Austin Skiers: A club for snow sports and travel enthusiasts

After over six months of anticipation complete with the most notorious terror incident in history, snafus, travel disruptions, skittish cancellations, airline bankruptcy/cessation, trip cancellation threat, and just about everything but the kitchen sink, 41 Austin Skiers finally departed March 8, 2002 for a 12-day adventure. 41? Almost 37, as four of our group were steadfastly denied air seats despite having tickets (agent screw-up), but after much haggling, begging, and negotiating, we managed to board everyone; and we were finally on our way, new airline, schedule and all. But due to post 9/11 flight cutbacks, this new schedule put the group into Denver for a seven hour layover! No problem, though! Fearless leader Mike Hagye prearranged for a "tour" of Denver to fill the time well, more like the Coors Brewery in Golden (where else?). Surely with seven hours to kill, we could travel across town, tour the brewery, eat lunch, and be back in plenty of time to fly out, right? Well while our flight to Denver was routine, little did we know how routine would rest of the day would not be!

After a surprisingly interesting brewery tour (and beer sampling of course!) we all next hopped over to a shopping complex for lunch. Then, well, it began to snow and snow and snow "just flurries" noted our bus driver. After lunch, these "flurries" eventually became a driving whiteout! Within ten minutes, I-70 was reduced to a literal parking lot, with traffic creeping along at a leisurely 10-15 mph and a multitude of wrecks! And we have 50 miles back to the airport? Oh well, we're okay, we have three hours until our flight. But as we crawled along, mile after excruciating mile at a snail's pace, past one weather-induced wreck after another, those three hours got pretty used up. Eventually with tight stomachs and nerves (and Mike's attempted suicide), we made it back to DIA 20 minutes before our scheduled departure, only to find that we were delayed 1 1/2 hours anyway. Why? Well, the flight crew was stuck an hour behind us in the same Denver traffic jam!

We made it off to Europe, and after a long but (gratefully) routine flight we arrived in Frankfurt, our European gateway city, the next morning, then onto Switzerland and eventually on a welcome bus ride through the beautiful Swiss countryside to Grindelwald. Less welcome was our baggage, which didn't arrive with us due to the quick change in Frankfurt. That night we had our first group dinner in the Central Hotel Wolter (excellent food!), where a raucous cheer was heard as our baggage arrived, and everyone crashed for the night after 30 of the most active hours we've had on any Austin Skiers trip! We found Grindelwald to be magnificent; this area is one of the most gorgeous and spectacular ski places in the world! Our March 10-14 stay included a variety of exceptional, memorable goings on. Many of us of course skied. Seen on Monday warming up at the sunny, nearby First area (hey, First is first!) were Gerry Dobberfuhl, Carolyn Crozier, Kevin Juhl, Jim Burke, and Dale Young, among others. Later that day most were off to the wonderful open slopes of Männlichen and the longest gondola in the world. March 11 meant Kleine-Scheidegg; located at the base of the famous Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks, this area is an other-worldly experience in beauty! Lunch was in the famous Kleine-Scheidegg high-mountain village, complete with hotels, restaurants, a teepee, and most notably the railway station and gateway to the famous "Jungfraujoch" peak area. Observed among our clan were the Ross brothers (Dan and Berni), Ben Mathis, Linda Jacobs, and Brenda Herman (and a mysterious German hunk!). Others like Neil, Sherri, and Marvis Martin were among the many group who took the famous cog train to the Jungfraujoch "Top of Europe"; the beauty of the Alps and the Aletsch glacier aren't to be believed! In fact, Dale and Kevin took advantage of the cog train up to the Jungfraujoch, then skied from K-S village to the base and reported it was a blast! Still others used the week to take advantage of Switzerland's showcase regional train system to tour nearby towns and destinations. Tourers included Jackie Garcia, ChesLyn Morris, Sue McGraw, Wendy Buck, Steve Faulkner, Jay Ross, and Sue Ross, who reported magnificent trips to beautiful Lucerne, Bern, and Thun, with cathedrals, medieval streets and shopping galore, even a Hooters (a Hooters?) in Interlaken!

The skiing peaked March 12 with a trip to the more distant Schilthorn area, where 12 skiers made their way. Joining up at the Grindelwald train station for the 8:15 were Dale Young, Gerry Dobberfuhl, Kevin Juhl, Mike Hagye, Jim Burke, Dan & Berni Ross, Bob & Martha Bauer, Doris Robaitelle, Ben Mathis , and Donna Peterman. An hour later, we were on the sunny, warm, and magnificent Schilthorn slopes, the best skiing in the region, and a highlight was lunch at the famous revolving restaurant, where a 360° circle is made every hour. The changing scenery was dazzling and you could even see the Matterhorn peeking just above a ridge far in the distance (but no James Bond)! On the slopes, two memorable sights Jim Burke's "quick stop" and Dale falling! What a way to spend a birthday, hey Mike?! That night, a few ventured out to the local night life (or as much "life" as you could get in Grindelwald on a Tuesday night!). But the dancing and music at the two discos the group attended made for a great evening, right Sharon Hogue, Nancy Marshall, Ed Panacci, Joyce Davis, Doris, Linda, Joyce, Jim, Brenda, Dale, Bob, and Martha? Our final night was complete with a "farewell party" with a real Swiss family band (polkas and waltzes galore!), a staff party, and lots of singing and waltzing. The highlight of the party was Charlie Brothers, leading the group in "The Eyes of Texas" (sorry Aggies!), the only "Texas" song we could think of, complete with the longhorn hand sign (the Swiss thought we were making obscene gestures)! A wonderful wrap-up to a fabulous stay in Switzerland, and we went to bed with a mix of contentment and melancholy over having to leave such a warm, wonderful village.

Thursday the 14^th saw us do some plane-hopping, and finally our second main destination Greece, the timeless land! We had no problems getting our two busloads into the Hotel Stanley in Athens, and for many of us, Athens' fast and loud pace was made quite evident through our windows (no need for a morning alarm here the rush hour horns honking worked just fine!). Despite the long travel day, a number of the group headed out for dinner; a few went to a "classic Greek" restaurant around the corner (featuring food that the ancient Greeks ate, which meant no tomatoes and other things which weren't yet "discovered", and waitstaff in togas), while others ventured via the beautiful new subway a few miles over to the ancient café/shop/restaurant quarter of the Plaka. There, one could only marvel at the nearby, illuminated Acropolis beautiful. The food was incredible, and Joyce finally got a fix of her addictive tsatsiki (that's sort of "creamed cucumbers")! The Plaka proved to be our destination several times during our Athens stay it's bustling, alive, and charming, all at the same timeand the food, oh the food!

Friday the 15^th meant a quick Stanley breakfast and a morning hop on the buses for the trip to Piraeus (Athens' port) and the three-day Royal Olympic ship cruise. The sunny, warm weather was perfect for a sendoff, complete with our "DOD's" (drinks of the day). Setting sail, we arrived a few hours later at the beautiful island of Mykonos. Known for its rowdy night life, whitewashed, blue-domed 365 churches, and landmark windmills, we spent a quieter off-season dusk walking through the enchanting narrow streets, shopping, and taking in the incredible, historic beauty. Saturday the 16th meant arrival at historic Rhodes after an overnight sail (hey birthday girl Kelly Harrell, ever spend a birthday like this?!). This crossroads of Mediterranean history and culture merited a long eight-hour stay. It was here that our group took some of its first optional excursions; several decided to do a "general tour" of the island, a few others journeyed to beautiful, ancient Lindos town, while a final group toured the medieval Old City of Rhodes and nearby historic Acropolis. One popular Rhodes activity is renting motor scooters, and Ben, Mike, Jim and Ed caught the bug, and had the time of their lives (and almost spent their entire lives finding an off-season bike rental!). By late afternoon the ship was off to its next destination, and in the "El Greco" lounge many of the group met up for the daily Bingo games. The gods favored our group, because in the three days of bingo, an Austin Skier won three of the six pots (right Joyce, Kevin, and Dale?)! And later, it was "Greek Night" for dinner; everyone wore their best royal blue and white outfits, and an after-dinner show featured Greek dancers, which soon gave way to the audience joining in. Ask Elva Hibbs, Gail Rogers, and Ruth O'Brien if they were feeling any pain while "Zorba"-ing around the dance floor. And some obviously misguided elderly ladies said they were "thrilled" watching Mike dance and asked if he was a professional; while others in the group passed out from laughing, Mike politely said "no"- amazing what a little Ouzo can do for you!

After another all-night sail, we arrived on the 17^th at the auspicious island of Patmos. Famous as the place of exile of John the Evangelist, where he wrote the biblical Book of Revelation, Patmos was a throwback into a more religious, austere time. More optional excursions here for the group; many chose to visit the Monastery of St. John and the Grotto where tradition says he received the Revelation. This holy and solemn place was a virtual time warp, where traditions still resist modern influences. Later, we sailed for the Asian(!) port of Kusadasi, Turkey, and optional excursions to one of the region's largest archeological sites, the ruins of Ephesus. Sights at this famous biblical, Roman city included marbled, colonnaded streets, the well-preserved library facade, and the famous theater of Paul's preaching and subsequent riot (from Acts of the Apostles), and traditional last house of the Virgin Mary. Then, modern capitalism returned as we made our way back to the waiting buses; a run through the "gauntlet" of local Turks selling the best tourist junk they could conjure up. These guys were persistent, even boarding tour buses to sell their "Turkish delight" (um, no thanks!). And no visit to Turkey is complete without the government-mandated "rug-store stop" where Turkish rugs are "explained" to us, then conveniently offered for sale. Still it was interesting, and a few folks like Kelly and Tim Harrell and Linda Jacobs made buys. But oops! On the way through port clearance to the ship, it seems that they didn't have proper receipts, and were almost tossed in jail (a Turkish prison? Help!). Eventually matters were cleared up and they were allowed to re-board the ship, rugs and all.

As it turns out, the night would be one to remember, first for the "Informal Night" which actually was more semi-formal. Everyone looked great in their black and white suits, dresses, and tuxes! Second, for the after-dinner (and all night) "treat". After all our good, fair weather, it seems that the Aegean had a final trick up its sleeve; we ran into a storm at sea and, well, need I say more? Rocking, rolling, pitching, bobbing the ship and most of our group. As the ship tossed along all night in the storm, so also "tossed" many of our group at least a few gave up their scrumptious dinner; most felt at least dizzy. Keys, trinkets, even people were thrown off their beds and tables! Mercifully, after an agonizing night for most, we arrived back in Athens and sunshine - the next morning. The 18^th saw us disembark (wobbly sea legs and all) and head by bus for the site of Delphi, two hours north of Athens. Jackie and Ben held back, however, as Jackie's seasick experience lasted into the morning (Ben was a terrific caretaker); they headed back to the Stanley in Athens. Delphi, the spiritual center of Classical Greece, is located high on Mt. Parnassus, with a spectacular view of the Sea of Corinth. The ruins, especially the Temple of Apollo, home of the ancient Oracle, were breathtaking! A quick shopping spree followed lunch for some, then everyone was back on the bus for Athens and the return to the Stanley. That evening most headed out to the Plaka for yet another superb café Greek dinner!

Our last full day, the 19^th, meant a free day in Athens. But most of the group opted for an excursion to the Acropolis and the indescribable Parthenon complex. The beautiful weather, incredible vistas, and overwhelming grandeur of these lofty temple ruins provided the most thrilling experience for many in the group. Next stop was the restored (1896) ancient Stadium, where the first modern Olympics were held. A few enterprising athletes (including a speedy Bruce Khoury) decided run the circuit on the elongated track. What they didn't realize was the effect that the Athens smog would have on their breathing. Getting back on the bus, it sounded like a novice smoker's convention with all the hacking and coughing! A final afternoon of Athens shopping and eating for most, then it was back to the Stanley to pack, followed by a final evening trek out to the Plaka. This time a group had a "Greek music" dinner, which by all accounts was superb! Finally, after this 12-day odyssey, it was time to go home.

Our flight was uneventful (no snowstorms this time!) and by late evening on Wednesday the 20^th we were back in Austin, replete with stories, experiences, souvenirs, and memories that will last a lifetime. Many thanks to Assistant Chair Joyce Davis for all her good work and decision-making, with a special thanks to Jim Burke for using his Trip Chair experience to help out at times! Also, efkaristó to Charlie and Kathy Brothers for hosting the pretrip party, and to Elva Hibbs for the posttrip shindig. This was one of the longest and most ambitious trips the Club's ever attempted, and no doubt most of us will be talking for years about the unprecedented variety of sights, sounds, and occurrences we had on this grand adventure. Was this the best vacation we ever had? For some the answer was a resounding "yes"! Will anyone ever understand how fantastic and unique this trip was as we explain it to them? Probably not, but we'll try!

Editor's Note: Be sure to check out many more great photos of this entire trip on our Web site Photo Album (www.austinskiers.org)!

Well, after all the hard work, our trip lineup is set and ready to go! And what a lineup! Once again spanning the globe and covering all 4 seasons, this group of trips is terrific! And possibly the best thing of all, look at our prices!! A full six of our 12 trips are under $800 when was the last time this happened and two are actually right at $700! Even our foreign trips are coming in at low prices! I know this makes it really tough for me to choose, so I know you're in the same tough but enjoyable predicament where to go? Also note a change from last month due to a more competitive price and much less expensive air, we're going back to Snowbasin for our holiday/New Year trip (Crested Butte was originally listed last month). Snowbasin is a perennial favorite, and the great response we've had to this trip the past 2 years made it an easy decision to make the switch I know it'll be a superb time once again! Thanks again to the wonderful Planning Committee that made these bargains possible, and a new thanks to all the Trip Chairs who were just selected good luck and you have my support!

Turn to page 4 in this issue to get the first descriptions of all these wonderful trips. If you have any questions about them, be sure to contact that trip's chair; or contact me (see p.10) if they can't help you first! And, be sure to accurately mail in your trip applications if you're eligible for early sign-up (see p. 6), as the mail-in period begins the 15^th of this month!

Thanks to a lot of hard work and determined negotiating by Liz Earhart and her team of dedicated volunteers, our trip schedule for next season is finalized. And what a great lineup of trips it is! To add icing to the cake, check out the prices - in some cases they are lower than the last time we visited the area! We'll visit some new places, such as the former Olympic venue at Lillehammer, Norway, the next Olympic site in the Italian Alps at Sestrière, and the European ambiance of French Quebec. Of course, the old favorites have not been left out: Vail, Breckenridge, Whistler, Snowbasin, Jackson Hole, Sun Valley, Steamboat, and Heavenly. Also, next summer we'll participate in the Texas Ski Council trip to Costa Rica. There are so many great trips it's going to be difficult to choose. What a nice dilemma to have!

Another exciting prospect is the new early sign-up by mail. Those who renewed their membership before July 1 have a 20-day period from July 15 to August 5 to just drop their trip application and deposit in the mail- no more standing in line at the September meeting. Watch those dates carefully, though; mail too early or too late and your application won't be accepted. Open sign-up for all trips begins at the August 13 meeting, and even if you have signed up by mail I suggest you attend. The trip chairs will be there to give a presentation, provide literature about the area, and answer your questions.

The Texas Ski Council will be coming to Austin on September 7 and 8, the weekend after Labor Day. They have a big party planned on Saturday with water sports, a cookoff, and other activities during the day and a fish fry in the evening. They have also reserved some two bedroom/two bath condos for about $40 per person per night. That's a great idea since you can stay late and party and not have to drive home. Please contact me (see p. 10) within the next week if you want one of the rooms. Details on the activities are still being finalized and we'll send out more information when it becomes available. Mark your calendars and plan to attend, it will be a lot of fun.

From time to time we'll ask for volunteers and your assistance can really make a difference. Also, if you have any questions, comments, or suggestions you can e-mail each club officer directly. Their address is on the back page.

All for now, see you at the July meeting. Jon Martin has planned a wine tasting par-excellance.

Here are the mail-in sign-up rules again this month. Read all of them carefully! Note that this is for a limited time period, and for current members only no exceptions! Early mail-in sign-up begins Monday, July 15 and ends on Monday, August 5. Please note these dates!! After August 5, these rules cease to be effective, and the general signup period begins with the Aug. 13 General Meeting.

Just take each step below with its conditions in order. We'll notify you on your status on the trip.

1. You must renew your membership or become a new member by July 1.
- this deadline is now, so join ASAP, or your only sign-up option is to attend the August meeting.

2. Obtain and fill out a trip application(s), one per person, for each trip you want to go on.
    - You can obtain trip applications on the Web site, at the General Meetings, or at happy hours.
    - "Single" memberships can sign up themselves and one other current member.
    - "Family" memberships can sign up their immediate family as defined in the By-Laws (Art III, Sec 1).
    - In order to be considered, all applications must be signed and complete (must include both pages).
    - There is no limit on the number of trips for which a member can sign up.

3. Enclose your trip application(s) with your deposit in an envelope.
    - The minimum deposit for each trip is $200 per participant.
    - Checks should be made payable to "Austin Skiers" and should have the trip name listed on the check.
    - You must use a separate envelope for each trip for which you are applying.
    - A single membership may include only two applications per trip envelope.
    - Each trip envelope must include the signed trip application and your deposit.
    - Each trip envelope must be clearly marked with the trip name.

4. Mail your application(s) to Austin Skiers during the early mail-in period, July 15 August 5, 2002.
    - Your envelope must be postmarked on or between these dates; do not mail earlier than 7/15 or later than 8/5!
    - Address your envelope to: Austin Skiers, P.O. Box 2032, Austin, TX 78768
    - Be sure you have correct postage (if you have any doubts, weigh your envelope to avoid it being returned!).
     - Metered postmarks will not be accepted to eliminate the risk of dates being manipulated.
    - Austin Skiers is not responsible for loss, delay, or any other problem with the U.S. Postal Service!
    - All applications must be mailed; no hand-delivered applications accepted!
    - envelopes not meeting all the above conditions will be processed later and will forfeit priority status!

5. Austin Skiers will process your application(s) as follows:
    - During the mail-in period, mailed envelopes will be collected regularly from the Club post office box.
    - Each envelope will remain unopened and will be marked with a number in the order in which it is retrieved.
    - All collected envelopes will be given to VP Trips or VP Trip Planning who, will open them and verify eligibility.
    - All valid, timely application names will be added to each trip's Participant List in the order received.
    - Members submitting applications that fail to meet eligibility requirements will be notified so that they can attend the August meeting (see below).
    - If a trip's roster fills during mail-in sign-up, subsequent applications will go on a wait list in the order received.
    - The Trip Chair will hold (not deposit) wait list members' checks until a space becomes available on the trip.
    - Any envelopes postmarked outside the mail-in dates (7/15-8/5) will be processed after the August meeting.
    - you will be notified of your status on the trip prior to the August meeting.

Finally, remember
    - You can see how important it is to check that your application meets all the conditions here before you mail it in!
    - These procedures apply to all members with the exception of Trip Chairs and current Executive Council Members.
    - All Trip Participants are subject to Austin Skiers Standing Rules, Policies and Procedures.
    - Information shown on the Trip Schedule and articles is subject to change.

You should attend the general signup at the August 13 General Meeting if:
    - you were notified of an invalid or improper mail-in application; or
    - you didn't participate in, or were ineligible for, mail-in early sign-up; or
    - you just want to sign up for another trip feel free to sign up for any other trip(s) that night!

You can sign up at the proper trip table, then either be placed on the Participant List (if there's still room), or on a wait list in the order received that night. Your position on the trip will be determined by the order in which you sign up at the meeting. Any new trip applications completed at the meeting take priority over invalid or ineligible mailed applications.

Editor's note: Prices, itineraries, and other details subject to change!! Contact the trip chair if you have any questions about a particular trip. Be sure to mail in your early signup from July 15 through August 5.

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 Beaver Run Resort with its own ski-in/ski-out quad to whisk you to the mountain each day! And, something to be thankful for this price includes Thanksgiving dinner! All in all, a terrific way to spend your November holiday!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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 3^rd 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!

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!

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!

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!

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 19^th 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!

At this time, details of this trip are still pending and will be announced in an upcoming issue and on the Web site. However, we will be accepting deposits and early sign ups mail-ins for this trip. There will be no penalty for cancellation until October, when contracts and information will be finalized by the tour operator.

Among the proposed activities are: jungle/rain forest hiking, swimming, visiting the beach, and historical touring.

Activities in July
Happy Hour - Sam's Boat,
10931 Stone Lake (near 183 & 360) 502-0404

Aug. 13 monthly meeting at Red Lions 6121 North IH35 323-5466(Trips presentation & sign up for more trips!)
Webmaster note: The July Newletter had incorrectly listed the Holiday Inn Northwest as the site of our August club meeting.

Let's all go out and support our diamond dazzlers in their last softball game before the summer heat sets in! We'll meet at Krieg Field #1 (515 S. Pleasant Valley Rd. in southeast Austin) on Wednesday, July 3, at 6:30 p.m. For directions or further information contact Ben Mathis.

Celebrate America's birthday by land and by sea! On Thursday, July 4, we'll meet at Longhorn Dam (off S. Pleasant Valley Rd.) at 10 a.m., then tube down the Colorado River till we get to Carl Deckard's house, where we'll play volleyball and grill the afternoon away (or you can meet up with us at Carl's house later if you want to invade by land and skip the tubes). For details, call Ben Mathis or Carl Deckard for directions to his house.

We'll be staring into space literally(!) as we take in the Wild Basin Stargazing Tour Friday, July 12, 8:30-10 p.m. Learn about planets, stars and constellations, and put your learning to the test as you search the real sky for its treasures! Bring a flashlight, something to sit on and water. Cost is $3 for adults, $1 for kids 5-12 yrs., under 5 free. The entrance to Wild Basin Preserve is located on the east side of Loop 360 approximately 1 mile north of Bee Caves Rd., or 3 miles south of the Loop 360 bridge. We'll also be meeting beforehand for dinner, 7 p.m. at the Hang Town Grille in the Village of Westlake Shopping Center. RSVP to Rhonda Keenan by Monday, July 8 at Rhonda.keenan@eds.com .

On Saturday, July 20, experience nocturnal nightlife, cool breezes, and beauty of a nighttime cruise down the Colorado River from 6-10 p.m.! We're journeying to McKinney Roughs, about 13 miles east of Austin-Bergstrom Airport near Bastrop on Hwy 71. Austin Skiers has reserved 12 spots on 2 rafts for this unique opportunity! Cost is $35 per person, and includes: life jackets, instruction, transportation to the river, and guides. You must be 18 or older and able to swim. Reserve your seat with cash or check payable to Austin Skiers. Contact Cindy Berry or activities@austinskiers.org to pay or for more details and directions.

If you've never been to the 5-story IMAX Theater at the Bob Bullock Texas History Museum, you've missed a thrill! Join us on Saturday, July 27, as we view the new release, Space Station 3-D, in all its towering glory (and Tom Cruise narrates!). cost is $6 or you can buy tickets online. The show starts at 8 p.m., and there is limited seating (and no late seating!) so get ther early! Meet the gang in the IMAX lobby at 7:30 p.m. Contact Cindy Berry at activities@austinskiers.org .

Come join us for a great evening of conversation and wine tasting for the July 9 monthly meeting! Here are directions to the Riata Clubhouse: From 183 (Research Blvd.) going north: Take the Oak Knoll exit; turn right onto Riata Trace Parkway (where the large Riata sign is); the clubhouse is located next to the pool at the leasing office.

From the Editor...

Famous last lines- you know, those legendary utterances from books or movies that, not only "complete" the work, but live on in themselves. Remember "'Tis a far, far better thing" (A Tale of Two Cities); "Louis, this could be the start of a beautiful friendship," (Casablanca); "Frankly, my dear, I don't give a (hoot" er something like that c'mon, you know that one!)? Well, I can think of another that's on par with these, the last line of the 1994 riveting flick The Shawshank Redemption - the simple utterance "I hope" Not to in any way diminish the quality of the writing, I began to apply this great last line to the upcoming ski season. So, with profound apologies to screenwriter Frank Darabont (& book writer Stephen King!), here are a few for the upcoming year. I hope:

that Colorado will finally see a decent season after 5 bad snow years that Whistler isn't using up all its snow coupons right now (they just got 2 1/2 feet this week!) that I can figure out where to go this year with all the under $800 trips! that the great air prices we've been getting stick that our condos have enough storage space for at least a pair of socks that people will think of something more creative to say than "Hello? Who is this?" on their 2-way radios better yet, that the 2-way radios all stop working, irreparably, at the same time that we get that 2-foot dump at night, not during the ski day (can you say vertigo?) that I finally learn to pack prior to three hours before we leave and that I can figure out how to pack in less than a refrigerator-sized suitcase that people who whine because every minute on the trip isn't tailored to their personal expectations just stay home and finally, that Liz and the planning committee get a great "high five" for putting together a super low-cost slate of trips this year! I hope

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 15^th 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:

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Issue 07:02 July 2002
Texas Ski Council Member

Contents

From the Editor...

Issue 07:02 July 2002 Texas Ski Council Member

Contents

From the Editor...

Issue 07:02 July 2002
Texas Ski Council Member