Become a member of Opal Ski Club | Opal Ski Club, Mt Buller

how to become a member

Background Information

How to Become a Member

The first step to becoming a Member of Opal Ski Club is to spend as much time at the lodge as possible with current members, either over the winter months or during the summer biking/hiking season, work parties and social events.

Once you become familiar with Club Members you can ask to be nominated for an Associate Membership with the payment of the annual subscription fee. By becoming an Associate Member of Opal, you can enjoy unrestricted use of the lodge facilities for you, your family and friends all year round, enjoy Club social events and get involved in summer work parties.

After 12 months as an Associate Member, a current Member can nominate you for Full Member status. Your nomination will be submitted at the next committee meeting for approval. Upon acceptance, as a Full Member you're welcome to contribute to a wide range of initiatives and the management the Club.
Membership Privileges
- Access to Opal Ski Club amenities and contribute to Club culture.
- Discounted winter and summer rates for adults and children.
- Priority booking for winter season from 1 April and summer season.
- Secure ski and snowboard storage.
- Secure personal effects locker.
- Access to purchase a winter onsite parking permit: share one of four car parks allocated to the lodge (subject to availability).
- Exclusive weekend accommodation packages in summer.
- Sleeping bag and bedding storage.
- Invitation to Annual Club Weekend and other social functions.
- Invitation to participate in the annual Club Championship ski race.
- Quarterly Club newsletter.
- Opportunity to attend Committee meetings, Special and Annual General Meetings.
- Opportunity to join the Committee.
Member Responsibilities
- Be aware of the operation and management of the lodge, ie opening, closing and general operation.
- Be familiar with the Lodge Manager’s role and be prepared to act as designated Lodge Manager when required.
- Understand the Club’s Constitution and its By-laws & Rules.
- Make an active contribution to the Club, including the Committee.
- Regular participation at work parties at the lodge and club social events.
Membership Categories

Full Member Any Associate A or Associate B, who has been an Associate Member for not less than 12 months, shall be eligible to be nominated as a Full Member.

Associate Member The spouse of a Member and any child of a Member under the age of 16 years is entitled to use all the facilities of the Club on the same terms and conditions as would be appropriate to a Member.

Class A Associate Any child of a Member who has reached the age of 18 years but who has not attained the age of 30 years shall be eligible to be nominated for election as a Class A Associate Member.

Class B Associate Any person who has reached the age of 16 years shall be eligible to be nominated as a Class B Associate Member (eligible for Full Membership after 1 year).

Social Member Any Full, Associate A or Associate B Member shall be eligible to be nominated for election as a Social Member.

Life Member Members whose lifetime contribution to the Club has been recognised by the committee.

Joining & Annual Subscription Fees

FULL MEMBERSHIP ONCE OFF JOINING FEES
Joining Fee: $6,000
Debenture: $1,050

ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION FEES
Primary: $980 (early bird discount: $930)
Spouse and any child of a Primary Member under the age of 18: $0
Class A Associate (aged 18-25): $235 (early bird discount: $220)
Class B Associate (aged 26-30): $390 (early bird discount: $370)
Social Member: $0
Life Member: $0

Subscriptions are due 1 December each year.

Prices current as at 1 November 2024 and are subject to change.
Work Parties

At Opal, our Club was literally built by its members. We carry on that tradition by requiring members to attend the lodge at least one weekend a year to undertake maintenance work and any additional new work that has been planned. This provides the opportunity for members to catch up and socialise outside the confines of the winter season. Prospective members can meet some of our existing members in an informal setting and discover more about the Club and its history.
Club Weekend

The annual Club Weekend, held in August for Full Members only, is the highlight of the Opal calendar: the Club Champion is decided and celebrated with dinner.

The inaugural Club Championship race was held in 1967 (won by founding member Kevin Johnston) and since then has been held every year except for when there was insufficient snow and the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021. The race is run under handicap rules, so every member has an equal chance of winning and getting their name on the ski trophy that adorns the living room. In more recent years, trophies have also been awarded to the Fastest Male and Fastest Female.

Since 2003, The President’s Award is also announced at the Club Weekend. The annual award recognises the significant contribution to the Club by a member or members.
Member Social Events

Along with the Club Weekend, various other social events are held throughout the year. Usually held in Melbourne, these gatherings include a Christmas function and a pre-ski season dinner and are open to all membership categories.

Membership

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