How To Join A Private Ski Club In The Town of the Blue Mountains
In Southern Ontario, private ski clubs are a unique experience and have a long-standing history dating back to the 1930s. If you are passionate about skiing and snowboarding, creating lasting family memories and traditions then perhaps joining a ski club is exactly right for you. Not only do private clubs have some of the best terrains on the escarpment, but they are a host of other advantages. Â
What is a Private Ski Club?
Think of it like a private golf course. It’s a group of like-minded people that enjoy the same sport and live life to the fullest outdoors. In Collingwood and The Blue Mountains, we have multiple different clubs to choose from. Locally we have seven great options to explore and consider:
Advantages to Joining a Private Ski Club
Junior Development Programs
Whether your child chooses to race or just take part in developmental training programs, private ski clubs offer top-tier lessons. No matter your child’s goals in skiing or snowboarding, structured programming and training teach them great techniques and skill development as well as on-hill safety and etiquette. Children can start as early as 2 years old.
The race programs are typically the most attractive to my clients, especially those that have kids that are pursuing competitive racing. Programs usually run for 9 weeks starting after the Christmas holiday and run until March break. It is important to note that if your child chooses to race at a provincial level your child needs to be affiliated with a club in order to compete.Â
Shorter Chairlift Lines.
With limited memberships, a private ski club can offer shorter lift lines which means more turns on the hill and with the ever-growing tourism industry in the area this is becoming a more attractive advantage to clients who want to maximize their weekends. There is also less wear and tear on the hills.
Steep In History and Family Traditions
The social and family connections made on the slopes can span generations and are key considerations made when joining a private club. The family-friendly environment that the clubs center their values around leads to multi-generational memberships.Â
How Do You Join?
Each club has their own application process and initiation fees. I highly recommend connecting with friends or family who may already be members of a particular club and talking about the value they garner from their ski club. Â
A lot of the clubs also offer a trial period, which typically begins in March where you can join for the following year. If at the end of your trial year, you decide that you’d like to join, the trial fee will be credited to your initiation dues. Another great option is signing up for a day pass, this is a more economical option if you are looking to try multiple clubs before making any long-term decision. It’s also an excellent way to get a sense of each club’s unique culture and values. Just remember you would need a current member to sign you in.
If you’d like more information about the living, the lifestyle, and the real estate market in the Collingwood and Blue Mountains please reach out. See you on the hill.Â
