Collingwood's Elusive and Exclusive Private Ski Clubs
Wanna meet me at the club?
With winter now upon us and ski season underway Ontario’s elusive and exclusive private ski clubs will soon be buzzing with races, ladies’ and mens’ days, special events and apres ski. As a long-time skier and now a local in The Blue Mountains, the private ski clubs have always peaked my curiosity.
A somewhat unique phenomena in Ontario, the Niagara Escarpment is home to 7 private ski clubs. All of which seem to be thriving and growing as generations and new members join the private club ranks.
What is it that makes it worth paying top dollar to ski the hills of Ontario?
The number of lifts, terrain and snowmaking are highly touted by each ski club, but according to the members, it really comes down to community and gathering. I spoke to some members to get the real scoop on Ontario’s private ski clubs.
“We really enjoy being able to ski at a club where there truly is a sense of belonging and togetherness. Whether it’s catching up on the chair, or a drink at the bar, being a member really feels like home.”
“It’s a meeting ground for my family. When the kids were little we’d brown bag it and catch up. That all changed in the teenage years when they wanted to ski with friends, but now they want to ski and hang with us again!”
When ski clubs first opened in Ontario, they were much more modest. One member told me their family joined in 1950 for $100. I am sure we’d all be there if we could get those kinds of prices and no lines. Of course the lodges were more like communal cabins and at some clubs members were responsible for the upkeep of the hills. Not just financially, they got in there and did the work themselves.
Times have really changed and let’s be honest, skiing is a sport for the privileged if it’s at a public or private resort. And it comes at a cost.
“We love being part of the club, but the costs can get out of hand. Membership dues and lessons multiplied by 5 for our family, and then special assessment fees for improvements to the club, it’s a big commitment.”
“At one time the intergenerational depth was huge at the club but the high price tag is changing the dynamic as many of the next generations can’t afford the membership.”
“It can feel a bit like high school sometimes and there can be a divide between the racing and non-racing families”
In a conversation at the other place I spend most of my winter, the hockey arena, another hockey mom told me about a friend and local that did a trial at one of the clubs but found that it was hard to build community since everyone came from Toronto and seemed to stay in their groups. This family is back at Blue Mountain this year.
But even with the cost and cliques, people are still joining. I’ll be honest, it was something I never thought I’d do. Until last year we were passholders at Blue Mountain Resort and I always defended the merits of skiing there. A much larger hill for a much more reasonable price. But after spending some time at Beaver Valley this winter, we’ve decided to do a trial membership.
We’re a small family, just the three of us, and with an only child. It makes it more affordable. We also like the idea of him skiing somewhere that he can make some solid friendships and have some independence. The few times we skied together at Blue Mountain Resort (just the three of us) last year there was a lot of complaining and whining. Then we took him to visit his cousins at Beaver Valley and he skied all day with a pack of kids and literally closed down the lifts. I realized Blue Mountain can never create the same community, feeling of safety and apres experience as the clubs (if you are into that kind of thing). We’ll see how it goes this year and if we’ll officially join the ranks of many of my friends as proud ski club card carrying members.