The De La Salle Snowboard and Ski Club wrapped up its "most robust season" in the last nine years, with 12 skiing days and 60 student participants. 

Mr. Joe Gerardi, DLS ‘86, DLS Director of Operations, took over the club in 2017. In addition to seven ski outings to Mt. Holly (Holly, MI), weather permitting, the group also enjoyed an annual four-day weekend at Boyne (Boyne Falls, MI) and a day trip to Caberfae (Cadillac, MI). 

“Because of Mother Nature’s help, but mostly because of a really enthusiastic group of skiers and snowboarders, we had the most robust season in my nine years of moderating,” Gerardi said. 

Gerardi said the group had a lot of underclassmen, some with little or no experience, who really got the most out of the season.

“What I love most about this club is that it gives kids–who otherwise have not had any exposure to skiing–the opportunity to fall in love with a lifelong sport.” 

Sophomore Ian Beshke had never snowboarded, but took lessons at Mt. Holly, and earned a black patch, allowing him to snowboard on any hill there. 

Senior Vinnie Lucci, who participated all four years, was already a skier when he joined the DLS group. 

"The program has grown every year," Vinnie said. "When I was a freshman, we had only eight guys and had to rent a bus. Now, with our own school bus, it's great to have so many involved. Skiing is something you gotta try at least once." 

Dante Lucci, Vinnie's sophomore brother, has been skiing since he was four years old. "Skiing is a passion, and my family regularly goes up north."

He says, "Skiing is my happy place!"

Dante added, "I feel the club is great. You get to meet new people, make new friends, and hang out with friends on the bus. Overall, I love skiing." 

Dante wants to grow the group even more. "I want to get more people to show up and get the club more well-known in the school. It's a chance for friends to get closer." 

Students from Regina High School are also invited to participate, and Gerardi said this year six Saddleites - the most ever - were part of the club. 

Gerardi plans a wrap-up meeting before the Easter break and is looking for students to serve as club officers for 2025-2026.

The next outing is scheduled for December 12, 2025.