Time for Winterfest

November 9, 2007

ELLENSBURG, Wash.--Bring on the chill. It's time to dust off your skis, snowboards and snowshoes because winter is just around the corner. Central Washington University's Outdoor Pursuits and Rentals (OPR) is ready to celebrate the excitement of the outdoors with Winterfest 2007. The annual festival features an outdoor gear swap, vendor fair and Outdoor Adventure Film Series.

If you're looking for quality outdoor gear, be sure to check out the Outdoor Gear Swap where you'll find great deals on the gear you need for your next adventure. The swap runs from Wednesday, Nov. 14 in the Student Union Ballroom and continues through Saturday, Nov. 17 in the OPR shop.

The film series kicks off Wednesday, Nov. 14 in the CWU Student Union Theatre with the greatly anticipated Warren Miller ski film, "Playground." Two showings, at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., are expected to draw large crowds as the world’s leading winter sports athletes light up the screen. The first 200 purchased tickets to each show will receive a lift ticket to event sponsor, Mission Ridge. Moviegoers can also score free prizes at the door provided by Mountain High Sports.

The Match Stick Films Tour brings intense scenes straight to viewers from the eyes of the athletes in "Seven Sunny Days," showing Thursday, Nov. 15 at 7 p.m. in the Student Union Theatre. Once again, prizes await audience members at the door.

The Banff Mountain Film Festival introduces viewers to mountain sports and culture in its worldwide tour. A preview of the films Nov. 6 allowed students the opportunity to select which films will air in the festival Monday, Nov. 19 at 7 p.m. in the Student Union Theatre.

"These films provide the motivation and inspiration needed to get many people ready for winter season," says Ryan Hopkins, coordinator of OPR. “Also, as far as a great way to spend an evening, these films are a blast. The films themselves are high energy and people normally walk away excited about getting into the outdoors."

Tickets to all films are available at the Student Union Box Office or by calling 509-963-1301. For more information about participating in the gear swap, or to make arrangements for disability accommodations, please call OPR at 509-963-3537 or (for hearing impaired) TDD 509-963-2143.

Contact: Ryan Hopkins, CWU Outdoor Pursuits and Rentals, 509-963-3536, ryan.hopkins@cwu.edu
   Teri Olin, CWU Public Relations & Marketing, olint@cwu.edu, 509-963-1416

Central Washington University is a master's degree-granting institution with approximately 10,000 students and 1,500 faculty and staff. More than 160 undergraduate and master's degrees are offered. Founded in 1891, the Ellensburg campus is located in the heart of Washington State, nestled between the Cascade Mountains and the Columbia River. Since 1975, CWU has served the needs of place bound students at six university centers throughout the state. CWU is an AA/EEO Title IX Institution.