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Message from the President

Going Downhill

Keith L. Fanta

N and then join a more ability-oriented group of fellow club
No, I’m not writing about the world economy, the political
members for a few hours. By the end of the day you’ll have
landscape, natural disasters or anything you’ll find on the
had quality time on the slopes together as well as quality
front page of a newspaper or news website.
time with friends at your own ability, and nobody feels like
they’ve been abandoned. The best part? If it isn’t the last day
I’m writing about the sport that is at the center of nearly 70 ski
and snowboard clubs that belong to the Chicago Metropolitan
Ski Council. Whether we travel downhill on skis or snowboards of the trip, you get to do it again tomorrow.
or tackle less vertical terrain on cross country gear, most of us Our clubs also have the benefit of experience. Many times
have a smile on our face when we think about snow. the club has already been to a particular destination, so they
know the most appropriate lodging (meaning the right com-
Our clubs are made up of thousands of snowsport enthusiasts bination of comfort, location and cost). Clubs usually work
who dream of snow and laugh at those who hibernate simply with experienced tour operators that specialize in snowsports
because they can see their own breath. We actually are active destinations, so if the club has no direct experience you still
and love all four seasons, but we’ve centered most of our end up with a quality trip.
clubs around the season for snowsports.
Either way you look at it, if you love the snow we have a
If you’re serious about snowsports, you should really consider ski and snowboard club for you. Check this magazine for
one or more of our clubs. Our clubs take away the hassle of details, or go to our website. Our website has direct links to
organizing your own trips; transportation, lodging and lifts club websites as well as social networking sites if the club
are usually bundled together, the fun comes naturally and maintains them.
afterwards you’re left with great memories and the desire to
do it again (and again). I look forward to seeing you on the slopes, hopefully with
one of our clubs.
Clubs offer camaraderie that can be hard to come by for
individuals. Back when I started skiing I had few friends that Keith L. Fanta President
skied, so I ended up skiing alone. Yes, it was fun, but if I Chicago Metropolitan Ski Council
managed to make it down the run without a fall there was
nobody there to share my satisfaction. Once I found a club Thank You to Our Advertisers
there were suddenly people to celebrate finally mastering a
Arapahoe Basin Ski Area ....13 Sierra at Tahoe Resort..........14
run (or at least not wiping out). There was also a variety of
Aspen Snowmass ................13 Ski Banff .............................16
abilities to get out on the slopes with. I could take some runs
with those of better abilities, working to keep up and improv- Aston Hotels..........................7 Ski.com...............................11
ing my own abilities in the process. I could also take some Big Sky Resort .....................33 Snowbomb.............................5
runs with friends of similar abilities and enjoy the surround- Boyne USA...........................21 Steamboat Ski & Resort
ings in a more relaxed atmosphere. Fairmont Hotels.....................7 Association ..........................15
Stowe Mountain Resort ........38
Grand Lodge ........................35
While ski and snowboard clubs are great for individuals, they Telluride Ski Resort .............26
Jackson Hole
also offer huge benefits to couples. Face it—no matter the
Mountain Resorts .................15 Tyrol Basin ..........................18
sport or activity, most couples are not of equal abilities. No
Lutsen Mountains.................39 Wildwood Lodge....................9
matter the activity, one or the other is usually better, leaving
Mammoth Mtn Ski Area .........2 Williams Ski & Patio............21
that one to hold back and the other to push harder. Our clubs
The Prospector ....................25
solve that situation. If the two of you head out with one of Winter Park Resort ..............25
our clubs you can spend a few hours on the slopes together Quebec Ski Alliance.............40
4 MIDWEST SKIER 2011/2012 DIRECTORY www.skicmsc.com