Buffalo Ski Club
Celebrating 75 years of fast downhill fun
by CHRISTOPHER GORDON Orchard Park Editor

Oke Johannsen, a director of the Buffalo Ski Club, is beginning his 42nd year with the organization.

Johannsen, who was born in Germany, moved to Kenmore when he was young and joined the Ski Club in 1965.

According to Johannsen, the organization is a family club and due to its age, now has three generations of families who have joined.

"You can come with your little kids and ski," said Johannsen, adding that every member looks out for the children, so if parents want to take a break, they can go eat or get a drink and know their children are being attended to.

The Buffalo Ski Club was formed in 1931 when eight families from Bavaria, Germany came together to share their love of skiing.

The club was originally based in Holland, but in the 1950s, purchased property at its current location on Lower East Hill in Colden. Later, it purchased another Lower East Hill property, which was below the Sitzmarker Lodge. That lodge housed the Sitzmarker Club. In 1991, the two clubs merged and then in 2004, the Buffalo Ski Club acquired Ski Tamarack, which is in the same area. Thus, the Buffalo Ski Club consists of three lodges, 40 trails and six lifts. There are also ski lessons available for children and adults, with more than 50 certified instructors, as well as a nursery.

Orchard Park resident Howy Holmes, who works on the club's marketing team and has served on the board of directors, has been a member for nearly 25 years. Holmes said the cost of lessons is a separate fee from the membership costs, but he added that with the instructors that the club offers, it is worth it.

"We have a substantial school," said Holmes, noting that there are several forms of ski lessons that are available, including freestyle.

According to Johannsen, some children start lessons as early as age 3, but he said that there are many adults who take lessons as well.

"There were over 300 kids in our lesson program (last year)," said Johannsen, who noted that there are about 600 families who are members of the Buffalo Ski Club.

Each year, there are also racing teams and, according to Holmes, the racers take on other area racing teams throughout the winter.

"Every week there is a race at one of the clubs," said Holmes, who noted that the Buffalo Ski Club is the oldest continuous private ski club in the United States.

He said there are members from places such as St. Catherines, Ontario because this is the closest ski club to them.

Johannsen said there are members from almost every community in Western New York.

"We get people to stay," said Holmes. "Their kids grew up here."

He said Larry Erb, originally a member of the Sitzmarker Club, is the longest current member. He joined in 1947.

And the club has one member - John Hoffman - who remains an active skier at age 91.

The club offers a varied terrain, appealing to beginners as well as experienced skiers.

Johannsen noted that skiers do not need to be members of the club, but he said there are substantial discounts for joining the organization.

Part of the membership fees include access to events, including German and Italian Night.

"I wouldn't be a member for 42 years if it wasn't what I say it is," said Johannsen.

One of the lodges offers catered food, and the other two are available for those who want to bring food to cook.

The club is open from noon to 10 p.m. Wednesdays, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Thursdays , from 5 to 10 p.m. Fridays, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturdays and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays.

For more information on memberships, or for directions, visit www. bscskiarea. com.

Buffalo Ski Club

The club is open from noon to 10 p.m. Wednesdays, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Thursdays , from 5 to 10 p.m. Fridays, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturdays and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays at Lower East Hill Road, Orchard Park. For directions, visit www.bscskiarea.com.