By the Ski Club of Lockport
When people hear the words “ski club,” they may picture a group of friends meeting at the mountain on a Saturday morning, skis on their shoulders and snow in the forecast. But the Ski Club of Lockport (SCOL) is much more than that.
For more than 60 years, SCOL has brought together adults from across Western New York who share a love of skiing, snowboarding, travel, outdoor activities and perhaps most importantly, good company. Established in 1964, the club has grown into one of the area’s longest-running ski and social organizations, with members from Lockport, Buffalo, Tonawanda, Ellicottville, Akron, Hamburg, Orchard Park and communities throughout the region. At its heart, SCOL is a community that extends beyond skiing.
Skiers and riders of all abilities are welcome.
You don’t have to be an expert skier or even a lifelong skier to become part of SCOL. The club welcomes adults 21 and older of all skiing and snowboarding abilities. Whether you’re an experienced skier looking for someone to share a powder day with, a weekend rider, a casual local skier, or someone who simply wants to get back on the slopes, there is a place for you.
Organized trips near and far.
One of the highlights of SCOL membership is the opportunity to ski together at destinations beyond the local hills. Each season, the club organizes trips to local, Eastern and Western ski destinations, giving members an easy way to travel with other people who share their passion for skiing. Members can enjoy the convenience of organized group travel while knowing there will be familiar faces waiting at the mountain. For many SCOL members, however, the destination is only part of the experience. The friendships made on the bus, at the lodge, après-ski, and over dinner, often become some of the best memories of the trip.
Weekday skiing, never ski alone.
SCOL also recognizes that some of the best ski days don’t happen on the weekend. For members who have flexibility during the week, the club offers a WeekDay SkiDay email communication that helps connect members who want to ski during the week. The concept is simple: if the conditions are great and you want to ski, there is an easy way to find another SCOLer who may want to join you. It’s one more way the club turns skiing from an individual activity into a shared experience.
The “social” in ski & social club.
The word social is an important part of SCOL’s identity. Throughout the year, the club hosts events, happy hours, and summer activities that keep members connected long after the snow disappears. Monthly club meetings run from September through April, while social events and activities continue throughout the year. That year-round connection is what turns acquaintances on the slopes into friendships off the slopes. Members might meet for a drink after skiing, attend a summer picnic, paddle together, gather for a club event or simply make plans to get together because that’s what SCOLers do.
A strong connection to Ellicottville
Although SCOL was formed in Lockport, Ellicottville has always been an important part of the club’s skiing community. SCOL members regularly enjoy the slopes of both Holiday Valley and HoliMont, and the club has also developed strong relationships with the Ellicottville ski community. Some members are part of the Holiday Valley (HV) Snowsports Team of Instructors, the HV Ski Patrol, the HV Safety Patrol, or the HoliMont Safety Team. SCOL supports these important highly trained skiers by attending their fundraisers or hosting the club’s Happy Hour to support their cause.
If you’re feeling SCOL’cial, join us at our October Happy Hour at the Holiday Valley Ski Patrol Beer Tent on Saturday, October 10th from 4-6pm on Washington Street during Fall Fest weekend in Ellicottville.
Stay connected.
Like skiing itself, SCOL has evolved with the times. The club uses its website, email and social media (Facebook @ Official SCOL – Ski Club of Lockport or Instagram @ski_club_of_lockport) to keep members informed about trips, meetings, skiing opportunities and social events. The website, skicluboflockport.com, provides information for both current members and anyone interested in learning more about the club. After more than 60 years, the Ski Club of Lockport continues to prove that skiing isn’t just about getting down the mountain. Sometimes, it’s about who is riding the chairlift with you.
It’s Always a Good Time!