About this Club

Established in 1938, the Watchung Amateur Ski Club is the oldest ski club in New Jersey. The beginning of ski clubs in New Jersey dates to the late 1930's, when a small group of visionaries realized the potential of the sport in a state that has no “real” mountains. Because of the growing popularity of cross-country skiing and jumping, Francis S. Mathewson, who was director of recreation for the Union County Park Commission at the time, began readying ski sites at Warinanco Park in the Watchung Reservation. In 1935, Mathewson inaugurated the first of several annual cross country races held in the Watchung Reservation.

Soon thereafter, Mathewson recognized the need for a structured organization that could serve the public's growing interest in the sport. He approached Erling Omland who, along with Theodore Pistor, William Frutchey, Richard Wade and Thomas Huitfeldt, agreed to form the state’s first ski club. On December 8, 1938, in the Union County Park Commission Administration Building in Elizabeth, the Watchung Amateur Ski Club had its first meeting. Their first trip, to Mt. Mansfield in Vermont, was held just a few weeks later.

Today, the Watchung Amateur Ski Club carries on the great tradition established by its founders: that the good conversation and camaraderie that happens not only on the slopes, but during the “getting there and back” on Watchung’s trips, is an integral part of what makes the WASC experience so unique, and so meaningful. This is a warm, open and welcoming group whose members are singles, couples, married people and families, of all ages, from beginners to experts—and whose common bond is simply a great love of the sport.

The Watchung Amateur Ski Club meets at 8:30pm (doors open at 8:00pm for socializing) every Thursday at the Mountainside Elks Club, Route 22 East, Mountainside. For more information on trips, meetings and membership, email info@watchungskiclub.com, or visit the Club’s website, www.watchungskiclub.com.

Watchung Amateur Ski Club Contact Information

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Area Served

Members are from all over central NJ, including Essex, Somerset, Union and Morris counties. Weekend trips to the New England; day trips to New York and Pennsylvania, annual Western trip 7-10 days.

Meetings

The Watchung Amateur Ski Club meets at 8:30pm (doors open at 8:00pm for socializing) every Thursday at the Mountainside Elks Club, Route 22 East, Mountainside. For more information on trips, meetings and membership, email info@watchungskiclub.com, or visit the Club’s website, www.watchungskiclub.com.

Memberships

Annual dues for members is $40, junior members $1.00 (parents must be members.

Trips & Events

Weekly social/business meetings, Sunday Ski Bus trips, weekend trips, annual week-long trip out West, and social events including parties, pot luck dinners, hikes, bike rides, whitewater rafting trips, and other activities.

Upcoming Trips & Events

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Quick Facts
Year Started:	1938
Fee:	$40
Members:	115
Age Range:	6-80
Must Be 21?:
Has Racing Team:
Has Own Lodge:
Club Focus
Downhill:
Cross Country:
Snowboarding:
Telemark/Backcountry:
Extreme Skiing:
Club Caters to:
Singles:
Couples:
Seniors:
Families:
Kids:
Teens:
Disabled Skiers:
Men ONLY:
Women ONLY: