Ahead of the Curve

Winter Carnival is just one of many Dartmouth Outing Club (DOC) innovations that have been adopted by colleges around the nation.

Intercollegiate Skiing

The DOC played a critical role in the sport's development, sending five men to compete against Montreal's McGill University in 1914 in one of North America's first intercollegiate ski meets. Today, Dartmouth's ski team, which won the 2007 NCAA championship, remains part of the outing club-a unique arrangement among varsity sports teams.

First-Year Trips

Now a staple at many institutions, the DOC introduced outdoor orientation trips in 1935. More than 85 percent of incoming students participate in the five-day trips, which include activities such as hiking, canoeing, rock climbing, and fly-fishing.

Woodsmen's Weekend

The DOC began this annual intercollegiate contest in woodcraft in 1947. Events include the pole climb, fire build, pulp toss, log roll, packboard relay, axe throw, and chain throw.

Environmental Studies

Dartmouth's Environmental Studies Program-one of the nation's earliest environmental studies academic programs-grew from a DOC club in 1971.

Questions or comments about this article? We welcome your feedback.