Many people invest in memberships to wholesale clubs or AAA to access discounts and services. However, these memberships often lack the social connections and shared passions that a ski and snowboard club can offer.
For those passionate about skiing or snowboarding, joining a club can open a world of opportunities. Meeting other snow sports enthusiasts and forming friendships is a major incentive for joining a ski club, especially for those living in urban areas that are not that close to major resorts. There are over 1,000 ski and snowboard clubs in the USA. Some clubs have more than 2500 members. There are over 70 clubs in the Chicago area. One with more than 400 members. Consider clubs such as the Baltimore Ski Club (BSC) and the Ski Club of Washington, DC (SCWDC).
Here’s a comprehensive look at the advantages of becoming a member.
Social Meetings and Year-Round Fun
Clubs typically meet once or twice a month from September to March or April to socialize, eat, drink and listen to informative guest speakers on topics of interest - from manufacturer reps, ski shops, instructors and others. Social meetings! Many clubs meet once or twice a month where you get to socialize, eat, drink, watch movies with other members. For many, joining a club is a great way to expand social circles, make lifelong friends and even find a spouse!
Clubs aren’t active just during winter months. Year round fun. Clubs normally have activities all year round. Some popular activities are bike trips, social parties, river rafting, paddle boarding, baseball games, golfing, wine tasting parties, picnics, just to name a few. Many offer international “off-season” trips as well as warmer weather activities such as bike rides, hikes, volleyball, baseball games, pool parties, wine tastings picnics, golfing, and sailing. Many, like the Ski Club of Washington, DC, lead up to the season with special presentations like the latest Warren Miller movie.
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Discounts and Savings
Membership has additional advantages. Group discounts on trips. Trips are by far the #1 reason why people join clubs. A club receives big group discounts. Much bigger discounts than you and or your family can get on your own. But besides the big savings, all the planning, reservations, and work is done for you.
Membership dues vary but typically range from $35 for individuals and $50-55 for families. Some clubs have partnerships with local ski and snowboards retail shops that offer discounts and they participate in swaps that enable newcomers and current participants a chance to save money on previously-owned products. The Baltimore Ski Club (BSC) offers members rebate reimbursements on lessons, new helmets and recreational races if they participate on a BSC-sponsored trip. Like others, the Baltimore club gives back by raising money for charitable causes.
Discounts on equipment and clothing! Membership has advantages. Some clubs have partnerships with local ski and snowboards shops that offer discounts to the clubs members.
Exclusive Epic Pass Holder Benefits
Instant savings for Epic Pass Holders all year long.
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- Epic Pass Holders receive an exclusive 20% resort lodging discount.
- Epic Pass Holders save 20% off group ski or snowboarding lessons.
- Take 20% off ski and snowboard rentals at dozens of locations.
- Epic Pass Holders get 50% off a tune-up and one free wax a year at select locations.
Be the friend with the benefits this winter. Epic Coverage is an included benefit for all Epic Pass Holders. The Auto Renew Program is the most convenient way to renew your Epic Season Pass every year while guaranteeing next season's lowest price. Attach a credit card to your pass with Resort Charge and use it at designated on-mountain restaurants and retail locations.
Convenience and Planning
Clubs, especially those located in larger population centers, do all of the trip planning from flight arrangements, ground transfers, lodging, and lift tickets through assigned trip leaders. Some trips include group meals. Most allow members to pay installments for a trip after an initial deposit.
Find Your Tribe
You walk into a room and everyone there skis or snowboard. Meet others that share your passion. You'll definitely find something to talk about and usually make new friends. Some clubs members make life long friends and even find a spouse.
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