Over spring break, a group of Loyola Marymount University students traded the beaches and bluff for snowboards and skis as they ventured to Mammoth Mountain for an unforgettable Outdoor and Adventure Recreation (OAR) experience. This multi-day trip brought together students from a variety of majors, graduation years, hometowns, and experience levels all with one thing in common: a calling to the mountains.
For many students, getting the chance to get off campus and meet people with the same interests made the decision to apply to attend the trip very easy. Michaela Goodfellow ’25, a film and television production major from Boston shared that she was drawn to the trip since coming from out of state and not having a car makes it very hard to get to a location like that. The trip was perfect for her because all the logistics were handled by the OAR team. When Goodfellow found out she had been selected, she was excited to get back on the mountain, even as a beginner. “I know as a beginner, especially as a girl, it can be kind of intimidating. They [OAR] had an emphasis on different experience levels and that made me much more comfortable with wanting to go.”
Whether it was the fresh powder, the group meals, or learning how to snowboard or ski for the first time, every participant walked away with a story to tell. Thais Faustino Calixto ’26, a computer engineering graduate student from Palmas, Brazil, on the trip, recalled, the most memorable part of the trip was seeing snow for the first time. “It felt like I was in a movie,” Calixto said. Others noted surprises that made the experience even more special, like getting the courage to push yourself on new runs, even if you learned how to ski or snowboard that day. With the support of leaders and other experienced attendees, everyone had a support system to achieve what they wanted.
The trip wasn’t just about recreation, it was about connection, growth, and stepping outside one’s comfort zone. Many participants shared that the experience aligned with LMU’s student EXP pillars, particularly integrating mind, body, and spirit. “No one looked at you with judgment, it was just with love and respect,” said student lead Taha Douhaj ’27, a film and finance major from Littleton. “You were not connected by blood or even grade level, but you were, at that moment, a member of a figurative family.”
Students also appreciated the value of having access to a program like OAR at LMU. Student lead Asher Smith ’28, a marketing and finance major from Chicago, put it best, “Having an outdoor program that’s structured in has made it 10 times more accessible and rewarding. Not only am I seeing the things that I had wanted to, but I’m getting to do it with a group of people, who I might not necessarily have connected with in the first place.” As for his advice to future adventurers? “The best way to get involved is through our climb nights and day hikes. It’s a way to see if this program is something you really mesh with.”
Behind the scenes, student adventure leads helped bring the trip to life. Olivia Schafer ’28, an environmental science major from Torrance, signed on to lead the Mammoth trip because she grew up snowboarding and loves the outdoors. “As a leader, my responsibilities vary depending on what we’re doing,” she shared. “I help drive. I was on breakfast duty. Then being there and cultivating a community. Sparking friendships among the participants is really important.” She named the trip to Big Sur as her favorite because it was her first time meeting everyone in a setting that can’t be recreated on campus.
When asked to describe the experience in a single word, participants offered everything from “inspiring” to “epic.” “It was just fun to get out with like a bunch of kids my age and ski a bunch,” said Lucas Fosse ’28, an entrepreneurship major from San Diego. “I haven’t done that very often, especially recently.” No matter the response, one thing is clear: the OAR trip to Mammoth left a lasting impression.
To stay up-to-date on all things Outdoor and Adventure Recreation at LMU, follow them on Instagram: @lmuoutdooradventurerec.
