Join a Ski Club

By Darryl Caron

Joining an alpine or cross-country ski club is beneficial whether you’re a skiing adult or family. It provides social connections, discounts on travel and gear, organized trips to new and exciting destinations, and a more convenient way to enjoy the sport with fellow enthusiasts. Clubs can also offer a sense of community through a variety of off-slope activities and help make the sport more accessible and affordable.

The OC Ski Club, also known as the Out of Control Ski Club, or simply the OCs, is one of the largest and most dynamic ski clubs in the Northeast. Established in December 1960, the non-profit club has over 1,000 members who share a passion for winter sports and social connection. Their mission is to make downhill skiing, snowboarding, and cross-country skiing accessible and affordable for their members, who’s ages range from 21 to 80. Beyond the slopes, OCs offer a huge calendar of ski/ride events, year-round social events and fun parties, fostering a vibrant, active community on/off the mountain, so sign up for their email newsletters.

Day ski bus trips are perhaps one of the club’s most popular activities. Each week during the ski season, OC members can take advantage of savings of up to 50% at the top-rated downhill and cross-country ski areas in Upstate New York and Vermont. And because they travel in comfortable tour buses provided by Brown Coach, you can sit back and enjoy the ride for less than it would cost to drive yourself.

One of the most valuable benefits of becoming an OC member is the free downhill ski and snowboarding lessons that are offered on Weekday Ski Bus Trips. The club’s PSIA-certified instructors have the expertise to help you constantly improve your form and style, regardless of ability level. There are no limits to the number of lessons you can take. And given that the cost of ski lessons at most ski areas for a typical 90-minute lesson, that’s an incredible deal!

Members also have first options at all the discounted ski trips OCs arrange each season to ski areas, both domestic and abroad. Each year the club books weeklong ski trips to the world’s most popular ski destinations in the western U.S. and Canada, as well as overseas trips in Europe. And for those who enjoy skiing closer to home, OC also offers extended weekday and weekend trips for 2026-27 throughout the Northeast such as Whiteface, Smugglers’ Notch, Bolton Valley, Sunday River, Tremblant, New Hampshire, and Jay Peak.

The OC Family was established for the betterment of entire family skiing experience with the ski club. Sign up for the family email to you can get great ski and lesson rates, other benefits and activities. These benefits include all Sunday and holiday buses (ages five-17), overnight and day trips including Smugglers’ Notch and Jay Peak, winter carnivals, and Maple Ski Ridge season specials.

If you’re interested in OC cross-county skiing, that’s what the club was founded on – getting together with people who become friends and want to be out on the ski trails. The club’s cross-country schedule is posted, so go to the schedule and Day Bus tab for details. They do day trips and special weekend trips.

The OC New Member Party is on Thu, 11/5 at 6:30pm at Albany’s Polish Community Center. All new and current members are welcome for food, beer and raffle prizes, plus learn about ski trips, instruction, and more. 

For more info, see the upcoming events or subscribe to one of their newsletters. It’s easy to become an OC member to take advantage of the benefits right away: ocskiclub.org.

The Schenectady Wintersports Club was founded in 1932 to promote outdoor winter activities in the New York’s Capital District. Partnering with Northern New York Paddlers and Mohawk Valley Hiking Club, The non-profit club evolved to foster and encourage year-round outdoor activities. Members enjoy the exclusive year-round benefit of staying at a private SWC Clubhouse located in Waterbury Center, VT – near Stowe, Smuggs, Bolton, and Sugarbush. Club activities include downhill skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, cycling, golfing, hiking, kayaking and canoeing.

Membership benefits include NYCDC ski discounts (see below), and Plattekill Mountain Ski Club Days with $45 lift tickets on special dates (select Fridays). A fabulous benefit is the SW Members Clubhouse, a modernized 1775 Vermont farmhouse that hosts skiers in a comfortable rustic setting economically – a short drive to northern Vermont DH and XC ski areas. The Clubhouse benefit is also available during non-ski season. SWC is organizing trips and outings for the 2027 ski season, including Chamonix, France, plus Sunday River, and Telluride.

The SWC Early Season Ski Clinic is at Sugarbush on Dec. 10-13. This includes classes, instructors, group tickets, welcome party, happy hour, and lodging at the SWC Clubhouse. For more info on Schenectady Wintersports Club membership and benefits for individuals and families, visit: swcweb.org.

The Albany Ski Club was founded in 1950 for skiers, by skiers, but the club offers adventure year-round. Scheduled events for the 2027 ski season include trips to Sunday River and Sugarloaf, both in Maine. Albany Ski Club offers Bromley Mountain Wednesdays that start on Jan. 6 and end on March 3 for a discounted rate. This includes an Innkeeper Race series for solo and teams on the same days, with no racing experience needed. ASC members can also take advantage of ski discounts through NYCDC. To learn more and sign up for adults or families, go to: albanyskiclub.com.

As a member of a ski club in the Capital Region, you’re also a member of the New York Capital District Ski Council, an association of ski clubs in the Greater Capital Region. Each year the Council schedules special promotional days at ski areas throughout the region. Some of the benefits include discounted lift ticket prices at various resorts throughout the season. In most cases you need only show your individual club membership card and NYCDSC sticker when you purchase your tickets. Check the website for special instructions before you travel: nycdsc.org.

The NYCDSC and area club alpine ski races are open to all club members. Since the NYCDSC is also a member of the National Ski Council Federation, club members can take advantage of NSCF benefits offered, including discounts on equipment, ski travel and resorts, and car rentals. Check out: itskifereration.org.

If you’re based in the Capital-Saratoga Region, Shenendehowa Nordic Club offers cross-country skiing for all adults and families. Programs include their Bill Koch Youth Ski League (free with membership, 4pm Tuesdays, from November to March, groomed trails at Garnsey Park, activities, and lessons: shennordic.org.

Winter is wonderful, so join a club for more benefits, and go to the snow! You can learn more in person and join each of these ski clubs at our Northeast Winter Expo at the Saratoga Springs City Center on Sat-Sun, Oct. 24-25: northeastwinterexpo.com.