two students on a mountain in Williamstown

It’s Mountain Day!

It’s Mountain Day!

This morning President Maud S. Mandel canceled classes and the bells rang out “The Mountains,” signifying the start of Mountain Day.

“The tradition of Mountain Day has become a great way for our community to celebrate the wonder and restorative benefits of being outdoors,” President Mandel wrote in an email to the campus community. “Whatever you choose to do, and whenever you choose to do it, I hope you all enjoy the glories of fall!”

The full slate of activities includes walks, hikes, live performances, an all-community picnic and even a polar bear swim! Check out the complete schedule of events and information about accessibility on the Outing Club’s Mountain Day web page.

To learn more about Mountain Day (which began more than 150 years ago as Chip Day and Gravel Day and has since evolved to the annual tradition of a spontaneous break from classes), take a look at this history from the college archives.

Happy Mountain Day, everyone!

Share your #mtnday experience!

Post photos and videos of your Mountain Day using the hashtag #mtnday, and visit Williams’ social channels—Instagram, Facebook and Twitter—to see how the Eph community is partaking on campus and around the world.

  • Facebook Profile Frames
    On Desktop: Hover over your profile photo and click “Update.” Select “Add Frame” and search for “Williams Mountain Day.”
    On Mobile: Go to your Facebook profile and tap the camera icon on your profile picture. Select “Add Frame” and search for “Williams Mountain Day.”
  • Instagram Stickers
    Customize your Instagram Story with Williams-themed GIF stickers. In the app, click on the sticker button in the top right-hand section of your screen—or, if you use an Android, in the top center—and search for “mtnday.”