The Toledo Ski Club has a vibrant 570 members and for them “winter is never long enough.” Established in 1947, it is one of the oldest ski clubs in the country and the group is celebrating its 65th year of nonstop, rip-roaring activities — they not only whole-heartedly ski and snowboard through the winter, they also apply their lively enthusiasm to warm weather golf, tennis, volleyball, biking, white water rafting and themed social gatherings.
Recommended slopes
Rick Popiolek, membership director, suggests the free Heather Hills at Boyne Highlands for families and beginners. It is a great place to teach all ages how to ski. (600 Highland Dr., Harbor Spring, Michigan; boyne.com)
Member Debi Koltoniak, who took up skiing to stay active during those winter months she used to wish away, now looks forward to the snowy season. She likes to ski Nubs Nob’s Super Bowl Run because it has a very good pitch and slope, making it challenging enough to hone her racing skills. (500 Nubs Nob Rd., Harbor Springs, Michigan; nubsnob.com)
President Trish Mainhardt also lists Nubs Nob as her favorite. “First off, it is a beautiful winter setting,” she says. “They are always making fresh snow and the runs are always perfectly groomed, which provides very smooth skiing.”
Member Joe Connelly says, “Learning to ski and TSC changed my whole perspective on winter and life — it is now a priority to make time to enjoy life and have fun.” He often goes to Alpine Valley. At just an hour and a half drive from Toledo, it is a convenient quick trip. The picturesque tree-lined terrain offers nice skiing variety and separation between trails. It also features timed racing trials, so you can earn a national ranking. (skialpinevalley.com; 6775 Highland Rd., White Lake, Michigan)
Top tips
Trish: “As a beginner, it is worth it to take a few lessons to learn the important basic techniques.”
Joe: “Don’t wear cotton, especially jeans. They get wet and stay wet and when you’re uncomfortable your skiing experience is ruined. Invest in outdoor sports clothing that wicks away moisture and dries quickly.”
Rick: “Have your own equipment. You know how it fits and are comfortable using it. If you rent, make sure blades are waxed, straps work and boots are dry. Go to Mountain Man Ski Shop, they know the sport and have great equipment.” (2735 Reynolds Rd.; 419-536-0001; mountainmansportsonline.com)
Debi: “If you want to interact with people that have a zest for life and/or want to learn to ski, this is a supportive, fun group of people to learn from and to socialize with.”
Favorite Pit Stop
Café 32 on the way to Boyne, 2485 Coats Rd. in Elmira, Michigan, is a hole in the wall diner (part of its charm) with fantastic food.
Membership notes
The club owns a ski lodge at the picturesque Walloon Lake area in Boyne City, which is available for rent to all members. Rental starts at $34 a night. You must be at least 21 to be a member. Children are welcome to participate if accompanied by a parent. Memberships start at $48. You don’t have to ski to take part in the vast variety of sports and fun social gatherings.
Toledo Ski Club, 47 S. Shore, Boyne City, MI. 419-283-7779. toledoskiclub.net.
