I just moved to NS this summer and it turns out there are a lot of very welcoming skiers in the area. You're right about the club being shut down for the season, but we are having a fundraiser/get together on Sept 15 in Dartmouth. If you can make it, I'm sure there will be a few folks who'll offer to take you for a rip. I'd offer myself, but I don't have a boat (yet!)