mountain Only, Rentals and Lesson (normally $129)
    • $173 Full Package: Lift Ticket, Rentals and Lesson (normally $217)
  • Registration Deadline: Sunday, February 23 (inquire with us if you're past this 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 and Snowboard webpage for more information on the activity and location
  • Register Online - OAP 2025 - March 2 - Downhill Skiing at Pats Peak, N.H.
  • Group Size minimum of 6 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
the sun just peeks over a green ridgeline Image by hikingshenandoah.com

Spring Break! March 8-15, Saturday-Saturday - Epic Trip to Shenandoah National Park for Hiking, Backpacking and Caving!

  • We are heading to iconic Shenandoah National Park in Virginia for Spring Break! We intend to experience all that Shenandoah has to offer, both above ground and below. Enjoy iconic hiking trails, cascading waterfalls, and wildlife sightings, along with caving for a half day plus one night of backpacking during your best Spring Break week!
  • $695 UMass Lowell Cost. Opens for Guest Registrations $935 on January 31.
  • No experience or gear needed.
  • Physical Exertion: Medium to Strenuous for hiking and backpacking. Low to Medium for caving.
  • See our Spring Break webpage for more information!
  • Register Online - OAP 2025 - Spring Break Shenandoah! March 8-15, 2025
  • Group Size minimum of 7 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 of people smiles while they stand atop a snowy overlook

March 23, Sunday - Winter Hiking Skills at Belknap Range at Pats Peak, New Hampshire

Three people roll over a victim with a splinted leg and touch their spine in a medical scenario

Saturday-Sunday, March 29-30 - Wilderness First Aid course

  • The Wilderness First Aid (WFA) course presented by SOLO Wilderness Medicine is two days long (16 hours) and teaches a basic level of first aid training in the wilderness context. This course is for those who enjoy going on short wilderness trips and are seeking to gain a better understanding of how to manage and treat a variety of medical issues in the wilderness context. This course is open to the public.
  • Cost: Starts at $185. CPR and Housing optional add-ons.
  • Meets each day at 8 a.m. at the Outdoor Center and Bike Shop (5 Lawrence Dr. Lowell, MA 01854). Expected finish by 5 p.m.
  • No experience or gear needed.
  • Read more and register at our Workshop and Certifications webpage. 
  • Fill out your Required OAP waiver and read our Cancellation Policy

April 2025

a group stands on a rocky outcrop while looking over a beautiful vista

April 5, Saturday - Hiking at Monadnock, New Hampshire

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

April 12, Saturday - Outdoor Rock Climbing in New Hampshire

  • Try your hand(s and feet) at climbing on real rock outdoors. The views are even better up there! Totally beginner friendly - we'll teach you everything you need to know. Safety is always number one priority!
  • Cost $88. Registration Deadline: Thursday, April 6 (Sunday)
  • 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, depending on your personal challenge level.
  • See our Rock Climbing webpage for more information on the activity and location
  • Register online - OAP 2025 - April 12 - Rock Climbing
  • Group Size minimum of 4 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 pond reflects the sky with a small road and brick structure on the right side

April 13, Sunday - Wellness Day Hike to Blue Hills Reservation, near Canton, Massachusetts (Mass.)

  • Relax and enjoy nature with us. The OAP staff for the wellness day hike will lead a calm and rejuvenating hike to the Blue Hills Reservation, a park with a ton of trails crisscrossing each other and nice views of Boston at various points.
  • Pay What You Can $15, 20, or 25. Registration Deadline: Thursday, April 10
  • Meets at 10 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 - OAP 2025 - April 13 - Wellness Day Hike at Blue Hills Reservation, Mass.
  • Group Size minimum of 6 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
Group on a high trail in the White Mountains

April 19, Saturday - Day Hike to Lucia's Lookout near Pillsbury State Park, New Hampshire

  • This hidden gem near Pillsbury State Park in NH is a great spot, with a beautiful trail and lovely views. We will take the Blackwoods Trail, a little less than 5 miles - a perfect way to get outside before exams!
  • Cost $30. Registration Deadline: Thursday, April 17
  • 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 - OAP 2025 - April 19 - Day Hike at Lucia's Lookout, N.H.
  • Group Size minimum of 6 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 Showing Off their Lights at Night

April 20-21, Overnight Sunday-Monday: Midnight Marathon in Boston, Massachusetts

  • 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: Tuesday, April 9(Inquire with us if you're past this deadline)
  • 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 - OAP 2025 - April 20-21 - Midnight Marathon, Boston, Mass.
  • Group Size minimum of 5 people, maximum 9. A waitlist is maintained once the trip is filled. Encourage your friends to join!: Strenuous.
  • Fill out your Required OAP waiver and read our Cancellation Policy
a tandem kayak floats in the river watching the sunset with upward rays

April 26, Friday - Evening Paddle on the Merrimack River, Lowell, Massachusetts

  • We are kayaking out of the spring semester! 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 before sunset.
  • Cost: $15. Registration Deadline: Thursday, April 25
  • Meets at 4 p.m. at the Bellegarde Boathouse (500 Pawtucket Blvd., Lowell, MA 01854). Expected finish by 7 p.m.
  • No experience or gear needed.
  • Physical Exertion: Low to medium, depending on river conditions.
  • See our Paddling webpage for more information on the activity and location
  • Register online - OAP 2025 - April 25 - Evening Paddle on the Merrimack, Lowell, MA
  • Group size minimum of 9 people, maximum 21. 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

Future and Past Trips

Future Trips

Have a say! Do you have ideas or 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.