Wednesday, January 03, 2007

Should I Go On A Ski Vacation with A Ski Club?

By Mike Singh

Ski clubs, organizations, and resorts all have one common interest - the enjoyment of snowsport activities, which involves skiing, snowboarding, cross country, and telemark skiing. Not all ski resorts have a ski club associated with it, but for those who do, year-around-activities are provided which can include ski instruction, racing programs, social activities, and inter-club trips. While skiing is what brings these groups together in the first place, it is not necessarily what keeps them together. As stated, their love of skiing and winter sports - with common interests and feeling of community - keeps them skiing together for years and years, many times forming long friendships. People who ski should join a ski club, regardless of the level of ski expertise. Beginners are almost always welcome, and this is a great way for beginners to quickly improve their skills and techniques out on the slopes.

Ski clubs are better served through federal involvement, promoting improved communication, education and benefits, and influencing issues relevant to snowsport and ski clubs. Ski club members meet with ski industry representatives, working together to develop resources for not only members, but also for the affiliated ski resort. One of the 2005 brainstorms was involving the recruitment of new members into ski clubs. Some ideas brought up were: bring in members that have talents the club can use, such as tech support or web designing; involve college or university ski clubs; bring a friend to the club, allow them to learn about skiing and the equipment; or combine a club/council and college ski trip. In order to reach new demographics, promoting families and family trips were brought up.

Ski clubs are an exceptional way to learn some new things about skiing or snowboarding. Going on ski vacations with other ski club members at discounted rates, is occasionally offered on ski vacation packages involving ski resorts, ski areas, various mountains, and various countries. No matter where you live, there is a ski club near you. This is true even if you live in a place that does not ever get snowfall due to man made snow! Some are local clubs, meaning that the slopes that they ski on are within driving distance for the day, while others are more national or global, which means that if possible, they not only ski locally but they also plan ski trips. Arrangements are usually made through the club, so that everyone is eligible for the discounts. The money that is required from each member for the trip is usually paid to the club, and the club passes the funds onto pay for lodging, airfare, meals, lift tickets, and other perks that are included in the trip. Because arrangements are being made for a group of people - which is usually fairly large - discounts are given. This benefits all members of the club.

1 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Good for people to know.

6:42 AM  

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