Selfies on the Ski Slopes

Members of the Raider Ski & Snowboard Club spent Sunday, January 15, at Waterville Valley - the second of several ski outings this winter and one of several ways Raiders can explore their love of skiing and the great outdoors!

From Snowy Slopes to the Rocky Mountainside - Central Catholic Explores the Great Outdoors

A variety of new and existing outdoor-based clubs and activities have been bringing members of the CCHS community outside of the city and into the Great Outdoors! 

During the winter season, you can find the Raider Ski & Snowboard Club and Varsity Alpine Ski Team (downhill skiing) carving up the snowy slopes. 

Moderated by Mrs. Jodi Linnehan Kriner, Director of Innovation & Academic Technologies for Central Catholic, the Ski & Snowboard Club is a non-competitive activity designed to introduce inexperienced skiers and snowboarders to the sport and to provide more experienced skiers/snowboarders the opportunity to improve their skills. 

The Ski & Snowboard Club regularly skis in the Northeast at Waterville Valley and Loon Mountain Ski Resorts, but they have also traveled to ski the Rocky Mountains in Breckenridge, Colorado over past February vacations. 

The Ski & Snowboard Club Schedule for 2023

• January 8: Loon Mountain
• January 15: Waterville Valley
• February 5: Loon Mountain
• February 12: Waterville Valley

"We are so happy to offer our students the opportunity to ski and snowboard as a group," said Mrs. Kriner. "Parents were also invited to participate, and it was great seeing CCHS families skiing together."

Our First-Ever Varsity Alpine Ski Team

The first-ever Varsity Alpine Ski Team (downhill skiing) is a newer addition to Central Catholic’s athletic options. With over 20 students participating, the team races out of the Mass Bay Ski League at Nashoba Valley Ski Area in Westford, MA and they participate in both Slalom and Giant Slalom.

The team is coached by seasoned skier Mr. Adam Westaway and his two sons are also on the team, William Westaway '24 and Ethan Westaway '25.

"I have been skiing since I was 14 months old and I spent my youth skiing and racing up at Sugarloaf (Maine),” said Coach Westaway, who started coaching skiing after college.

Lauren Deskin '24 started skiing when she was five years old – so the Alpine Ski Team was a perfect fit!

"I love to ski and I have been racing for multiple years now. It’s important for CCHS to have a ski team because it is different than the other sports we already have. It’s also a good way for students to try it out and see if skiing is what they’d like to do."

Promoting Healthy Lifestyles

Throughout the year, Central Catholic students can also participate in the Outdoor Adventure Club (est. 2015) – a group started by teachers Mr. Eric Alaimo '02 and Mr. Mark Svendsen to encourage students to enjoy more outdoor activities and form strong peer relationships. 

The Outdoor Adventure Club (OAC) promotes healthy lifestyle choices through outdoor activities and aims to create an inclusive environment for students where they can challenge themselves through participation in outdoor experiences and develop a strong character. 

Club participants can partake in a variety of fun activities including hiking and canoeing across the White Mountains and regional rivers. 

"There is a lot of bonding, self-discovery, and on the go learning that happens on these trips that you can't quite teach in the classroom," said Mr. Alaimo.

"My favorite part of the club is when we complete a hike or reach a summit and seeing the sense of wonder, awe and satisfaction on a student’s face when they see the fruits of their effort, especially for those who are new to the activity. It is also a pleasure to see many of the same students return for trips and then help younger students."

The Ski & Snowboard Club, Varsity Alpine Ski Team and The Outdoor Adventure Club are just a few of over 60 activities and clubs offered to CCHS students to find the best fit for their personality, talents, and interests.

Explore these clubs and activities using our Online Activities Guide.

Online Activities Guide

About the Ski & Snowboard Club

The Ski & Snowboard Club provides interested students an opportunity to ski or snowboard, spend the day with friends, and meet other CCHS students in the White Mountains of NH. Students of all abilities are welcome to join. Lessons can be taken for beginners if needed. 

The Club usually takes four to six trips a year (typically Waterville Valley and Loon Mountain on Sundays in January and February). Students are transported by bus to the mountain, leaving at 6:00 AM and returning by 5:00 PM. Equipment rentals (including helmets) and lessons are available on all trips. Helmets are required of all participants. Open to all students.

About the Outdoor Adventure Club

Now in its ninth year, the Club was started by teachers Mr. Eric Alaimo '02 and Mr. Mark Svendsen to introduce students to greater outdoor involvement and to provide an additional avenue for them to get involved in the CCHS community and pursue and develop their passions and interests.

About the Alpine Ski Team & Raider Athletics

The Alpine Ski Team races out of the Mass Bay Ski League at Nashoba Valley Ski Area in Westford, MA. They participate in both Slalom and Giant Slalom.

Raider Athletics represents a proud tradition of teamwork and excellence that enriches the Central Catholic experience for both participants and spectators.

We offer 30 Varsity Sports in competitions governed by the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA), the Merrimack Valley Conference (MVC), and the Massachusetts Secondary School Administrators' Association (MSSAA).

Our student-athletes bring home State, Sectional, and Conference Championships on a regular basis while representing the school community with pride.