The Wissahickon Ski Club (WSC), located in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, has a rich history rooted in community and a passion for snow sports. Founded in 1945 by area skiers Joseph Poley and Martin J. Wilburger, the club's origins are closely tied to veterans who trained with military ski divisions during World War II.
According to a club history, some of its earliest members were veterans who had trained with military ski divisions during World War II.
A Community of Skiers and Snowboarders
WSC's current membership of some 200 includes descendants of the founders, extended families who’ve belonged to the club for years and others - both families and individuals - who haven’t. “We have everything from a newborn to someone in their early ’80s, and we try to keep it fun for all ages,” adds President Matthew Sabia, a 1998 Plymouth Whitemarsh High School grad who grew up in Conshohocken and now lives in Manayunk.
The local skiers and snowboarders access the top of the WSC slope via rope tow or T-bar. In addition, WSC members typically have a full schedule of road trips to choose from. In between, there are activities sponsored by the Eastern Pennsylvania Ski Council.
“At the moment, we’re trying to expand our ski team, but we have sort of a silver bullet on our snowboarding team,” he explains.
Read also: Forest City Hockey Legacy
The Ski Area
The tract tops out at roughly 540 feet and has a vertical drop of 250 feet. Its centerpiece 1,200-foot ski run ends within spitting distance of the two-lane roadway beneath it.
“I’m in my 30s, but I’ve been skiing here since I started coming with my parents when I was 6 or 7. My parents are still active, and [a number of] my relatives belong. “Our membership is growing. Over the years, it’s ebbed and flowed, but a small core group has always kept things up and going.
“Making our own snow is something that’s at what you could call the research and development stage,” Sabia says. “I guess you’ve heard the stories about how members used to throw down straw or hay to ski on back in the ’70s.
The Wissahickon ski club got hit by a tornado a couple years ago and some trees fell onto the lift.
Этапы обучения горным лыжам с 0 до PRO.
The club is still going strong. Last I heard, you have to be recommended by a member. And, they were suppose to re-do their new member bylaws earlier this year. It sounded like on snow days, everyone brings a crockpot and they fire up the lift.
Read also: Explore Rangeley's Snowmobile Trails
The T-Bar
The Wissahickon Ski Club is in possession of a T-Bar lift acquired from another ski area. According to Andrew Sabia, from the Wissahickon Ski Club, "We have your T-Bar! It is in excellent working condition and we have enjoyed its use continuously since 1986. If you are ever in the Philadelphia area please stop by and take a look. Sincerely, Wissahickon Ski Club, 265 Barren Hill Road, Conshohocken, PA 19428"
The T-Bar lift is an integral part of the skiing experience at Wissahickon, providing access to the slopes for skiers of all ages and abilities.
Read also: Vail Ski Club Benefits
tags: #wissahickon #ski #club