While most students look at snow as an unwelcome symbol of the onslaught of winter havoc, the Wisconsin Nordic Ski Team sees it as the kickoff to a season full of competitions, weekend road trips and good times.

The team, which is currently in its fifth season, was formed by a small group of University of Wisconsin students from Minnesota who had been an avid skiing entourage in their home state.

Through the organization of the Wisconsin Hoofers Ski and Snowboard Club, the ski bums became an official group.

With a current membership of about 30 students, the team has grown in size since its younger days.

“It’s a chance to hang with people with similar interests, a way to bond with people without the time commitments,” co-director Matthew Martin said.

After participating in high school sports, Martin said he saw the Wisconsin Nordic Ski Team as a good chance to stay athletic without having to deal with all the strict practice schedules.

Many members of the team can attest to Martin’s words.

“The members are the best part … If we did all the races and if we did all the same stuff but the people weren’t around, I wouldn’t do it … They make me want to be active,” junior Josh Rolnitzky said, who joined the team because, after skiing all four years in high school, he thought it would give him the chance to put his skills to use in the competitive arena.

As co-director Gabrielle Zimbric put it, you “meet a lot of cool people.”

She added that in addition to skiing, team members often go backpacking or take spring-break trips together.

Despite a lack of snow, the training starts early for the skiers.

Members meet in September for dry-land activities, which include running, roller-skiing, soccer, ultimate Frisbee and hill-bounding.

Once the snow season arrives, the skiers hit the slopes at Elver Park during the week and travel to Northern Wisconsin for other practice grounds on the weekends.

“It’s fun to get away on the weekends,” sophomore Meredith Hicks said.

With a membership that is open to everyone and spans all experience levels, from novices to the nationally renowned, skiers practice at their own pace. Technique skills are taught to the less experienced.

“There is a lot of experience to draw from. It’s a great organization to sponge off of the experience of others,” Zimbric said.

And, as Martin said, “You can make the team what you want it to be.”

In the past, the team has participated in NCAA and U.S. Collegiate Ski Association races, which are held all across North America, from California to Canada.

“We ski with literally thousands of people,” Rolnitzky said.

This year, though, the group is turning away from some national contests, Zimbric said. Instead, the line-up is focused more on local races this year, such as the Badger State Games and the Birkebeiner.

In addition to team races, members often participate in independent civilian races.

“It’s a total rush to be up there and see hundreds of people and see the gate go open,” Martin said. “It’s exhilarating.”