Issue 19 A Periodic Bulletin of Ski Club Hochgebirge October 4, 2023

This is a special edition of the Hochie Hearsay.

One of our members has put forward a proposal regarding dogs at the Hochie Hilton. Current policy does not allow dogs, so the proposal is to make a change to this policy. Included below you will find the argument in favor and the argument not in favor in the point/counterpoint section. Please read both of these before voting.

We are asking that you vote on both parts* of this proposal.

This is an issue that will affect all Members so please make sure you vote!

Thanks for your participation.

* if you are voting via a mobile device, after voting on the 1st question your device will be directed to a new window thanking you. You will then need to return to this Hearsay to vote on the second question.

Background:

There are club members who would like to use the Hilton, but they don't come to the house because of the current dog policy.

There are also club members who currently use the Hilton, but who would stop coming to the club if dogs are allowed when other members are there.

Member Proposal Regarding Dogs at the Hilton

1) Non Exclusive: 

a. The basement room with the beds to the left of the basement stairs would be designated for dog owners. Dog owners using this room must register and pay for their dog which would be the same fee as for an adult family member. 

b. If there are members present that are allergic to dogs, the dog must remain in the basement and only enter and exit the Hilton via the stairway that directly accesses the basement from the outside. 

 c. Dogs cannot be left unattended. Any dog with a bite history is not allowed on the property at any time.

d. Dog owners will purchase an air filtration unit.

2) Member Exclusive

a. dogs are permitted when the house is rented for a member exclusive

Point / Counterpoint

Dogs at the Hilton: Point

The revenue problems that were stressed during the 2022 annual meeting caused me to consider other sources of income that could be available to the club. A revised dog policy would create an additional source of income. There have been a number of times in the summer when my family would have liked to use the Hilton as a base for hiking the Franconia area. When we hike we enjoy taking our dog with us. Additionally we would like to use the Hilton on an exclusive basis for large family gatherings. But because the current dog policy does not permit dogs we have not used the club. 

A revised dog policy should address both the skiing season and the off season. 

Chuck Traver

Dogs at the Hilton: Counterpoint

As members decide whether to allow dogs at the Hochie Hilton, please take the following into account before you vote:

  • Dogs and allergies 

  • The idea that dog dander and hair residual on furniture and carpets can trigger unpleasant or unmanageable allergic reactions can seem unlikely for anyone without severe allergies. Unfortunately, this is the case for members of my family and likely other club members as well and there is no way around it. In fact, our family has avoided visiting close relatives with pets for exactly this reason. The Hilton belongs to all members equally and we should respect each other’s health concerns. 

  • An unrealistic solution 

  • The suggestion that dogs will be confined to basement room while non-dog owning members are at the Hilton sounds reasonable until you consider the following:

  • Dogs will let their opinion about confinement be known by barking, scratching at the door or, in the case of several dogs being confined to the basement at once, providing an orchestra of protest. The likely result - dogs given compassionate release and roaming the house. 

  • Please consider the scenario in which non-dog-owning members choose to stay at the Hilton during a ski day while dog owners head to the mountain. Rather than leaving their dog in their vehicle at sub-zero temperatures, dog owners may decide to leave their dog in the basement. What can you expect from confined animals for 6+ hours? More protests left for SCH members to deal with in the absence of owners.

  • Exclusive member rental policy (optional - might not need it)

  • This part of the proposal is less objectionable from my point of view. The rentals are in warmer months with more outside-the-house activities, and the house is opened up more.

Nick de Sherbinin

The Questions

1) Should Dogs be permitted in the Hochie Hilton when other members are staying at the Hilton?

2) Should Dogs be permitted when the house is rented for a member exclusive?

Calendar

11/4 & 5/23 Fall Work Weekend

12/05/23 Annual Meeting and Dinner

01/20/24 Hochgebirge Challenge Cup Race

01/08-18/24 UNH Alpine Ski Team exclusive at the Hilton

Reminders

  1. Invoices will be going out soon for the 2023–24 annual dues. It's important that you pay this promptly before the end of December 2023.

  2. Invitations to our annual meeting will be sent to you in November. The annual meeting/dinner is scheduled for Tuesday December 5th and will be held at the Tavern Club in Boston. The speaker will be William Lynn Executive Director of the Herreshoff Marine Museum. It is our hope that you respond affirmatively and come to the annual meeting/dinner.