70+ Ski Club
The 70+ Ski Club was founded in 1977 by the late Lloyd Lambert, a well-known radio ski commentator and Schenectady Gazette columnist. Today the club boasts several hundred members in their 90s, about 5,000 in their 80s, and 10,000 in their 70s. The group is based out of Hunter Mountain in Hunter, which was the first ski resort to offer free skiing and 70+ races to club members. Club members receive two newsletters with club news, 70+ worldwide ski tours for the year and a list of ski areas that offer free lift tickets to skiers over 70.
Lloyd skied up to 1996 at the age of 95. His son, Richard Lambert, of Schenectady is now the mainstay of the club. Look around this winter and you will spot members wearing their bright red jackets with the “70+ Ski Club” logo. You might want to follow my example and tell them, “When I grow up I want to be just like you!”
Visit: www.skiinghistory.org/70plus.html.
-Laura Clark
Albany Ski Club
If you are looking for a family-friendly ski club, open to all ages, and with an emphasis on fun and friendship, then the Albany Ski Club is for you! Founded shortly after World War II, it is one of the oldest continually active ski clubs in the area, as well as a founding member of the NY Capital District Ski Council. With 150 members, the club is small enough so you can get to know everyone, yet large enough so there is always someone ready to go skiing or riding.
Along with all the fun, some serious training takes place, with Albany Ski Club members currently dominating the local racing scene. Unlike many other ski clubs, joining does not require an extensive volunteer commitment, but the greater your participation, the greater your enjoyment.
Visit: www.albanyskiclub.com.
-Laura Clark
Out of Control Ski Club
The Out of Control Ski Club, founded in 1960, is one of the largest and most active ski clubs in the Northeast. Winter meetings are held every Thursday at 9pm in the Polish Community Center on Washington Avenue Extension in Albany. Their members plan day, weekend and weeklong ski trips designed to take full advantage of group discounts. On Saturdays, buses transport the cross-country skiers to the trails; on Sundays, snowboarders and alpine skiers take to the slopes.
Beginners are encouraged to take advantage of the club’s free ski and snowboard instruction while more advanced athletes can challenge themselves on the club race team. Social functions are held throughout the year and there are other active sporting groups during the warmer weather. Membership is open to those 21 and older. To find out more, attend their applicant party in November, and enjoy light refreshments, DJ music, raffles, and vendor displays.
Visit: www.ocskiclub.org.
-Laura Clark
Schenectady Wintersports Club & Northern New York Paddlers
The Schenectady Wintersports Club was founded in 1933 for the purpose of organizing a snow train from the Capital District to North Creek. Today, as part of the New York Capital District Ski Council, its 600 members are eligible to compete in council alpine skiing giant slalom and ski board events, and enjoy discounts at downhill and Nordic resorts throughout New York and New England. Other members opt for backcountry adventures in the Adirondacks. Their Club House is located in Waterbury Center, Vt. It is a rustic farmhouse where members can stay economically throughout the year, and winter ski weekends are popular.
Meetings are held every other week from September to November and January to April at the Sons of Italy Hall in Schenectady. Each meeting includes a featured speaker. Membership also entitles you to participate in the Northern New York Paddlers for warm weather hiking, biking and canoeing activities.
Visit: www.swcweb.org.
-Laura Clark
Ski and Snowboard Club of Albany
The Ski and Snowboard Club of Albany is a year-round ski and social club for adults. For alpine and Nordic skiers and snowboarders, membership includes free weekend ski buses and reduced-cost lift tickets and lessons. Interested applicants are expected to attend at least three business meetings, work on two committee functions and, of course, enjoy several ski trips.
Part of the fun and the friendship to be gained from the club comes from active involvement; hence, the emphasis upon behind-the-scenes participation. As a member of the Capital District Ski Council, the club sponsors at least one Alpine race each year. During the off-season, members get together for volleyball, picnics, biking, hiking and many other activities.
For information, go to www.sscalbany.com.
-Laura Clark
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