Free or discounted programs available to local skiers and snowboarders
Skiers and snowboarders living full or part time in Delaware coastal and inland towns have ample opportunities to meet up with like-minded recreational enthusiasts this winter and also take advantage of cost-saving options.
The Salisbury Ski Club of Delmarva, based in Salisbury, Md., is the closest group to the Cape Region. There also is a club in Wilmington, and the Baltimore Ski Club hosts a social gathering each July at Hammerhead’s/Indian River.
The Salisbury club is organizing a trip to Vermont’s Mount Snow Feb. 9-15 for $636. Seniors can deduct $22 from that price. The club draws members from all over Delmarva. They meet from 6:30 to 7 p.m, the second Tuesday of the month from September to March at different locations to share information and socialize.
Club Vice President John Wright said its annual auction took place at the November meeting, and a Secret Santa meeting is scheduled in December. Club members also get together for bike rides or gather at local restaurants that offer inexpensive specials during the year.
Club members typically ski in Pennsylvania. Wright, who is semi-retired, says it is not unusual for him and a couple of buddies to jump in the car and head up to Blue Mountain, one of the Pennsylvania resorts where seniors can ski free, and return home in the evening or maybe stay overnight and ski a second day.
The Salisbury club is part of the Blue Ridge Ski Council, so club members are eligible to go on designated value-oriented trips run by the council, which also includes the Baltimore Ski Club. A number of Baltimore Ski Club members have second homes in the Cape Region or frequently visit the beach towns during the summer.
“You don’t have to be from Baltimore to belong to the BSC,” said former President Joe Herbert, who splits his time between Towson, Md., and Rehoboth Beach. “We welcome anyone who is interested in the sports or just wants to meet friendly people.” Herbert is leading a trip to Japan for the club as part of the Blue Ridge Ski Council’s JapanFest. The BSC is running eight trips this winter. Herbert said many people join the clubs just to go on the trips, regardless of where they live.
Those in the Delmarva region who have children or grandchildren can take advantage of the Snowpass, a program that allows children in fourth and fifth grades to ski or snowboard free at 21 Pennsylvania ski areas. Snowpass is sponsored by Ski PA, the consumer arm of the Pennsylvania Ski Areas Association.
Parents or grandparents can pay a nominal $40 processing fee for the Snowpass, and fourth- and fifth-graders can ski free up to three times at all participating Pennsylvania ski/snowboard areas when accompanied by a paying adult. The Snowpass also includes one free coupon for a first-timer who wants to learn the sports. The PA Snowpass is available to anyone living in Delaware and any other state. Details about the Snowpass, participating resorts and an application are available at www.skipa.com/kids/4th5th-grade-snowpass.
Several areas in Pennsylvania and other states also offer free or very reduced prices for seniors to ski and/or snowboard. The website www.seniorsskiing.com provides information on locations and practical tips for seniors, including health and fitness, conditioning exercises and links to other topics of interest. Age qualifications vary, with 70 being the age designated by most ski areas for free skiing.
Another resource for affordable programs is a new website/blog called Sun and Snow Adventures, https://sunandsnowadventures.com.
Salisbury Ski Club dues are $30 for individuals and $35 for families; for details, call 302-539-678 or go to www.facebook.com/SalisburySkiClub.
Baltimore Ski Club dues are $38 for individuals and $55 for families. Membership includes a $20 rebate on lessons for those who go on a trip. For details, go to www.baltimoreskiclub.org.
Wilmington Ski Club dues are $40 for singles and $56 for families; call 302-475-2466 or 302-702-7070, or go to www.wilmski.org.
