By Tori Wittenbrock
Associate Sports Editor
GREEN BAY – The Green Bay Ski Club, Gelandesprung, is excited to kick off the 2023-24 winter season. Gelandesprung is a non-profit group that has been in existence since 1969 that brings together members of the community for skiing and snowboarding. Members of the club include downhill and cross-country skiers as well as snowboarders. Each year, the club sponsors trips to the west and in the Midwest region, holding three banquets.
However, they do more than just celebrate the cold Wisconsin winters seasons. During the summer months members bike, golf and picnic together.
Gelandesprung’s slogan is “Going Downhill Since 1969”.
This year, the west trip is going to Big White Resort in Canada, following last season’s trip to Utah, skiing four different resorts. Previous to that trip the group traveled to Big Sky Montana. An average trip has 60-80 people and is a week long.
Many of the trips Gelandesprung takes in the Midwest region are weekend trips to locations such as the Afton Alps and Welch Village.
This year the club members are going to Searchmont Resort, just over the border from Sault Ste, Marie.
Marketing manager Claudia Elsner has been a part of the club for seven years.
“People join the club to meet other skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts to enjoy the fun of the sports. Abilities range from beginner to experts and all levels in-between,” said Elsner.
“There are no weekly or monthly requirements. We hold two banquets and a holiday party each year which are completely optional.”
Elsner said that the goal of the club is to unite people within the community of Green Bay who love to ski and participate in outdoor activities, but do not have the time or the means to organize trips.
“Planning any trip can be a daunting task. It is even more complicated with a ski trip. As a member of the Gelandesprung Ski Club all you need to do is write a check. All the planning is already done for you,” said Elsner.
Trip costs include airfare, lift tickets, buses, accommodations in a hotel or condo, some meals and two club parties during the trip.
“Each year we go to a different resort. Past trips have taken us to Utah, Colorado, Nevada and Montana. The average trip size is about 60-80 people of all levels of experience, so everyone always has someone to ski with. This year we are venturing up into Canada to Big White Resort,” said Elsner. “As a member of the Gelandesprung Ski Club you also have access to participating in the trips sponsored by the Sly Fox Ski Club of the Fox Valley.”
Summer activities are also in popular demand among members of the Gelandesprung club. These activities include three local bike rides in Door County, Maribel and Ledgecrest Winery.
All members must be 21 years of age and annual membership is $25.
For more information regarding club activities, visit Gelandesprung.org. A link to the monthly newsletter can be found at this site.