Frequently Asked Questions
Can I stay at the club even if I don’t know anyone in the club?
We are a club – we accommodate our members and their guests.
If you are interested in becoming a member, you must contact us first to arrange a visit to the Lodge. Please see “How do I join the club? below.
Where the heck is this place anyway?
It’s really easy to find, just off of Exit 32 in North Woodstock, NH.
You can find our address and a Google Map with directions from the connect tab above.
How do I join the club?
You must be 21 years or older to join the club and be able to demonstrate participation in an outdoor activity. Generally if you have an AMC Membership, AT Hangtag, Ski Season Pass, or a lift ticket within 30 days, or any other similar criteria then you qualify. Start by looking at the “Membership” link at the top of this page for all the requirements. Then use the “Join (New/Prospective Members” tab and complete the form. When you’re ready to join, just come to the Lodge for a tour, if you wish to join you can submit an application along with the required payment. All applications are up for approval thereafter by the OCSC Board of Directors.
What are the sleeping accommodations like?
Beds are on a first come, first served basis. We have more than enough. Most rooms are bunk-style with anywhere from 2 to 6 single beds (in bunk bed style) to a room. We also have 3 coed queen bed rooms. Men and women are required to use separate bathrooms on different floors. Everyone is required to bring their own sleep system (Sleeping bag or blanket) and towels. We provide fresh sheets and pillowcases. Find a “Lodge Tour” under the About Us tab above to see what the sleeping rooms and the other rooms are like.
Can I bring kids to the lodge?
At certain times during the ski season you can. Our club is an Adult (over 21) club during the ski season (October 1 through April 30) except for Christmas week and Winter Vacation (Massachusetts and New Hampshire vacation weeks) during which children are allowed at the club except on party weekends. Our club is not really conducive to children during the ski season as there isn’t a child friendly place set up apart from the adult activities occurring at the lodge. Children are allowed at the lodge during the off ski season (May 1 through September 30) except on party weekends.
Can I bring pets to the lodge?
Many of us are animal lovers but there are restrictions on pets. Service animals are allowed in compliance with federal laws. Anyone who is briefly visiting the lodge that has an animal with them must keep it under control at all times. No animal should be kept in an unsafe environment (such as a hot vehicle) and no animal is to be kept in a vehicle overnight.
Is smoking allowed at the lodge?
There is no smoking in the lodge building. Smoking is allowed outside of the building.
Who cleans the lodge?
Did we mention that it is an adult club? Members and guests are responsible for cleaning up their own mess. All members and guests are expected to clean up their bunk room including emptying the trash and vacuuming the rug. In addition, before leaving for home, all members must complete one chore assigned by the director in charge or caretaker.
What if I want to bring my friends?
Guests are always welcome to join active/full members provided payment of the posted guest fees. While limited members do not have guest privileges, new limited membership is available to any new/prospective member with pricing as reflected in our Join Us page. Active/Full members are allowed to have up to six guests at a time except that the club may limit this number for special events. Any more than six guests must receive prior approval by the Board of Directors.
Does the club have a race team?
The Old Colony Ski club does not have a race team and is not a member of EICSL. We are always looking for fresh ideas. If you want a race team, we’d probably ask you to organize it.
What is a “work weekend”?
One “work weekend” (two six hour days) happens in the months of May, September, and October. It’s a weekend where a group of members come together and do basic cleanup and repairs to the club. It helps in the upkeep of the club and lowers the cost of maintaining it. Any member can participate and free night stays are awarded to any member who helps!
When does the Membership year run?
The membership year runs from October 1st to September 30th for anyone who joins after October 1, May 1 to April 30 for anyone who joins after May 1.
What if I like living at the lodge better than my own home?
Members are not allowed to use the lodge as a permanent residence or receive mail at the club. Members receive a combination to the lodge locks and have full use of the lodge all year long but there is a limit of 28 days within any 60 day period without BOD approval. The Board of Directors will determine whether that member is capable of managing the club alone for extended periods before that member is granted permission to use the club more than the 28 out of 60 days
How do I make a reservation?
Once you are a member of the club, you will be able to use the reservation system on the club website Members page. If you don’t have access to the internet you can have another member make a reservation for you. You must please try to make your reservation by 9:00 pm on the Thursday before the weekend you are coming up. While in recent memory we have not run out of beds, there is a priority order:
- Full/Active members making their reservations prior to Thursday at 9 PM have priority for bottom bunks. If those bunks do fill up, any limited members or guests will be bumped and notified as to any room/bunk changes by the director in charge.
- Spots reserved for anyone after Thursday at 9 PM. The reservation system will reserve on a first come first served basis for Full/Active, Limited, Alumni, and Guests. The DIC does have full authority to override placements for the good of the club.
What is a “Director in Charge” (aka DIC)?
The board of directors divides up responsibilities during the ski season and someone volunteers to be the Director in Charge (DIC). The DIC makes sure that there is enough room in the club for members and guests prior to their arrival. During the weekend the DIC makes sure people sign in; everyone is doing their share of tasks; and helps ensure guests know their way around the club and pertinent safety rules.