Cold weather and early snow has skiers excited for new season
Extreme cold temperatures and early snow, augmented by massive snowmaking, has ushered in skiing throughout the Northeast.
Regional ski clubs are taking advantage of the welcomed conditions. The Albany Ski Club, now celebrating its 60th year had a packed house of old and new members at its gathering last Saturday, held at the Fairways of Halfmoon. The ASC now boast some 500 members – both skiers and snowboarders – and part of its attraction is the many year-round activities it offers. In addition to day trips to favorite mountains, members can sign up for different ski trips. For example, ASC will be traveling to Mt. Tremblant Resort in Canada from January 31 to February 4, 2020 where four to a room is priced at $279 each.
The Out of Control Ski Club, OC’s, certainly the largest club in the area (at last count numbering 2,000 members), has scheduled its annual holiday party at O’Toole’s Restaurant and Pub, 1814 Central Avenue, Albany, N Y
Some O C Members will be tripping to Gourmayevr, Italy from March 13 to March 24. Like all such trips you will have to check with the club to make certain it has room prior to booking.
More and more skiers are finding out that hauling equipment to far away resorts can be replaced by renting gear that’s on site once you get there. Bryn Carey, son of well know ski marketing guru, Chip
Carey, I n 2004, came up with his Ski Butlers Company that does away with the hassle. Carey brings the gear to wherever you are staying, fits you with the latest equipment, including clothing if needed, and even comes to the hill you’re skiing on to make adjustments if required. Bryn has come a long ways from his original one- car garage operation. He now has 10 locations in the U. S and British Columbia. You can even purchase used equipment from Bryn come end of season.
I don’t have the final 2019/20 New York Capital District ski-racing schedule yet. However, if you race, keep in touch with the NYCDSC clubs, most of which compete in this competition, generally giant slalom events with two combined runs at GS races.