Do I have to become a member in order to ski or snowboard with you?
Yes. We are an private travel and activity club; only our registered members may join us on
the slopes. For legal liability reasons, you must be a registered member in order to ski or
board with us. Everyone, however, is welcome to join us at our social events!
Do I need to be a New Yorker in order to join?
Not at all! Although our social events take place in New York, we've got members joining SKI
BUMS from throughout the US and Canada. For 2008, we've even made it easier for you to
fly to join our destinations from any city, using our AA.com/rainbow discount codes. You're
welcome in SKI BUMS, no matter where you live!
How much do the trips cost?
Prices vary, depending on our destination. Our local daytrips usually cost around $100, for lift
ticket, ski or snowboard rental, and our own bus there and back. For more up-to-date
information, visit our group trips page.
I could use a lesson to improve my skills – may I take one while on a trip?
Yes. Most of us take lessons throughout the season; it's the best way to improve. Many
resorts include a complimentary lessons for groups like ours, which makes SKI BUMS is a
great way to polish your skills!
If I become a member, may I arrange my own travel and join you for a trip?
For our daytrips, you may drive and meet us at the mountain (however, you'll need to buy
your own lift ticket / equipment rental). For our multi-day trips, however, you must arrange
your trip through SKI BUMS. Please see below.
Why can't members enjoy the group discount if we drive to a daytrip?
In simple terms, because we don't want anyone to waste time at the mountain. We start each
daytrip very early, and once we've begun guiding everyone through the morning routine
(rentals, lessons), it's far too difficult to track down those who drive to the mountain to
distribute their lift tickets, rental forms, etc. Believe us, we've tried. ;)
Why can't members join your multi-day destinations if we arrange our own trip?
On our trips, we plan everything in detail -- down to the exact number of people for our
dinners, parties, private bus coaches, etc. To keep things manageable for our travel and
venues -- and to guarantee that everyone has a great time -- we are unable to accommodate
extra members on our multi-day trips.
Do you plan trips to the gay ski week events?
In several previous seasons, we have planned official trips to gay ski weeks (Aspen,
Whistler, Outboard, etc.). We've learned, however, that our members who like to attend the
various gay ski weeks prefer to book their trips on their own. We will have members who
attend these events in 2008, and Avalanche is a great place to meet them!
Are there singles / couples in SKI BUMS?
Many of our members are single, however,
we've had a number of couples who have
joined SKI BUMS simply to make friends, try
something new, and travel together as a couple.
A daytrip makes for a fantastic "getaway" date!
Is anyone into telemark, backcountry or
heli-skiing?
Several of our members are very into tele,
backcountry and heli-skiing. Come to one of our
social events and meet them!
Do you plan trips for cross-country skiing?
Currently, no. Our trips are exclusively geared toward downhill skiing and riding.
If I sign up for a trip that includes an overnight stay, how do you arrange the
housing and room assignments?
For all of our trips, we give you the option to request a roommate or condo unit with other
friends who are also on the trip. If you don't request someone to room with, we'll arrange
things for you based on your preferences. We tend to put people together who are around
the same age.
May I make arrangements to arrive early or stay late for one of your
destinations?
Absolutely. SKI BUMS cannot assist you, however, in making these arrangements. SKI BUMS
does not handle travel arrangements outside our group-plans.
What if I sign up for a trip, then need to cancel?
Our cancellation policy varies, based on the destination. You'll find each cancellation policy
listed at the bottom of each trip information page.
What's the best reason to join SKI BUMS?
The people. The people. The people. Visit our testimonials page for evidence; the BUMS
themselves are the singular best reason to join us. Traveling with a group like ours makes
for excellent friend-making. It starts with the love of the terrain and the challenge of an
exhilarating day, it grows with the chance to talk on a chair lift or warm up around a
fireplace, and ends with the relaxation of drinks and dinner with friends. It's the stuff of
timeless memories, and the kind of thing that's increasingly hard to come by in this virtual
technology world of a city we live in. SKI BUMS seeks to provide a real alternative to the
standard offerings of gay culture; we celebrate natural highs, meaningful friendships, and the
marvelous rush of tearing down a mountain of freshly fallen snow. We're having a great time,
and we'd love you to join us.
Who created SKI BUMS, and who puts everything together?
SKI BUMS is the brainchild of Chris French, who grew up skiing the challenging farmland hill
terrain of northern Illinois. After graduating from the University of Michigan, he moved to
NYC... and met very few gay skiers or snowboarders. He created SKI BUMS in 2003, and
what started as a simple hope to make new friends has grown into a full-fledged job. In
addition to running and operating SKI BUMS, planning trips, organizing social events and
designing the website, Chris works in the off-season as freelance writer and graphic
designer. To email Chris directly, click here.
Have a question that wasn't answered?
Email us at info@ski-bums.org.
Yes. We are an private travel and activity club; only our registered members may join us on
the slopes. For legal liability reasons, you must be a registered member in order to ski or
board with us. Everyone, however, is welcome to join us at our social events!
Do I need to be a New Yorker in order to join?
Not at all! Although our social events take place in New York, we've got members joining SKI
BUMS from throughout the US and Canada. For 2008, we've even made it easier for you to
fly to join our destinations from any city, using our AA.com/rainbow discount codes. You're
welcome in SKI BUMS, no matter where you live!
How much do the trips cost?
Prices vary, depending on our destination. Our local daytrips usually cost around $100, for lift
ticket, ski or snowboard rental, and our own bus there and back. For more up-to-date
information, visit our group trips page.
I could use a lesson to improve my skills – may I take one while on a trip?
Yes. Most of us take lessons throughout the season; it's the best way to improve. Many
resorts include a complimentary lessons for groups like ours, which makes SKI BUMS is a
great way to polish your skills!
If I become a member, may I arrange my own travel and join you for a trip?
For our daytrips, you may drive and meet us at the mountain (however, you'll need to buy
your own lift ticket / equipment rental). For our multi-day trips, however, you must arrange
your trip through SKI BUMS. Please see below.
Why can't members enjoy the group discount if we drive to a daytrip?
In simple terms, because we don't want anyone to waste time at the mountain. We start each
daytrip very early, and once we've begun guiding everyone through the morning routine
(rentals, lessons), it's far too difficult to track down those who drive to the mountain to
distribute their lift tickets, rental forms, etc. Believe us, we've tried. ;)
Why can't members join your multi-day destinations if we arrange our own trip?
On our trips, we plan everything in detail -- down to the exact number of people for our
dinners, parties, private bus coaches, etc. To keep things manageable for our travel and
venues -- and to guarantee that everyone has a great time -- we are unable to accommodate
extra members on our multi-day trips.
Do you plan trips to the gay ski week events?
In several previous seasons, we have planned official trips to gay ski weeks (Aspen,
Whistler, Outboard, etc.). We've learned, however, that our members who like to attend the
various gay ski weeks prefer to book their trips on their own. We will have members who
attend these events in 2008, and Avalanche is a great place to meet them!
Are there singles / couples in SKI BUMS?
Many of our members are single, however,
we've had a number of couples who have
joined SKI BUMS simply to make friends, try
something new, and travel together as a couple.
A daytrip makes for a fantastic "getaway" date!
Is anyone into telemark, backcountry or
heli-skiing?
Several of our members are very into tele,
backcountry and heli-skiing. Come to one of our
social events and meet them!
Do you plan trips for cross-country skiing?
Currently, no. Our trips are exclusively geared toward downhill skiing and riding.
If I sign up for a trip that includes an overnight stay, how do you arrange the
housing and room assignments?
For all of our trips, we give you the option to request a roommate or condo unit with other
friends who are also on the trip. If you don't request someone to room with, we'll arrange
things for you based on your preferences. We tend to put people together who are around
the same age.
May I make arrangements to arrive early or stay late for one of your
destinations?
Absolutely. SKI BUMS cannot assist you, however, in making these arrangements. SKI BUMS
does not handle travel arrangements outside our group-plans.
What if I sign up for a trip, then need to cancel?
Our cancellation policy varies, based on the destination. You'll find each cancellation policy
listed at the bottom of each trip information page.
What's the best reason to join SKI BUMS?
The people. The people. The people. Visit our testimonials page for evidence; the BUMS
themselves are the singular best reason to join us. Traveling with a group like ours makes
for excellent friend-making. It starts with the love of the terrain and the challenge of an
exhilarating day, it grows with the chance to talk on a chair lift or warm up around a
fireplace, and ends with the relaxation of drinks and dinner with friends. It's the stuff of
timeless memories, and the kind of thing that's increasingly hard to come by in this virtual
technology world of a city we live in. SKI BUMS seeks to provide a real alternative to the
standard offerings of gay culture; we celebrate natural highs, meaningful friendships, and the
marvelous rush of tearing down a mountain of freshly fallen snow. We're having a great time,
and we'd love you to join us.
Who created SKI BUMS, and who puts everything together?
SKI BUMS is the brainchild of Chris French, who grew up skiing the challenging farmland hill
terrain of northern Illinois. After graduating from the University of Michigan, he moved to
NYC... and met very few gay skiers or snowboarders. He created SKI BUMS in 2003, and
what started as a simple hope to make new friends has grown into a full-fledged job. In
addition to running and operating SKI BUMS, planning trips, organizing social events and
designing the website, Chris works in the off-season as freelance writer and graphic
designer. To email Chris directly, click here.
Have a question that wasn't answered?
Email us at info@ski-bums.org.
How many people are in SKI BUMS?
For our 2007 season, we had just over 450 dues-paying members, and we maintain an active
mailing list of over 2,000 GLBT skiers and snowboarders. To our knowledge, SKI BUMS is the
world's largest GLBT skiing and snowboarding club.
Where do you go?
All over the world! In 2006, we took extended trips to Switzerland, Colorado, Utah, Vermont
and more. In 2007, in addition to a fun series of daytrips, we visited Whistler, Vail, Stratton,
Lake Tahoe, Mount Snow and Salt Lake City. Visit the Group Trips page to learn all about our
destinations for 2008, which include Jackson Hole, Park City, Killington and Telluride.
Are there men and women in SKI BUMS? Can straight people join the group?
Yes, SKI BUMS welcomes the entire GLBT community -- and our straight friends. We'd love to
help revolutionize the gay culture in New York, to create atmospheres where men and women
and our straight friends all have a fantastic time... together. Join us!
What are your members really like? Am I going to fit in?
The BUMS, as they're affectionately known, have developed a reputation for being some of
the most down-to-earth, friendly, genuine, personable, and just plain cool people in NYC.
We're not a typical gay crowd. Check out our testimonials page and see for yourself!
I haven’t been skiing / snowboarding in years. Is everyone going to laugh at me?
Of course not! SKI BUMS welcomes everyone, from those who are completely new to skiing
and boarding, to those who might feel just a little rusty. We even plan an annual trip, "Bunny
Hill," for those who want get on skis or a board for the very first time. It's a great way to
introduce a friend to skiing and boarding -- in a fun, easy-going atmosphere -- where we can
all happily laugh at ourselves.
What percentage of your members ski / snowboard?
About two-thirds of our members only ski, and one-third
snowboard, but many do both. If you're eager to learn to board,
you'vecome to the right place. We've got a whole group of skiers
who are making the transition into snowboarding, much to
the delight of our die-hard boarders!
What is the skill level of the membership?
Currently, about 25% of our members have identified themselves
as beginners, 40% are intermediate, and 35% are advanced. There are
always plenty of other people at your same skill level for you to enjoy making new friends on
the slopes! One important note: We do not recommend this season's trip to Jackson Hole
for beginner skiers or boarders. Its terrain is more challenging than most, and has relatively
few beginner trails.
For our 2007 season, we had just over 450 dues-paying members, and we maintain an active
mailing list of over 2,000 GLBT skiers and snowboarders. To our knowledge, SKI BUMS is the
world's largest GLBT skiing and snowboarding club.
Where do you go?
All over the world! In 2006, we took extended trips to Switzerland, Colorado, Utah, Vermont
and more. In 2007, in addition to a fun series of daytrips, we visited Whistler, Vail, Stratton,
Lake Tahoe, Mount Snow and Salt Lake City. Visit the Group Trips page to learn all about our
destinations for 2008, which include Jackson Hole, Park City, Killington and Telluride.
Are there men and women in SKI BUMS? Can straight people join the group?
Yes, SKI BUMS welcomes the entire GLBT community -- and our straight friends. We'd love to
help revolutionize the gay culture in New York, to create atmospheres where men and women
and our straight friends all have a fantastic time... together. Join us!
What are your members really like? Am I going to fit in?
The BUMS, as they're affectionately known, have developed a reputation for being some of
the most down-to-earth, friendly, genuine, personable, and just plain cool people in NYC.
We're not a typical gay crowd. Check out our testimonials page and see for yourself!
I haven’t been skiing / snowboarding in years. Is everyone going to laugh at me?
Of course not! SKI BUMS welcomes everyone, from those who are completely new to skiing
and boarding, to those who might feel just a little rusty. We even plan an annual trip, "Bunny
Hill," for those who want get on skis or a board for the very first time. It's a great way to
introduce a friend to skiing and boarding -- in a fun, easy-going atmosphere -- where we can
all happily laugh at ourselves.
What percentage of your members ski / snowboard?
About two-thirds of our members only ski, and one-third
snowboard, but many do both. If you're eager to learn to board,
you'vecome to the right place. We've got a whole group of skiers
who are making the transition into snowboarding, much to
the delight of our die-hard boarders!
What is the skill level of the membership?
Currently, about 25% of our members have identified themselves
as beginners, 40% are intermediate, and 35% are advanced. There are
always plenty of other people at your same skill level for you to enjoy making new friends on
the slopes! One important note: We do not recommend this season's trip to Jackson Hole
for beginner skiers or boarders. Its terrain is more challenging than most, and has relatively
few beginner trails.
| HOME | PHOTO GALLERY | TRIPS | SOCIAL EVENTS | LODGE | FAQ | LINKS | TESTIMONIALS | MAILING LIST in the lodge: THE DAILY FLAKES | EASIER WAY CAFÉ | FRESHIES | THE YARD SALE BECOME A MEMBER | SIGN UP FOR A TRIP | CONTACT US |
Copyright 2007, SKI BUMS.
| SKI BUMS has been featured here: Time Out NY Instinct Next HX Realjock.com Queersighted.com OUT Q on SIRIUS Radio |