By Cameron Wall
Finding a good ski club can be tough. Whether you’re looking for a serious group to learn how to master the slopes or a more casual group just to have some mountain fun with, here are a few popular local clubs. They are all members of the Blue Ridge Ski Council, which allows all of them to sanction their trips to members of other clubs in the BRSC.
Established in 1936, Ski Club of Washington, D.C., is a fun-loving and adventure-seeking club for all who love winter sports and want an active lifestyle. They hold meetings and have events all year but start going on ski trips across the U.S. (and sometimes around the world) in January. You have to pay for a yearly membership, so check their website for how to become a member and their event calendar.
Membership fee: $45 for singles, $73 for couples/families (one-year membership for new members)
Age limit: 18 for singles; for family rates, children must be under 18
Fagowee Ski Club (Springfield)
Founded in 1966, the fun-loving Fagowees have expanded beyond a ski club to become an any-fun-activity club. “Fagowees are lovers,” says co-founder Conrad “Dutch” Mueller on their website, and they are all about having a good time. Although primarily for adults, as drinking is often involved, the club makes sure to stay safe while they’re having fun. You can check out their website for information about membership and year-round events.
Membership fee: $30 for singles, $40 for families
Age limit: 21 for singles; children under 21 for families
A large group of 500 skiers that spans several states, the Pentagon Ski Club is a club that meets monthly. They go on a dozen ski trips every year and offer one-, two- and three-year memberships. Check out their website for details about membership and their meetings calendar.
Membership fee: $30 for singles, $40 for families (one-year membership)
Age limit: For families, children must be 21 and under
Potomac Valley Skiers is a storied ski group that has over 50 years of history in the D.C. area since its founding in 1965. While it is a group of over 200 people, new members need sponsorship from current members to be able to join the club officially and must meet several conditions in order to join. Check out the website for their bylaws and event calendar.
Membership fee: $50 for singles, $90 for couples, $20 for juniors under 18 (biennial)
Age limit: None, and no age limit for children coming with families.
