PROGRAMS

Four Seasons Northwest Ski Club

Join Four Seasons Northwest Ski Club and enjoy more than just ski and snowboard activities. Our activities also include, but are not limited to: Biking, Camping, Card Parties, Community Enhancement and Awareness Activities, Fund Raising, Golf, Hiking, Horseback Riding, Kayaking, Movies, Road Rallies, Snowmobiling, Social Events, Tennis, Theatrical Events, Volley Ball, White Water Rafting, and most anything that's brought to the table. We invite you to come join the fun!

Ages 18 & Over

Youth Ski & Snow Board

For those under the age of 18 we have an outstanding opportunity to have fun in the snow. The Youth Ski and Snow Board program is fully supervised and offered in only approved ski areas. More in depth program information.

Ages 6-17

HISTORY
Nestled between the Olympics and the Cascades, Seattle, Washington is the home base of the Four Seasons Northwest (FSNW) Ski Club. Western Washington area residents enjoy the convenience of Snoqualmie Pass, Crystal Mountain and Stevens Pass ski areas in close proximity. This closeness allows many to go skiing after work, take day trips, and make weekend jaunts to the mountains.
In 1973, FSNW was created to meet the special needs and interests of a growing number of African American skiers in the Pacific Northwest. FSNW is an outgrowth of the East Madison area YMCA Ski Program and Seattle’s Mini MAX Ski School- all initiated and/or operated by Joe Jones, the founder. In 1970, Mini MAX Ski School (Mini Skis for Maximum Fun) was born out of an economic and operational strategy associated with the immediate community based YMCA Ski Program. By contracting ski instruction to the East Madison YMCA and expanding its base to other youth and non-profit groups, Mini MAX made it possible to provide cost effective ski opportunities for people of color.

This idea was conceived at a time when the prevailing questions lingered, “Do Black Folks really ski? Why?” The perspective taken by the founder of FSNW was in response to all concerned about the value and worth of including people of color in nontraditional sports such as skiing, Why not? This direction was adopted not only by the original officers of the club, but throughout the country where a network of Black Ski Clubs were quickly emerging.

In 1973, during the first Black Summit held in Aspen, Colorado (and official beginning of the National Brotherhood of Skiers (NBS), FSNW was one of twelve Ski Clubs to become original chartered members. The purpose was to support and promote winter sports to minorities. Guided by this joint premise, FSNW operates under its own articles of incorporation and by-laws along with its featured motto: “Fun with Purpose”. FSNW activities are presented in an atmosphere of adventure and community.
FSNW is a member in the Western Region of NBS
membership, youth participants and the community-at-large, please accept our open invitation to become part of our efforts to build character, self-esteem and provide opportunities to youth and adults.