Austin Skiers Monthly Newsletter
A Social Club For Snow Skiers and Sports Enthusiasts

Issue 01:03   

January 2003   
Texas Ski Council Member

We need your input and help! See p. 7 for how and why!


Contents


January Meeting

Date and time: Tuesday, January 14, 2003, 7 - 9 P.M.
           Location: Red lion hotel, 6121 N. IH-35 (@Hwy 290) 323-5466

Program: social hr. 7-8, Ski injury prevention 8-9

by Dr. Kelly cunningham - Austin sports medicine

 


Join us for "la Pura Vida" of Costa Rica

Costa Rica (TSC Summer Expedition)   June 28-July 5
TripChair: Cindy Berry 248-9544
e-mail: costaricatrip@austinskiers.org

Approximate price: (click here)

Our first formal trip to Central America features the best of the tropical rain forest, beaches, hot springs, and eclectic and quaint shopping. Costa Rica is a natural treasure; Christopher Columbus first saw it in 1502 and believing it to be rich in gold; he proclaimed it Costa Rica or "Rich Coast". Costa Rica's modern "gold" is its reputation as a tourist and residential destination. Here you'll enjoy the pura vida (pure life) and the friendly ticos (locals) of this magical land!

We'll visit two contrasting areas of Costa Rica, Quepos and Arenal. Quepos is a small beach town of some 6,000 people on the central Pacific rainforest coastline, adjacent to the Manuel Antonio National Park., where hiking around the park is a must see/do event. Only 800 visitors per day are allowed into the park, many accompanied by a friendly, experienced guide, who can spot a toucan or a two-toed sloth a hundred yards away. Experiencing this natural, wild habitat is a must! After a first night in San Jose's Barcelo San Jose Palacio Hotel Casino, we'll be based for the next four nights in the fabulous Hotel Mariposa in Quepos/Manuel Antonio, a short walk to either the park or to Quepos' many restaurants and shops. Later, how about a treetop canopy tour? Just imagine swinging deep through the jungles Tarzan-style, yelling and acting like a kid again, fastened to a cable system with harnesses and pulleys! As you zip from one platform to another, you glide among the treetops sometimes hundreds of feet in the air, where you are eye to eye with the wildlife. What an incredible adrenaline rush and once in a lifetime experience!

Our next stop in this summer adventure will be to the tropical rainforest area of Arenal. The flat lowland region of the Northern Plains surrounding the majestic Arenal Volcano is the heartland of Costa Rica. The volcano, sitting at the base of Lake Arenal, towers over lush green pastures and dense jungles, and is one of the most active volcanoes in the world. In the day it looks like a perfect cone, while at night you can see the glowing peak spewing lava in one of the most spectacular displays on earth. And one of the best places to view the volcano's orange fireworks is from the Tabicon Resort's hot springs. The thermal hot springs and mineral pools are within the resort making it a destination in itself; in addition, the Iskandria Spa offers a variety of relaxing treatments. Optional excursions include rafting, kayaking, outrigger canoeing, rainforest tours, sport fishing, and hiking, (to name a few). The final price includes; air, lodging, TSC dinner, continental breakfast, and ground transportation. So are you ready for a grand time, Latin American style? Vamanos a Costa Rica!!

 


 

FROM the TOP - NOTES from the PRESIDENT

With the New Year, time to clean up a few odds and ends

Looking Good So Far

Wow, it looks like that our ski season has begun in spectacular fashion, probably the best early season in at least five years! The Thanksgiving trip to Breckenridge was outstanding, and the early season snowfall was even better than our last fall trip there, in 1997. We enjoyed fantastic weather and snow conditions - hopefully this is an indication that all our trips this year will be as wonderful. I hear where the Sierras have gotten over 13 feet of snow in less than a month! Looks like you Heavenly folks can almost coast until February! And Colorado's bases are averaging about 50 inches, well up from the past few years. What a start! Let's keep the fingers crossed and hope that this season continues to play out for superb skiing.

Online Trip Survey

While it does seem early, it's time to think about which ski areas you want to visit next ski season. Because of the nature of the travel industry, non-profit clubs like ours have to book early to secure the best value for money. Gary Roth, our VP Trip Planning, has composed an entirely new Member Survey for this year. If you have access to the Web, this is a great opportunity to chime in online on your favorite resorts, and things about them, as well as our Club in general ­ you can also get a paper survey if you don't use the computer much. Either way, don't miss this chance! See p. 9 in this issue for more on how to help us help you choose where to go next year!

Get Those Photos Published!

Another great Internet tool we have is our Web site's photo archive. We've been told that we have one of the best club photo sites in the country, so let's keep it that way! In fact, a number of our members have joined the Club after scoping out our Web site and the photos ­ it was enough to convince them! If you have any pictures, digital or paper, that you'd like to share with the Club (even the rest of the world!), please send them on. For more information, contact Webmaster Kevin Juhl at skiwebmaster@austinskiers.org or Editor Mike Hagye at newsletter@austinskiers.org. See p. 10 for their phone numbers

Subscription Discount Offer!

The National Ski Council Federation has negotiated a special offer for members of Texas Ski Council clubs interested in subscribing to Ski, Skiing, or Snowboard magazines. Go to www.skifederation.org/magazine_offer.html for more on the details.

And finally

Happy New Year to all you great members of Austin Skiers! As we start this third year of the new millennium your Club officers extend our best wishes to everyone. See you on the slopes!

Doug Jordan - Austin Skiers President


Austin Skiers 2002 - 2003 Trips

Editor's note:  At press time, the Lillehammer, Vail, and Sun Valley trips are full with waiting lists; all other trips currently have space available but are filling fast. However, contact the trip chair for any trips in which you are interested, as spots frequently become available or are added.

Breckenridge, Colorado ­ November 26-December 1, 2002 (TSC Fall Roundup) -

Trip Chair: Phyllis Penniston 671-8487 e-mail: brecktrip@austinskiers.org

Spend Thanksgiving with Austin Skiers and the Texas Ski Council (TSC) in Summit County, Colorado, one of the most popular ski destinations in the U.S. "Breck's" four interconnected peaks offer 3,400 vertical feet over 2,000 acres served by 25 lifts. That's a lot of skiing in an area where half the mountain is geared toward intermediates and 35% to the hotshots; and Breck runs the gamut of groomed rides to high alpine bowls to tree-filled plungers. And after the on-mountain thrills end for the day, take in the legendary Breckenridge town, full of shops, eateries, clubs, and countless avenues to explore. Our TSC trip includes the usual package of great parties, races, and special events; we'll be staying at the fabulous Beaver Run Resort with its own ski-in/ski-out quad to whisk you to the mountain each day (check out all their amenities at www.beaverrun.com)! And, something to be thankful for ­ there's an optional Thanksgiving dinner available! All in all, a terrific way to spend your November holiday!

Approximate price: (click here)

Winter Park, Colorado ­ December 10-15 (TSC Learn-To-Ski Week)

Contact: Austin Skiers VP of Trips Neil Martin, e-mail: trips@austinskiers.org

First time exclusive! The TSC has just scheduled a trip especially for folks who have never (or barely) set foot on skis! This is a great way to become acquainted to the ski (and after-ski) life. We'd like to keep most spots for rank beginners, but for those who want to come to improve on their skiing or just ski while a friend or family member learns to ski, lift tickets will cost you just $30 per day. The trip should run around This trip includes air to and from Denver, ground transportation to Winter Park, lodging for 5 nights and 3 days of a Beginner Package of lifts, lessons and rentals, and free shuttle to/from the hotel and mountain. The lodging is located in the centrally to downtown, putting the restaurants, shops, and nightlife within easy walking distance. This is a great, unprecedented opportunity!

Approximate price: (click here)

Snowbasin, Utah ­ December 26 ­ January 1, 2003

Trip Chair: Ellen Zimmermann 301-5838 e-mail: snowbasintrip@austinskiers.org

It seems that once we find a good thing, we know how to keep it! This is our third straight holiday trip to the Olympic haven in Utah's Wasatch Mountains. Located 17 miles east of Ogden, Snowbasin averages 400 inches a year of famous Utah powder, and offers superb skiing on 3,200 acres, with 54 trails and 3,000 ft. of vertical, for all ability levels (20% beginner, 50% intermediate, and 30% advanced). And, of course, add to this the thrill of being able to ski on the Olympic Downhill and GS courses! We'll also have the option of skiing that untracked snow at Powder Mountain, and also the fabulously upgraded Canyons. The Club will be staying in downtown Ogden with an easy walk to the 25th street historic district and the Ogden mall. Dining, shopping, museums, pubs, antique and art galleries, boutiques, etc are nearby. Our suite hotel has a separate living room and bedroom, plus a free buffet breakfast and a weekday happy hour. Our trip price includes air from Austin, airport to hotel transfers, daily shuttle service to the ski areas, and 6 nights lodging. Ogden is the spot for your post-Olympic holiday fun, so don't miss out!

Approximate price: (click here)

Whistler/Blackcomb, Canada - January 4-11 (TSC Traditional)

Trip Chair: Rainer Vanoni 1-512-237-4289 e-mail: whistlertrip@austinskiers.org

Talk about a slam-dunk sure thing! This perennial Austin Skiers favorite is also most-frequently cited by ski magazines and polls as the number one world destination. And why not? The Whistler/Blackcomb complex is the largest single resort in the world, boasting over 7,200 acres on two mountains. That figures out to over 200 trails, 35 lifts, plus over a vertical mile of skiing on each mountain ­ highest in the Western Hemisphere! But all this size shouldn't fool you ­ the beautiful, quaint, internationally flavored Village, tucked into Whistler's V-shaped valley, allows quick, convenient access to either mountain from the base. And, Whistler's low elevation means less panting and more carving in that 360 inch per year snowfall! You'll find shopping aplenty and a remarkable choice of world dining cuisines (plus don't forget the mountain itself ­ some of the best resort food at remarkably low prices!). The TSC Traditional trip will have the parties, races, and activities that you've come to enjoy, and the great news is that we'll staying in the ski-in, ski-out Apen's Resort on Blackcomb, where you can take advantage of the great exchange rate for the Canadian dollar. When you're talking a number one value, you're talking Whistler!

Approximate price: (click here)

Steamboat, Colorado ­ January 11-18

Trip Chair: Gary Roth 261-1306 e-mail: steamboattrip@austinskiers.org  

Steamboat's Western heritage was born out of ranching. This friendly, neighborly, and adventurous town takes these same pioneering ideals of the past and offers up a tremendous present-day ski and resort experience! The resort's six peaks - Mount Werner, Sunshine Peak, Storm Peak, Thunderhead Peak, Pioneer Ridge and Christie Peak - offer an entire mountain range of 2,939 skiable acres. The gladed areas of Sunshine and Storm Peaks are Steamboat's particular claim to fame, with "Champagne Powder ®" in the trees for the most avid powder hounds. And there's more coming - the four-phase Pioneer Ridge Expansion, a 770-acre area of intermediate and advanced terrain to the north of the existing ski area began in 1998 and adds more this year! And when you're tired from all this great skiing, take in Steamboat Springs town, complete with its quaint Western-meets-Scandinavian architecture and countless restaurants, shops, and places to dance the night away! This year, we're in our home away from home, the Lodge Condominiums. Come see why Steamboat has produced more Olympic athletes than any other town ­ it's simply the place to be if you want to ski!

Approximate price: (click here)

Sestrière, Italy - January 18 ­ 26

Trip Chair: Peggy Foreman 288-5747  e-mail: italytrip@austinskiers.org

A first time adventure! We're going to the site of the 2006 Winter Olympics! Beautiful, sunny Sestrière sits high on a plateau just off the French border in Western Italy's high Alps. Largely built by the Fiat car company from 1934, Sestrière enjoys a long history and has earned a reputation as a practical, friendly, and total ski town. Sestrière's fame for terrific snow is not exaggerated ­ its resorts' high altitudes and brisk climate assure an average of over 350 inches per year. And what a choice of skiing ­ the local Sestrière area is on one flank of the famous "Milky Way" range circuit ­ with 400km (250 miles) of 66 lift-linked trails on the Cesana e Sansicario, Claviere, Sauze d'Oulx areas, all the way over the border to Montgenèvre, France (be sure to take your passport along on these runs!). All of these mountains offer over 5,000 vertical feet in the high Alps, with superb trail grooming. For après ski, check out the town and its famous "Round Tower" and a host of superb eateries, shops, and dance factories. Or you can venture out of the area to the close by hub of Turin, Northern Italy's largest city (about 70 miles). Other excursions ( i.e. Milan) are also in the works. We're staying at the Edelweiss Savoy Hotel ­ an alpine, balcony laden chalet-style hotel, where breakfast is included in the price. So say "bon giorno" to a unique ski week and join us in Sestrière!

Approximate price: (click here)

Lillehammer, Norway ­ January 24-February 1 (TSC Expedition)

Trip Chair: Ben Mathis 385-3575 e-mail: norwaytrip@austinskiers.org

Another first time adventure! This winter, the TSC couldn't have chosen any better - we're off to Scandinavia for the first time ever, to the site of the 1994 Olympics! Lillehammer may be small in size, but it's huge in life! Lillehammer's city center, with its famous old-world wooden architectural style, provides a charming base for all the regional activities available. Skiing is of course available at close-by Hafjell alpine center (the largest downhill area in the region), and cross-country Mecca's of Nordseter and Sjusjøen, and hiking and touring is also a good choice in these areas. Or, you can ice fish, take a sleigh ride, see a moose, or even be towed by a reindeer! The Olympic Park is a must-see, which includes: Håkons Hall (with the new, vast National Olympic Museum), Lysgårdbakkene Ski Jump Arena, Birkebeineren Skiing Stadium, Kanthaugen Freestyle Arena and the Lillehammer Olympic Bobsleigh and Luge Track. And, if exploring the Lillehammer region isn't enough, how about this? We'll first arrive in the capital of Oslo (a breathtaking city!) and ­ are you ready? ­ there's even a post-trip excursion to St. Petersburg, Russia! We'll be staying in Olso for 2 nights, then make our way to Lillehammer, where we'll be for 5 nights ­ and all with breakfast and dinner included in the price! The TSC Winter Expedition assures us of some great activities as well. So what are you waiting for? Join us on our maiden voyage to the beautiful Scandinavian Peninsula and Russia!

Approximate Price: (click here)

Vail, Colorado ­ February 1-8

Trip Chair: Kevin Juhl 836-5016 e-mail: vailtrip@austinskiers.org

We haven't been to Vail for awhile? Why? Well, honestly it's been the price! Vail's treasures are limited to thicker wallets most of the time ­ until now! We got such a terrific deal on this trip that we couldn't believe it - we're psyched at going back to Colorado's largest ski resort! In fact, Vail is 3rd in North America. It's big ­ 7 miles wide with more than 5,000 acres of terrain stretched out over 3,800 vertical feet! And, Vail's 350 inches of snow per year promises a lot of skiing for your money! Vail is known for its three main areas: the Front Side, the Back Bowls, and Blue Sky Basin. The Front Side's 127 trails include virtually every type of terrain, while the Back Bowls offer six miles of powder paradise and the Blue Sky Basin present a tree-gladed utopia nestled in wilderness. When the downhill fun ends, check out Vail's European-style village, replete with all the shopping, fine dining, and other winter activities at your disposal. Of course Vail is a haven for all the other winter activities, such as orienteering, horseback riding, snowmobiling, dog sledding, you name it! We'll be staying at the spacious SunVail Condominiums, and experiencing the vastness of the mighty Vail!

Approximate price: (click here)

Jackson Hole, Wyoming ­ February 15-22 (TSC Winter Shootout)

Trip Chair: Lou Horwitz 250-9474 e-mail: jacksonholetrip@austinskiers.org  

Jackson Hole always comes up high in our annual surveys, and this year was no exception. With its challenging, beautiful Grand Teton terrain, access to Yellowstone, and quaint ranching culture, "the Hole" keeps us coming back! This time it's with the TSC, with all the usual parties, activities, races, and things you love. Jackson Hole's huge 4,100 feet of vertical drop provides over 400 inches of snow per year, which you'll need to experience Rendezvous Mountain's gut-wrenching chutes, bowls, couloirs (have you done Corbet's?), glades and other world-famous expert terrain, or challenge yourself on the much longer than usual intermediate runs on Rendezvous and the gentler Apres Vous mountain. And this year, a nice treat - we're staying at the resort on the mountain, an easy 20 minute bus access into the Town (and famous Silver Dollar Bar and all the shopping, dining, and exploring you can "round up!"), so we're practically ski-in, ski-out! There's just no better challenge for any level of skier than Jackson Hole, so join us for what's always a memorable time in Wyoming's premier resort!

Approximate price: (click here

Heavenly/Lake Tahoe ­ February 22-March 1

Trip Chair: Marcia Honeycutt 288-8462 e-mail: heavenlytrip@austinskiers.org

North America's largest single mountain resort, Heavenly's nine peaks and two valleys split the Nevada-California border and offer the best of both. Don't even think about covering Heavenly's massive 5,200 acres of 79 trails, just do your best! After toasting the day at one of Heavenly's three base lodges, go into Nevada's South Lake Tahoe for the casinos and Vegas-style buffets. Home for the week is the quaint 2/2 Forest Inn condos, just a 1 to 5 minute walk to either the new Gondola or the casinos, where the action never stops. And, as usual, we'll be looking to sample a few other magnificent Tahoe area resorts, interest permitting ­ Squaw Valley, Kirkwood, Alpine Meadows, or another deep snow paradise! But wait, there's more ­ you can also take the scenic Tahoe Queen boat ride, snowmobile, rent a dogsled, even ride a Harley, among South Lake Tahoe's numerous non-ski activities! So join us and go for it all at Heavenly ­ it's a sure bet!

Approximate price: (click here)

Sun Valley, Idaho ­ March 8-15 (AISD Spring Break)

Trip Chair: Tom Zimmermann 301-5838 e-mail: sunvalleytrip@austinskiers.org

Our recent trips to Sun Valley have been so enjoyable that we're going there for Spring Break 2003! Sun Valley is a place of firsts ­ it was the first destination ski resort in the U.S. (1936), and soon became the first winter stop for the Hollywood elite in the 40's and 50's. After a brief period of decline in the '60's it was once again restored to its former glory, so that by the mid-90's Sun Valley, having regained its original luster and charm, was voted SKI magazine's #1 resort in 2000. Located in the Sawtooth Range, Sun Valley boasts two mountains: Bald Mountain's 2000+ acres stretched over 3,400 vertical feet provide for serious skiing, and Dollar Mountain's excellent learning terrain is among the best anywhere. We'll be staying at the Warm Springs base in the Prospector Condos; this is near the shuttle stop to the Challenger quad, which will whisk you up Bald Mountain in a short 10 minutes. Each of our 2 and 3 bedroom condos offer fireplaces and mountain views. Amenities include heated swimming pool with Jacuzzi jets, sauna and on-site laundry facilities. Shuttle service to Dollar Mountain, Sun Valley, Elkhorn and downtown Ketchum is available from 7:30 a.m. to midnight via the Ketchum and Area Rapid Transit (KART). So don't be last ­ come to experience Sun Valley's many firsts!

Approximate price: (click here)

Québec, Canada ­ March 15-22 (TSC Final Showdown)

Trip Chair: Julia Buchanan 257-7611 e-mail: quebectrip@austinskiers.org

Want to go to France without a long overseas flight? As the only fortified city in North America, Québec City has sat at the crossroads of colonial history, attracting visitors (and attackers!) since it was founded by Samuel de Champlain in 1608. Québec City is located on a high, scenic bluff above the St. Lawrence River from atop Cape Diamant. Greater Québec City comprises five historic areas with buildings representing four centuries of architectural history and the influences of Aboriginal, French and English ­ you can experience the heart of French culture and language seasoned with other heritages. And we'll get a great view as we're flying directly into Québec City ­ no long bus rides! There are just too many to-do's to mention here; of course there's skiing - three ski areas within 30 minutes of downtown: Mont-Sainte-Anne, Station touristique Stoneham and Le Massiff (plus over 30 cross country ski centers in the city). Beyond this, there's enough to keep you busy for a lifetime, never mind a week! You can tour and shop the oldest commercial district in North America (Petit-Champlain), or visit the Place Royale, the Île d'Orléans, the colonial Citadel, or the Old Port; you'll find premier shopping, museums, galleries, artisans' workshops, renowned designers' boutiques, and over 1,000 restaurants and exotic food shops everywhere. You can even take in all these sites in from your 5-star window - the TSC is hosting its Final Showdown from the fabulous, historic 19th century Chateau Frontenac, high on a scenic bluff; you'll feel like royalty with this treatment! And, we'll have several excursions, including one to Montreal. Come see what the English and French found worth going to war over in the 1750's ­ join us for a French-flavored taste of Canada in Québec!

Approximate price: (click here)

Costa Rica (TSC Summer Expedition) - June 27(Friday) to July 5, 2003 ­

Trip Chair: Cindy Berry 248-9544  e-mail: costaricatrip@austinskiers.org

Austin Skiers first-time exclusive! Our first formal trip to Central America features the best of the tropical rain forest, beaches, hot springs, and eclectic and quaint shopping. Costa Rica's reputation as a tourist and residential destination has exploded in the past few years ­ come see what makes it so great! The first night we will be in San Jose at the Barcelo San Jose Hotel Casino.  Then we'll be based for the next four nights in the fabulous Hotel Mariposa in Quepos/Manuel Antonio on the mid-Pacific Coast. The hotel is integrated in the rainforest hillside overlooking the Pacific and Manuel Antonio National Park, with a short walk to the village of Quepos' many restaurants and shops. Later that week, we'll move to the Lake Arenal /La Fortuna Region in the Northern Zone, where our stay in the Tabacon Resort features a view of Volcan Arenal and Lake Arenal. The thermal hot springs and mineral pools are within the resort making it a destination in itself; in addition, the Iskandria Spa offers a variety of relaxing treatments. Optional excursions include rafting, kayaking, outrigger canoeing, rainforest tours, clout forest (above the canopy) tours, sport fishing, and hiking, to name a few). The final price will be firmed up in September and includes; air, lodging and ground transportation. So are you ready for a grand time, Latin American style? Vamanos a Costa Rica!! Price includes a TSC dinner and continental breakfest.

Approximate price: (click here)


Going For Broke at Breck!

by Phyllis Penniston, Trip Chair

November 26 to December 1, 2002, Austin skiers enjoyed a wonderful Thanksgiving vacation with absolutely awesome conditions and the best early season skiing we have experienced since our last Thanksgiving trip to Breckenridge in 1997. We can't wait to do it again! Everyday was breathtakingly beautiful with crisp weather and sunny skies. The only decision to make was which trail, of the 80 or more to choose from, to ski on. Even the double black diamond runs on Peak 10 were open!

Our flight and motorcoach transfer to the resort was largely uneventful, except for the delayed departure from Austin (caused by a snowstorm in Chicago). We didn't get settled in until after midnight and Wednesday morning soon dawned with a lovely view of the mountains from our ski-in/ski-out condos. We were soon enticed outdoors for the first day of skiing. To our delight the snow was in pristine condition, providing an abundance of trails that offered plenty of excitement, even to our best skiers. Although tired from the trip the night before, everyone thoroughly enjoyed the day.

For those who like the excitement of competition, Thanksgiving Day provided the challenge of club and individual races. In the club event Rainer Vanoni, our Race Director, received another Nastar gold medal, Mike Molloy, Dorel Toma, Doina Toma, and Lee Walker won silver medals, and Phyllis Penniston, Doug Jordan, and Kevin Mazurkiewicz won bronze medals. After their runs Cherilyn Hack and Russ Prickett formed a cheerleading group for the rest of our racers, and their encouragement was appreciated. As a fitting conclusion to Thanksgiving day, our tired but happy skiers were rewarded by one of the best buffet dinners ever. The staff at Beaver Run Resort worked hard to ensure a great meal and the choices were almost overwhelming. Most of us wanted to sample everything and had more servings than usual, including those fabulous desserts.

On Friday, Doug and Kevin joined up with the Lone Star ski club from Dallas for a side trip to Vail. They skied the back bowls and reported that the snow conditions were excellent and the new Blue Sky Basin was just awesome ­ some of the best tree and glade skiing anywhere. That evening our group gathered at the Breckenridge Brew Pub for happy hour and dinner. While most were munching on some of the best burgers in town, Mike Hillman and Rainer Vanoni were pondering where the meat was in their Shepherd's Pie with lamb. Afterwards Alan Stanley and Heather Lucier joined other TSC folks for a tour of the major pubs in town.

On Saturday our group again skied Breckenridge, and first time skier Karol Keller joined us for a couple runs. After only three days of lessons she handled the blue runs with grace and skill. At the Awards dinner that evening the winners of the individuals competition included Doina Toma, who was awarded a silver medal, and Mike Molloy, who was awarded a bronze medal. Although our trip size was smaller than usual, Austin Skiers still managed to win 2nd Place in Division 1.

A good time was had by all, including our super shopper and area explorer Rose Taylor. We were reluctant to leave when we boarded the bus Sunday morning, but consoled ourselves with the memories of a great trip, and promises to return again. Special thanks to Sorayya and Mike Hillman for graciously hosting the Persian style post-trip party at their home.


We Need Your Trip Planning Help (Again!)

Gary Roth, our Trip Planning V.P., is requesting your help one last time. We need your input in one area, and possibly another, to help best plan next year's slate of trips. First, please take the time if you have Web access to fill out our Trips Survey. Gary would really like to have the data submitted online if you can and it only takes a few minutes! Simply go to our Web site www.austinskiers.org and look for the Survey link. If you don't have Web access, contact Gary and he'll make sure you get a copy. We need to finish this survey within the next week or two, before trip planning begins in January. Thanks!

The other are a few of you might be interested in is serving on this year's Trip Planning Committee. This committee is always essential to researching and providing the Club with the best deals to favorite destinations. The committee will begin meeting in January, and probably about 3-4 times more until May to discuss, plan, and research our trip destinations for next year; a small bit of independent work is expected. Ever wanted to have a say on where we go and what's included? Now's your chance!

For further info on either of these opportunities, contact Gary at tripplanning@austinskiers.org or call Gary at 261-1306.


Activities in January - 2003

Happy Hour - Puerta del Sol, 14735 Bratton Lane, Ste. 205, ph. 251-1200

Jan. 14 Monthly meeting at Red Lion (progam is injury prevention)

Jan. 17 see Everest movie at IMAX Theatre at Bullock Museum, downtown

Happy Hour in North Austin at Puerta Del Sol

Our Happy Hour for January is at a new location to us, and at a nice place that you might not have visited before. See the map below for directions to Puerta del Sol, on Bratton Lane in north Austin (almost to Round Rock). Hope to see you there!

For questions on Special Activities, contact Cindy Berry, Activities V.P. at activities@austinskiers.org

 

Activities in February - 2003

Happy Hour - Filling Station, Barton Springs Rd.

Feb. 11 Monthly meeting at Canyon Café(Valentine's party)

For questions on Special Activities, contact Cindy Berry, Activities V.P. at activities@austinskiers.org

 


Ski Club Activities News

Austin Skiers supports TSC and our own sponsors:

We also continue to support our advertising sponsors in this issue.

Remember Our Ongoing Activities!

Anyone interested in doing occasional bicycling tours should contact Kevin Collins, who will be leading biweekly or monthly outings. Contact Kevin at kevinmcollins@earthlink.net.

And for you roller skaters/bladers out there, contact Marcia Honeycutt if you want to join a weekly outing. Marcia's at  marcia@ewenix.com. 

Friday, January 14, January Meeting to Feature Sports Injury Prevention. January's meeting will feature a presentation on injury prevention by the office of Dr. Kelly Cunningham at Austin Sports Medicine (see ad on p. 8). Dr. Cunningham has a long list of sports and other celebrities under his care, including Lance Armstrong and the U.S. Ski Team. This is a great opportunity to learn a few tips on how to keep skiing from getting you down (literally!). The meeting will be held at the Red Lion Hotel, I-35 and 290 North (across I-35 from Highland Mall). Hope to see you there!

Friday, January 17, we'll be meeting up to see the spectacular, critically acclaimed film "Everest" in all its 70mm IMAX-sized glory at the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum theater. We'll meet up outside the theater at about 7:30 to pay and go to the at 8 p.m. show. Tickets are $6.50 ($5.50 over 65, $4.50 under 18). We'll also be going to the Texas Chili Parlor after the movie.

Check out "Inside the Texas Ski Council"

See what's news for the TSC in their online "Inside" newsletter. This contains key events, info, and goings on which just might be relevant to you and a TSC trip you're on. To view the latest issue, just go to their link at http://www.texas-ski.org/insidetsc-news/inside-tsc.htm . The TSC appreciates your continued support!

 


From the Editor...

Wow! 2003 already? Guess it's time for the annual in/out column.

Like every other publication at this time of year, time to run a list of what's hot and not for the coming year.

                                                           

IN  OUT
expensive sunglasses expensive retinal repair surgery
El Niño snow El Crappo conditions
molded skis molded casts
GPS systems "where the hell are we?"
V.I.P. full-service resort treatment S.O.L. "who cares?" treatment
"off-slope" backcountry tours "fall-off-the-slope" skier collisions
more legroom on planes planes
cheap domestic Club trips! cheap domestic beer!
smaller cell phones  bigger idiots talking loud on cell phones
"are you a carver or rider?"  "are you a male or a female?"
training focus on "forgotten" muscles "I forgot to train!"
resort companies' consolidation  resort users' debt consolidation
read Harry Potter while traveling smoke pot while traveling
"buy real estate, not stocks" "buy now, pay later"
soft boots hard bruises
skier visits up skier prices down
"No Friends On Powder Day!" "No Friends On Job Search"!
focus on après ski can't focus because of après ski
non-skiing trips non-tripping skiers
   

Mike Hagye - Austin Skiers Newsletter Editor


A non-profit ski club

OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS

President ­ Doug Jordan
president@austinskiers.org

V.P. Trips ­ Neil Martin trips@austinskiers.org   

V.P. Trip Planning ­ Gary Roth tripplanning@ austinskiers.org  

V.P. Programs ­ Jon Martin programs@ austinskiers.org   

V.P. Marketing ­ Marcia Honeycutt marketing@austinskiers.org    

V.P. Membership ­ Donna Peterman membership@ austinskiers.org  

V.P. Special Activities ­ Cindy Berry activities@austinskiers.org    

Secretary ­ Barbara Bobo secretary@ austinskiers.org   

Treasurer ­ Wendy Buck treasurer@ austinskiers.org   

Newsletter Editor ­ Mike Hagye newsletter@ austinskiers.org   

Webmaster ­ Kevin Juhl skiwebmaster@ austinskiers.org  

Past President ­ Tere Ayson pastpres@ austinskiers.org   

Board of Directors

Kathy Colins director1@austinskiers.org   

Cindy Carlson director2@ austinskiers.org  


Information

The Austin Skiers' newsletter is published monthly, 12 issues per year. Subscription is included with payment of yearly membership fee. Articles and correspondence should be addressed to the Editor by e-mail at newsletter@austinskiers.org or by phone (see above). Deadline for submission is the 15th of each month. Send issues regarding the Club Web site to skiwebmaster@austinskiers.org. For more information on the next Club meeting or other related activities, contact any of the following:

Austin Skiers Hotline 335-3662

E-mail: skimail@austinskiers.org

Web site: http://www.austinskiers.org

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Austin Skiers  P.O. Box 9422  Austin, Texas 78766

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