I felt a nervous excitement when first invited to join a friend’s “ski house” almost ten years ago. I had both wanted to ski and to make new friends, and this could be an amazing experience. But what exactly was I signing up for? Would I get along with everyone? Would I have fun? Despite some reservations, I took a deep breath and jumped in.
Our ski share had formed a couple of years earlier, when a group of MBA grad students banded together to rent a house for a winter in Tahoe. Many were skiing fanatics and made the trek from San Francisco every weekend — four hours if conditions were good, and as many as eight when fresh snow fell. But they loved it — the worse the traffic, the better the skiing!
We had fifteen people in the house, and it ran like clockwork. A weekly sign-up form let everyone know who was coming, any guests that would join, and whether carpools could be arranged. Everyone was welcome at all times, so we had a weekly “bed draw” that divvied up the six beds, determining who slept where and if we needed some air mattresses. A volunteer made a large Saturday-night meal. Guests were welcome and paid fees. Despite sometimes being crammed together the house was perfect for a group of young professionals who wanted easy access to the slopes.
A few years ago, one of the more entrepreneurial and adventurous members of our group decided to expand. If this worked so well for skiing in the winter, why not lounging by a pool in the summer? Thus began our "Napa wine house.” We ran this house a bit differently. Having aged a few years and added some married folks to our group, we wanted more privacy and predictability. So we did one bed draw at the start of the season to reserve rooms, and allowed for swaps and drop-ins as space permitted. Our communal dinners expanded from quick ways to feed hungry skiers to elegant feasts created during an afternoon of cooking and grilling. It became a relaxing getaway from hectic city life, and perfect for somewhat more mature professionals who wanted a respite from city life and easy access to great biking.
Now we run two houses each year, and though they operate somewhat differently they both foster a strong sense of community. The continuity of sharing a home time and again has helped our group of friends remain tight through the years and all our life changes. We sometimes even joke that we join as much to stay on the mailing lists as for the houses. These people and our shared houses make me feel at home in my adopted city, and are now an integral part of my life.
Where are you on your home sharing journey? Are you considering joining, or have already participated? What has been a highlight, or a tip that has helped it work for you?