Cache County has a lot more to offer than just cheese.<\/p>\n
With canyons, rivers, forests and mountains just minutes away, the Logan area offers a little bit of everything in the great outdoors.<\/p>\n
Dave Christensen, manager of Utah State University’s Outdoor Recreation Center (ORC) cites the great outdoors of this area as one of his reasons for coming to USU in the first place. <\/p>\n
\t“It’s just a great place,” he said.<\/p>\n
\tChristensen, who joined the ORC staff in 1999 as a student, is concerned students don’t understand that the ORC is a campus entity subsidized by student fees. <\/p>\n
\t“We feel that not enough students know about it. We want students to understand that we are a campus entity, not a business, here to serve them,” Christensen said. <\/p>\n
The ORC, located at 1050 N. 950 East, has camping supplies including tents, sleeping gear, packs and cooking gear available for rent. Winter sports equipment, water sports accessories, water-craft packages and rock climbing gear are also available. The ORC has newer and more equipment this year, Christensen said. <\/p>\n
\t“For instance, we have 70 pairs of snowshoes this year compared to 30 last year,” he said. <\/p>\n
\tPerhaps one of the most interesting opportunities available through the ORC is the yurt. A yurt is a circular tent structure of Mongolian origin that is used today for places to stay when back-country touring or skiing. The ORC owns and maintains the “ski huts” as Christensen calls them, in the local area and students may reserve to use them starting Nov. 27 at 10 a.m.. <\/p>\n
Prices for rentals vary with the product. Christensen assures students that prices at the ORC are below the national average. <\/p>\n
\t“We rent our snowshoes for $6 a day and the national average is about $10. We keep the prices low for the students,” Christensen said.<\/p>\n
\tRates are based on one-day rentals, two-to-three-day rentals and then a small amount extra for additional days. <\/p>\n
\tTo rent, a valid USU ID is required. Christensen advises students to come in during the week and reserve equipment they want to use over the weekend. <\/p>\n
\tTo reserve equipment, a student must pay the first day of rental fees.<\/p>\n
\t The final balance is due when picking up the equipment. Equipment is due back no later than 5 p.m. on the due date. If it is late, there are late fees. <\/p>\n
\t“When someone turns in something late, it jeopardizes someone else’s trip,” Christensen said.<\/p>\n
\tRenters are also responsible for any damage done to the equipment.<\/p>\n
Christensen said the ORC is “here to advise and help people plan trips.” <\/p>\n
\tThe ORC can help people find good places to go to for outdoor activities and give advice on how to properly use equipment, he said. <\/p>\n
Logan retailers also offer rental equipment. Most sporting equipment stores in the area have equipment for rent. <\/p>\n
\tAl’s Sporting Goods, located at 1617 N. Main St., rents skis, snowboards and paintball equipment. <\/p>\n
\t“It’s good for students because it’s a lot cheaper than at the mountain,” said Chris Kofoed, manager of Al’s ski equipment. <\/p>\n
The Trailhead, located at 117 N. Main St., also has rental equipment. <\/p>\n
\tOne of the most unique outdoor accessories available in the store is an igloo maker that can be taken on trips to mold snow into an igloo. <\/p>\n
\t“Lots of people come here because of where USU is and we’re only five or 10 minutes from the mountain. It’s a good way to take advantage of where you live,” said Scott Datwyler, owner of The Trailhead. <\/p>\n
\t“Students can’t really store a canoe or a kayak, so they can rent it. Also, it’s a way for students to try things out before they buy it,” he said.<\/p>\n
“We want students to realize that they shouldn’t let school get in the way of their education. There’s a lot to be learned in the outdoors,” Christensen said.<\/p>\n
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