As the 2002 Winter Olympics approach, the world waits to watch competitors ski with skill and precision.

But even in Ames, people have the opportunity to be skiers through the ISU Snowboard and Ski Club.

“Some of my best friends were made through the club,” said Anastasia Sprowl, junior in pre-advertising and a member of the Snowboard and Ski Club. “My longest-lasting friendships have been because of the club.”

With between 100 and 150 active members and 500 people on the e-mail list, the Snowboard and Ski Club keeps very busy with trips, meetings and other activities.

Every other Friday, members of the Snowboard and Ski Club meet at a restaurant. Club dues paid by each member supply all the food and beverages needed for the evening. They call it F.A.C., or Friday After Class, said Megan Olson, senior in dietetics and the club’s social secretary.

The club takes about three trips each year, trying to vary the places they go.

“We always have a good time,” Sprowl said.

During Thanksgiving break in November, members go out for a weekend or a possible four-day trip. Two outings are normally scheduled for winter break. The club travels to places such as Colorado, Utah, Wyoming or Montana. For spring break, 60 group members will head out for a final trip.

“You go on a trip and end up being roommates with someone you had never met before,” Sprowl said.

It is not too late to sign up for this year’s spring break outing.

Payments are due Feb. 22 said Julie Martin, club president and senior in construction engineering.

Olson said club members are “a wide range of people,” including those with little or no experience in the sport.

“Anybody with an interest in snowboarding or skiing should join,” Martin said.

Students can be taught how to ski for free every Wednesday at Seven Oaks in Boone. The only payment needed is for the lift ticket and equipment rental. The ski area offers student discounts Wednesdays, lowering the cost for those who want to learn to ski.

The Snowboard and Ski Club not only takes trips and meets every other Friday, they also enjoy a number of social functions.

At 8 p.m. Feb. 17, the club will help promote a new Warren Miller film at People’s Bar and Grill, 2430 Lincoln Way.

“We are hoping that it will be open for all ages,” Martin said.

For more information on the Snowboard and Ski Club, visit their Web site at www.scc.iastate.edu/ski. The club posts upcoming events, current ski conditions around the United States, photos taken through recent years and more.