Each individual club has its own elected board of directors and
numerous committees to take care of the needs of its members. EICSL
binds all clubs together. EICSL' s most important function, according to
John Bycina, Past President (1998-2000) of EICSL, is "to help clubs communicate and to
obtain benefits for a large group such as a race program, social activities and discount tickets."
Realize that the lodging at any of the
clubs is not designed with the glitzy Ritz-Carlton person in mind. Lodging
varies
greatly from club to
club, but most are bunk-style rooms. Lodging may be a determining factor in
which clubs you check out when trying to decide on a club to join. The Ski Bees
for example have segregated floors with seven women's bunk rooms on the second
floor and seven men's bunk rooms on the third floor. Two bathrooms are shared by
the women on the second floor. And two men's bathrooms are shared on the third
floor. Club rules for smoking and quiet hours are instituted. Each club has its
own constitution and by-laws which it hands out to its members. Rules on these
and other issues are made known and failure to follow these rules may result in
exclusion from the club. Since the clubs vary so much and are all within 10
miles of each other it is strongly suggested newcomers visit at least two or
three before deciding on one to join. Once a perspective member decides to join
a particular club, they are automatically considered a member from year to year
assuming dues are paid. They also have the opportunity to join a different club
each year if the choose.
Once a member, perks like 10% off purchases from certain merchants
and restaurants in the North Conway area plus--the important thing--
discounted lift tickets are organized by EICSL. This year's deals
included discounted tickets at Mount Cranmore and Wildcat. Because the
clubs are centrally located in the Mount Washington Valley mountains
like Wildcat, Attitash and Sunday River in Maine are all within an hour
from the clubs. Most people decide the night before where they'll be
skiing and share rides the next morning.
Most clubs have a race team members can join. Team levels range from
Snow Plow Division including 3-60 year old beginners to AA and Open
Divisions, for skiers who make most of us look like it's our first day
on skis. A note of mention is important here for all you young
whippersnappers who may picture yourselves winning your division's crown
at the end of your first season. Many members of these ski clubs have
been skiing for over 40 years and they'll earn your respect right from
the first race you see them run.
Club teams race against one another about
four times per year and some organizations have their own club race once a
season. The ultimate ski challenge, though, is left each year to the daring few
who hike with skis to the top of Tuckerman's Ravine. For those of you who've
heard of it, you know that it means taking you life into your own hands (or feet
as the case may be.) For those of you who haven't heard of it, my advice is to
live life a bit longer before considering it.
For those members who like to ski outside the Mt. Washington Valley,
several clubs plan week trips open to all clubs to predictable
destinations like Colorado, Utah and Europe. Weekend trips usually shoot
for somewhere a little closer like Stowe or Killington. Again, group
discounts usually follow you wherever you go. Last year a large group
from three or four different clubs skied at Breckenridge for seven days.
Another group of 15 from various clubs joined together for a major
discount on a Caribbean cruise in the Spring when the skiing was done.
Don't think just because they're called ski clubs that's all they do.
To be honest, some members have never skied a day in their lives. The
night life aprθs ski is an experience like no other. Club take turns
hosting afternoon socials and after-dinner gatherings at their clubs.
This makes for a great opportunity to visit other houses and meet new
ski partners. But don't stay out too late...remember you have to get up
at 7 am to catch that first lift!
Another attraction are all the tempting factory outlet stores you
pass on your way up to the clubs. I once got a pair of Timberland
high-top work boots for $20! I don't shop much, but once one person in
your club gets a bargain the news gets out fast. The word spreads and
before the weekend's over the store is mobbed.
Summer is great time to come up to your club and hike, bike, and
swim. Each year clubs plan either formal or impromptu rafting and canoe
trips down the Saco River. Mountain bike trails are everywhere and a
few mountains offer lift service to the top for the ultimate downhill
mountain bike experience. If you keep your city slicker image up north,
the road riding is great too and the N.H. scenery beats the Esplanade's
any day. Rollerbladers are cropping up in almost all clubs too and were
last seen in a pack of 20 skating on a country road while keeping a keen
eye for any moose that may decide to ruin their steady pace. Clubs hold
activity weekends on Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day. There's
not much skiing that time of year, so activities usual turn to
volleyball, tennis and golf tournaments.
Members are kept well informed about upcoming activities via fliers
and newsletters mailed to the clubs member list throughout the year. The
age-old "grapevine" also serves well since many members are also friends
and keep in touch outside the club.
It does sound too good to be true and the repeated question is, "Who
does all the work to keep the clubs active and running well?" Members
are really the only ones to blame for the success of these
organizations. Most people pitch in to help wherever needed from writing
and publishing newsletters to mopping the floors after a weekend of ski
boots clodding back and forth. Elected officers and members of a Board
of Directors from each club put in hours of organizational work and are
not paid a dime.
Some people have probably lived in Massachusetts their whole lives
and never heard of EICSL ski clubs. Now that you have, don't waste
another winter season without checking out the N.H. ski club scene. It
may even make you reconsider that plan to move to Florida.
If you wish to learn more about the club
you can contact info@eicsl.org or fill
out our membership inquiry form.
