By Max Reetz
Aurum Staff
The leaves are finishing their migration from the trees to the ground and the temperature is steadily dropping. All the while, students at the School of Mines continually prepare for the winter weather ahead of them. As the freshman class may not yet know, the weather in Rapid City can be quite unpredictable. The best general way to describe it would be mild. However, sometimes it is brutal with its combination of cold, dry air and high-speed winds. In January, the average low temperature is about 19 degrees Fahrenheit.
Fellow School of Mines students have come up with a few ways to combat the elements. First off, wearing multiple layers of clothing is crucial. The bitter winds that swoop through the valley Rapid City is located in will be no match for a few simple layers. Secondly, a warm hat is important to contain body heat. The idea that the top of the head loses more heat than the rest of the body may be a myth, but it is still important to cover all places where heat can escape. Top it all off with mittens and a scarf to combat the wind as well, and conquering the winter weather in Rapid City will be no problem.
“I shave my head so my hat fits and I carry baked potatoes around with me as hand warmers,” says sophomore chemistry major Matt Hustrulid.
These tips will be especially handy for anyone venturing outside for some winter fun. There are plenty of winter activities to do in Rapid City. A new and noteworthy location for some entertainment will be the ice-skating rink currently being installed at the downtown main square. Snowball fights, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing are all popular winter sports. It is pretty difficult to find a good spot to sled, though, with trees abounding on all of the hills in the area.
“There is good sledding on the hill behind the Civic Center. Also, when the parking lot is plowed, there is a jump at the bottom of the hill that’s really fun and scary,” commented sophomore civil engineer Abby Fleck. Apparently, it will just take a bit of searching to find some good places to sled.
Despite the lack of premium sledding hills and often blustery weather, Rapid City will be a great place to be this coming winter. As you notice the last of the leaves vanishing and feel the refreshing chilly air, remember to greet the new season with open arms. Whether we like it or not, it will be here to stay for quite a while.
