In 1937 Ventura County vision aries formed a club dedicated to the budding sport of downhill skiing. They secured a 99-year land lease in the Los Padres National Forest, located west of Frasier Park, and called themselves the Los Padres Ski Club. On that site the Club built a rope tow, powered by a gasoline engine, and a small warming hut. Over the ensuing years, the rope tow gradually fell into disuse as ski areas were developed throughout the state. All that remains now is the hut’s slab and the “bull wheel” and its supporting structure. But the spirit and dedication exhibited by our founders is just as evident today as it was then. Although now we ride to Mammoth in video buses, stay in condos with microwave ovens and VCR’s, and ride up the mountain in high-speed quad chairs, we still share the same dream…the exhilaration of the perfect ski run.
Los Padres Ski Club is committed to its membership to provide affordable recreation and trips. While affordable, our trips are still very accommodating for all. In the winter we usually plan at least five trips to Mammoth Mountain, approximately once each month November through April. We usually rent several units in a condominium complex in the town of Mammoth Lakes. The transportation is either by chartered bus or carpools depending on the number of attendees. The “bus trips” include transportation, lodging, and Saturday night’s meal and as members the cost is about $145-$180 for the weekend. The “carpool trips” do not include transportation and cost $75-$195.
In addition to the Mammoth trips we also plan at least two trips out-of-state.These trips are either extended weekends or an entire week in length. The destination and costs for these trips varies each year.
Our summer activities include monthly bike rides, open houses and camping trips. Additionally, we plan a trip to the Mammoth Lakes Jazz Festival each July.
The Los Padres Kern River Inner Tube Float Trip is the highlight of our summer season. This trip includes two days of floating on the Kern river near Bakersfield. The cost of camping and all meals are included as a part of this adventure.