If you want to enjoy mountainside cocktails in Aspen, hit the fresh powder in Jackson Hole, or experiment with ice climbing in Val Thorens, France, your neighbors just might want to join you.
“Think snow” is the motto of the Hoboken Ski Club, a 500-plus member non-profit club that organizes activities around the country all year long. Bunny-slope skiers, half-pipe boarders, and double-black-diamond hot doggers alike look forward to the winter release of the list of new trips the club will participate in.
The club began in 1991 by Hobokenite Bob McDonald. Next year, they celebrate their 20th anniversary.
The group has a big social aspect too. They meet every Tuesday night at 8:30 at Willie McBrides, 616 Grand St. to discuss upcoming trips.
Club membership costs $35 per year and entitles members to discounted lift ticket rates at various major North American slopes. Lift tickets that are normally priced at $80 or $75 could be reduced to $50 or $40, according to former club president Adam Weissman.
“These are some of the most popular mountains,” said Weissman, who joined the club about seven years ago.
Membership runs from Sept. 1 to Aug. 31, but summer memberships are also available for $20.
Summer events include hiking, biking, and outings like baseball games.
They also host a few fundraising events throughout the year, like their Toys for Tots Holiday Party on the first Tuesday in December.
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The club is hosting trips to Aspen, Colo.; Jackson Hole, Wy.; and Val Thorens, France this year, as well as Ogden, Utah, Lake Placid, N.Y., and Mt. Snow/Stratton, Killington, Jay Peak, and Stowe in Vermont.
“As of next week, all of our trips will be on sale,” Weissman said. “A couple have already sold out.”
He said the group runs about 10 trips per year, including a bunch of weekend getaways, two trips to intercontinental destinations, and one trip to Europe. In years past, Weissman said, the club has skied mountains in Switzerland, Italy, and Austria.
Weekend trips include bus transportation, as well as lodging, lift tickets, and typically a Saturday aprés ski, group dinner, and an evening out at a local nightspot.
Weeklong trips to the western U.S. and Canada include airfare, transfers, lodging, and lift tickets. One group dinner is usually included, as are typically an aprés ski, a nightspot event, and a last-day party.
Weeklong trips to Europe include airfare, transfers, lodging, and breakfast and dinner every day. To accommodate individual interests in sightseeing and side trips, lift tickets are not included.
According to their website, the Hoboken Ski Club is 51 percent male and 49 percent female, with most of their membership coming from Hoboken and surrounding areas.
For more information, visit their website, www.hobokenskiclub.com.
Timothy J. Carroll may be reached at tcarroll@hudsonreporter.com.