Out of the 48 ski areas that are situated in New York State, Ski Venture is among the most unique. First opened in 1937, the ski area is only open to members. Unlike the exclusive private ski resorts across the country though, joining this co-op isn’t expensive. While memberships are limited, a family season pass only costs $100. Members can come and ride the lifts anytime they want, meaning some stay past midnight to get their turns in.
Over the past two winters, Wildline Media Productions has captured the story of Ski Venture. Take Me to SkiVenture discusses what makes this ski area different, and the people that make it operate each winter. Cheers to Ski Venture and the independent ski areas across North America for keeping skiing and riding affordable.
Film Description via Wildline Media: Take Me To SkiVenture is a short documentary-style ski film filmed over two winters between 2022-2023. It tells the story of SkiVenture, a Ski Co-op started in 1937 tucked away in the West Glenville hills—not geography associated with incredible skiing. It’s 110 feet, tow rope accessed, and all natural snow. A family can ski there for $100 a season. Since the beginning, SkiVenture has been member owned, member operated, and member loved.
As the commercial ski industry continues to be defined by wealth and privilege, by luxury and exclusivity, SkiVenture is defying every expectation of what makes for a supreme skiing experience and it’s keeping the soul of skiing alive. Take Me to Ski Venture offers an alternative model of skiing, one just as epic and just as rowdy. A model that brings us back to the joy and magic of skiing. If it’s possible here, in this tiny corner of upstate New York, maybe it’s possible elsewhere. Maybe there is another way.
After all, skiing has never been just about skiing.
Image/Video Credits: Wildline Media Productions, SkiVenture
