FAQS
FAQS about the Garden City Ski Club
Do you have to live in Garden City to become a member?
Our constitution states that membership is open to those who live in Garden City and the surrounding area. Over the years, and with modern transportation, that is now interpreted to include all of Long Island and part of the metropolitan area, as long as the other requirements for membership are meet.
Is there an age requirement to join the club?
You must be at least 21 years of age to become a member of the club. If you are under 21, you can participate in club activities if you are accompanied by a parent or guardian, regardless if they are a member or not. Those under 21 pay member fees on trips and at the lodge, since they are unable to qualify for membership at that time.
What other requirements are there to join the club?
You join the club as an Applicant Member and pay an applicant fee. This can be done at any time during the year. You remain an Applicant Member until the coming April. To become a Regular Member, during the same ski season you become an Applicant Member, you must ski twice with the club, at least one of those times at the Lodge. You must show a club spirit by doing such things as attending club meetings, events and activities. Towards the end of the ski season, Regular Membership applications are given out. It must be signed by 3 current members. Applicant Members are then voted in as Regular Members at the annual meeting in April.
What is an Applicant Member?
An Applicant member enjoys most of the benefits of regular membership except they can not vote in any Club elections, they can not make reservations at the Lodge on their own and any stay at the Lodge has to be accompanied by a Regular Member
What is the cost of membership?
The applicant fee is $60 + tax. Once you become a regular member, annual dues is due each September. Currently the dues is $65, which also includes one free night at the Lodge.
Do you have to be a member to participate in an event with the club?
No, on most events, all are welcome as guests of the club. On ski trips, guests pay a slightly higher fee, since they have not paid dues.
How long has the Garden City Ski Club be in existence?
The first meeting of the Garden City Ski Club was on November 26, 1940.
How many members are in the club?
Currently there are about 175 members.
What is the makeup of the membership?
There is a wide range of people in the club. The ages run from 21 to well into their 80’s. They are made up of singles, couples and families and come from all walks of life.
Does the Garden City Ski Club own a Lodge?
Yes, we have a lodge that sleeps 38 in the Mad River Valley of Vermont (near Sugarbush & Mad River Glen ski areas).
How long has the club had a Lodge in the Mad River Valley?
We have been a presence in the Valley since Mad River Glen opened in 1948. First renting a Lodge right at Mad River Glen and since 1985, owning a Lodge on rt. 17 (Mill Brook Road), 2 miles down from Mad River Glen and 2 mile across from Sugarbush North (Mt. Ellen).
How big is the Lodge?
The Lodge has 11 bedrooms, ranging from doubles to a room for six; five bathrooms; a full kitchen, two dinning rooms, living room and fireplace/bar room. There is also a separate ski shed with a heated boot room about 50 feet from the Lodge.
Can guests use the Lodge?
Guests can use the Lodge as long as they are accompanied by a club member while they are there. Guest fees to use the lodge are higher then member fees, since they have not paid club dues.
Does the club run bus trips to the Lodge or must you drive up?
Both. The club runs a number of bus trips to the Lodge as well as drive ups.
Are all the club ski trips to the Lodge?
No. Although the Lodge is a focal point, the club runs bus trips, both day trips and weekend trips to other areas in the Northeast. There are also some week long trips (by plane) to either the U.S. West, Canada and/or Europe.
Is the Lodge only open in the Winter?
No. The Lodge is open for use all year round. There are organized golf weekends through the summer, as well as the annual 4th of July weekend, know as the Summer Bummer and Green & Gold Weekend for Fall foliage.
Do you have to be a good skier to join the club?
No, there are members of all skiing ability levels, from 1st timers to experts. For those looking to improve their skills, the club has run an annual week long trip to the Gray Rocks ski school in Canada since 1968. Gray Rocks also gives lessons for snowboards and ski blades.
Is the club only open to skiers?
No, although most members are downhill skiers, we also have cross country skiers, telemarkers, snowboarders and those who use the new snow blades.
Are there any other ski areas near the Lodge?
Yes, besides being just a few minutes away from both Mad River Glen and Sugarbush, Bolton Valley is about 35 minutes away, Stowe is about 45 minutes away, Killington and Pico about an hour away and Jay Peak is a little over an hour away.