Ernie Taylor gets strange looks when he tells people at Chickamauga Lake or on the slopes of the Rocky Mountains he is vice president of the Chattanooga Ski Club.

He said once the listener gets over the shock of there being a Ski Club in Tennessee, Taylor reveals what he considers to be the best-kept secret in Chattanooga.

“The club’s easily 30 years old,” Taylor said. “Basically, it started as a group of people with mutual interests. It’s grown to be more than just a ski club.”

Members of the Chattanooga Ski Club travel to Snowmass resort on Aspen Mountain in Colorado to pit their skills against the snowy slopes.

Taylor said members meet the first Tuesday of each month in the Stadium Club at Finley Stadium for a social hour at 6 p.m. followed by a business meeting at 7. The July 7 meeting will be when the club’s trips for the next season are announced.

“Some of the trips fill up very quickly, within a month or two after they are announced,” Taylor said. “This year there will be a trip to Canada, Utah, Nevada, the Northeastern United States and a European trip, probably Spain.”

Taylor said the club has 191 memberships, including individuals and family, which totals to about 273 members from all over the region and nation. With an average of 30-40 slots available only to Chattanooga Ski Club members or Crescent Ski Council members, Taylor said it’s beneficial for interested participants to register early.

John Rollins, past trip chairman, said the payments for each trip differ according to location and accommodation, but are made in installments. Trips are generally all-inclusive, but excursions, sometimes lift tickets and food cost extra.

“It’s your vacation,” Rollins said. “The whole idea of our trips is that you’re an adult and you take care of yourself.”

Taylor said there is a lot of camaraderie between participants and usually a new member will leave a trip with too many new friends to count. Sometimes members will attend, but choose not to ski, preferring to travel or rest and enjoy the scenery.

There is not an itinerary. Participants are free to enjoy the vacation at their own pace.

“There’s a huge advantage to going with a group,” Taylor said. “With group rates we’re able to get we can save people money. Someone’s in charge so you can just relax and you make friends.”

Taylor said there is also a support system for learning skiers and those injured during a trip. Taylor said the club has evolved to incorporate the passions of active outdoor enthusiasts. In spring, summer and fall, the club offers distractions in the form of bicycle trips, hikes, cruises and charity events.

The Chattanooga Ski Club participated in the Dragon Boat races and raised $3,000 for T. C. Thompson Children’s Hospital.

Taylor said the club is for all ages and joining costs an initial $25 plus the annual fee of $25, but opens residents to a plethora of outdoor events and opportunities.