The Early Days
CJSC began in the early 1970s when a small group of friends who loved skiing started talking about forming a club. In those early days, members often skied together at Arrowhead, a small rope-tow ski area in the Wickatunk section of Marlboro, NJ, operated by the Red Bank YMCA.
The club held its first regular meeting on December 29, 1971, at the Andiron Inn. Membership cost just $7.50 per year, and the focus was simple: ski together, travel together, and have fun.
Finding the Lodge
As membership grew, the group began searching for a permanent ski lodge. After exploring locations throughout the Northeast, members found a property in Vermont — the same land the club owns today. The lodge and land were initially leased, with the long-term goal of ownership.
On September 17, 1975, the club was incorporated as a New Jersey non-profit known as the Central Jersey Ski Club (CJSC), with 13 original trustees (now the Board of Directors).
Building & Rebuilding
During negotiations with the property owner, the original lodge was destroyed by fire. An agreement was reached to rebuild, and in December 1976 the club purchased the property from Summit Development Corp. for $45,000.
Throughout the 1980s, the club expanded rapidly. A major lodge expansion added living space, kitchens, and bathrooms. By 1991, all mortgages and bond loans were fully paid off. In 1996, a new bond campaign funded additional improvements including safety exits and other upgrades.
The Club Today
Over the years, CJSC has offered countless trips to Vermont, out West, and to Europe. Membership peaked in the mid-1980s at more than 350 members, with as many as 13 bus trips per season. Traditions developed along the way — themed trips, shared responsibilities at the lodge, and a strong sense of community that continues today.
While the club has grown and evolved, the spirit remains the same: skiing together, supporting one another, and creating lasting friendships on and off the mountain.
Original Trustees (1975)
- John Albecker
- Pat Barnaba
- Bob Cahill
- George Callan
- Ernest (Ed) Collins
- Pete Kelleher
- Pat Kelley
- Fred Mueller
- Bernie Price
- Barry Rauff
- Bob Urban
- Eleanor White
- Randy Ziegler