Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the more common questions we get about the club.  Please feel free to contact us if you have more!

  • I am [ Gay / Lesbian / Bisexual / Transgender ], is this club right for me?
  • The answer is, emphatically, yes!  You can check with the trip leaders on each trip to see who is going on a particular trip...Or, better yet,  simply signup, go on the trip, have a great time, and meets lots of great people of all persuasions.
  • Can I bring a straight friend?
  • Yes, and members often do.  We are primarily about camaraderie during skiing and snowboarding events.  We are not a dating/singles club (though members make new friends of all kinds of course!).
  • Can I bring my child?
  • Only if he or she is an adult.
  • What happens if I have never skied / snowboarded before?
  • On all of our trips, there are a wide and diverse range of skiers/snowboarders from beginners to the more advanced.  Almost all resorts offer lessons, which we recommend for those just starting out. Let the trip leader and your roommates know — they will be happy to direct you to where you need to go.
  • What are the club demographics?
  • We do not explicitly track this.  It is a mix of men / women, couples / singles, skiers / riders, different ages and races. What we all have in common, generally, is that we love to slide on the snow, and we are friendly to anyone no matter what your demographic might be.
  • Where are most members from?
  • Besides San Francisco, we have members all around the SF Bay area — from San Jose to San Rafael, and from Fremont to Oakland, Berkeley, Walnut Creek, and Concord — and even a few in other Northern California locations like Santa Cruz, Monterey, Stockton, Sacramento, and Yuba City, to name just a few.

If you are interested in joining or receiving more information, you can click here.

  • What does SAGA stand for?
  • Nothing.  It's just the word "saga".
  • What happens if I go on a trip and there is [ too much snow / not enough snow / too hot / too cold ]?
  • Hey, that is part of the fun of skiing!  We are a social organization and we make the best of all situations.  Sometimes we generate heat and sometimes we generate cold.  But, always we have fun!  On rare occasions, if there just is not enough snow to ski or board, we will cancel the trip and issue refunds when possible.
  • Do other people in the club [ ski / snowboard / cross country ski / hike / roller skate / play cards ]?
  • Yes, we primarily do ski and snowboard events during the winter and outdoor activities, such as roller skating and camping during the summer.
  • How does SAGA North decide where to plan the trips?
  • Members volunteer to lead trips wherever they like.  It is up to you as a member to help out.  We are a diverse club and if you do it, they will come!
  • This is my first time.  How do I get my equipment?
  • All the resorts where we have trips have one or more shops where you can rent equipment. This usually takes about half an hour (or more if there is a large crowd). You can also rent in town and take the equipment with you, although this is less convenient. If this is your first time, the resort might exchange the lift ticket or voucher for a package deal that includes a limited lift ticket, equipment, and lessons that won't cost much more (if any) than the original lift ticket. When renting or buying equipment, boots are the most important to get a good fit, especailly for skiers — if your feet hurt, nothing else will matter. If you rent at the resort, it is easy to exchange a bad pair of boots.
  • This is my first time.  What do I need for clothing?
  • For inner wear, stick to synthetics, that will not collect moisture and lose it's warmth. (Avoid cotton.) Two to four, thin, but warm, layers of inner wear, both top and bottom, allows you to adjust to the weather conditions better than really heavy clothing.

    For outer wear, the most important feature is water-resistance for both the top and the bottom. A hood will come in handy if it gets stormy. While warmth is important, too much can be a problem -- you can always add more layers underneath when needed.

    Accessories to cover your hands, neck, head, eyes, and often even your face, are also necessary.

    And don't forget the sun block.