NEWPORT SKI CLUB
INVITATION TO SKI
(Approved 1/8/2009)
General Information
The Newport Ski Club is a
non-profit organization incorporated under the Laws of the State of Rhode
Island and authorized to transact business in the
State of Vermont, where the Club
owns and operates a Lodge at the Okemo Ski Area in Ludlow,
Vermont.
The 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.
The goals and the purposes of the Club are to:
- Provide
economical facilities for skiing and snowboarding through the individual
and collective efforts of the members;
- Promote
other outdoor activities; and
- Provide
social activities for its members.
The NSC is 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 through June, at a
specified location. The Club does not
meet in July and August but may schedule social activities. The social activities for the year may
include: banquet, cookouts, sail day, bike and hiking trips, Christmas Party
and other activities.
Minutes of monthly business meetings and announcements of social events, work
parties and other activities are sent to each member and applicant, and posted
on the website. The Club operates on a
Fiscal Year of June 1 through May 31.
Contact Information
The Club
website is: http://www.newportskiclub.org/
The mailing address of the Club is Newport
Ski Club, P.O. Box
4253, Middletown, RI
02842. All correspondence with the Club should use
this address, as there is no mail delivery to the Lodge. Any checks and money orders should be made
payable to the Newport Ski Club.
The location of the Lodge is 120 Upper
Cross Road, Ludlow, VT
05149. The telephone number at the Lodge is (802)
228-8021.
Membership
The success of the Club can be traced to active
participation of its members. Membership
is open to any person sharing in the interests of the Club. Members must be at least 21 years old, of good
character and interested in participating in the activities of the Club. Members are expected to attend meetings,
support social and recreational activities, assume elected offices, serve on
committees and participate in work parties at the Lodge. These activities perpetuate the Club and give
members an opportunity to develop new friendships.
Membership in the Club is limited due to accommodations at the Lodge. Application for membership is accomplished by
submission of an application form and a non-refundable application fee to the
chairperson of the membership committee. The application and fee are renewed annually. The application fee is applied toward annual
dues upon acceptance as a member. To
become a member, an applicant is required to show a sustained interest in the
Club by participating in Club activities (socials, ski weekends and work
parties) and attending meetings. The
application process may take a year or more.
During this application process, an applicant is welcome at the Lodge as
a Preferred Guest.
Governance
The Club is operated in accordance with its By-Laws and this Invitation to
Ski. The governance of the Club is
vested in elected officers who serve according to the By-Laws. The officers of the Club are 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.
The By-Laws establish several standing committees. The work performed by these committees contributes
to the smooth operation of the Club and is one of the keys to the Club’s long
standing success. The committees offer
ample opportunity for member participation in the Club.
Financial Obligations
Dues (and fees and assessments, if any) are billed in July of each year and
payable by the September meeting. Any
member whose financial obligations are not satisfied by the October meeting may
be dropped from the membership rolls.
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.
The following annual dues structure is currently in effect:
Family $100.00
Single Parent $ 70.00
Individual $ 60.00
Retaining $ 25.00
Applicant $ 50.00
(all categories)
The Club cannot survive without member participation. After a year-end review, the Board of
Directors may levy an assessment (currently $90.00) on any member who has
failed to contribute or participate in the Club by serving as an elected
officer, on a committee or participating in a work weekend.
Lift Tickets
One of the
advantages of Club membership is access to discount bulk lift tickets for Okemo
and several other ski areas. Members
have the opportunity to order these lift tickets by the September meeting. A limited number of tickets for Okemo may be
purchased by the Club and will be available for re-purchase by members and
applicants during the year. Bulk tickets
are to be used by members and applicants only, and may not be resold.
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 at Okemo Ski Area in Ludlow,
Vermont. Ludlow,
less than a 4-hour drive from Newport,
is a growing community; providing church, shopping, medical services and
recreational opportunities. 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).
A Club member designed the Lodge. Construction
began in October, 1965 and was completed in September, 1966. A contractor erected the basic shell, and the
interior finish work was done by the membership. There have been many improvements and major
renovations to the Lodge since that time.
The Lodge is a chalet in appearance and atmosphere and is conveniently
located 500 yards from the Okemo base lodge and lifts. Sleeping accommodations for 46 people are
provided in men’s and women's 4, 5, and 6 person bunk rooms. The 5 person rooms downstairs may be used for
family units. Both the kitchen and
dining areas are spacious. The large
living room has a fireplace, balcony and cathedral ceiling with a large picture
window in front. In the basement are a
small recreation area, a ski repair and work area, a place for skis and
equipment and 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 Maintenance
Committee. Weekend work parties are held
during the fall and spring to clean, repair and upgrade the Lodge.
Ski Season Lodge Operation (Weekend/Holiday Weeks)
During the ski season and work weekends, the Lodge Operations 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 list of managers and reservationists is made
available to membership in the fall and posted on the website.
The Reservationist takes reservations and assigns sleeping
accommodations. Members and applicants
wishing to use the Lodge must contact the Reservationist. Reservations for Sunday through Saturday
nights are open from 7:00 p.m. on the
preceding Monday until 7:00 p.m. on that
Tuesday. At the time of reservations,
some consideration may be given to room assignment requests, and Weep Sheet
requests may be noted for consideration by the Lodge Manager.
In the case where reservation requests exceed capacity, space
will be filled according to the following priorities:
1.
Members
2.
Children of Members holding Family or Single Parent Memberships
3.
Retaining Members (one weekend a year, paying guest rates)
4.
Applicants
5.
Guests
6.
Children of Guests
Bumping is done at the conclusion of the reservation period,
and a person who makes a reservation within the allotted time period may bump
anyone from a lower category. Within a
category, those making later reservations may be bumped.
After 7 p.m. on Tuesday
night, all reservations (on a space available basis) and cancellations must be
made through the Lodge Manager. Any
cancellation after Tuesday night remaining unfilled for the weekend will result
in a charge for food. Lodging will also
be charged if bumping occurred. Call the
Lodge for emergency last minute cancellations if unable to otherwise reach the
Lodge Manager.
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. Weep Sheet duties are to be performed by
everyone. Children staying at the Lodge
are expected to do age-appropriate Weep Sheet duties. Fees must be paid to the Lodge Manager before
you leave the Lodge at the end of the week/weekend.
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.
Accommodations - A bunk assignment sheet is posted
in the main entry and shows room location and assignments. The Lodge Manager posts the bunk assignment
sheet and must approve any changes. Except
for first floor family rooms, women’s bunk rooms are on the left side and men’s
bunk rooms on the right side of the Lodge.
The Lodge supplies the bunk; members and guests must provide
their own bedding (sleeping bag, blankets, pillows, mattress pads, etc.),
towels, face cloths, soap etc. Personal
belongings should be kept in the assigned bunk room, and the room should be
left clean upon departure.
The Lodge is kept at 65 degrees, although there may some
variation in individual room temperatures. Conserve heat; don't tamper with the
thermostat settings and be cautious in opening windows.
Weep Sheet Duties - Members and guests are assigned
duties that are listed on the Weep Sheet posted on the Lodge Manager’s bulletin
board. Each person is responsible for
checking the Weep Sheet, performing assigned jobs and initialing the Weep Sheet
for completed jobs. The number of jobs
assigned each person is determined by the number of people at the Lodge for the
weekend and the job point value. Your
understanding is appreciated and your co-operation expected in fulfilling your
job obligations.
Some jobs must be done after the majority of members leave
on Sunday (such as bathrooms, kitchen floor, vacuuming etc.). If a job assignment presents a problem, jobs
may be swapped with the Lodge Manager's approval.
Noise - Socializing is welcome as long as it does not interfere with the
normal Lodge activities. Except for
designated weekends, quiet should be maintained from 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.
Meals - Breakfast and dinner are served at 7:00
a.m. and 7:00 p.m.,
respectively, unless otherwise announced. Lunch fixings are put out during the breakfast
hour. Dress is informal at all meals;
however, no inappropriate clothing should be worn in the main dining and living
areas. There is no eating in the bunk
rooms.
On the Personal
Side - Upon arrival, check
the bunk sheet for room assignments, and store personal items in your room as
soon as possible. Do not clutter the
living area with sleeping bags and luggage.
Bedrooms are shared with 3 to 5 other people. Consideration is the key. Personal belongings should be kept together in
the appropriate areas. Reading lights
and radios should not disturb others. The
room nightlight should be left on for those arriving later. Late arrivals should be considerate of people
sleeping. All belongings should be moved
off the bedroom floor on Sunday morning to permit the rooms to be vacuumed.
Conserve water by taking short showers. Water supply is
limited.
A limited number of lockers for storing personal gear are
available for a yearly rental fee. Absolutely
no ski or board equipment or other personal gear may be stored at the Lodge
except in rented lockers.
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 age
appropriate bedtime hours. Roughhousing
by anyone in any form, screaming, fighting or running through the Lodge will
not be tolerated. Lodge Managers and
members 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.
Guests - Guests must be sponsored by a member who is
present at the Lodge. Guests are the
responsibility of that member, and must leave with the member who sponsors them
unless sponsored by another member at the Lodge. Reservations for guests must be made by the
sponsoring member. Guest expenses are to
be paid by sponsoring member. Lodge
operation should be explained to guests and guests should introduce themselves
to the Lodge Manager and others at the Lodge.
Parking/Transportation - Parking facilities are limited. Drivers are to leave a set of keys on the
keyboard so cars can be moved in emergencies or if a car is blocked in. When parking, beware of ice and snow sliding
off the roof. Please inform the
Reservationist if you are willing to take passengers on the ride to the Lodge.
Refrigeration - A refrigerator is available for
members and guests to store their beverages during their stay. All personal beverages must be marked and any
unused food or beverages must be removed when you leave. Please keep personal medications secure and
out of sight. If refrigeration is need
for personal medications, please store in a bag with your name on it.
TVs & Audible
Electronics - Televisions
and audible electronic systems are not allowed at the Lodge except for
pre-approved special events.
Pets – Pets are not allowed in the Lodge.
Smoking - Smoking and illegal substances are not
allowed in the Lodge.
Telephone - Direct-dialed phone calls are
restricted to Club business and emergencies, and must be logged. Use a personal phone card or cell phone for
all other calls.
Departure - After skiing on Sunday, please
return to the Lodge by 4:30 p.m. or
make suitable arrangements with the Lodge Manager.
Mid-Week Ski Season and Off Season Lodge Use
There is no organized operation of the Lodge during non-holiday mid-weeks,
except for scheduled special week events. Two members are required to open the Lodge
unless otherwise approved by the Executive Board. The current Schedule of Food & Lodging
Charges applies.
The following guidelines apply:
- Reservations
should be made with the appropriate Reservationist (in season) or Lodge
Operations (off-season). Members using
the Lodge with groups should coordinate with other members who plan to use
the Lodge during the same time period in order to make adequate provisions
for bunkroom assignments and use of the kitchen facilities.
- The Lodge
Opening Procedure and Lodge Closing Procedure posted on the
Lodge Manager’s bulletin board should be followed.
- The
Lodge should be maintained in an orderly fashion during the mid-week stay.
- Be
considerate of others who may be at the Lodge and share the facilities.
- Clean
up after yourself and leave the Lodge in good condition.
- Fill
out the appropriate form and forward it along with fees to the Treasurer
at the Club’s P.O. Box address.
Conclusion
The Lodge is the culmination of the efforts of many people over a period of
years, and is a valuable asset. The
organization of the Newport Ski Club has
changed very little over the past years. It is a credit to the ideas, guidelines and
concepts of the past members that the Club has lasted and been successful, and
has made possible the skiing and boarding opportunities and friendships members
enjoy today. The Lodge is here for your
use and pleasure. Your cooperation is
the key to our success! As an
owner-member, take personal responsibility for the success of the Newport
Ski Club.
Directions
From Providence, R.I. (Option 1)
- 146N for approx. 29 miles to 290E
in Worchester, MA
- 290E for approx. 3.7 miles to
190N
- 190N for approx. 19 miles to 2W
- 2W for approx. 13 miles to 140N
- 140N for approx. 9.7 miles to 12N
in Winchendon, MA
- 12N through Keene, NH for approx 42.5 miles to Walpole, NH
- LEFT TURN onto123 for approx.
0.4 miles
- RIGHT TURN onto 5N for
approx. 0.7 miles
- LEFT TURN onto 91N Access
Road for approx. 0.7 miles
- RIGHT onto 91N for approx.
5.6 miles to Exit 6 – Rockingham, VT
- At the bottom of exit ramp, TURN
LEFT onto Route 103N to Ludlow, VT
- 103N for approx. 20 miles to Ludlow, VT.
From Providence, R.I. (Option 2)
(slightly shorter distance, more
back roads)
- 146N for approx. 29 miles to 290E
in Worchester, MA
- 290E for approx. 3.7 miles to
190N
- 190N
for approx. 9 miles to 140N
(left at end of exit)
- 140N
for approx 12 miles (past Wachusett Ski Area) to 2W
- 2W
for approx. 1 miles to 140N
- 140N
for approx. 9.7 miles to 12N in Winchendon, MA
- 12N through Keene, NH for approx 46 miles to Walpole, NH
- Go across 2nd set of RR
tracks, turn left at light onto bridge over Connecticut River, to Bellows Falls, VT
- Turn right after bridge onto 5N/103N
- Continue onto Route 103N for
approx. 22 miles to Ludlow, VT.
From Providence, R.I. (Option 3)
(Most highway, longest distance)
- 146N for approx. 25 miles to 90W
(Mass Turnpike)
- 90W to Springfield, MA to 91N
- 91N to Vermont Exit 6 – Rockingham, VT
- At the bottom of exit ramp, TURN
LEFT onto Route 103N to Ludlow, VT
- 103N for approx. 20 miles to Ludlow, VT.
In Ludlow, Vermont
- Look for sign on Left OKEMO MOUNTAIN
RESORT
- TURN LEFT at sign and climb steep
hill.
- Go past the Okemo Base Lodge take
left at fork onto Upper Cross Road (gravel/dirt road).
- Proceed 0.4 miles to the Newport Ski Club Lodge on your right.
- The Lodge sits above the road and is
a large red chalet with white cathedral windows. The Driveway is beyond the Lodge and
diagonally across from an octagonal redwood stained house.
To find the Lodge via electronic media:
Mapquest: 120
Upper Cross Road, Ludlow, VT,
05149
GPS coordinates: (N43.3986-W72.7181)
Club phone (in case you are lost); 802-228-8021
