What's Due's Got To Do With It?

Article from the NationalSki Club Newsletter

In a word, everything, We are a not-for-profit, just-for-fun social club. According to the IRS, to be considered a club, among other requirements-- you must collect dues. And for good reason: With a not-for-profit club, your dues are our means of paying for things like your newsletter, club parties, social events, information hotlines, our trip catalouge, etc. Plain and simple; your dues are the clubs means to give our volunteer board of directors the financial resources they need to serve you as best as they can on a limited budget.

So what about the proliferation of supposed ski "clubs" that do not charge dues? How can they afford to operate? First and formost, they are not really clubs -- particulary in the eyes of the IRS. They are businesses-- usually travel agencies or very small tour operators. Their costs are simply built into their prices. They are for-profit operations.

So how can these for-profit organizations who don't charge dues and pay taxes offer trips that on the surface look very comparable to a legitimate ski club? The key phrase here is "on the surface". Dig a little deeper and you will see the difference. Are their trips leaving on a weekend or a weekday? Are they for a full week? Are the accommodations near the lifts? Are they first class? How many people per room? What level of service and accommodations are you willing to settle for? Are their trip leaders trained dedicated volunteers who give of themselves for the sheer love of skiing and the ski club? Will they hold a never-ever's hand and take them to the ski school for the first time?

Does their trip offer fun-filled apre ski activities or are you on your own once you get to the mountain? Compare your club with the "for profit" fakes and you will appreciate what you have.

By Shawn Lingle, Past President, Tampa Bay Snow Skiers