Greetings and welcome to the official website of Far West Ski Association. FWSA now covers ten Western states with eleven regional Councils and approximately 170 clubs with a combined membership of over 50,000. We are one of the largest associations of snow sports enthusiasts in the U.S. Through our activities and programs we have earned the title “The Voice of the Western Skier.” If you are a member of one of the clubs in the Far West family, you are automatically a member of FWSA. Please use this website to learn more about the benefits of belonging to Far West Ski Association.
The FWSA Travel Program is the most visible benefit we provide to our members. Each year in January we present the Far West Ski Week in North America. It is a fantastic ski trip with as many as 700 attending from all the councils. In March we provide a European Ski trip with 100 or more participants. We provide other trips throughout the year. Check out our Travel section to learn more about our scheduled trips to:
Whistler Ski Week, January 2008
France Ski Week, March 2008
Alaska Cruise, June 2008
Greece Island Tour, October 2008
Other trips will be posted on this website as plans are finalized and approved. There are also many exciting trips and activities sponsored by our member councils and clubs. These trips are listed in the Councils section of our website. The Far West racing program also has several trips planned, the Keystone National races in December, 2007 and the FWRA Championships in April, 2008 at Mammoth Mountain.
This year marks the fourth year of the FWSA membership card. The cards are distributed through our councils and clubs. We will be working throughout the year to provide added value to your FWSA membership. A list of member benefits can be found in the Membership section of this website and will be updated frequently. If you have not yet joined a club, you can find a listing of councils and clubs by accessing the Councils section of our website. If you are unable to find a club in your area, you may also join FWSA as an individual member. An application form is available under Membership.
Mark your calendars now for the 2008 FWSA Convention & Silent Auction to be held in Bellevue, Washington, June 5-8, 2008. Check out the Convention section of our website for more details. You will find a listing of all the events and information on how to register to attend. Each year at the Convention, FWSA presents awards to volunteers and the ski industry for their contributions to our organization and the skiing public. A complete listing of the recipients of all awards can be found in the Awards section of this website.
There are several opportunities for our industry partners to participate in the programs offered through FWSA. The first is to exhibit in the Silent Auction at the annual FWSA Convention held each year in June. The second is to take advantage of one of the Sponsorship programs offered by Far West. Third, is to participate in our Member Benefits program and fourth, is to advertise in the Annual Far West Skier’s Guide. I ask all members to show your appreciation to our industry partners who provide benefits by visiting their ski areas and using their products. Be sure to let them know that you are a member of FWSA and thank them for their support.
Far West Ski Association is an advocate for all skiers and snowboarders. We have joined with the National Ski Areas Association to promote responsible ski area development through our official endorsement of the NSAA’s Environmental Charter and our support for their “Sustainable Slopes” objectives. Our goal is to effectively represent the interests of all of our members regarding issues that have an impact on the quality of their skiing experience. Frequent updates will be posted to the Public Affairs section of this website to keep you informed of our progress.
Our Community Service Program coordinates charitable and community activities at the Council and club levels. Information is available on three important programs: Special Olympics, The Jimmie Heuga Center and Disabled Sports, USA.
Most member councils have racing programs that are sanctioned by Far West Racing Association. You don't have to be an expert skier to race! Going around the gates will improve your skiing. Just ask any beginner racer. All racers are divided into different levels, so you ski against others who ski/board at your level. For more information about joining a race team, check with your club or log on to www.fwra.com. The 2008 FWRA Championships will be held at Mammoth Mountain, April 4-6, 2008.
Your Board of Directors, Trustees and committee volunteers are an exceptional team. They are all committed to making Far West Ski Association a stronger organization and a provider of outstanding service to our members. You can read more about our activities in our publications, the Annual Far West Skier’s Guide, The Councilman, or on this website. We value your suggestions. Please contact me or any other Board member and share your ideas.
Randy Lew
FWSA President
