Austin Skiers: A club for snow sports and travel enthusiasts

British Columbia's Whistler and Blackcomb mean big-time skiing, shopping, eating, socializing you name it, this largest of all Western Hemisphere resorts is big by any standard. The double-mountain "V" cradles a beautiful, meticulously-planned, nestled village lying a two-hour bus ride north of Vancouver. Whistler has often been compared to Vail, and that was no accident; after Vail's completion, some of its developers were requested to work on a Canadian version. In fact, the Canadian government reserved the to-be resort's land in the early 1960's to prepare a world-class venue for possibly hosting an Olympic games. A consortium of Vancouver-based businessmen worked closely with the government to decide upon and reserve a spot for this ultra-preplanned destination resort. Soon the Creekside (south side) of Whistler installed its first lifts, and the mountain was off and running in 1966! However, after local residents expressed fears of crowds and pollution, former prime minister (and avid skier) Pierre Trudeau intervened and along with investors, began the intimate and detailed planning of Whistler's now famous Village in 1975. Every detail of this Olympic (and Vail) style international village was planned, from building zoning to street length to type of brick; this meticulous design actually laid out the village on what once the town dump! The result is a charming, European style hub of activity and atmosphere that gives Whistler Village its fame, and makes getting around logical and easy.

And speaking of fame - this famous enormous 2-mountain complex must be experienced in person! Whistler/Blackcomb's 7,200 acres on two mountains provide over a vertical mile of skiing on each - the most in the Western Hemisphere - allayed over 200 trails serviced by 35 lifts! And, Whistler's low elevation means less panting and more carving in that 360 inch per year snowfall (there's snow on the mountain even now)! Whistler is also one of only a few resorts to offer almost every type of downhill skiing: glacier, glade, powder, and groomed in one, localized area. The resort has attracted over 2 million skiers for the second consecutive year, but you won't see many of them - the mountains' sheer, vast size also boasts a newly-redesigned base area to eliminate line waits, and also includes new lodging, skier services and a re-do of a local favorite: Dusty's bar and grill. You'll find bargain shopping aplenty, and a remarkable choice of world dining cuisine's (plus don't forget the mountain itself - some of the best resort food at remarkably low prices; don't miss the Sumptuous waffles served daily on-mountain at the scenic Crystal Hut log cabin high on the slopes of Blackcomb!).

This year's visit features a convenient, comfortable hotel-style stay in the Marriot's Residence Inn, which features ski in/ski out access via the Wizard Express High Speed Quad! And as the TSC Traditional Trip, the great TSC parties, races, and activities are showcased to serve over 600 Texas skiers! How can you go wrong, with all this at a terrific Canadian-based price? Come see why this resort is on everyone's list of "must do's" at least once; come see why a big time for a big value means Whistler!

So what happens when you combine a pristine river valley, tall, wooded peaks and thermal hot springs with Ute Indians, the American Western culture, and even a bunch of jumping Norwegians? Well, you get one of skiing's most unusual and enjoyable mixes Ski Town U.S.A., otherwise known as Steamboat! By the mid-1800's, this longtime summer hunting ground for the Utes soon became a rancher's delight and one of Northern Colorado's prime cattle and sheep grazing spots. The town of Steamboat Springs was born as a prime ranching center. And the jumping Norwegians? Well, these immigrants poured into town about 1890, used their masonry skills to build stylish structures and blazed ski trails to deliver mail and goods. And they showed Americans how to really play ski jumping for "fun!" These Scandinavians were responsible for Steamboat's' emergence as a winter sports haven. By 1912, they were holding winter carnivals and competitions and making the Mt. Werner area a prime ski habitat. Although Steamboat didn't become a formal resort until 1962, skiers have long schussed down Werner's slopes, and more than 35 Winter Olympians have come out of Steamboat since 1900, more than anywhere else!

What does all this mixing mean today? Well, Steamboat provides one of the best skiing experiences anywhere, and the town is a famous eclecticism of European charm and Western flair. Steamboat's four main peaks provide almost 3,000 acres of the best and most varied skiing on the continent. Geared especially to mid-and upper-level intermediates, with long cruisers and challenging steeps, Steamboat also has its share of novice slopes and expert jaw droppers (stay off of Mt. Werner unless you know what you're doing!). Steamboat is nicely laid out so that everyone can meet at the Thunderhead lodge for stories and lunch. Generally, beginners can take the lower trails down from Thunderhead, to the great wide-open gentle giants like the South Face and Headwall areas. Intermediates will love the lower Storm and Sunshine Peak lifts, and can even claim a good number of easier blacks in the Sunshine (especially Sundown Express) and High Noon areas. For experts, your mettle will be tested on the powder fields of Upper Storm Peak, or the steep chutes to Storm Peak's far left or try some of the back bowls. With lift capacity of 37,000 per hour, you won't spend time standing in lift lines.

For fun, take in the town of Steamboat's great Western/European architecture, lively nightlife and quaint shopping. We will be staying at The Lodge, featuring comfortable 2br/2ba condos located 200 yards from the Silver Bullet Gondola. There's no reason to walk even that far, since The Lodge has a private shuttle that runs continuously between the condos and the gondola during the day. When you arrive back at the condo in the evening, there is a complimentary ski check right at the shuttle stop so you don't have to carry your skis to your condo. The heated pool and hot tubs are a great place to relax after a fun day on the mountain. In the evening, the shuttle makes runs to shopping and the downtown area. In addition, Steamboat has a free city bus service which runs frequently. Don't miss this exceptional winter vacation value! Space is still available. Join us for an unforgettable week of activities and experiences at Steamboat. You'll "jump for joy"- just like those crazy Norwegians!

Most of us have told an acquaintance or relative about the great times and wonderful people we've met through membership in Austin Skiers, and invited them to join. Many of our current members learned about us that way. Some of those who declined probably mentioned that they would like to try skiing if the right opportunity comes along.

Well friends, the right opportunity is here! To encourage more people to try skiing, and experience the benefits of club membership, the Texas Ski Council is sponsoring a Learn-to-Ski week from December 10 to December 15. Details are still being worked out, but the approximate cost of $525 includes air from Austin to Denver, ground transfers to Winter Park, Colorado, five nights lodging, 3 days of lessons, equipment, lift tickets, social activities, and Club membership. This package is for beginners only, but arrangements can be made for more accomplished skiers to accompany the group. And yes, the beginner can choose either ski or snowboard lessons.

This is an excellent opportunity and I encourage you to help us spread the word and introduce others to this wonderful sport. We don't know the deposit schedule or sign-up procedures yet, but if you know someone who is interested please send an e-mail with their name and contact information to our VP trips, Liz Earhart (trips@austinskiers.org ). We should have more information by our next general membership meeting on September 10 at the Red Lion hotel. Of course, prospective members are welcome and encouraged to attend.

Volunteers Needed. The Lower Colorado River Authority is sponsoring the 8^th annual underwater cleanup on Sunday, September 29, and Austin Skiers is one of the supporting organizations. The floods in July left a bit of trash in Lake Travis and we need divers to bring up the "stuff" and shore helpers to put it in piles for the LCRA to haul off. This is a great opportunity to support our community and I hope you will step forward and help. Please send me an e-mail (president@austinskiers.org) with your contact information and whether you are a diver or a shore helper. If you have not been diving in awhile please let me know and I will try and set up a group refresher session with one of the local dive shops. We'll start about 9 a.m. and finish about noon. A free lunch will be provided at Carlos n'Charlie's and pre-registered volunteers receive a T-shirt.

A final note. Liz tells me there are still slots available on some trips so, if you are still undecided about which destination to sign-up for, the September meeting is a great opportunity to meet with the trip leaders, ask questions, and pick up some literature. See you there.

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 However, contact the trip chair for any trips in which you are interested, as spots frequently become available or are added.

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)! For those who don't want to cook Thanksgiving dinner (who does on a ski trip!) an optional buffet dinner will be held on Thursday night. On our last visit it was delicious! Thanksgiving in Breckenridge - a splendid way to enjoy your November holiday!All in all, a terrific way to spend your November holiday! Approximate price: (click here)

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)

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'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)

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)

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)

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! Approximate price: (click here)

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)

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)

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)

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! Approximate price: (click here)

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! We'll be based for the first 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!! Approximate price: (click here)

If you haven't yet renewed your membership (or become a new member), this will be the last newsletter you receive! Be sure to join up now! See the membership application on p. 2 for prices and information. You can e-mail Membership V.P. Donna Peterman at membership@austinskiers.org to re-join. In most cases you can just send payment without filling out another application unless your personal information has changed (and you can often just let her know that, too!).

Also, it's time for the directory to be finalized for printing! Expect to see the new year's directory by mid-November, but first be sure your phone, address, and e-mail information is correct (use the mailing label with this newsletter to verify accuracy)! If you have any questions or corrections, e-mail Membership V.P. Donna Peterman at membership@austinskiers.org to confirm your information if desired. You need to do so by September 15 for the newsletter and by October 10 for the Directory. You'll also have the opportunity at the September 10 meeting to do this in person.

If you own or are part of a business, be sure also to be a part of our Club Members' Directory, which is a great deal a year's worth of continual advertising at a month's price! For as little as $25 you can broadcast your business to hundreds (or more) pairs of eyes! But you need to hurry; the deadline for Directory advertising is October 15, 2002! Our standard size page is 8.5 x 11 (regular letter sized paper), grayscale format (color ads work and easily can be translated to grayscale), and full, half, or quarter page, or business card sizes are available. Ads can be electronically mailed as well - tiff or jpeg are the preferred formats.

We're also continuing to accept appropriate ads for the newsletter on an ongoing basis. Ad format is the same as for the directory, and deadlines are the 15^th of the month preceding the issue in which you want the ad to run. The newsletter features discounts for running multiple months as well. So, c'mon, get noticed! Advertise today! For more information, rates, and further instructions regarding newsletter or directory advertising, contact Marketing V.P. Marcia Honeycutt (e-mail marketing@austinskiers.org ). Technical questions about the ad format can be addressed to Mike Hagye, Editor, e-mail newsletter@austinskiers.org .

Hey, the only strike threat here is over the plate! Our illustrious (and multi-championship) co-ed team picks up again this month after a short break (well, actually they've already started but the rain postponed a few games)! Anyway, join us every Wednesday night at Krieg Field (515 S. Pleasant Valley Dr. by Longhorn Dam) to root on our ski softballers. For directions, give Ben Mathis a call (see game times on the calendar above!). Ben can also fill you in on player spots needed if any. Let's cheer on our team!

Come join us in Llano County for our fall campout the weekend of September 27-29. We'll be heading for Lake Buchanan's Llano County Park and Black Rock Park, with the usual great food, activities, and good times (swim, fish, or paddle!) and this year even some great sailing as we're joining the Fall Funsail Weekend! Llano County Park has free no-frills camping, while Black Rock Park has for-fee campsites and bathrooms/showers. BYOB and some food (a soup meal will be served Sat. night and breakfast tacos Sun. morning). Cost is $10, but if you want to camp at Black Rock Park, you'll pay an entrance fee of $3 per person per day and a $10/day camp fee (small cabins are also available for $35 per day). For details and more info, call Carl Deckard or e-mail him at carldeckard@hotmail.com. RSVP by September 24.

Divers (and shore strollers!) - grab your gear and help us as we join a number of other volunteer groups in the annual Lake Travis Underwater Clean-Up, Sunday, September 29. This is always a popular event and we've participated the past several years. Even non-divers are welcome to clean up trash along the shore (and help the divers with their loot). With the heavy rains and lake debris from July, this year's clean-up is especially needed. Interested? Contact President Doug Jordan (president@austinskiers.org) for details and times (also see page 2). Lunch and souvenir T-shirt are included! (Cleanup pdf flier)

If you've never seen the Beatles' tribute band The Eggmen, this is a great opportunity to experience their superb renditions complete with the legendary Lake Travis Oasis sunset! The date is Saturday, October 5. Arrive by 7 p.m. to join us at a table (just look for us or ask for "Austin Skiers"), sit back, eat, dance, and enjoy!

Also, kommen Sie mit uns to a great night out during the heart of German Oktoberfest to Walburg Mercantile! Saturday, October 19, we'll meet in the Restaurant at 6 p.m. for Schnitzel, then head to the biergarten for the sounds of the Walburg Boys until 1 a.m. For dinner reservations, e-mail Cindy Berry activities@austinskiers.org by October 12.

The date is Saturday, October 26 from 8 p.m. 12 a.m. at Elva Hibb's near the Spicewood Springs/McNeil area. More details and directions next month, but mark your calendars (and get your costumes organized) now!

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/insidernews/inside-tsc.htm . The TSC appreciates your continued support!

From the Editor...

"FAT!" What do you think of when you hear it? Usually not great connotations; "A cruel insult" is one that comes to mind. How about "uugggghhhh? These as opposed of course to the favorable pop word phat, meaning "cool", as in "that's a phat ski run!" Well, what's "phat" right now is the issue of "fat." USAToday begins a week-long series as I write this on this divisive issue. It says that a staggering 61% of Americans are overweight or obese (>30 lbs. over ideal weight); want more? How about 1 billion people worldwide? It is unnecessary to here go into discussions of the health risks of being overweight, or even the touchier issue of causes (genetic? lifestyle? self-indulgence?). Suffice it to say that it's both a hot topic as well as a huge business - how many diet books and related paraphernalia come out even in a week? But, after the article's great discussion on all the elements of not getting (or staying) overweight, what stands out is this: that in order to lose weight (or keep it off), especially as one gets older, there are no shortcuts. Regimented, vigorous exercise, diet control, and aggressive monitoring (calorie counting, weighing, etc.) are the only sure bets how's that for a "new finding?" And we needed experts to tell us this?

I don't believe in printing "conditioning" articles in the newsletter. Why? Simply, I think it's bad press and even risky. "Getting in shape" is such an individually-tailored and year-round task that publishing some generic, third-hand source on doing x # of leg lifts or sitting against the wall is irresponsible. The idea of thinking that you can quickly "get in shape" after trying out a few exercises from an article can lead to some big, counterproductive hurt! Moreover, if you're getting your exercise program from a ski newsletter, um, well, get a life (and a doctor!). Getting and keeping in shape (skiing or not) is a tough thing for most of us; it takes discipline, lifestyle, monitoring, and probably a doctor and trainer if you're starting out. Maybe a few leg lifts done gently will be better than nothing to some, but for most, unless you really want to get in peak shape, it's probably better (and healthier) to not punish yourself by thinking exercise is a quick-fix endeavor. It's not rocket science, folks. Either tailor your skiing to your present shape (and don't fret over it), or resolve to get in better shape year-round if that's you your skiing, like everything else athletic, will come easier. I know it has for me, 30 pounds lighter from last year; I can say that hard work and rigorous monitoring is about the only good way; it's phat, dude!

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 09:02
September 2002
Texas Ski Council Member

Contents

From the Editor...

Issue 09:02 September 2002 Texas Ski Council Member

Contents

From the Editor...

Issue 09:02
September 2002
Texas Ski Council Member