# Save Nipmuc Ski Club — Help Them Fight to Keep Skiing Alive in Webster

For 70 years, kids and families in the community have learned to ski on the same hillside off Thompson Rd. in Webster. Nipmuc Ski Club is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, run entirely by volunteers — including board members who pay dues out of pocket just to keep this organization alive. Every year they host 4+ free Learn to Ski programs and 4-6 free community shows at Memorial Beach, all at no cost to the public.

Right now, they're fighting to save all of it.

## What's Happening

In March 2026, the Town of Webster officially contacted them via certified letter. Since then, they've been working in good faith with both the Town and MassDOT — which owns the land they've used for seven decades — to address their requests and stay in compliance. They believed they were clear to move forward with their season as long as they kept working through the Town's requests. Meanwhile, the club was placed on the agenda of multiple town meetings without being notified, so no one from Nipmuc had the chance to attend or speak on their own behalf.

In June, they learned of one of these meetings after the fact and reached out directly to the Town Administrator. He told them he needed time to think through next steps and would follow up. In good faith, they continued business as usual, waiting to hear back.

Then, right before the 4th of July weekend, "No Parking" signs went up on the property — followed by word from the Town Administrator that a cease and desist was coming, and that he believed the state would follow suit. It turned out he was referring to cease and desist letters issued directly by the Town.

## Where They Are Now

They're doing everything right: working with MassDOT to address their concerns and hopefully win approval to resume activity for the 2027 season, while simultaneously filing a zoning appeal with the Town. That hearing is scheduled for **September 8th at 6:00 PM**.

None of this is cheap. They're now facing significant legal fees to:

- Appeal the zoning decision

- Communicate and negotiate with both the Town and the State

- Hire an environmental engineer to address the Town's concerns

- Keep the organization afloat through a process they didn't choose and can't control

## Why It Matters

This fight isn't really about them — it's about the kids. Kids who love to ski. Kids who love teaching other kids to ski. Kids who show up to volunteer at Learn to Ski days for free, and who look forward all year to performing in their shows for the community. This is their club, built by generations of volunteers before them, and they're not ready to let it disappear over a process that's left them blindsided at every turn.

## How You Can Help

Every dollar raised goes directly toward legal and engineering costs required to keep Nipmuc Ski Club's home on Thompson Rd. alive for the 2027 season and beyond. As a registered 501(c)(3), **they can provide a tax donation letter for your gift.**

They know times are tight for everyone. But if you're able to give anything — $5, $20, $100 — it goes straight toward protecting seven decades of community, free programming, and a whole lot of kids who just want to keep skiing.

**Please, please, please consider donating. Every bit helps them keep fighting for this club and these kids.**

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*Nipmuc Ski Club, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.*