New Member Page

Step One: Getting Started   Becoming a member of any new group can be intimidating. Talk with any long-time North Star member and they will assure you that there is high value in taking the time to become comfortable with this group. But be careful, you may find a new 'family'. Participate in as many events before the ski season as possible to assure that you'll see a familiar face on ski trips. Trail clearing outings are especially good to get to know people and build a core of friends. Introduce yourself to as many people as possible as a new member anxious to learn the ropes - North Stars love talking about the club and how to join in. Don't judge the club by a less than positive experience during one or two activities. The club is large, membership is diverse, and activities are varied. Each trip has a different leader, different destination, different level of physical activity and different overnight accommodations - from dorm style for the budget minded to luxury for a special treat.	Week Long Adventure in Ontario Garden Bike Tour Check the inside cover of the LOYPE newsletter for the name and phone number of the New Member Coordinator. Feel free to call the coordinator with any questions you may have regarding the club.
Step Two: Get Connected   There are several ways to receive information regarding trips, events, and other news North Stars find useful. Members automatically receive a printed newsletter, the LOYPE, that is published monthly during the ski season and bi-monthly the rest of the year. The LOYPE always includes an activity schedule. The web page provides a frequently updated schedule, information on meetings and other events, and current news in the Hot News section of the Home Page. Members may subscribe to a weekly news e-mail, the e-loype, to receive reminders about the week's upcoming activities, updates to exisitng trips, and weekly Singles Night Out (SNO) events. An electronic message board is available for members to post recreatiion and social activities that they plan to do and would like to invite others to join. Trips are posted directly by members without going through the club trips coordinator. These activities are not club sponsored trips. The message board is a member service. Midweek outings are hosted by the Wednesday Wanderer {WW} group. To get on their e-mail list contact Joan (651-481-9261) or e-mail joanc@usfamily.net	Step Three: Join an Activity   Club activities range from local day recreation outings to evening social events to weekend ski, hike, bike trips to extended U.S. and international trips. All recreation activities have one thing in common - a signed waiver is required. Waivers are available on the inside cover of the LOYPE or from the Trip Leader page. DAY TRIPS: Check the schedule for meeting instructions, call the leader if more information is needed and meet the group at the designated time and location. Water bottles are required for all recreation actities. Helmets are required for bike trips. OVERNIGHT TRIPS are restricted to members only. Leaders cannot guarantee that participants have a spot on the trip until they receive a signed waiver and deposit check. Winter trip reservations cannot be made until November 1st. The November general membership meeting is the annual winter trips sign-up event. At least 50% of trip spots will be held until the start of this meeting. For complete information regarding trip participation see the club's Trips Policy (as revised in 2007)   EXTENDED TRIPS (more than four days) fill up early so be sure to get your reservation form and deposit check sent to the trip leader as soon as possible. Extened trips for 2008 are:  Ski the Methow Valley, Washington, all club trip February 2-10, 2008.  Click here for trip announcement. Ski Canmore, Alberta, Canada, February 22 to March 1, 2008. Click here for announcement for this all club trip. Ski Norway March 2008 3/1-3/9, 2008, Hardangervidda National Park. 3/9-3/16, 2008, Sjusjöen: Click here for trip information.     SINGLES ACTIVIITES can be found in the main schedule designated {S}, in the singles events forum on the electronic bulletin board, and SNO (Singles Night Out) events in the weekly e-loype. If an overnight trip is full put your name on the waiting list and keep the weekend open. There is a good chance you may be able to get on the trip to fill a last minute cancellation due to illness or emergency.
Trip Type Designations   A: All club activities suitable for both singles and couples AK: Activities open to everyone but are suitable for families with young children S: Open to singles only WW: Wednesday Wanderer outings are a go every week - regardless of weather. These outings are open to anyone and always include an outdoor recreation. The specific recreation varies depending on weather; hiking, biking, skiing, snowshoeing, etc.	Wednesday Wanderers at Itasca State park
Ski Lessons/Beginner Skier Activities   Saturday, Dec. 8, 2007  Beginner/Intermediate/”Rusty Skier Needs Review” Ski Lessons.   Guaranteed on-snow lessons at Trollhaugen Ski Resort in Dresser, WI (about a 50-70 minute drive from the Twin Cities). Traditional ski lessons especially recommended for new members and those who want to brush up on their technique.   The class is all day from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. You will be out twice on snow and the class includes videotaping and numerous handouts. There will also be a short introduction to equipment and waxing techniques.   Teacher/student ratio 1/8 or lower. Cost is $24 with space for 25-30 participants. You need to bring a lunch; beverages and light snacks are provided.   You must be pre-registered -- no on-site registration! To register send waiver and a $24 check (payable to Bob O’Hara) to Bob at 6001 Goodrich Ave, St. Louis Park MN 55416. FFI: Bob, 952-927-0874 or e-mail Bobscanoe@comcast.net.   After Dec. 1, call for space availability.	Where to Ski & How to Find Snow   The Twin Cities often experience marginal snow conditions. This is one of the biggest advantages of being a member of the North Stars. Our experienced leaders are experts at finding the best snow conditions - whether it is early in the season to get in shape, later in the season to avoid melt-down areas, or finding that little known pocket that holds snow.   To assure you'll have a good ski season attend the November trip sign-up meeting and talk with our leaders. They each will have an information table to answer questions and take reservations - bring your checkbook!   Weekend trips generally go regardless of snow conditions. North Stars are resourceful and particularly adept at "making their own fun". You are sure to have a good time regardless of snow or weather conditions.   Click here for tips on finding snow, checking trail conditions, and picking a place to ski.