TGSC

About T.G.S.C.
The Toronto Gay Ski and Snowboarding Club is now celebrating its tenth year with a full schedule of local day trips, extended out of province trips, parties and get togethers. An all-volunteer organization, it is open to all members of the queer community. Come join us on the slopes and in the chalets this winter!

How big is the club?
We have 268 members in the club at the beginning of the 2009/2010 season.

Rumour has it that all TGSC members are hot. Is this true?
Yes!

Is the club only open to men?
No. The majority of members are male, but we do have a growing number of lesbians joining the ranks. We encourage all members of the queer community to come out and have fun!

What does it cost to join the TGSC?
We have two levels of membership - Basic and Plus.

Basic membership is free. Incredible, eh? Basic members receive e-mails of all trips and events and are welcome to attend beer nights and dinners at no charge. Basic members can also attend local trips for $10 per trip.

Plus membership is $25 for the season and adds the following - no charge for local trips, ability to participate in out of town trips, invitation to the end of season party.

What are the benefits of joining the club?
Shall we state the obvious? Meeting new people, making friends, getting some cardio over the winter and having lots of fun.

Joining as a Plus member means less expensive out of town trips because of group rates

How often do club members go skiing locally?
We run ski trips to local hills (typically Blue Mountain, Mount St Louis and private hills) every weekend (weather permitting) from mid December until the end of March. We alternate Saturdays and Sundays for each trip. There is a $10 charge for joining a local trip if you are a Basic member. There is no charge for Plus members.

How are local trips organized?
Each trip is organized by a volunteer Trip Coordinator. About a week before each trip an e-mail is sent to all TGSC members reminding them of the upcoming trip, what hill we are planning to go to and who is organizing it. Members who want to go then e-mail the coordinator to let him/her know. Since we use car pooling to get to the hills, we'll need to know whether you can offer a ride or whether you need one. The Trip Coordinator then helps match people to cars. (It is expected that riders will split the cost of gas with drivers).

On the day of the trip, skiers rendezvous at a designated spot at the resort about the time lifts open (usually 9am) and head to the slopes together. People get together again for lunch and then again at the end of the day before heading home. Skiers arrange for their lift tickets and equipment rentals directly with the resort when they get there.

Gee, being a Trip Coordinator seems like an awesome job and easy too. How can I be one?
Just e-mail us at info@tgsc.ca.

Does the TGSC organize out of town trips?
Yes! These trips are restricted to Plus members. We have an annual trip to the Whistler Gay and Lesbian Ski Week (WinterPride) in March, as well as our annual trip to Québec City, also in March. Plans are also underway to add a Montréal trip...stay tuned for that!

For the Québec trips, TGSC puts together all-inclusive packages for members including transportation (bus or minivan), accommodation and lift tickets. Trips are organized to provide people with two or three full days of skiing over a weekend, depending on the trip. Travel is usually in the evenings, limiting the number of days people have to book off from work.

For the Whistler Gay Ski Week we recognize that there are so many ways to tailor your WinterPride experience that a one-size-fits-all TGSC trip package just doesn't work. Most members make their own flight arrangements. The TGSC organizes chalets for members heading out and all kinds of tips to save money on your trip - lowest cost lift tickets, rentals and surface transportation arrangements among others.

What if I have a great idea for a new out of town trip?
Give the Trip Committee a shout at info@tgsc.ca. We are always happy to get feedback on trips and even happier if you would be willing to volunteer your time to organize a new one.

Does the club have other social events beyond skiing?
Yes! We have monthly beer nights and dinners. As well, we organize parties and other events throughout the season. To volunteer to help organize these events, give us a shout at info@tgsc.ca.

Gosh, it's hard to believe all of this is run by volunteers. How can I help?
We'd love to have your help on one or more of our committees:

Membership and Events Committee: Marketing and outreach to grow the membership, web site development and fundraising. Organizing monthly social events, special events and parties. Organizing and raising money for the annual youth charity event. To volunteer, contact us at info@tgsc.ca.

Trips Committee: Scheduling and organizing both local and out of town trips and negotiating discounts and deals on trips. To volunteer, contact us at info@tgsc.ca.

How does the TGSC give back to the community?
Each March, the members of TGSC team up with Supporting Our Youth in sponsoring a ski and snowboarding day for queer youth. This important event provides the opportunity for disadvantaged youth to have fun, escape the city and even get some exercise. It also allows young men and women to spend some time with positive role models in our community. This event is fully funded by the membership of the TGSC.