The Newport Ski Club was founded in 1954 by a group of ski enthusiasts from the Naval Underwater Ordnance Station. Since then, the Club has grown in size and stature, and it has developed a community identity. Membership is open to people living in the area without regard to race, color, creed, or occupation.

The legal name and business address of the Club is:

All correspondence with the Club should be addressed as above and any checks and money orders should be made payable to the Newport Ski Club.

The Club operates on a Fiscal Year of June 1 through May 31.

Requirements are that you must be 21 years of age and of good moral character and sincerely interested in participating in the activities of the Lodge.

The Club is incorporated under the Laws of the State of Rhode Island as a non-profit corporation and is authorized to transact business as a non-profit corporation in the State of Vermont (where the Club owns and operates a lodge on Okemo Mountain in Ludlow, Vermont).

The address and telephone number of the Lodge is:

The goals and the purposes of the Newport Ski Club are:

• To promote skiing and other outdoor activities.
• To provide a social outlet.
• To provide economical facilities for skiing through the individual and collective efforts of the members.

The progress and success of the Club can be traced to active participation of its members. As a member of the Club, you will be expected to attend meetings, support social and recreational activities, to assume elected offices, serve on committees and to participate in work parties at the Lodge. These activities perpetuate the Club, and more importantly, give you an opportunity to develop new friendships.

Membership in the Club is limited due to accommodations at the Lodge; thus, there is usually a waiting period before you become a member. Application for membership is accomplished by submission of an application form and a non-refundable Application Fee to the chairperson of the membership committee. Your application and fee are renewed annually. The fee is applied toward annual dues upon acceptance as a new member. To become a Prospective Member, an applicant is encouraged and required to participate in Club activities (socials, ski weekends, work parties) and to attend meetings as evidence of your interest. The application process may take up to three years. The length of the application process depends on many factors, a few of which are the waiting list length and the turnover rate. However, during this application process, applicants are welcomed at the lodge as a Preferred Guest. As openings become available, membership is offered to prospective members who have demonstrated sustained interest in the Club.

About The Club:

We are a "Do-It-Ourselves" organization in terms of time, talents, and support. A work weekend is mandated once every 3 years for active members.

Club business meetings are held at 8 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month from September to June. Meetings are conducted at a previously arranged location.

The Club does not meet in July and August but generally schedules social activities. The social activities for the year include: banquet, cookouts, sail day, bike and hiking trips, cocktail party, Fall Party, Christmas Party and many other activities.

Minutes of monthly business meetings and announcements of social, work parties, and other activities are mailed to each member and applicant. A telephone roster is available listing all members' names, addresses, and phone numbers. This listing is also used to contact members personally to inform them and learn of their plans to participate in Club activities.

The Club maintains a non-smoking environment at meetings and at the Lodge.

Government & Officers:

The government of the Club is vested in elected officers who will serve the will of the membership. The officers of the Club, who are also the Board of Directors, include the President, Vice-President, Treasurer, Recording Secretary, Corresponding Secretary, and Member-at-Large. The officers serve without compensation and are responsible for the administration, direction and guidance of the Club. Serving as an officer is a rewarding and satisfying experience.

Financial Obligations:

Upon acceptance into membership, new members are required to pay an initial $50.00 per member lodge deposit along with their respective membership dues. This deposit may be returned upon resigning from the Club membership (see by-laws). Dues are pro-rated for new members accepted during the latter part of the fiscal year. For the general membership, dues are payable July 1 of each year. Any member whose dues and obligations are not met by the following October business meeting is considered a former member and the vacancy may be filled.

The following annual dues structure is currently in effect:

The Club cannot survive without participation. After a year-end review, the Board of Directors may levy an assessment on any member who has failed to contribute or participate in the Club. This assessment is based upon non-participation (see current by-laws).

Committees:

The key to the success of the organization is through its committees. All members are expected to serve on committees. Some of these include:

• Archives
• Data Base Management
• Finance
• Good and Welfare
• Lodge Inventory
• Lodge Maintenance
• Lodge Operations
• Long-Range Planning
• Major Repairs
• Meeting Refreshments
• Membership
• Mountain Liaison/Lift Tickets
• Procurement and Control
• Race Weekend
• Social

Also, any ad hoc committees may be added as deemed necessary by the President and/or the Board of Directors.

The Lodge:

From 1956 to 1966, the Club leased lodges for the ski season in various areas such as West Dummerston, Weston, Ludlow, and Rochester, Vermont; and Woodstock and Conway, New Hampshire. After an extensive study in 1965, the Club voted to construct a lodge on Okemo Mountain in Ludlow, Vermont. A Club member, architect Chris Dutra, designed the lodge. Construction began in October, 1965 and was completed in September, 1966. A contractor erected the basic shell; however, the interior finish work was done by the membership.

Ludlow, less than a 4-hour drive from Newport, is a growing community, providing church, shopping and medical services. There are many other ski areas within a one-hour drive of the Lodge, as well as recreational facilities nearby (fishing, swimming, hunting, hiking, and golfing).

The Lodge is a chalet in appearance and atmosphere and is conveniently located 500 yards from the base lodge and lifts. The Lodge sleeps 46 comfortably. Sleeping accommodations are provided in men’s and women's 4, 5, and 6 person bunk rooms. The 5 and 6 person rooms can be used for family units as there are lavettes in or near the rooms. Both kitchen and dining areas are spacious. The large living room has a fireplace, balcony, and cathedral ceiling windows. In the basement is a small recreation area, a ski repair and work area, a place for skis and equipment, and yearly rental lockers.

The Lodge is maintained and kept in good repair by the work of members under the direction of both a Lodge Maintenance and a Major Repairs Committee. During the fall and spring, weekend work parties are held to clean and repair the Lodge.

Ludlow, less than a 4-hour drive from Newport, is a growing community, providing church, shopping and medical services. There are many other ski areas within a one-hour drive of the Lodge, as well as recreational facilities nearby (fishing, swimming, hunting, hiking, and golfing).

For relaxation, the rules and regulations are at a minimum: See "Lodge Reminders" and "Personal Responsibilities" for more detailed Do's and Don'ts.

General Rules of Operation:

Specific Lodge rules can be found posted on the Lodge Manager’s bulletin board at the Lodge and will vary depending on the conditions of the Lodge, the water supply, the landscaping etc.; but some general rules of operations are:

• Be considerate of others.
• Cooperate with the Lodge Manager, particularly in relation to Weep Sheet and Bunk Assignments.
• Treat the Lodge as valuable personal property.
• The Lodge is a non-smoking facility as are the meetings.
• Under no circumstances will illegal substances be allowed in the lodge.

Ski Season Lodge Operation (Weekend/Holiday Weeks):

During the ski season and work weekends, the Lodge Operation Committee assigns a Lodge Manager and Assistant Lodge Manager for the weekend. A Reservationist is assigned for seven (7) nights including the weekend (Sunday-Saturday). A detailed job description and procedure manual for these functions is available. A list of managers and reservationists is published in the monthly minutes for the work weekends, and for the upcoming Ski Season, a one page master list is mailed sometime in the fall.

• The Reservationist assigns sleeping accommodations. The Lodge Manager assigns weep sheet duties among members and guests, collects all fees and bills, and attends to problems inherent to property ownership and communal living. The Lodge Manager has full authority for the week/weekend’s operation.
• The weep sheet duties are performed by everyone and is our way of reducing costs. Children attending the lodge are expected to do age-appropriate weep sheet duties.
• The Assistant Lodge Manager orders and purchases the food, making sure that there is sufficient food for the menu assigned and is responsible for taking inventory at the end of the weekend.
• Members and applicants wishing to use the Lodge will make their intentions known to the Reservationist according to the current Procedure for Reservations. Meals are charged for the full weekend as part of your reservation. After 7 pm on Wednesday night, all reservations and cancellations must be made through the Lodge Manager. Call the Lodge for emergency last minute cancellations (you are expected and people care and worry). Any cancellation after Wednesday night remaining unfilled for the weekend will result in a charge for food. Lodging will also be charged if bumping occurred.

Mid-Week Ski Season Lodge Use:

During the ski season and work weekends, the Lodge Operation Committee assigns a Lodge Manager and Assistant Lodge Manager for the weekend. A Reservationist is assigned for seven (7) nights including the weekend (Sunday-Saturday). A detailed job description and procedure manual for these functions is available. A list of managers and reservationists is published in the monthly minutes for the work weekends, and for the upcoming Ski Season, a one page master list is mailed sometime in the fall.

• Two members are required to open the Lodge unless approved by the Executive Board. There is a minimum charge per night to open the Lodge. Consult the current Schedule of Food & Lodging Charges.
• You must make reservations with the appropriate reservationist.
• There is no organized operation during mid-week, except during Holiday Weeks.
• Open the Lodge using proper Lodge Opening Procedure posted on the Lodge Manager’s bulletin board.
• You can expect to find a clean lodge upon your arrival. If this is not the case, please advise the Lodge Operations chairperson. Neatness should be maintained during the mid-week stay.
• Be considerate of others who may be at the Lodge in terms of providing and consuming your own food, preparing meals, and sharing the facilities.
• Clean up after yourself and leave the Lodge in good condition.
• Properly close down the Lodge using the Lodge Closing Procedure posted on the Lodge Manager’s bulletin board.

Sleeping Accommodations:

A bunk assignment board is located in the main entry and conveniently shows a rough floor plan of the bunk rooms. The Lodge Manager will post room assignments and he must OK any changes. Families may be separated on crowded weekends so that a room can be occupied by one sex. The Lodge only supplies the bunk; you must supply your own bedding (sleeping bag, blankets, pillows) as well as towels, face cloths, soap etc. The Lodge and bedrooms are kept at 65 degrees. For those who feel the cold we suggest they pack and dress accordingly. At the time of reservations, some accommodation may be given to room assignment requests.

Weep Sheet Duties:

Members and guests are assigned duties that will be on the Weep Sheet posted on the Lodge Manager’s bulletin board. There is a set number of "Must-Be-Done" jobs each weekend and the number of jobs you are assigned is determined by the number of people at the Lodge for the weekend. Your understanding is appreciated and your co-operation is expected. Under optimum conditions you will have a total of about 6 job points. However, that number may rise depending on the ratio of adults/children attending. The Weep Sheet should be consulted immediately after getting settled in your room. You may have an early morning job. Please initial the weep sheet after you have completed your jobs.

Partying:

Socializing is welcome under any title; as long as it does not interfere with the normal skiing activities. Except for designated weekends, loud noises will cease by 11 o'clock so as not to interfere with sleep and early rising.

Meals:

Breakfast and dinner are served at announced times. Sandwich fixings to make your own lunch are put out during the breakfast hour. Dress is informal at all meals. However, no bathrobes, bed-type, or inappropriate clothing should be worn in the main dining and living areas. There is no eating in the bunk rooms.

On the Personal Side:

Lockers for sleeping bags and personal gear are available for a yearly rental fee. Absolutely no ski equipment will be stored at the Lodge except in the locked rented storage areas.

You may be sharing your room with 3 to 5 other people. Consideration is the key. Please keep your belongings together in the appropriate areas. Reading lights and radios should not disturb your roommates. However, the room nightlight should be left on for those arriving later. Late arrivals should be considerate of people sleeping. To facilitate vacuuming, on Sunday morning all belongings will be up off the bedroom floor.

Children:

Children are welcome at the Lodge particularly when they are well-behaved and supervised. Children may not be left alone in the Lodge at any time. It is suggested that parents establish bedtime hours and small tots are to be in bed by 8 p.m. Tired children don't make for a fun experience in the Lodge or on the slopes. Roughhousing by anyone in any form, screaming, fighting, or running through the Lodge is distracting and will not be tolerated. Lodge Managers and members can and will enforce order if necessary. Parents are responsible for their children's behavior and will be held accountable for same. Children are expected to do age-appropriate weep sheet duties.

Parking/Transportation:

Parking facilities are limited. Drivers are to leave a set of keys on the keyboard so cars can be moved in emergencies. Please inform the Reservationist if you are willing to take passengers on the ride to the Lodge. Park your car in our lot, not our neighbor's. Beware of ice falling from the roof. Park 6 feet from the Lodge.

Beverages:

A coin-operated soda machine is maintained at the Lodge. For those who prefer, B.Y.O.B. A refrigerator is available for members and guests to store their beverages during their stay.

TVs & Audible Electronics:

Televisions and audible electronic systems are not allowed at the Lodge except for pre-announced and approved special events.

Pets:

No pets are allowed in the Lodge.

Telephone:

Direct dialed calls are discouraged as tracking and billing creates an unnecessary burden on the Treasurer. Your use of the phone should not cost the Club anything. Direct-dialed phone calls are restricted to Club business and emergencies. You should CALL COLLECT or use your personal phone card.

Departure:

After skiing on Sunday, please return to the Lodge by 4:30 p.m. or make suitable arrangements with the Lodge Manager who must secure the Lodge prior to his/her departure.

Common sense prevails. Some jobs must be done after the majority of members leave on Sunday (such as bathrooms, kitchen floor, vacuuming etc.). If your job assignment presents a problem, it is your responsibility to swap jobs with the Lodge Manager's approval. When you complete your weekend jobs, please check to see that you initialed the weep sheet.

Off Season Lodge Operation (Spring, Summer, and Fall):

Members are encouraged to use the Lodge throughout the year particularly during the off season (May - November). The basic rules of the Lodge apply. You can expect to find a clean and orderly Lodge. If this is not the case, please advise the Lodge Operations chairperson.

• Two members are required to open the Lodge unless approved by the Executive Board.
• Reservations are made by contacting the Lodge Operations Chairperson. Keys may be obtained from and returned to the Club officers, the Lodge Operations chairperson, or committee persons, and others whose names may be announced.
• Members who wish to use the lodge with groups are asked that after contacting the Lodge Operations Chairperson, they also coordinate with any other members who have indicated their desire to be at the lodge for that same time period. Adequate provisions can then be made for bunkroom assignments and equitable use of the kitchen facilities. Communication among all who plan to be at the lodge during the same time period is mutually beneficial.
• Consult the Schedule of Food & Lodging Charges (also posted on Lodge Manager’s bulletin board) for current rates. There is a minimum charge per night for opening the Lodge. Food and lodging fees are paid to the Treasurer within one week of your stay at the Lodge. Food and staples are the responsibility of those using the Lodge. Any Club supplies that are used or consumed are to be paid for at the usual rates.
• It is also expected that you will clean up after yourselves, and leave the lodge in good shape upon your departure.
• 
  Lodge "Opening and Closing" procedures are posted on the Lodge Manager’s bulletin board and should be precisely followed.

• By-Laws (current revision)
• Detailed Description of Duties
• Food Buyer's Guide
• Lodge "Opening & Closing" Procedures
• Lodge Manager's Handbook
• Lodge Reminders
• Newport Ski Club Handbook
• Procedure for Reservations
• Schedule of Food & Lodging Charges
• "Your Personal Responsibilities"