The Founding Years

Sterling Ski Club was founded at the Sterling House Community Center in Stratford, Connecticut in the Fall of 1937 by six enthusiastic skiers. The first officers were Jack Kelly (President), Ann Darak (Secretary-Treasurer), Mrs. Ernest Greenwood (Vice President), with Stanley Starczyk and Casey Jones on the advisory committee. Ski instructor George Earle, who later became coach of the Syracuse University ski team, offered guidance to the tiny group.

With ski areas few and distant, and little snow that first winter, a novel pre-season ski course was developed in Fall 1938—a dry ski slope constructed from a picnic table covered with straw at Sterling House. To the rest of the community, these early Sterlingites were clearly "mental cases," but that didn't stop the founding fathers (and mothers).

After being in existence only five years, Sterling was temporarily disbanded during World War II, then reformed in the post-war era and has been going strong ever since.

Growth & Recognition

In 1947, Sterling sponsored its first John Jay ski film showing to raise funds for a permanent lodge. So popular were these movies that Sterling rented Klein Memorial Auditorium to accommodate sell-out crowds. The films continued for 25 years and always earmarked profits to support the National Ski Patrol and Olympic Ski Team.

In 1949, the Club built a float for the first Barnum Festival Parade, winning first place as "Most Original." By 1953, membership reached 100 and Sterling established winter headquarters on an estate in Stockbridge, Massachusetts close to Jimmy Peak.

1954 marked a milestone—Sterling purchased its first ski lodge in Stratton, Vermont. In 1956, Sterling won the Robert St. Louis Trophy for outstanding ski instruction, and in 1957 hosted 800 skiers at the Eastern Ski Association Convention, winning the prestigious Miller Hi-Life Trophy as the outstanding ski club in the Eastern division.

Two Lodges Established

In 1959, Sterling purchased land in West Brattleboro, Vermont and began building a larger lodge. Within eight years the mortgage was paid off. In 1974, the Club purchased a lodge at the base of Sugarbush North (then Glen Ellen Mountain) in Fayston, Vermont—establishing the two-lodge tradition that continues today.

The 70s saw Sterling become involved in float building for the Barnum Festival as a fundraising activity, winning top prizes for design excellence. Sterlingites maintained active race programs through the 70s, 80s, and 90s, with many current members having grown up in the club.

The 80s brought community involvement—Special Olympics support, playground construction at Sterling House, and continuous lodge renovations and upgrades.

Renewal & Modernization

The 1990s saw membership decline from 600+ to under 300 as members aged. Starting in 2001, new members reinvigorated the club. In 2005, a Development Committee created strategic plans to improve financial viability and attract a new generation.

A new website launched in 2011, followed by major lodge renovations in 2011-2012. The Southern Vermont Lodge received a new kitchen, water pump, egress improvements, and wireless internet. The Sugarbush Lodge got a new chimney, vaulted ceiling, carpeting, and expanded parking.

A New Chapter

In 2015, the Club sold the Brattleboro Lodge and purchased a new property just 1/2 mile from Mt Snow Resort. After extensive renovations completed in December 2015, the new lodge opened with 10 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, and 2 kitchens. Membership grew to over 500.

From 2016-2019, the Glen Ellen Lodge lower level was completely renovated. In 2019-2020, major fire safety improvements were made at the Mt Snow Lodge. The club navigated through COVID-19 in 2020 under President Meral Prewitt's leadership.

Recent years have seen continued improvements: new Glen Ellen roof, shower, kitchen flooring, new heating system, and exterior painting; Mt Snow Lodge received a new roof, major electrical upgrade, new 3rd floor bathrooms, and the start of residing the building. Sterling Ski Club continues to evolve while honoring its rich heritage.