|
|
Schenectady Wintersports Club Northern New York Paddlers Mohawk Valley Hiking Club Newsletters March 2026 |
|
|
Stowe is extending their ski season through April 26! (No formal announcement made yet on their website.)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
I begin this article with thanks and appreciation for several SWC members who have volunteered for the benefit of our Club. The President’s Week has recently concluded. During the week the Clubhouse was full and all who stayed were the fortunate recipients of the work done by hosts John and Ellen Bidell and Richard and Cindy Westhoff. John and Ellen have coordinated activities, menus and clubhouse organization for many years with Richard and Cindy picking up the end of the week for the past two years. I encourage members to consider hosting, during a weekend, as a way to get to know other members and to contribute to one of the long standing traditions of SWC.
Thanks are also in order for two members who have answered the call to fill vacant positions. Will Seyse will be working with Activities VP Bill Romania on all things Nordic and Michael Schaefer will be contributing as Alpine Chair. Your Board has no shortage of ideas for SWC, MVHC and NNYP, but need continued membership support to achieve them.
A fun opportunity to volunteer at is the Upstate Sports Summer Expo March 14-15 2026 at the Saratoga Springs City Center. Spend a couple of hours at the Club table sharing information and then check out all of the other clubs and organizations present at the show. It’s always a fun weekend. Let me know if you’re available at Karen Simmons.
Work continues at the Clubhouse, as items are completed on the fire inspection list. We’ll be working on items into the spring and summer to hopefully be able to schedule a final walk through. As with the winter season, we ask for and appreciate everyone’s patience during this process.
My best to you all, Karen
|
|
|
Welcome Will Seyse as the SWC Nordic Director |
|
|
Message from Will Seyse
I’ve been a club member since about 1978. I’m a hiker and downhill skier as well , but recognize the value of cross country skiing as a core club activity. I’ll work to make more Nordic skiers aware of SWC, and promote local venues and opportunities for cross country skiing. At one time I served on the board as VP for Activities. (Does anyone remember the meeting where the late folk singer Bill Stains sang and tried to teach us how to yodel?)
I’m a 46r, have volunteered with Leanto Rescue, live in Scotia, and look forward to skiing some new trails with you when the snow allows.
Will Seyse |
|
|
|
|
Welcome Michael Shaefer as the SWC Apline Chair |
|
|
Message from Michael Schaefer I fell in love with sliding around the age of 12. I was just getting good enough to become “bored” in traditional lessons, and was eager for the next new challenge. It was around that time I got roped into helping with crying kids in the tykes program, and I think that’s what hooked me. Giving the gift of joy-while-sliding was the light bulb moment.
I’ve been skiing since I was about 3 years old. Throw in a few years of trying snowboarding, telemark; and more recently, cross country and alpine touring. I began my snow sports career, like many, at Maple Ski Ridge and Schenectady Ski School. Since those early years, I’ve become Director of Snowsports at Royal Mountain Ski Area in the Adirondacks, and have attained my Alpine 2 certification through PSIA. Downhill skiing has taught me many important things about life and shown me so many places of beauty and reverence. With a deep knowledge of the snowsports community, industry, and its history; I can predict many turns will be made, friends will be made, and deep laughs had!
Professionally, I am a photo lab technician. While going to school at Hudson Valley for Digital Media and building a large portfolio of work, I began shooting weddings in 2016. While existing in the photo industry, I have worked with several major photographers and artists. Currently I work at McGreevy ProLab in Albany where we are the only lab in the capital region to still process film “the old way”!
When we can’t find the frozen snow, you can find me poking around unmarked woodlands, paddling lakes and streams, tossing a line in to make friends with fish, and all with camera in tow. Michael Schaefer |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Help Keep 90+ Years of Tradition Alive!
SWC isn't just about skiing, it's also about community. From the Slopes to the Socials, we've always been powered by members who pitch in and make it all happen. Join the fun by Volunteering.
We need volunteers at the Upstate Sports Summer Expo 3/14-15 We need volunteers at the Upstate Sports Summer Expo March 14-15 2026 at the Saratoga Springs City Center. Spend a couple of hours at the Club table sharing information and then check out all of the other clubs and organizations present at the show. It’s always a fun weekend. Let me know if you’re available at Karen Simmons.
We need ski trip leaders! Contact Rick Cobello. For more detailed information see below under Ski Trips and Clinics. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Membership continues to grow with new members joining weekly. We appreciate that the new process requiring all members to read and acknowledge Club and Clubhouse Policies is being adhered to. Thank you. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Intermittent Work Being Done at Clubhouse
There will be intermittent work ongoing at the clubhouse in March. We will do our best to keep members informed, but this work could disrupt your stay.
New Fire Alarm System
Installation of New Fire Alarm System begins Friday March 13
Summit Fire and Security LLC will begin installation of the new fire alarm system on Friday, March 13, expected to take several days. NOTE: Summit will not be working on Saturday 3/14 and Sunday 3/15.
Please be aware as part of the installation, they will need to enter individual rooms throughout the clubhouse. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Karen Simmons.
Kitchen Hood Install
Cummings Electric from South Burlington has been contracted to complete the electrical installation within the next three weeks. Details to follow.
|
Door Codes
If you have a problem with the door code, please DO NOT CALL THE NUMBER, TEXT THE NUMBER 802-585-3830 so that we, who are volunteers, are aware and can respond.
Please use this number ONLY for door code issues
Hosted Weekends: A long standing SWC tradition.
Members are encouraged to host as a way to get to know other members and to contribute to one of the long standing traditions of SWC. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Annual Meeting and Learn to Curl
We want to make sure members are aware the meeting is free, and the curling is prior to the meeting. Bill Romania has also arranged for a food truck Annabel’s Pizza Co. They focus on a wood fired oven in which they make thin crust pizza and burgers. Their site is at https://annabelspizzaco.com/. The truck will be at the site from 5-7 or later if there is sufficient demand. Their menu is here.
Chamonix, France
Feb 28 - Mar 7
Chef Earl Weekend March 6 - 8
ADK Summer Expo March 14 - Volunteers needed
Installation of New Fire Alarm System
Begins March 13.
NOTE: Summit will not be working on Saturday 3/14 and Sunday 3/15. Visit 2026 Event Calendar for more information and to register
Visit swcweb.org |
|
|
|
|
|
|
The mountain is calling—this year, next year, and beyond. By the time you read this, a large contingent will already be carving through the legendary slopes of Chamonix, where jagged peaks pierce the sky and every run feels like a scene pulled from a dream. This isn’t just a trip—it’s a story unfolding in real time, high in the French Alps.
This marks the beginning of our European journey this year… but it’s only the preview of what’s coming next.
Soon, we unveil what lies ahead for 2027—experiences crafted for those who crave more than just a vacation. Think deeper powder, steeper lines, and destinations that define the spirit of skiing itself.
Keep your eyes on what’s next: the breathtaking alpine majesty of Switzerland,
the rugged, awe-inspiring terrain of Telluride, and the timeless winter charm of Sunday River.
The mountain is calling—this year, next year, and beyond.
We need new trip leaders! With my other travel, it is difficult to lead multiple trips around the globe. All trips will have all planning and logistics completed. All you need to do is go on the trip and be the point of contact and maybe host a dinner. All Planning and finances is handled by Sports America Tours. They are a fantastic organization who provides exceptionalcustomer service.
If interested or would like to receive more information, please feel free to contact me!
Rick Cobello
518 337 6188 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ninety years ago, for the second season of the SWC Snow Trains, Carl Schafer, age 22, built NYS's first ski tow. SWC member Bill Gleusing gave Carl a $100 for the project and suggested he go to Woodstock Vt and see the rope tow that was just built there. Carl purchased a 1928 Buick truck and 1000 ft of rope. With help from the Alexander Brothers garage in North Creek, the ski tow became operational in December 1935. The ski tow was located at what is now the North Creek Ski Bowl. A few years later Carl moved the rope tow to his new ski area named "Skiland" along with his ski school. |
|
|
The picture below is the tow motor as it sits in its final operational location. (with his great grandson William) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
You asked and we delivered.
The Schenectady Wintersports Club has officially opened a merchandise store for members. Please take a look. There are 15 items to start. Your feed back is critical for expanding the store. Ordering instructions are on the SWC webpage. You can pick up the items in Ballston Spa or have them delivered for an addition charge.
Any suggestions or items for consideration, please contact Rick Cobello |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
President's Column Until a few days ago, if you looked out a window, you may have despaired of ever seeing liquid water again. The snow cover is complete. You can ski or snowshoe across any river or lake and the ground is frozen deeper than it has been in years. I would not have been surprised to see a mastodon wander by in search of forage. But now the sun is shining and there is water dripping from the roof. There is hope in the air.
The canoe and kayak racing season will soon begin. On March 14 and 15, NNYP’s own paddling guru, Gary McLain will host an early season paddling clinic on Fish Creek in Saratoga County. Start and finish are at Bryant’s Bridge fishing access site. Participants should be on the water by 10AM. There is no entry fee.
The Legends of Wells Bridge race will take place on April 18. Start and finish at the former ZRE barn in Wells Bridge. Start time is 10 AM. Entry fees are $30 Amateur and $50 Pro. Distance is 10 miles.
The next day will feature the Little River Ramble in Canton. Start and finish is at the Little River boat launch next to the Park St. bridge in Canton. For details on this event go to www.slvpaddlers.org.
The Wappingers Creek Water Derby will take place on Saturday April 25. This is an eight mile downstream run on the Wappingers Creek from Pleasant Valley to Poughkeepsie. Entry fees are $15-$25. Veterans race for free. The race starts at 9 AM.
For more information on these and other races, go to www.nypra.org. You will find the entire schedule and links to the race websites.
Ed |
|
|
Click here for NNYP Race Results
For information on canoe and kayak races across NYS visit NYPRA.ORG
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
President's Column Outside of the MVHC, SWC and NNYP groups we all encounter those who love to complain about the weather. The volume of snowfall during the past couple of months has provided much opportunity for those remarks, but we all know how much fun the snow is (OK maybe I don’t really love to plow) and what a great winter this has been, in our area. My family just returned from a President’s Week in Millinocket ME where the snow cover and groomed trails were perfect. Add to that a view, from our cabin, of Mount Katahdin making it a spectacular winter vacation. Many of the trails in the Capital District area have benefitted from our significant snow fall, as well, and will provide pleasant outdoor opportunities for a couple more weeks. Looking ahead to the Spring opportunities there is a Long Path hike scheduled for Saturday April 18 from Altamont’s Bozenkill Park to Thatcher State Park, which is a 6-7 mile distance. Let me know if you’re interested at: simmons872@aol.com.
Best to all Bill
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For a printable version of this Newsletter click here |
|
|
This message was sent to you by {Organization_Name}
If you no longer wish to receive these emails, you can unsubscribe at any time Our mailing address is:
Schenectady Wintersports Club, PO Box 228, Schenectady, NY {Organization_URL} |
|
|
