ORC
Outdoor Recreation Center
Ready for adventure with the Outdoor Rec Center
From backpacks to bike helmets to climbing and camping gear to kayaks and sports equipment of all kinds, the ORC has everything to get you outside doing all of the activities that Colorado is known for.
Adventure. Exploration. The great outdoors. You’ve ended up in Colorado, so we know you love it all—we do too. And Mines can help you take advantage of every opportunity to get outside. The Outdoor Recreation Center on campus has all the gear and expertise you need to take your adventure beyond campus and explore the state. Do your skis need a tune-up before hitting the slopes? Looking for a tent for your weekend camping trip? Want to go on an epic trip or try your hand at a new activity? The ORC has you covered. So what are you waiting for? Grab some friends, grab some gear and get out there.
What to expect
Bike and ski shop for services and repairs
Rental center for outdoor gear
Expert-guided trips and events
Open to
All Orediggers
When
Year-round
Where
Golden, Colo.
Additional perks
Access to the climbing wall in the Student Recreation Center
Major discounts on the Ikon Pass and more
Custom courses for all your new outdoor adventures
What do you like to do in your free time? For Ian Williams, a geological engineering student and member of the Mines Backcountry Ski Club and the Freeride Collective, his weekends are spent twisting and flipping off cliffs in the Colorado Rockies.
Oredigger reviews
Celeste, Civil Engineering, Albuquerque, N.M.
“Golden has everything to offer right in your backyard. With the help and the amazing prices provided by the ORC, the experience (and your preparation) are ten times better.”
Lanie, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Colorado Springs, Colo.
“The ORC student leaders are awesome and make it an amazing experience to go out. I went snowshoeing with them once and it was really fun.”
Cobi, Civil Engineering, Lakewood, Colo.
“Trips with the ORC are nice. They are really helpful and sometimes the trips, such as avalanche training, are way below the market price and can be useful for getting into the outdoors.”
Mikayla, Civil Engineering, Lakewood Colo.
“I LOVE the ORC. It is the best. I’ve basically spent all my money on trips and rental gear from the ORC which is slightly sad, but I don’t regret it.”
Colleen, Engineering, Cimarron, N.M.
“I am a manager at the ORC. They offer so many neat cool trips and events that I have been lucky enough to be a part of. I have rented camping and ski gear from the ORC to go on my own personal adventures, but I also went on an outdoor climbing trip up South Table with the ORC that was AMAZING! I learned how to set up outdoor climbing routes and got to practice my climbing techniques and belay skills all while climbing above Golden and the Coors Factory!”
KC, Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Juneau, Alaska
“I had the pleasure of leading a backcountry ski trip over spring break one year. The trip was small: me, one other guide, an ORC staff member and two students. Because we got a ton of snow and the two students on the trip were new to skiing, they mostly wanted to stay inside and drink hot chocolate, so I got to do some of the BEST powder laps of my life with the other student guide. I will forever remember that week as the best spring break of my life. “
Anna, Mechanical Engineering, Parker, Colo.
“ORC is awesome. Being so close to the mountain adventures around Golden is awesome, but actually going on those adventures on a college student’s budget can be tricky. ORC makes those adventures possible by providing equipment at discounted prices. Their staff is super nice, and they don’t overcharge for late fee—in case an exam or final project made you forget to return something on time…”
Breanna, Environmental Engineering, Lakewood, Colo.
“Go on trips with the ORC as often as you can! Honestly, ORC trips were the highlight of my Mines experience. I went on paddleboard trips where I fell in love with paddleboarding. I would have never tried paddleboarding if it was not for the ORC. I hiked my first 14er. I even got to go rock climbing on North Table. Even rent some equipment and try something new. “
Kejun, Chemical Engineering, China
“I was able to join in on a couple of ORC trips, including hiking, snowshoeing, and they are super great because we have trip leaders who are experts on outdoors. You also get to meet and talk with different people and make friends!”
Emily, Engineering, Charlotte, N.C.
“I got the Ikon Pass with their deal and love skiing at Copper with their rental skis.”