WHY JOIN?

Ski and snowboard clubs are inexpensive, offer well organized trips to local and far-away destinations and they provide an instant group of friends with whom you can enjoy skiing and snowboarding. In short, clubs are a conduit to learning skiing and snowboarding.

Clubs are especially popular in larger metropolitan areas in the Mid-Atlantic and the Southeast regions, the Midwest and in Texas. Groups in Atlanta and Miami are among the largest in the country.

Clubs generally charge a modest membership fee to join. They typically meet once a month mostly during colder winter months. Volunteer members "govern" the organizations. They put together learning programs and turn-key affordable trips, social gatherings and other activities for colleagues and friends.

CLUBS FOR EVERYONE

Most clubs belong to a council that forms an even larger body of potential companions and friends for skiing and snowboarding. The Internet is a good source for information. A group known as the National Ski Club Federation represents clubs from all over the U.S. Information is available at www.skifederation.org.

The National Brotherhood of Skiers (www.nbs.org) represents mostly African-American skiers and snowboarders. Disabled Sports, USA information is located at www.dsusa,org. The U.S. Deaf Ski and Snowboard Association can be reached at www.usdssa.org.

Local ski and snowboard shops usually have information about local clubs. Many schools have their own clubs for youngsters. Signing up for trips is a great way to learn, get better and meet people.

Fun and camaraderie doesn't stop when winter ends. In the "off season", clubs organize family and singles activities, fun events, and year-round recreation like canoe or white water rafting trips, bicycling, picnics, etc.