The Short Hills, NJ Ski Club
The Short Hills Ski Club was founded in 1953 in Short Hills NJ; they currently hold club meetings at the Elk’s Lodge in Summit NJ. The Ski Club is a member of the NJ Ski and Snowboard Council. The Club owns a Lodge on 160+ acres of property nestled in the beautiful Vermont Mountains. Their 1890’s farmhouse has been renovated and added onto over the years to now house 46 members. It is located in the Route 100 Valley and is easy driving distance to Sugarbush, Killington, Mad River Glen, Stowe, Okemo and Middlebury Snow Bowl.
The Lodge in Vermont is available all year round to club members and their guests.
This NJ organization is first and foremost a Ski and Snowboarding club but they also offer many activities throughout the year when there is no snow. Other activities include biking, hiking, golfing, pig roasts, July 4th parades and fireworks, fall foliage trips, night’s outs at local bars and restaurants and much more. The White River flows behind the house which encourages swimming and tubing.
Each weekend during the winter season the Short Hills Ski Club offers members and their guests two nights lodging, two wonderfully prepared breakfasts and Saturday night dinner prepared by their wonderful chef.
There’s nothing better than returning from a great day of skiing or other outdoor activities to relax in front of a warm fire with hors d’oervres and the smells of dinner being prepared for you. After dinner the guests can visit local entertainment venues, try out the game room, or just enjoy each other’s company around a bon fire in the backyard. The Lodge is always available mid week too for those who want to spend a few extra days before or after the weekend. Click Here for weekend and weekday rates.
Benefits of membership include access to deep discount lift tickets at a variety of ski resorts, discounts at local ski shops, access to their Lodge in Vermont, special small group skiing and boarding instruction, trips to western resorts, membership in the NJ Ski and Snowboard Council and building friendships that will last a lifetime.
Members can also participate in a racing team which races weekly at Hidden Valley, and in competitions organized by the New Jersey Ski and Snowboard Council in New Jersey, New York and Vermont.
Between weekends in Vermont, they meet on Tuesday nights in Summit NJ. Members gather both before and after the meeting to socialize. They also sponsor dinner parties in conjunction with these meetings to celebrate various holiday’s such as Christmas / Chanukah, Valentine’s Day, Saint Patrick’s Day, among others.
To find out more, check out www.shorthillsskiclub.com, or attend one of their Tuesday meetings at 8:30 p.m. (weekly November to April and Monthly May – October) at the Elk’s Lodge, 40 Maple St. (second floor) in Summit, New Jersey.
The Lodge in Vermont is available all year round to club members and their guests.
This NJ organization is first and foremost a Ski and Snowboarding club but they also offer many activities throughout the year when there is no snow. Other activities include biking, hiking, golfing, pig roasts, July 4th parades and fireworks, fall foliage trips, night’s outs at local bars and restaurants and much more. The White River flows behind the house which encourages swimming and tubing.
Each weekend during the winter season the Short Hills Ski Club offers members and their guests two nights lodging, two wonderfully prepared breakfasts and Saturday night dinner prepared by their wonderful chef.
There’s nothing better than returning from a great day of skiing or other outdoor activities to relax in front of a warm fire with hors d’oervres and the smells of dinner being prepared for you. After dinner the guests can visit local entertainment venues, try out the game room, or just enjoy each other’s company around a bon fire in the backyard. The Lodge is always available mid week too for those who want to spend a few extra days before or after the weekend. Click Here for weekend and weekday rates.
Benefits of membership include access to deep discount lift tickets at a variety of ski resorts, discounts at local ski shops, access to their Lodge in Vermont, special small group skiing and boarding instruction, trips to western resorts, membership in the NJ Ski and Snowboard Council and building friendships that will last a lifetime.
Members can also participate in a racing team which races weekly at Hidden Valley, and in competitions organized by the New Jersey Ski and Snowboard Council in New Jersey, New York and Vermont.
Between weekends in Vermont, they meet on Tuesday nights in Summit NJ. Members gather both before and after the meeting to socialize. They also sponsor dinner parties in conjunction with these meetings to celebrate various holiday’s such as Christmas / Chanukah, Valentine’s Day, Saint Patrick’s Day, among others.
To find out more, check out www.shorthillsskiclub.com, or attend one of their Tuesday meetings at 8:30 p.m. (weekly November to April and Monthly May – October) at the Elk’s Lodge, 40 Maple St. (second floor) in Summit, New Jersey.
Central Jersey Ski & Snowboard Club
The Central Jersey Ski & Snowboard Club is a non-profit organization run by skiers, for skiers (and snowboarders, too). CJSC was formed in December of 1971, and with steady growth acquired their own Vermont Ski Lodge in 1975. The Lodge is located in central Vermont near Killington, and less than an hour from many Vermont ski areas.
The club runs weekend trips to Vermont and Long trips out West, to Canada, and to Europe.
Current membership is approximately 260-270. For more information about types of memberships and Central Jersey Ski & Snowboard Club ski trips, visit http://www.centraljerseyskiclub.com
The club runs weekend trips to Vermont and Long trips out West, to Canada, and to Europe.
Current membership is approximately 260-270. For more information about types of memberships and Central Jersey Ski & Snowboard Club ski trips, visit http://www.centraljerseyskiclub.com
Winter Activities In New Jersey
Winter launches a whole new season of exciting destinations and activities in New Jersey. Thrill-seeking sports enthusiasts will find an abundance of outdoor destinations while warm, welcoming indoor activities keep residents and visitors entertained in the Garden State as well.
From the slopes to the trails:
Within easy driving distance from many parts of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Connecticut, New Jersey’s ski resorts are the perfect destination for skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing and snowshoeing. New Jersey’s bountiful trails provide an exhilarating outdoor adventure. Plentiful lodging from laid-back to luxurious allows families to plan the right-sized winter escape.
When planning a ski trip in New Jersey, Mountain Creek (www.mountaincreek.com) in Vernon is just the ticket. With a full range of skiing and snowboarding options – 39 trails, 9 lifts, and five giant terrain parks spanning four soaring mountain peaks – Mountain Creek will keep outdoor sports buffs thoroughly challenged. Home to the region’s only Superpipe, Mountain Creek offers world-class snowboarding yet features a family-friendly mix of comfortable lodging, accessible trails and reasonable lift ticket rates.
For a cozy night in after a day out in the cold, there are several lodging options in the resort area. The picturesque Kittatinny and Hamburg Mountains of northwestern NJ frame the setting of Grand Cascades Lodge (www.grandcascadeslodge.com). Unsurpassed amenities include the revitalizing Reflections Spa and the unique Biosphere indoor swim complex in a lush tropical setting. The Appalachian at Mountain Creek (www.mountaincreek.com) in Vernon offers skiers a chance to ski right up to the room.
Hold on tight as you bounce down the mountain when snow tubing at Hidden Valley (www.hiddenvalleynj.com) in Vernon and Campgaw Mountain (www.skicampgaw.com) in Mahwah. While in the Mahwah area, lodges like the Courtyard by Marriott (www.marriott.com) can help families put together a budget-friendly ski vacation.
For a different twist on outdoor sports try cross-country skiing, snowshoeing or ice-skating at the High Point Cross Country Ski Center (www.xcskihighpoint.com), and observe the monument which marks the highest point in the state at High Point State Park. The center also offers a playground of lakes, forest trails, wildlife and groomed trails. Seasonal snowmaking, lessons and equipment rentals add to the convenience of this scenic winter wonderland escape.
Couples or families wanting to relax after an invigorating adventure through the countryside can unwind at the 15-room High Point Country Inn (www.highpointcountryinn.com) in nearby Wantage.
After a thrilling experience on the slopes, lace your skates for some figure eights or play hockey at the Mennen Arena (parks.morris.nj.us/aspparks/mennenmain.asp) in Morris County. The Ice House (www.icehousenj.com) in Hackensack, the largest facility of its kind in the tri-state area, features four regulation-size NHL rinks and a full-service food court. The Ice Vault in Wayne (www.icevault.com) and the Richard J. Codey Arena at South Mountain (www.essexskatingclub.org/arena/arenamain.html)round out the facilities in the state.
It’s Cold Outside! Enjoy an Indoor Respite from the Chill:
Fun-seekers tired of bundling up can head to one of New Jersey’s new indoor water parks: Coco Key Water Resort (www.cocokeywaterresort.com) in Mount Laurel and opening in March, Sahara Sam’s Oasis (www.saharasams.com) in Berlin Township. These South Jersey facilities are just the ticket for a bit of summer fun in the midst of a cold winter – ideal for school breaks or a midwinter weekend escape from the house.
Seek cover from the cold inside the historic walls of one of the nation's first state museums founded with an educational mission, the New Jersey State Museum (www.newjerseystatemuseum.org) offers an exciting range of eclectic exhibitions, the largest planetarium facility in the state, and family-friendly programs and events. New Jersey’s largest museum, The Newark Museum (www.newarkmuseum.org), invites visitors to go on an inspirational journey through 80 galleries of world-class collections including American, Asian, African and Classical.
Named one of the top ten Science Centers for families in the nation, according to Parents Magazine, the Liberty Science Center (www.lsc.org) is an interactive, spectacular science museum and learning center located in Liberty State Park in Jersey City. The WheatonArts and Cultural Center (www.wheatonarts.org) in Millville is another cultural treasure, home to The Museum of American Glass and allows visitors to observe an artist employing century-old techniques to create colorful works of art from hot molten glass.
New Jersey’s captivating performances of musical and theatrical companies offer a warm hiatus from the cold. New Brunswick takes center stage when it comes to arts and culture and is a microcosm of the state’s larger diversity. Home to several top-notch facilities, The Crossroads Theatre Company (www.crossroadstheatrecompany.org), The George Street Playhouse (www.gsponline.org), and The State Theatre (www.statetheatrenj.org) offer world-class performances night after night. In nearby Red Bank, the Count Basie Theatre (www.countbasietheatre.org) and the Two River Theatre Company (www.trtc.org) are cultural landmarks. A full listing of New Jersey’s performing arts theatres can be found at www.visitnj.org.
Keep warm this winter after a hearty meal at one of New Jersey’s restaurants. Check out Atlantic City Restaurant Week (www.acrestaurantweek.com), February 28 – March 6, for special fixed price lunches and dinners and a smorgasbord of cuisines to explore – from Asian to Italian and sushi to steak. In South Jersey, grab a table near the fireplace at The Mad Batter (www.madbatter.com) along Cape May’s historic Jackson Street for a Jersey Shore escape. In the northern part of the state, the Long Valley Pub & Brewery (www.brewpubnj.com)offers enticing “comfort food” and pub food with a twist, such as a Ploughman’s Platter with Roasted Garlic Hummus and an array of handcrafted ales.
If “brewpub” sounds like an interesting way to duck out of the cold, visitors will find that New Jersey is home to a growing number of craft breweries. Take a brewery tour and learn what differentiates a “porter” from a “pale ale” at Flying Fish (www.flyingfish.com) in Cherry Hill, one of the state’s largest craft breweries. River Horse Brewing Company (www.riverhorse.com) in scenic Lambertville is open for tours and sampling seven days a week. The Ship Inn (www.shipinn.com) in Milford was the first brewery in New Jersey to brew beer for consumption on-site since the days of Prohibition, is another wonderful venue to enjoy.
For more information on these New Jersey winter activities and destinations, assistance when planning a New Jersey vacation, including additional itinerary ideas, accommodations and free brochures, go to www.visitnj.org.
NJ Winter Fun: How to Make a Really Great Snowman!
Winter has arrived in New Jersey and the chances are your kids will be out building snowmen soon. Here are some tips to help them build a snowman that the entire family will be proud of.
First of all, make sure the kids are dressed properly for the cold, wet weather. Dress them in layers and make sure boots, gloves and mittens are warm and water resistant. If you try to make a snowman with wool or knit gloves, it won't be long before hands are cold and wet and everyone is unhappy.
Gather items you will need to decorate your snowman such as a carrot for the nose, small twigs in the yard for arms/hands, small charcoal briquettes oreo cookies, black olives for the eyes, smile & buttons, etc. Red licorice whips can be used for a mouth as well. Also, make sure you have a hat and scarf you don't mind sacrificing. Try to keep your decorations as nature-friendly and organic as possible since you will need to retrieve them from outside when the snowman melts.
It's best if the snow is a bit on the wet side as opposed to the powdery white stuff that's great for skiing. Just a touch more moisture gives your snow ball rolling the ability to stick together and not just crumble frustrating both child and parent. Take a sample handful and try to form a small snowball. If it packs well, then it's of snowman-making quality.
If the snow is packing well, begin with a small hand-held snowball size, place it on the ground and begin rolling. Rolling can be a very difficult and acquired skill for some children. So, try to show them how it's done. You'll want to roll straight for awhile, and then to the side a bit to form a nice big ball. You'll need three of these with the bottom ball being the largest to support the weight of the other two on top. As each ball becomes the proper size (and, the proper size is determined upon how big your snowman is), help your child lift it up on top of the bottom ball. If you are building a large snowman, you will need to lift the second and third balls and set them into position. If you need help, use a shovel being careful that children are out of the way when you do.
Now, you're ready to decorate. Be creative! This is the step that gives your snowman personality and makes them "come alive" for your child.
Once you're all done, you can come inside to warm up with some hot chocolate and stories about snowmen. Some cute children's snowmen books are: Winter Friends, by Carl R. Sams; Snowmen: Creatures, Crafts and Other Winter Projects by Peter Cole; The Snowman Story Book by Raymond Briggs; Frosty The Snowman by Jack Rollins just to name a few.
As silly as it sounds, you might need to prepare younger children for a nice farewell. When the snowman begins to melt, some children become very sad to see their "snow friend" go - Like on Frosty The Snowman. So, take lots of pictures while the snowman is still intact and make a game out of the snowman melting. If the weather is very cold, and it takes awhile for the snowman to melt entirely away, you can play guessing games about how much shorter you think the snowman will get today. By the time the snowman completely melts, it's not so traumatic as they eagerly await to see more and more of the snowman shrink.
The entire experience of building a snowman with your child, from the gathering decorative materials to watching it melt, will sink deep into their childhood memories. Hopefully, they will one day pass on the fun of building their own family snowman with their children.
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Skiing Programs for Kids in North Jersey
Visit Campgaw Mountain in Mahwah, New Jersey this winter and introduce your child to a lifetime of healthy family fun.
Campgaw's exclusive kids skiing programs focus on safety, fun and learning. Whether your child is just learning to ski, or already perfectly comfortable on the mountain, you can rest assured they will be having as much fun as you are!
Campgaw programs are tailored to teach your child the joys of skiing and snowboarding, plus the fun and excitement of our outdoor winter environment.
Private and group lessons are available for children starting at age 3.
Click here for more details.
Campgaw's exclusive kids skiing programs focus on safety, fun and learning. Whether your child is just learning to ski, or already perfectly comfortable on the mountain, you can rest assured they will be having as much fun as you are!
Campgaw programs are tailored to teach your child the joys of skiing and snowboarding, plus the fun and excitement of our outdoor winter environment.
Private and group lessons are available for children starting at age 3.
Click here for more details.
Where to Find NJ Outdoor Winter Fun Information, Restaurants, Events & More
For the past few years, residents of Northern and Central New Jersey, who love the great outdoors, have been going to mybergen.com and yoursomerset.com for the latest information on outdoor recreation options.
Mybergen.com is the go-to good living website for information about events and activities in the Bergen County-North Jersey area. This includes skiing and hiking in the beautiful Ramapo Mountains.
Yoursomerset.com is the regional lifestyle website for winter sports enthusiasts in the Somerset County-Central New Jersey area.
Both of these websites feature robust events calendars and terrific post-skiing/sledding/skating dining options! You'll find that perfect winter pub with the roaring fire, juicy steaks, great beer selection and live music, on mybergen.com and yoursomerset.com.
Mybergen.com is the go-to good living website for information about events and activities in the Bergen County-North Jersey area. This includes skiing and hiking in the beautiful Ramapo Mountains.
Yoursomerset.com is the regional lifestyle website for winter sports enthusiasts in the Somerset County-Central New Jersey area.
Both of these websites feature robust events calendars and terrific post-skiing/sledding/skating dining options! You'll find that perfect winter pub with the roaring fire, juicy steaks, great beer selection and live music, on mybergen.com and yoursomerset.com.
Winter Fun Beyond New Jersey!
If you're looking to put some adventure into your winter travel plans, you might want to consider heading north to Alberta, Canada.
Located in the heart of western Canada, the province of Alberta is bordered by the Canadian Rocky Mountains. The terrain is as vast as it is varied in landscape and experiences, offering unique activities, urban charms and breathtaking vistas for you to discover.
From dog sledding and skiing to snowshoeing and ice canyon walks, Alberta offers a wide variety of vacation options for a wide range of people - whether you are a true adventurer, are craving a week of pampering and relaxation, or want the family to have an authentic winter wonderland experience.
You can board a snowcat before skiing through untouched powder in Alberta's backcountry. Or buckle up the snow shoes to hike through Canada's largest ski area, Lake Louise. You'll be back in time to enjoy lunch at the beautiful Fairmont Chateau overlooking the frozen lake.
For those who want to relax, take up the breathtaking scenery from more refined vantage points, such as Banff and Jasper, UNESCO World Heritage national parks in the Canadian Rockies. Check out the luxurious accommodations, book a spa appointment, or head into town for amazing shopping and a wide array of fine dining options.
To make sure you are prepared for the best winter trip possible, make sure you follow a few simple tips:
For more information, or to begin planning your winter adventure in Alberta, visit www.TravelAlberta.com.
Located in the heart of western Canada, the province of Alberta is bordered by the Canadian Rocky Mountains. The terrain is as vast as it is varied in landscape and experiences, offering unique activities, urban charms and breathtaking vistas for you to discover.
From dog sledding and skiing to snowshoeing and ice canyon walks, Alberta offers a wide variety of vacation options for a wide range of people - whether you are a true adventurer, are craving a week of pampering and relaxation, or want the family to have an authentic winter wonderland experience.
You can board a snowcat before skiing through untouched powder in Alberta's backcountry. Or buckle up the snow shoes to hike through Canada's largest ski area, Lake Louise. You'll be back in time to enjoy lunch at the beautiful Fairmont Chateau overlooking the frozen lake.
For those who want to relax, take up the breathtaking scenery from more refined vantage points, such as Banff and Jasper, UNESCO World Heritage national parks in the Canadian Rockies. Check out the luxurious accommodations, book a spa appointment, or head into town for amazing shopping and a wide array of fine dining options.
To make sure you are prepared for the best winter trip possible, make sure you follow a few simple tips:
- Shop around for good deals. In Alberta, winter is not considered a peak season, so prices on hotels, lift tickets, rentals and activities are generally lower.
- Pack the passport. Have proper paperwork. U.S. citizens have to carry a U.S. passport to enter Canada, and to re-enter the U.S. from Canada.
- Bring the coats and the sunscreen. Alberta is blessed with over 300 days of sunshine each year, so when visiting, be sure to pack your sunscreen along with your favorite parka and clothes for plenty of layers.
- Get around easy. There are a variety of transportation options upon your arrival in Calgary, Alberta. You can rent a car, or if you prefer, grab a Brewster shuttle and be in the picturesque mountain town of Banff in two hours flat. Rental cars are equipped with all-season tires, and roads are well-maintained, but make sure you are comfortable driving in winter conditions.
For more information, or to begin planning your winter adventure in Alberta, visit www.TravelAlberta.com.