Reviving the Thrill: Texas A&M’s Mount Aggie Ski Slope Rebirth
College Station, Texas – Excitement and nostalgia are stirring on the campus of Texas A&M University, as efforts to restore a beloved campus gem are underway. Entering college, many students might not expect to don a pair of ski boots alongside their textbooks, but that’s the magic of Mount Aggie.
Mount Aggie was once a vibrant 130-foot-long artificial ski slope, located between the Omar Smith Instructional Tennis Center and the Penberthy Rec Sports Complex. For those new to the concept, this faux-snow wonder was made from artificial ski turf and was kept in top shape with refreshing sprinkles of water from sprinklers. Sadly, a powerful wind storm in June 2023, with gusts reaching a staggering 80-90 miles per hour, left the slope in shambles. Kinesiology professor Mike Hanik, who also taught ski classes, expressed his dismay, stating, “The destruction is heartbreaking. It’s like losing a part of our Aggie tradition.”
Rebuilding the Dream
But fear not, Aggie students and alumni! The Texas A&M Foundation is raising funds to bring Mount Aggie back to life, with a target of $800,000. The foundation elucidates that because the slope is part of the Physical Education Activity Program (PEAP) and ties into the kinesiology curriculum, sports funding can’t be utilized for the reconstruction. While there’s no definitive timeline yet, Hanik reassured, “Once the funds are in place, we could realistically have it back open within a year.”
For Hanik, the restoration isn’t just about the slope itself; it’s about fostering a unique experience for students. “In Texas, we’re the only college with artificial skiing. This opportunity allows students to learn a cool skill, improve themselves, and enjoy the thrill of skiing,” he explained.
A Tradition Worth Saving
Mount Aggie has been more than just a ski slope; it’s an integral part of the college culture. Professors Hanik and George Jessup, a retired skiing instructor, have collectively taught between 30,000 to 40,000 students how to ski through their classes. These instructors emphasize that skiing is about control, speed, and connecting with nature, creating an exhilarating experience. “Just bringing back that tradition is vital. We want students to feel empowered and excited about managing themselves on the slopes,” said Hanik.
Current students share the same enthusiasm for the revival. Freshman engineering student Sephehr Salari-Saeedi expressed his eagerness, saying, “I’ve always wanted to learn how to ski.” Meanwhile, classmate Alex Panecaldo, who hails from skiing-rich Virginia, is excited about the prospect of skiing courses returning. “It would be a fun and interesting class to take. It brings back options for fun and unique experiences that you might not get anywhere else!”
The Path Forward
The campaign to fund Mount Aggie’s revival has begun, and the call to action is clear. Faculty and students alike are encouraged to contribute, bringing back this cherished slice of Aggie history. With the combination of heart, hard work, and your generous support, the dream of skiing on Mount Aggie can once again become a reality for future generations of Texas A&M University students.
While we await the concrete plans and timeline for the rebuild, one thing is crystal clear—the spirit of Aggie life is alive and well, and ready to embrace the slopes once more!
