Membership
What do I get for my membership fee?
Members join a volunteer-driven club dedicated to organizing terrific Sunday outings ski on backcountry wilderness trails.
Our fees are designed to cover our costs. A large portion of your membership fee goes to cover the insurance we carry from Cross Country Canada. The rest goes to the costs of running the club and hosting meetings and social activities throughout the year.
Do you host other events in the year?
Yes, we organize a number of social and organizational activities.
In the early fall, we turn our thoughts to skiing when we meet up on a couple of weekends for trail clearing. Someone has to keep our trails passable and that’s us. We car pool up in groups and make a nice day of hiking in the fall colours – with clippers in hand.
In November we take advantage of discount shopping at Members Night at Mountain Equipment Co-op and use it as an opportunity for people to renew their membership and catch up.
In December we meet up at a pub for a holiday drink and a meal. Members are encouraged to dress for the occasion. The xxx is awarded to the person with the most festive attire!
In early January we host a safety seminar with an expert speaker. We like to be reminded of best practices for the backcountry and we are always interested in learning of ways we can continue to improve our safety practices.
In early March we have a short day of skiing and gather by a fire to roast hot dogs and marshmallows and other casual picnic treats.
The Annual General Meeting in April or May precedes an evening of food, drink and friendship. Members exchange stories of their plans for adventure in the “off season” and we part for a few months.
Do you organize any activity other than skiing?
Five Winds is mostly about skiing. Many of our members are avid travelers, cyclists, hikers and paddlers in the “off season” and they satisfy those desires through other clubs and sometimes with other Five Winds members.
How old do I have to be to join?
There is no age limit – upper or lower. However, if you are under 18 years of age you must be in the company of a responsible adult.
Can I get a reduced membership fee if I join near end of the season?
If you are a first-time member you can purchase membership at the full rate but it will be good for the next season too. Joining is an important step along the way to skiing and we want to see you back again.