By Kelsey Hor
Asst. Perspectives Editor
Do you like the snow and cold weather during the winter season? Do you enjoy winter activities or sports?
The professional annual ESPN Winter Sports X Games began on Jan. 26 and runs to Jan. 29 in the soft snow of Aspen, Colo. The X Games have some Sacred Heart University students excited to know that the winter sports season is finally here.
Two major winter sports that will be featured are events that showcase skiing and
snowboarding professionals from all over the world.
Skiing and snowboarding are two winter sports Sacred Heart students are looking forward to enjoying over the next couple of months as the winter weather is still upon us.
Certain students at Sacred Heart seem to have a preference as to what sport they like better, skiing or snowboarding.
“I like to ski because it’s a fun workout,” said senior Sean Timony. “When you’re carving across the slopes with some nice speed for most of the day, your legs really start to burn. It hurts, but it is awesome knowing I’m working out and having fun. My favorite part about skiing has to be the adrenaline rush I get when I’m racing or going really fast. The only time I come close to that feeling is when I go skydiving.”
On the other side, some students from Sacred Heart who prefer snowboarding also believe that these winter sports can be something that can let you take a break from all your troubles.
“Snowboarding is great because it lets you get away from the real world for a bit,” said senior Tom Peticca. “My favorite part about snowboarding is just being on the mountain, looking at the views and having a good time.”
Although some individuals may prefer a specific sport and style, both sports have
different qualities that make them thrilling and fun.
“I’ve been skiing since I was two and I started snowboarding when I was seven,” said senior Peter DeNatale. “I like both sports for different reasons. I love skiing because it allows me to go faster and have more control. It’s enjoyable in all situations. With snowboarding it gives me a flying sensation when snowboarding in powder, and it’s more fun doing tricks.”
Some students agree that they would rather go out of state instead of remaining local to snowboard or ski because it is a nice getaway.
“Personally, I snowboard in Vermont because my family owns a condo out there, so it’s more convenient. However, some of the best snowboarding I have done is out west in Colorado and Utah,” said Peticca.
Other winter sports being featured in the X Games besides skiing and snowboarding include categories in freeskiing and snowmobiling.
Some Sacred Heart students even admit that they too play winter sports competitively.
“My parents put me in racing programs so I could get comfortable with skiing and before they knew it I was out on the slopes almost everyday. Eventually, I got into the more advanced programs and I started qualifying for bigger races and I just enjoyed the competitive nature of it,” said Timony.
Overall it seems that most people believe that it doesn’t matter what winter sport you participate in as long as your having a good time and enjoying the many perks that come with it.
“I don’t think there is a big difference between skiing and snowboarding. Obviously they’re two different sports, but the reasons why people are doing them are essentially the same, to go out and have a good time on the mountain,” said Peticca.
