Message from the president of the Bank-Fund Ski Club.

Message from Ski Club President, Frona Hall

 

The oldest club in the Bank is the Fund-Bank Ski Club.  It was originally started in about 1967 in the Fund back in the days when ski boots were made of leather and were laced up.  Skis had at least progressed from wood to metal by then but were long - between 6 feet and 6 feet 6 inches.  Security bindings did not provide an awful lot of protection against bone breaks.  Snowboards weren’t invented.  Heavy wool clothing attempted to keep the body from freezing on the slow, exposed chair lifts.  The limitations of the equipment and resort infrastructure and the cold conditions were made up for by the enthusiasm of the members who would think nothing of setting off in a bus for an overnight drive to one of the New England resorts – plenty of wine and cheese to help sleep on the way up and exhaustion to help with the return. 

 

Fast forward 40 years.  The Club is still going strong.  Equipment, whether skis or snowboards, makes learning a breeze, provides high tech release devices, and can even be waiting for you on arrival thanks to the wonders of the internet.  The bus trips have given way to flights to the Rockies and Europe.  The enthusiasm and camaraderie has remained constant.  The Club runs five trips a winter from an early season mini-week to a 10-day Alpine experience.  People of all abilities, from beginner to hot-dogger can sign up for all the trips.  The club welcomes members and retirees of the Bank and Fund as well as their families, guests and friends.  To view the upcoming season’s trips and for more information thereon, please consult the website at http://staff.worldbank.org/skiclub

ANK Sept 2007