Your Next Adventure Starts Here
The Outdoor Program is your source for outdoor recreation and fun at SOU. Explore the beautiful Southern Oregon region and make new friends on a student-led adventure trip. Challenge yourself to scale a 44-foot route in the Climbing Center. Or rent all the gear you need to explore the outdoors on your own.
Banff is Back, Virtually!
For the tenth consecutive year, the SOU Outdoor Program will host the Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival. This year’s festival features a packed slate of epic mountain films that you can watch from the comfort of your own couch. Ticket sales from this year’s virtual festival are a fundraiser for the Outdoor Program when purchased at the link below! There are two ways to watch:
Individual Program – $15: Rent either the Onyx or Amber program and get two hours of films. Once you start watching, you’ll have three days to finish the program.
Festival Bundle – $28: Includes both programs; that’s four hours of films! Once you start watching, you’ll have 14 days to finish both programs.
Outdoor Program Watch Party – TBD: stay tuned for more info about a Virtual Banff Watch Party, hosted by the OP.
Climbing Center
Whether you’re an experienced climber, or just starting to learn the ropes, the Climbing Center is the perfect place to tackle new challenges and hone your skills. The wall stands 44 feet tall, meaning there’s plenty of space to test new routes, learn to belay, or practice lead climbing. Plus, gear like shoes and harnesses is included in your Rec Center membership at no extra cost.
Outdoor Trips
The Outdoor Program offers different adventure trips each term to some of the best outdoor recreation locations in the region. Signing up for an outdoor trip is a great way to explore Southern Oregon and learn a new skill like climbing, whitewater rafting, or snowshoeing. Looking for more friends? Outdoor trips are a great way to meet new people who also love adventuring in the outdoors!
Gear Rentals
With 1,200 outdoor gear items available to rent, the Outdoor Program has everything you need to adventure without breaking the bank. Get out on the water with kayaks and paddle boards, explore new trails with backpacking gear, or hit the slopes with snowshoes and snowboards. Our gear is high-quality and super affordable for SOU students and the Ashland community.
About the Outdoor Program
For over 50 years, the Outdoor Program has been a fixture of extracurricular campus life at Southern Oregon University. The OP is an inclusive community that fosters personal growth through experiential programming, professional development, and the spirit of adventure for all SOU students. Our staff are excellent resources for information about outdoor opportunities in the area. Need a suggestion for a new place to hike, backpack, kayak, snowshoe, or paddle board? Come visit us! The Outdoor Program is located in the SOU Student Recreation Center.