Sterling Ski Club Membership and FAQ's
Sterling Ski Club Membership and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
Thank you for your interest in Sterling Ski Club. Sterling Ski Club is a family-friendly ski and sports club. We are a totally volunteer driven organization. We look for members that want to share their love of snow sports and year round outdoor activities and become involved with the club.
Sterling Ski Club was founded in 1937 in Stratford, Connecticut and has been a member of the Connecticut Ski Council (CSC) since 1956. Sterling Ski Club's members participate in downhill (Alpine) skiing, snowboarding, telemark skiing, cross-country, and many other winter activities. Sterling Ski Club is also a fun four season club, with trips, hiking, biking, whitewater rafting, kayaking, golf, happy hours, parties, picnics, and much more. Sterling Ski Club is the club where you will make lifelong friends.
It is important to understand that we are a club, not an inexpensive hotel, and all members must take an active part to maintain our lodges. If you are just looking for inexpensive lodging with no responsibilities during your stay, you may want to look at other options.
You can learn the history and offerings of the club on our website.
Below are answers to many Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s). Additionally, you can contact our Membership Chair at membership@sterlingskiclub.org for more information after you have reviewed the following information.
Sterling Ski Club maintains an approximate maximum membership of 500 (includes Adults and Children). Currently applications are only accepted on a wait list.
What is the New Member Initiation Process?
Once you review the the club website information and Lodge Rules and Reservations Policies and feel you want to be part of this vibrant club, the steps to become a member are as follows:
1. We do not accept applicants that work full or part-time in a paid or volunteer capacity at a Vermont Resort. 2. Please review all Club Rules and Policies. (see below) 3. Review the Club Membership Dues and Lodge nightly rates. (see below) 4. All new memberships have a two year probationary period. |
3. When the Membership Chair receives the application you will be invoiced via email for a NON-REFUNDABLE $60 APPLICATION or REINSTATEMENT FEE (for prior resigned members). The fee can be paid via credit card. This does not insure membership. |
| Once the club receives your application and your $60 NON-REFUNDABLE Application / Reinstatement Fee (for prior resigned members), and agreement to abide by the Club Rules and Policies, our vetting team will do a background check. This is necessary since our members stay at the lodges in a shared environment. |
| After the vetting is completed and approved, you will be contacted by the membership chair and interviewed and then notified if you have been accepted for membership. |
| Once accepted, you will either be put on the Wait List or if openings are available, you will be invoiced for your annual dues, and new member fee. You can then pay it by credit card on our website or by cash or check via mail or at a club meeting. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
What are Sterling's Membership Demographics?
Our total membership ranges between 450 to 500 members. We try to limit our membership to an approximate total of 500. This includes all age groups. Below is an approximate break out of our membership age groups and gender.
| Membership Type |
Age Group |
% of Membership |
| Child |
0 to 21 |
20% |
| Young Adult |
18 to 29 |
10% |
| Adult |
30 to 64 |
47% |
| Adult |
65 and over |
23% |
| Gender |
Percent |
| Female |
40% |
| Male |
60% |
What are Sterling’s Member Expectations?
Participation
Lodge Stay Participation: Our lodges are shared by all members, and require members to keep them clean by cleaning up after themselves in the common areas, cleaning their room/bed upon departure, and signing up and performing one cleaning assignment in a common area for each stay. For example, cleaning a bathroom or vacuuming a section of the lodge. The signup board for cleaning assignments is located in the common living areas of each lodge. Sterling does not provide any outside cleaning service, all cleaning work is done by members.
Volunteering
Other Club Volunteering: We understand not all members can equally volunteer due to work and family obligations. But, for the club to function and thrive, we need volunteers.
Lodge Work Weekends: Each year (usually September / October) we have work weekends at each lodge to do deep cleaning, maintenance work, etc. Skills are not required, but it is a plus if you have valuable skills like Construction, Plumbing, Electrical, etc., that could help in lodge maintenance.
Club General Volunteer Roles: Year round, we also need members to organize and run social events, serve on our Board of Directors, serve in one of our Officer positions, and on various committees. We also need people with strong computer, website development, written communications, social media, marketing, and financial bookkeeping or accounting experience. Any skills you can discuss with our membership chair would be helpful. We actively use Zoom, so your location should not prohibit your participation.
What are Sterling’s Membership Rates and Types?
Membership Rates:
| Membership Level & Ages |
Annual Cost |
Non-Refundable Application Fee / Reinstatement Fee (for prior resigned members) |
New Member Fee
|
|
Full Member
(30 and up)
|
$80 |
$60 | $120 |
|
Young Adult Member
(18 to 29)
|
$40 |
$60 | $100 |
|
Associate Member
(18 and up)
|
$40 |
none | none |
|
Child Member
(1 to 21)
|
$10 |
none | none |
Membership Types:
Adult Full Member (age 30 and up) & Young Adult Member (age 18 to 29).
It entitles the member to the following benefits:
| Use & making reservations at the Lodges at the best rate. |
| Voting Rights in the club. |
| Children under Full Adult Membership pay Child Rate. |
| All available Discount Lift Ticket Programs |
| Social Events and Meetings |
| Email Newsletter and Web Site |
| Ski Trips |
Adult Associate Member (age 18 and up).
It entitles the member to the following benefits:
| Social Events and Meetings |
|
Adult Associate Member and Children in the same household may only use the Lodges as a Guest of a Full Member. Guest rates apply.
|
| All available Discount Lift Ticket Programs |
| Associate Members have not voting rights |
| Email Newsletter and Web Site |
Ski Trips
|
Child Member (age 1 to 21).
| Can not vote. |
| Take on the Lodge rights of the adult member(s). |
| Can not make Lodge reservations and can only stay at the Lodge when accompanied by an Adult member of Sterling Ski Club |
.
When does Sterling Ski Club accept New Members?
Sterling Ski Club accepts new members any time during the year. However, to get the most benefits for a membership year it is best to join between May 15th and September 30th. This provides access to all discount programs and services. The membership year runs from October 1st to September 30th. New members joining between May 15th and September receive those month free for the first year.
Does Sterling Ski Club Offer Ski Trips?
Yes, through our affiliation with the Connecticut Ski Council and through individual Sterling members organizing trips. Follow this link on our website for available trips: TRIPS
Does Sterling Ski Club Offer Discount Lift Ticket Programs?
Where can I find information about the Lodge Configurations and Locations?
Lodge General Information can be found on our website:
What are the Lodge Rules, Code of Conduct, and member stay responsibilities?
Lodge Rules
By respecting the Rules and Reservation policies and fellow members, you become a respected member of our community. Please carefully review the Lodge Rules by downloading this
LODGE RULES PDF
Lodge Conduct
We are a family friendly club, all members are to conduct themselves in a courteous and respectful manner while staying at the lodge.
Cleaning Responsibilities: Our lodges are shared by all members, and require members to keep them clean by cleaning up after themselves in the common areas, cleaning their room/bed upon departure, and signing up and performing one cleaning assignment for each stay. For example, cleaning a bathroom or vacuuming a section of the lodge. The signup board for cleaning assignments is located in the common living areas of each lodge. Sterling does not provide any outside cleaning service, all cleaning work is done by members.
Cleaning Supplies: Cleaning Supplies are available at the lodges. If you find supplies are low or out, please inform the Lodge Chairman or Reservationist.
Quiet Hours: Quiet Hours are observed at the Lodge at 11PM unless all members staying at the Lodge agree to adjust the time.
What do I need to bring to the Lodge for my stay?
What to bring?
Bring a pillow, and either bed linens and blanket or a Sleeping Bag.
Bring your own towel(s) and toiletries.
The Club provides Coffee. All other food, condiments, etc are the responsibility of the member. DO NOT LEAVE ANY FOOD, ETC WHEN YOU DEPART.
Lodge Amenities:
Each Lodge has a fully equipped kitchen (Mt Snow Lodge has two kitchens)
Lodges have WiFi
Each Lodge has adequate parking for the number of guests
How do I make a Lodge Reservation, how many Reservations can I have at one time, and can I bring Guests?
How easy is it to get a Reservation?
Generally, making a reservation is not usually a problem if you book in advance. If you expect to make a reservation the day before going and it is a Powder Day, best of luck! Holidays can book up earlier, so make your plans early.
How to make a Reservation?
Sterling Ski Club has an on-line reservation system, where the members select the date, duration, and room/bed they wish to stay in. (Bed assignments can be changed so the Reservationist can better accommodate all members.) Upon completion and full payment of the reservation, members will receive a confirmation email with door code. A reservation is not confirmed until paid, which is via credit card on the website.
Reservation Limitations
Reservations are on a first come - first served basis. A member can have only 2 outstanding reservations at one time and each reservation can not exceed 7 nights. A member can only make reservations for themselves, their household members and guests. They can not make a reservation for another member that is not in their household. Lodge fees are non-refundable! You may cancel 8 days or earlier prior to the start date of a reservation and you will receive a credit toward a future reservation. Credits must be used by the end of the following fiscal year or be forfeited. Reservations canceled 7 days or less prior to the first date of the reservation are forfeited (There are exceptions for illness or injury, which is at the discretion of the Lodge Manager).
Can I bring Guests?
Yes, there is no limit on the number of guests. The members are responsible for the conduct and adherence to the Lodge Rules for all guests.
When are Lodges Open?
The Lodges are open all year and only subject to closure for maintenance issues or scheduled maintenance. Closures will be announced to members via email.
What are the Lodging Nightly Per Person Rates?
(Effective December 1, 2023)
In Season (Dec. 1st to April 15th):
Friday & Saturday Nights & Holidays
(Holidays: Christmas/New Years Week, Martin Luther Weekend, Presidents Week)
Nightly Rates
$34/Full Adult/Young Adult/Lifetime
$22/Full Child Member
$47/Adult Guest/Associate Members
$34/Child Guest/Child Associate Member
Sunday to Thursday Nights
(Non Holiday Periods)
$29/Full Adult/Young Adult/Lifetime
$22/Full Child Member
$47/Adult Guest & Associate Members
$34/Child Guest/Child Associate Member
Off Season
(April 16th to November 30th):
All nights
$27/Full Adult/Young Adult/Lifetime
$17/Full Child Member
$42/Adult Guest/Associate Member
$32/Child Guest/Child Associate Member
Exclusive Off-Season Lodge Rates
Glen Ellen Exclusive Lodge Booking Off-Season $310/night (April 15 to October 31)
Mount Snow Lodge Exclusive Lodge Booking $310/night (April 15 to October 31)
Mount Snow Lodge First Floor Only Exclusive Booking $135/night (April 15 to October 31)
First Floor sleeps 10 people
Mount Snow Lodge Second/Third Floor Only Exclusive Booking $210/night (April 15 to October 31)
Second/Third Floor sleeps 16 people