Outing Club (CUOC)
At Clarkson University, adventure begins just steps away from campus.
We’re located in the north countryat the foothills and above of the Adirondacks, an internationally renowned biosphere region and the largest publicly protected area in the continental United States. We’re also situated on the Raquette River — and our boathouse marks the starting point for canoeing trips along its length. And then there’s our proximity to the St. Lawrence River — just 30 miles from campus — and the attractions of the Lake Placid Olympic Village.
So, where do you start? Whether you’re a casual hiker, an avid kayaker, a mountain biker or a freestyle skier, the Clarkson University Outing Club (CUOC) welcomes you and serves as your all-encompassing introduction to our region’s outdoor activities. Clarkson University Outing Club strives to create an outdoor community focused on promoting safe and responsible use of the outdoors. We are a student run community that allows members the equipment and training for a broad range of outdoor activities.
About CUOC
Get ready for an adventure with CUOC! Whether you're a seasoned explorer or new to the great outdoors, there's no better way to escape the daily grind than by joining us for a day of hiking, climbing, or simply soaking in nature's beauty. Our trips offer the perfect blend of challenge, fun, and camaraderie—whether you're pushing yourself to summit a peak, learning new skills, or just enjoying good company around a campfire. So, grab your gear, step out of your comfort zone, and experience the thrill of the wild with CUOC—your next unforgettable adventure is just outside the door!
Weekly Meetings: Wednesdays, 8pm at the Adirondack Lodge
Why Join the Outing Club?
We don’t just plan group outings; we talk about conditions and tactics and ensure everyone has the gear they need to stay safe as they explore the vast natural world surrounding our campus. During our meetings and trips, first-year and transfer students get tips from upperclass students about where to go and how to tackle the terrain ahead.
We know everyone takes to the outdoors at their own pace. Our club’s range of activities reflects this diversity. We further classify adventures based on difficulty and inform you of the appropriate gear to bring.
Here at Clarkson, brainstorming and strategizing bring students together. The Outing Club’s inviting and inclusive approach to adventure builds from here, setting the stage for lifelong connections over a shared interest in exploration.
Jasper Wiech '27
"The Outing Club has plenty to offer in the way of backcountry skiing, whether you are brand new to the sport or have some experience already. The club has all the equipment you need to try it for the first time and they lead intro trips to get you started. They also offer opportunities for more experienced skiers to improve their skills. I was able to expand my backcountry and avalanche education through the AIARE 1 course that the club offers, then on spring break, I got to ski the best snow of my life on the annual trip to the Chic Chocs. I love that the club is open to people of all skill levels and there is always someone willing to talk to you about skiing and help you learn."
What We Do
Backcountry Skiing
Camping
Canoeing
Caving
Cross-Country Skiing
Extreme Sledding
Fishing
Forest Management
Hammocking
Hiking
Ice Climbing
Mountain Biking
Mountaineering
Paddleboarding
Rock Climbing
Slacklining
Telemark Skiing
Whitewater Kayaking
Mia Greco '26
"I love hiking and CUOC is what sparked that passion by providing me with the proper gear to safely go on sick adventures!"
Events
Venture into the Adirondack Wilderness for four days and three nights under the guidance of upperclass students who have received wilderness first aid, wilderness first responder and NOLS leadership training. Explore itineraries based on varying degrees of difficulty for incoming first-year and transfer students.
The fundraising event started by a pair of Clarkson students in 2014 for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention encourages you to climb at least one mountain from the Friday before Labor Day through National Suicide Prevention Week.
Join the Outing Club on the Beautiful Raquette River, right on campus, and compete in canoe races and competitions for awesome prizes on a beautiful Fall weekend day!
Join the Outing Club at Seven Springs, a retired 200-vertical-foot retired ski resort 20 minutes from campus for skiing, snowboarding, snowmen and other winter celebrations. With music, games and prizes, this is one of the most fun winter events of the year!
We send members all over for Spring Break trips, including but not limited to Climbing at the Red River Gorge, KY; Mountain Biking at Pisgah National Forest, NC; and Backcountry Skiing in the Chic-Choc Mountains, Quebec!
Contact CUOC
Here’s where we are and how to get in touch:
Clarkson University Outing Club
8 Clarkson Ave
Potsdam, NY 13699
Email: cuoc@rahpouyanschool.com
Where We Go
Our expansive backyard takes you along rivers, below treelines and up 4,000-plus-foot peaks. Sometimes, we’re watching the leaves change; at others, we’re snowshoeing, skiing or snowboarding through fresh powder.
