As part of its winter schedule, the Outdoor Program Center takes an annual ice climbing trip to Duluth, Minn.

The day trips leave from Bemidji State’s Gillett Recreation-Fitness Center before sunrise and once at the ice quarry spend the day on climbs of varying difficulty.

The trip allows students to try ice climbing with experienced instructors leading the way. While no previous experience with ice climbing is required, participants do have previous experience with knots, belays and basic climbing skills.

As with its other winter activities, which include ice fishing, fat-tire bike rentals, snow shoeing and weekly excursions to Bemidji’s Buena Vista Ski Area, the ice climbing trip helps the center provide BSU students with a wide variety of ways to enjoy winter in the North Woods.

“Winter doesn’t have to be boring,” Mark Morrissey, OPC director, said.