Schenectady Wintersports Club

Northern New York Paddlers

Mohawk Valley Hiking Club

Newsletters

April 2026

Notes from the President

There is a common lament, in every organization I am aware of, that more volunteers are needed to maintain and continue to improve the quality of the group. In order to function and continue offerings to our membership SWC requires many volunteers with a wide variety of skills. I’ll be very honest and share that this is not a club where anyone should be encouraged to take a position because “you really don’t have to do much.” Our skills bank includes strong organizational, creative, IT, financial, mechanical, outreach, problem solving and much more. And, yes, many hours, dedicated to the continuation of this most amazing 94 year old gift.  All of this is not meant to frighten but rather inspire members to consider a Board position. With the exception of two “youngins” the current Board is composed of grey haired achey kneed members who love SWC and would be happy to mentor their replacements. To that end I thought it would be helpful to provide an outline of the duties and responsibilities of the elected offices we will be voting on at the July 15 meeting at Wolf Hollow.

PRESIDENT - the President shall superintend the business of the clubland at all meetings of the Board of Directors. He shall be responsible for all documents of value, and other property belonging to the club. He shall be Chairman of the Board of Directors and a member of all committees.

ADMINISTRATIVE VICE PRESIDENT - The Administrative Vice President shall assist the President in administering the affairs of the club. He shall act as the President when the President is absent. He shall attend to membership, public relations, programs, communications, inter-club co-ordination and shall appoint committee chairs to assist in these areas.

ACTIVITIES VICE PRESIDENT - The Activities Vice President is responsible for all activities of the club. These activities shall include: alpine skiing, Nordic skiing, cycling, snow shoeing, tobogganing, ice skating, picnics, float trips, non-canoe sailing, other non-paddling, warm weather activities, social events, recreational area operation and maintenance, trips, and other special events. He shall appoint committee chairmen to aid in these areas. 

PRESIDENT, NORTHERN NEW YORK PADDLERS - The President, NNYP shall be responsible for all activities of the club involving paddling, including liaison with other paddling associations and clubs. NNYP will provide services to members and others in the community in all areas of paddling. He shall appoint committee chairmen to carry out NNYP programs.

PRESIDENT, MOHAWK VALLEY HIKING CLUB - The President MVHC shall be responsible for all activities of the club involving hiking including liaison with other hiking clubs and associations. MVHC will provide services to members and others in the community in all areas of hiking. He shall appoint committee chairmen to carry out MVHC programs.

SECRETARY - The Secretary shall keep careful and complete records of the meetings of the club and Board of Directors. He shall receive and transmit communications for the officers of the club, Board of Directors, and other clubs.

TREASURER - The Treasurer shall be responsible for all funds of the club. He shall receive all income due the club, and shall make expenditures only with budget authorization, approval of the Board of Directors, or within the limits prescribed in the by-laws. He shall keep full and accurate accounts, making reports at the end of the fiscal year to the Board of Directors. He shall prepare any financial reports required by law.

VICE PRESIDENT CLUBHOUSE - The Vice President Clubhouse shall be responsible for all matters pertaining to the SWC Clubhouse, including maintenance, usage by members and any other actions necessary to maintain a safe and accessible environment for members. He will nominate committee chairmen as needed with approval by the Board of Directors.

So there you have it. Message me with any questions you may have.

My best to you all,

Karen

kjsimmons951@gmail.com

Volunteer!

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 ski trip leaders! Contact Rick Cobello.  For more detailed information see below under Ski Trips and Clinics.

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. 

The Clubhouse 

Codes Work at Clubhouse in Final Phase

What began as 35 Fire Inspection Violations in October of 2025 is now coming down to one remaining major item and a few smaller issues which members will tackle in our spring work weekend.

Major projects completed or virtually complete:

  • Stair railings from first to third floors were all raised to meet code requirements.  Staining new newel posts will be accomplished when we can open the windows for fresh air.

  • A new hardwired photoelectric smoke and CO alarm system has been installed and is operational.  More information will be forthcoming to members regarding its operation.

  • The new NFPA 96 compliant range hood with fire suppression system and ventilation has been installed and will be operational within the next two weeks after final inspection in concert with the new 36” 6 burner gas range.

  • Kitchen outlets near the coffee maker and serving peninsula have been brought up to code.

The one remaining major project is replacement of the spiral stairs to the fireplace room balcony.  The plans for the replacement now have final approval and the contracts have 

been awarded to complete this project, which is likely in the May timeframe.

As for items remaining for members to tackle, we will:

  • Reinforce the north fire escape tower to the building;

  • Rewire bedroom baseboard heaters in conduit;

  • Move fire escape ladder more proximate to an escape window which meets code in Room 25;

  • Replace window hardware in Room 26 to meet window opening code;

  • Repair propane gas line corrosion;

  • And ensure all aluminum storm windows are properly working or install replacements.

The SWC Board wishes to thank all members at the Clubhouse who cooperated so greatly with the vendors as they went about completing their work so that the SWC Clubhouse is not shut down for code violations.  The Clubhouse exists only because of teamwork!

View Photos here

Events

Visit  2026 Event Calendar for more information and to register

Ski Trips and Clinics

The Schenectady Wintersports Club is set to make 2027 an unforgettable season, with a lineup of trips that span from the Alps to the Rockies and back to New England. Skiers will have the opportunity to experience the breathtaking peaks of Switzerland, building on the club’s tradition of European adventure travel, alongside the legendary terrain and deep powder of Telluride, a destination known for its dramatic scenery and uncrowded slopes. Closer to home, a relaxed and social getaway to Sunday River offers a perfect mix of convenience and classic Northeast skiing. Together, these trips highlight the club’s commitment to combining world-class destinations with camaraderie, making each journey as much about the shared experience as the turns on the mountain. Visit swcweb.org for more information and registration. Trips will fill up fast!

Rick Cobello 

518 337 6188

Chatter

Attention - Friends of Bob Miller 

Bob's wife, Carol Hamblin, has notified us that Bob is now in Hospice Care. 

Carol said " Bob is in hospice care at St. Peter’s Hospital, the Hospice Inn.  His lymphoma finally got the best of him.  I guess he’s entitled to a rest at 95, but I had hoped for more years than this. I wondered if perhaps you could include something in your online newsletter for people who knew him. Thanks, Carol" 

For those that don't know Bob, he has been an active member for 50 years. He provided many of the photos we show of the Lodges earliest days of the first renovation after it was purchased and opened in time for the first New Years Eve at the lodge. 

Ski Discounts

To purchase IKON and EPIC passes, click here.

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 

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

President's Column

It’s really happened….Spring has arrived. Along with the trails to explore all around the region there are many published programs offering  a variety of hiking, biking and camping opportunities. Contacts to check out are:

eriecanalway.org

nycanalmap.com

canals.ny.gov

empiretrail.ny.gov

cycletheeriecanal.org

Enjoy your time out of doors unrelated to mowing.

Bill 



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