A snowy Athens campus welcomes students back to start the semester
A thick blanket of snow forced Ohio University to close the Athens campus and several regional campuses in early January. The heavy snowfall brought with it beautiful scenery and opportunities for sledding and cross country skiing.
Photos by Ben Siegel, Rich-Joseph Facun and Eli Burris | January 13, 2025
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As Ohio University students returned to campus after winter break, they were greeted by a winter wonderland blanketing campus.
The Athens campus received heavy snowfall which brought with it a Level 3 snow emergency for Athens County and several surrounding counties. The snow emergency closed the streets and the campus. OHIO students were still on winter break, but the University was open before the storm hit Ohio and brought snow, ice and cold temperatures.
With temperatures below freezing this week, students bundled in warm coats, scarves, and gloves can be seen trekking to their classes, bracing against the frigid wind sweeping the hills. The frozen pond at Emeriti Park glistens under the winter sun, while bare branches on the College Green are dusted in white, giving a classic winter vibe to this storied campus.
This is the first winter for the Bobcats bench outside of Baker University Center, while Cutler Hall has seen more than 200 winters since its construction began in 1816. The building opened in 1819 and is the oldest building erected for higher education west of the Alleghenies and north of the Ohio River.
The Bobcats and birds on campus didn't seem to mind the snow and cold temperatures too much.
The snow created opportunities for sledding, building snowmen and even cross country skiing on campus and in the community.
While many people enjoyed a few days off and some fun in the snow, many Ohio University employees also worked diligently in cold temperatures to clear sidewalks and parking lots, and to keep the campus safe during the snow emergency. We are grateful to everyone who worked during the snow emergency in different roles at OHIO. The campus looked scenic and peaceful, but many people were working behind the scenes to keep the campus safe and to keep everything running.
Students revel in the fresh snow on College Green.
Bundled up students enjoy a classic winter pastime--sledding down the snowy slopes near University Terrace.
A charming snowman overlooks the Athens campus.
Cross-country skiers took advantage of the deep snow to cut trails near Penden Stadium...
...and along the bike path on the Hocking River.
Even though the spring semester had not started yet, OHIO students were already studying in warm and cozy spots on campus during the snowfall. And students, faculty and staff were walking the campus enjoying the winter scenery. Our OHIO photographers were also busy taking photographs and videos of the spectacular scenes of winter.
Many students took the opportunity to enjoy campus in its snow-covered glory before classes resumed. Alumni fondly recall similar winter mornings, sharing stories on social of trudging through deep winter snow to make it to early lectures or sipping hot cocoa at Baker Center after chilly walks across campus.
A snow-covered Convocation Center, seen from above.
With no additional snow in the immediate forecast, the cold spell will continue along with the wintry charm that has settled over Athens. Students are encouraged to dress warmly, stay safe, and take in the beauty of campus during this quintessential Ohio winter.
