The snow: most people wait in eager anticipation for those little white flurries that fall from the sky when the temperature drops below 32 degrees. For these students, the snow offers the ability to partake in extreme and exciting winter sports. Whether it's traveling to mountains in New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania or simply stepping into their own backyard, skiers, sledders, snowboarders and ice skaters alike enjoy the cold weather for the entertainment it brings. We recently met with four individuals who participate in these sports throughout the season. Here is the recap of their personal experiences.

snowboarding
DJ CEJOVIC

For snowboarder DJ Cejovic, the snow offers an excuse to get out of the house and onto the slopes. Although he was originally forced to try snowboarding by his parents when he was eight years old, Cejovic, now a junior, has grown to love the sport, making weekend trips to Mountain Creek in Vernon, New Jersey or Shawnee Mountain in Shawnee, Pennsylvania a necessity. "It all depends on the weather," says Cejovic, who loves boarding with his brother and a couple of friends. "The best conditions for snowboarding are fresh powder... no ice, or it will ruin the day."

Defining the extreme winter sport as one where fear is not an option, Cejovic spends most of his time at the terrain park, attempting to master his latest trick. Despite fracturing his collarbone on two occasions, Cejovic is rarely afraid of learning something new. Gliding down a mountain jamming to classic rock or doing a crazy 180-rotation off a box allows Cejovic to clear his head and have a good time. "I love snowboarding because it is so chill. It keeps you on the edge all the time; your adrenaline is always pumping, and there are always so many tricks to learn."

ice skating
CARA LEVINSON

As a competitive skater, junior Cara Levinson has won many medals and trophies, including second place in a state tournament. Levinson can successfully maneuver a double axel and numerous other jumps, recently leading her to achieve the senior level, the highest among ice skaters. Paired with the talent she possesses, a love for the sport plays a large role in her achievements. Levinson has an intense practice schedule of four to five times a week at Mennen Sports Arena in Morris Township, during which she practices all her jumps, spins and tricks to build endurance for upcoming competitions. Competitive skating has an element of physical danger; while on the ice, Levinson has managed to break one of her arms twice, as well as dislocate her patella, better known as the knee cap. "An athlete needs to be dedicated, determined, fearless and passionate," said Levinson, describing the qualities needed to survive in the competitive world of skating.

sledding
TIM STUART

Tim Stuart, a senior who finds the love and excitement of sledding right in his own backyard, has been sledding since age two. Stuart was introduced to sledding by his parents with the convenience of traveling only a few yards to the top of the hill. "The hill in my backyard is approximately 112 feet long with a vertical height of about 25 feet. When there is enough snow on the ground, you can find me back there multiple times a week," explained Stuart.

  Whether the snow is three to four inches of perfect powder or a slick and fast icy trail, Stuart knows how to handle any sledding situation. "In order to have the most fun sledding, you need to be creative because that is what makes the run more fun. The more you mix up the way you sled down the hill, the more likely you are to want to make the trip back up and try again," said Stuart. So unless you have no fear, you may want to take a few practice runs before you step up to the summit and challenge Stuart to a duel.

skiing
JOHN DELUCA

Senior John DeLuca started skiing at age seven. His dad wanted him to acquire a love for the sport at an early age, helping DeLuca to develop talent and become a confident skier by age 13. DeLuca, who skis at least once a month during the winter, competes with friends for bragging rights. Once while attempting a 360-degree rotation, he landed only a 180-degree rotation and skied backwards, creating his most memorable trick. DeLuca continues to hit the slopes because, "it's the closest a person can come to flying."