Schenectady Wintersports Club

Northern New York Paddlers

Mohawk Valley Hiking Club

Newsletters

November 2025

Notes from the President


It’s going to be hard to match the events of October 2025 in November 2025, but I have no doubt SWC will do it. I do want to dedicate this message to the dedication of the Historical sign which will forever commemorate  the beginning of Alpine skiing at Yanatputchaberg. The wooded mountain was Jan (Yanta) Mabies woods (putcha) on the mountain (berg). A small group of young people led by Vince Schaefer and Bill Gluesing discovered great skiing there and cleared brush and small trees to make a network of downhill ski trails. “Yantapooch” attracted local skiers and challenged ski clubs from North Creek and Boston. As a result of the efforts of Jim Schaefer in collaboration with Michael Karl the beautiful sign has a permanent place on Crawford Road where skiers enjoyed the Highest of the Rotterdam Hills. In addition to the efforts of Jim and Michael the following people generously donated the financial support necessary to make the sign a reality, and I thank them all.

Dan and Vickie Britton

Jean Brown

Tony and Alison Calvagno

Robert and Carol Duchesne

Steve Dudka

Jim and Aline Flaherty

Michael and Sharon Karl

Bill and Gina Kornrumpf

Kyle Quinn

Scott and Arlene Quinn

Bill and Karen Schaefer

Will and Lois Seyse

Bill and Karen Simmons

My best to all,

Karen

The Clubhouse

Reminders about the Door Codes and Last Minute bookings

You will receive a Door Code after filling out the Guest Agreement. Always read all emails sent to you by our booking system.

If you book a room after 5PM EST for the same day, then you will not receive an automated Pre-Arrival email with a door code.  Plan accordingly!

The code becomes active at 1:00 PM the day of arrival and expires at 5:00 PM day of departure. This code may not be shared with anyone who is not registered on your booking.

1.       Activate the lock by pressing the Yale button at the top of the keypad.  The keys light up.

2.       Enter your PIN, and then press the checkmark button ✓.

3.       The door will unlock. Once you hear the bolt slide open, use the door handle to open the door.

Note:  5 incorrect entries of a PIN causes the Lock to shut down for 1 minute.

If your door code does not work, please TEXT the number 802-585-3830.  We have several volunteers that monitor this number.  Texting is the best way to communicate.  We will issue a backup code if the original code does not work.

When you exit the door, and the door shuts, the lock automatically engages after three (3) minutes.  If you are unloading your car, please DO NOT SET THE BOLT OPEN AND USE IT AS A DOORSTOP.  This causes damage to the lock mechanism. Instead prop the door open using a door stop.

When you leave the house for an extended period of time, please be sure to close the door. The door should lock within 3 minutes, but to be sure, push the Yale button after closing the door. You will then hear the lock engage.

THANK YOU,

MANAGEMENT

February Break at the Clubhouse

Mark your calendars for February break at the clubhouse.


February 13 to 18: Hosts Ellen and John Bidell will have lots of activities for both children and adults. 


February 19 to 22: Richard and Cindy Westoff will be hosting to finish the week.


Check swcweb.org. Signups will be available soon.

Events


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. 


Click here to volunteer for the Holiday Party.  

MVHC Annual Thanksgiving Day Breakfast

November 27

Pancakes served 8:30am

More information

SWC Holiday Party

December 5

DJ, Karaoke, UGLY SWEATER CONTEST, raffle, prizes, lots of food

More information


SAVE THE DATES 

2025

Nov 27: MVHC Thanksgiving Day Breakfast

Dec 05: SWC Holiday Party 

Dec 12-14: Early Season Ski Clinic

2026

Feb 13-22: Hosted Weekend Presidents Week

Visit swcweb.org for more information.

Ski Trips and Clinics

IKON and EPIC passes. To purchase, click here.

Early Season Ski and Snowboard Clinic

Dec 12 - Dec 14

We have openings!  If you have any questions, contact Bill Romania or Bryant George. Click to read more

Information on Ski Trips 2026. 

Please check the website HERE

CHAMONIX Feb 28 - Mar 7

SUNDAY RIVER Jan 4 - Jan 9

TELLURIDE Jan 31 - Feb 7

Reviews and Photos

SWC Swag!

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 

Local Mountains are Hiring

There is an opportunity to share the love of skiing and help local mountains at the same time. Oak Mountain is hiring in all departments, Maple Ski Ridge is also hiring in all departments, Royal Mountain had open application day on November 2 for instructors and Willard Mountain is also hiring instructors.

For Sale

See our Classified Forum page.  

Click here for NNYP Race Results


For information on canoe and kayak races across NYS visit NYPRA.ORG

MVHC Annual Thanksgiving Day Breakfast


1929-2025

96 YEARS!

In 1929 the Mohawk Valley Hiking Club began a tradition of a Thanksgiving Day Breakfast at Walker’s Falls, which continued in 1930 at the Helderhills Lean-to and waterfalls on the Bozen Kill, part of the Christman Preserve

IN 1930 W.W. CHRISTMAN “THE POET OF THE HELDERBERGS” MET WITH VINCENT AND PAUL SCHAEFER, LEADERS OF THE MOHAWK VALLEY HIKING CLUB. THEY FORGED A COMMITMENT TO PRESERVE CHRISTMEN’S HOLDINGS IN WILLIAMS HOLLOW AS A WILDLIFE SANCTUARY – A PLACE TO REMAIN “FOREVER WILD” AND WAS DUBBED THE CHRISTMAN PRESERVE. A DEDICATION PLAQUE TOWARDS THAT END REMAINS IN PLACE ON THE LAWN OF THE CHRISTMAN FARMHOUSE. RECENTLY THE NATURE CONSERVANCY HAS CARED FOR THE PRESERVE. THE MVHC’S PLANTINGS OF 7,000 TREES, NOW TOWER 50-75 FEET PROVIDE PART OF THE NATURAL HABITAT TO BE ENJOYED.

CLEAN AIR, CLEAR WATERS, NATIVE PLANTS AND WILDLIFE THRIVE HERE

PANCAKES, SAUSAGE, COFFEE & HIKERS

LET’S KEEP IT ALIVE

This is a free event open to the public. Pancakes served at 8:30. Come earlier to enjoy an easy hike in the Preserve

For more information Jim Schaefer

The Christman Preserve is located in Duanesburg, Schenectady County, NY, near the town of Delanson.

It can be found by taking Route 20 west from Albany, turning left on Schoharie Turnpike, and then parking in the designated area on the left after crossing the railroad tracks.

The preserve is also known as Christman Sanctuary or Christman Bird and Wildlife Sanctuary and can be found at the address 3281 Schoharie Turnpike, Delanson, NY.

For a printable version of this Newsletter click here

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