RUMFORD — Students from two physical education classes at Mountain Valley High School took to the mountain in early April to celebrate the weather. Students from Kristin Tyler’s adventure programming class and Todd Papianou’s lifetime pursuits class visited Whitecap Mountain in Rumford. The students hiked up the mountain, and had three choices to descend: by skis, by snowboard or by adventure sled. Adventure sled riders kneel on the sled and lean left or right to control steering.

“The hike up is difficult, but the view at the top is worth it and the ride down is a rush. It’s a great experience!” said Karen Flaherty, a junior at MVHS.

“It was the most fun I ever had and it’s amazing when you sled down,”said Josh Herskowitz, a sophomore at MVHS.

The students prepared for the trip by training on shorter trips behind the high school and by packing appropriate clothing and supplies.

The students are also encouraging classmates to take a similar trip.

“It’s wicked fun to back-country ski! You have to try it!” said Todd McKellick, a sophomore at MVHS.

Students brought their own skis and snowboards. Adventure sleds were purchased years ago by a Carol M. White Physical Education Program grant.