By Ruby Lesson’25
Each year, the Frederick Gunn school community sets out on an eagerly anticipated journey to Mohawk Mountain in Cornwall, Connecticut. For an exhilarating day filled with skiing, snowboarding, and tubing, this tradition brings students and faculty together to celebrate winter fun. Following the return from the winter break, the entire school, except for freshmen who will attend the Lake Placid trip, pauses the usual academic day to embrace a day of excitement and shared experiences in the snow regardless of whether participants are avid athletes speeding down the slopes, or a first timer strapping on their skis or snowboard for the first time. Mountain Day offers something for everyone. It’s a time when the entire school steps outside to embrace the wonders of winter sports and enjoy spending a day with one another.
Students look forward to this day every year, taking advantage of the school’s opportunities. It’s a time for students to step out of their comfort zone and challenge themselves to either learn something new or improve their skills. Each person is offered the chance to ski, snowboard, or go tubing, also offering lessons to those who have never participated in these activities previously. When everyone gets too cold, students and faculty can spend some time in the lodge warming up and sharing stories from the day. Marley Kenned,y a senior at FGS, shared this about the day. “Mountain day is a fun day in the year where the community comes together, being my favorite event the school participates in. My favorite memory from it was teaching my friend how to ski, laughing as we both fell but never encouraging the other to stop.”
Every year, Mountain Day reminds us that learning happens both in and out of the classroom, on the snowy slopes, around the campfires, and through shared laughter with friends. It’s a day filled with adventure, perseverance, and joy, where even the smallest victories, like standing up after a fall, become cherished memories. As the sun sets on Mohawk Mountain, the day’s stories linger like the fresh tracks in the snow we made. This is proof that the Frederick Gunn school spirit is built on courage, camaraderie, and a willingness to embrace every challenge.
