Outdoor Adventure Trips

Explore Adventure is an outdoor orientation program that is designed to provide incoming Clemson students the opportunity to build friendships with other incoming students, learn about life at Clemson from current students, gain experience in local outdoor recreation, and reflect on their transition to college in a fun and relaxed environment before their first semester at Clemson begins. The Explore Adventure program is designed for first-year Clemson students and is tailored towards the beginner! While we teach you the ropes on camping, paddling, and backpacking, a base level of physical fitness is required.

Visit our Explore Adventure page for more information.

Want to know more? Attend one of our info sessions on Nov. 1 at 6 p.m. or 7 p.m. at the Fike Recreation Center lounge. 

Join CORE as we head to Winter Park, CO to kick off Winter Break! Get ready to carve up the slopes, embrace the thrill of winter, and create unforgettable memories with our Ski/Snowboard Trip to Winter Park, Colorado from December 16-21. This winter wonderland is calling your name, and we've got the perfect adventure waiting for you. Winter Park, Colorado Nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Winter Park is a breathtaking winter paradise with stunning alpine scenery and a reputation for some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the world. Its well-groomed slopes and diverse terrain offer something for everyone, from beginners to seasoned powder hounds. Get ready to hit the slopes, make new friends, and create cherished memories. Register online or attend our info session for more information! 

Lodging:

We will be staying at the Vintage Hotel located right at the entrance to Winter Park Resort.  Just steps from the free Village Cabriolet, hop on this open-air lift for a scenic ride to the base Village, where you’ll find shops, restaurants, and of course the gondola. The Vintage Hotel is also located directly next to the Coca-Cola Tubing Hill, giving you easy access to activities and amenities for every type of mountain adventurer.  Our studio rooms sleep 4 participants and include a small kitchen that allows you to prepare meals right in your room. Lodging is max occupancy.  Complimentary shuttles are available to take you into town and a heated pool and hot tub are available to relax in after a long day on the slopes.

Flights and Transportation:

If you register for our air package then flights are included on Southwest Airlines departing from Atlanta to Denver nonstop. Transportation from the Denver Airport to Winter Park is also included in this package.

Ground Package:

A ground package is available for those who would prefer to arrange their own transportation.  Ground packages include lodging and lift tickets.  We may be able to accommodate you on our bus from Denver to Winter Park and back if your flight arrival and departure times align with our flights.

Rentals and Lessons:

No skis or snowboard?  No problem!  Winter Park rentals has a wide variety of ski and snowboard packages available for rent on the mountain.  We will arrange and reserve rentals for you if you need equipment.  We can also set up a lesson for you on your first day so that you can get the most out of your week of skiing or riding!  *additional fees apply for rentals and lessons.

Lift Tickets:

Trip pricing includes a four-day group lift ticket for Winter Park Resort.  If you already have an IKON pass talk to us about a credit for your lift ticket.

Cost:

• Non-Refundable Deposit: $200.00
• Ground Package- $1,150.00 
  • Cost Includes: Lodging, Lift Tickets, Ground Transportation
  • Flight times must align with Clemson’s arrival and departure. Please reach out before booking!
• Air Package- $1,499.00
  • Cost Includes: Lodging, Lift Tickets, Ground Transportation, Airfare

Contact Taylor Williams with any questions.

Visit Dominica with us May 11-19, 2024! 

Does this cold weather have you dreaming of warmer climates? Join CORE (Clemson Outdoor Recreation and Education) as we travel to the Island of Dominica in the Caribbean for the trip of a lifetime. Immerse yourself in the Dominican culture as we work alongside members of the Cochrane united farmers group to help establish sustainable agriculture sites in their mountain community. Experience adventure activities that are only found on the Nature Island of the Caribbean, like remote rainforest waterfall hikes, natural hot spring soaks, and snorkeling barrier reefs. Check out the images below from last year's adventure and service trip to Dominica.

Wilderness First Aid Certification: A certification course that serves as a fun, hands-on introduction to wilderness medicine. A WFA certification is widely considered to be the minimum standard of training to be eligible to work in an outdoor recreation environment. WFA certification is through American Red Cross.

Skill Clinics: Skill clinics will be offered throughout the semester on a variety of topics. These courses are meant to be a more easily accessible way to learn and refine one’s outdoor skills for those who might not always have a weekend free.

How to Register for a Clinic: Click on the link for the Registration Portal to register online. If you would like to register in person, please visit the CORE office at Andy’s during our open hours.

Skills clinics are scheduled during Fall, Spring and Summer Semesters. If you missed one this semester look for similar clinic offerings next semester. Don't forget to register well in advance to secure your spot!

CORE offers a variety of adventure trips and programs for groups that are looking to get outside and explore the beauty of the Upstate. Check out CORE Custom Group Trips for more information and to request a custom trip.

Looking to adventure closer to campus? Groups can request to reserve the firepit next to Lake Hartwell or reserve kayaks and paddleboards! Check out CORE Custom Events on Lake Hartwell for more information and to request a Lake Hartwell Group Event.

For custom trips and Lake Hartwell events, request forms should be submitted at least 4 weeks prior to your desired program date. Based on the group's request, an agreement will be made to accommodate that participant count. If the group increases the amount of participants, they will be charged according to the per person rate for each additional participant. There is no guarantee that an increase will be possible once the agreement has been signed.

Trip Cancellation & Location Change Policy:

CORE reserves the right to cancel a trip or clinic or change the location of the trip or clinic due to inclement weather, natural disasters, or extenuating circumstances. If a trip or clinic is canceled, a full refund will be provided to those registered.

Trip Refund Policy:

Participants are responsible for understanding the cancellation and refund policy for the CORE trip(s) they are registering for. CORE does not issue refunds for trips that are not attended. CORE reserves the right to not issue a refund at the discretion of the program administrators.

Single-day Trips:

• Full Refund: Cancellation occurs more than 10 business days before the date of the trip.
• No Refund: Cancellation occurs fewer than 10 business days before the trip's departure, regardless of the circumstances.

Multi-day Trips:

• Full Refund (minus non-refundable deposit fees): Cancellation occurs more than seven days before the scheduled pre-trip meeting date.
• No Refund: Cancellation occurs fewer than seven business days before the scheduled pre-trip meeting date. A refund may be given after this time if a replacement can be found from the trip’s waitlist.

Outdoor adventure activities can be exciting and rewarding, but may also be physically demanding and potentially dangerous. While our highest priority is given to safety, participants need to be aware of the inherent risks associated with participation in outdoor recreation activities, as well as the responsibility they assume for their own safety and well-being. Participants are responsible for medical or other costs arising out of bodily injury, illness, or property damage that may be sustained as a result of their voluntary participation, and they are required to sign a Release and Waiver of Liability/Informed Consent.