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Information for Beginners

Although the SMTC is a private Club, non-Members may apply for temporary Membership on the Supplementary List which entitles them to ride in the early mornings on certain days. Groups are not accepted. Details are contained in the Memorandum on Supplementary Membership below.

Women are not permitted to ride the Cresta Run.

The Cresta Run is open (weather permitting) for SL Members on most weekdays from just before Christmas until the end of February, except on race days (normally one day a week and weekends). We hold School for Beginners on most practice days, but please note that both Beginners and SL Riders (i.e. those who have ridden before) should allow at least THREE practice days in order to ensure achieving 5 rides. The calendar for next season can be seen on the Races and Events page. Select the relevant year and month to view the fixture card.

A Beginner may book on-line to reserve a slot for his first day of riding. Thereafter he is no longer a Beginner, but an SL Rider.

All SL Members, both Beginners and those who have ridden before are advised to arrange insurance before arriving.

Riding fees are shown below.

Potential Beginners and SL Riders should be aware that none will be accepted during the AGM week (beginning Monday 9 February), when SL riding will be restricted to individuals such as sons or guests of Members who have come from afar. It may be necessary to apply the same restriction to SL riding during 5-7 January other than to those participating in the University Event.

Attendance figures over recent Winters indicate that there are no particular periods to obtain the maximum number of rides, except that Beginners would do best to come in Junction season.

Dress: wear warm, tough clothing, and bring gloves and goggles. We provide the rest of the riding equipment and tuition.

The Club does not arrange transport to, or accommodation in St Moritz.

MEMORANDUM ON SUPPLEMENTARY MEMBERSHIP

Introduction

1.

Persons over 18 who are not Members of the Club and who wish to ride the Cresta Run may apply for Supplementary (SL) Membership, which shall terminate automatically at the close of each season. Any person wishing to use the Run in any subsequent season must make fresh application for SL Membership. Women are not permitted to ride the Cresta Run.
2.

The Cresta Run is open to Supplementary Members (SL Members) on practice days (normally designated weekdays) from opening time, 8 am or 8.30 am, until 9.30 am. Thereafter availability of the Run is dependent upon the requirements of Life and Full Members who have priority. SL Members may not ride on race days (i.e. weekends and (normally) one day mid-week) save with special permission from the Secretary.
3.

Entrance Fees
First Season: first 5 rides: SFr. 600
Second and subsequent seasons: SFr. 500
The Entrance Fee is returnable only if the application for SL Membership is not accepted or no single ride is available to the SL Member during his stay. Unused rides are not transferable.
4.

Extra Rides
Extra Rides (aged 28 or over on 20 December) SFr. 50 per ride
Extra Rides (aged under 28 on 20 December) SFr. 35 per ride
Extra Rides will be recorded by the Club, and every SL Member must pay for them in the Clubhouse on the last day of his riding and before leaving St Moritz.

Applications for Supplementary Membership
5. An applicant for SL Membership must before opening time on his first day:
  1. Complete and sign the application card, front and rear.
  2. Enter his name on the appropriate Practice List.
  3. Take his application card to the Secretariat in the Bar to register and pay. Payment can be made in cash or by credit card.
6. The Secretary has absolute discretion to accept or refuse any application for SL Membership.

7. If, after payment of the Entrance Fee, his application for SL Membership is accepted, an SL Member is entitled to the following:
  1. Up to five rides on the Run. In normal circumstances this may involve riding on up to three practice days.
  2. Thereafter such extra rides as maybe available on non-race days , subject to the priority of Life and Full Members,
  3. Free use of equipment.
  4. Use of all Clubhouse facilities upon days and at times when he is riding.
  5. An SL Member may bring in one guest free of charge on days when he is riding providing he signs the guest in at the door. Additional guests may be permitted at a charge of SFr.15- depending on circumstances.
Beginners
8. Beginners, i.e. those who have never ridden before, receive special attention and a copy of the booklet "Hints to Beginners". A beginner should, if possible, spend a morning watching riding and inspecting the Run. On the next practice day he should:
  1. Arrive at the Clubhouse Dressing Room by 7.00 a.m. to receive his equipment and application card.
  2. Enter his name on the Beginners' List and take action as in para 5 above to register and pay at least 15 minutes before opening time.
  3. Attend an introductory talk by the Secretary 10 minutes before riding begins.
  4. Attend the School for Beginners in the area of Junction Hut, prior to his first three courses.
9. A Beginner will, in normal circumstances, have a minimum of two rides on his first day and the rest of his rides on practice days thereafter.

Helmets
10. All riders must wear a helmet on the Run. Every rider is personally responsible for the suitability, quality and condition of the helmet he wears.
Insurance
11. Every SL Member is bound by Club Rule 17 whereby he uses the Run entirely at his own risk and he agrees that the Club is under no responsibility for injuries to riders, who must be insured, nor for damage to or loss of his personal property. Insurance may be purchased at the Clubhouse. It is made available by the Club for the benefit of those who have arrived at the Cresta without appropriate insurance, and who do not wish to delay riding while they investigate alternatives. The Club is paid a commission by the insurers for the work involved, but the Club does not act for individuals taking out the insurance, and owes no duty to such individuals. The Club gives no assurances, and makes no representations, as to the merits of the Policy, and has no responsibility to a rider in respect of any uninsured or unpaid claim. In particular he should note:
  1. The policy relates only to medical treatment until he is able to return home.
  2. The policy contains limitations on cover and he should consider these before incurring expenses.
  3. He remains directly liable for any bills which are not paid by the insurers.
Conduct
12. If at any time during the season the Secretary is of the opinion that the conduct of an SL Member is, or may be, such as to be injurious to the interests or reputation of the Club, or inconsistent with his status as a temporary member, the Secretary may forthwith terminate his SL Membership.