Williamstown Ski Club a Hidden Gem
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"The primary reason people tell me that they join the club is because it is an alternative to the crowded commercial ski locations," membership coordinator Ilona Sherratt said. "Especially parents with young children are excited because they feel the ski club provides a safe environment for their children to learn to ski."
The 72-year-old club is member owned and operated and tucked within the Berkshire Hills in an out-of-the-way spot off Route 7 in South Williamstown. It offers Alpine and Nordic skiing and snowboarding.
Don't expect fancy lift chairs and snow-making machines. There's a rope tow and occasional grooming. The club also keeps the road clear, but that's about it in terms of power use.
The ski club has limited resources, which can fit the needs of people looking for natural recreation that has little impact on the environment.
A short ride on the 1,350-foot rope tow gives access to the downhill trails or a take-off spot to ski cross county and see the area. There are 17 groomed trails for all levels of skiers, a shorter 600-foot rope tow and safe off-trail areas for the more advanced skier or telemarker who wants to find glades or fresh snow. (Telemark is a turning technique used in Nordic skiing.)
Club member Renee Schmidt, "loves the powder days and the chance to Telemark off trail."
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The ski club also has social occasions, like potluck meals in the woodstove-heated rustic lodge, providing opportunities to mingle. On weekends, members and visitors are greeted in the lodge by a club member who has volunteered to be area director for that day. While skiing, members working the tow or just skiing themselves will greet others and go out of their way to welcome visitors and new members. James Sherratt, a past president of the club, joined as a child and remembers first learning to ski there and getting the "ski bug."
"When my wife, Ilona, and I had our first child, we felt it was important to rejoin the club so that they could have the same wonderful experience that I had growing up," he said.
His wife said there are several other third-generation members including "the Merselis family and the Sears family with parents, grown children and grandchildren all skiing at the club."
In addition to the collegial and family atmosphere, Ski Patrol member Wendi Volk said the price was right.
"At $150 for the whole family for an entire season, that is cheap compared with the $50 or more per adult, per day at commercial ski locations," she said. The families can ski as long as they want, children can sled or play on the hills around the lodge or just play in the lodge in the toy area.
Members are expected to help out with other aspects of the club, including running the 46-year-old rope tow, to keep the cost low. Guests are invited to ski free for a day with a member. This year's dues included $75 for single adult, $60 for a child and $120 for adults with no children.
The ski season may be winding down but the club is always looking for new members. Call the snow phone at 413-445-7887 for hours of operation or find more information at www.mtgreylockskiclub.com.
