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A Social Club For Snow Skiers and Sports Enthusiasts
Contents
- October Meeting
- Ski the Pyrenees in Andorra
- Final Month For the Membership Contest!
- Please Help A Fellow Member
- The "Interconnect" Experience 4 Utah Resorts In a Day!
- Austin Skiers 2001 - 2002 Trips
- FROM the TOP - NOTES from the PRESIDENT
- Activities in October
- Activities in November
- Halloween at Renaissance Fest
- See some "Extreme" Skiing in IMAX
- Carpool to Esther's Follies
- Bring a Donation for the Red Cross to the Monthly Meeting
- From the Editor...
- OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS
- Information
Date and time: Tuesday, October 9, 2001, 7 - 9 P.M.
Location: Red Lion Hotel
6121 I-35 N. @ U.S. 290 323-5466
Program: Social hour 7-8;
"Yoga for normals" 8-9
Speaker: Nina Beucler
We'll be accepting monetary donations for the Red Cross
Austin Skiers first-time exclusive! Andorra, a small country nestled in the Pyrenees on the French/Spanish border, is a place of wonderful contrasts and blends. First granted independence by Charlemagne about 1000 A.D., Andorra actually became an "official" nation only after its 1993 Constitution was approved. Although primarily under French-style government for most of its history, Andorra's location has ensured that it shares cultures of France, Spain, and the nearby distinct Spanish region of Catalan. Though only the size of a medium U.S. city, Andorra has a large nation's worth of great culture, with museums, fine arts, restaurants, and shops rivaling any other European country. Even the weather has its contrasts: while Andorra is only a few hours away from the sunny, balmy French Riviera, its high mountain climate ensures superb winter snowfall. The country boasts five ski areas with over 7,000 total acres of skiable terrain and 96 lifts, all within 20 miles of each other.
If Andorra's skiing is terrific, its shopping is unbelievable. Although Andorra's wealth and richness might make shopping seem expensive, their virtually tax-free monetary system provides unbelievable shopping bargains. With some 1500 shops and no Value Added Tax (VAT), you can find goods at prices from 30 to 50 percent below those found back home. And for the party animals, Andorra has 50 nightclubs. For those in need of relief after all this skiing, shopping and dancing, Andorra has one of the largest warm water spas in Europe. The Caldea thermal spa is a full service spa housed in a unique glass cathedral providing a water palace for leisure, recreation, and treatment.
On this TSC Expedition trip we'll spend the first five nights in the 3 star Hotel Ibis in the village of Andorra la Vella, which is a short bus ride from the resorts. The hotel has a swimming pool, sauna, and jacuzzi, and breakfast and dinner are included. For the last two nights, we'll stay at the 3 star Hotel Aragon (3 star) in Barcelona, Spain, which includes a buffet breakfast. And how about these excursions the TSC pre-trip is to the Riviera-region cities of Nice, Avignon, and Perpignan; the TSC post-trip is to Zaragoza and Madrid, Spain. There are also optional day excursions to Figueras and Toulouse, France. Add in the memorable TSC Welcome and Farewell parties, and you've got yourself one Iberian deal! As the trip departs on a Saturday and returns the following Sunday, there's no need to lose a day of work. Come with us to discover this enchanting land of contrasts - join us on our first trip to Andorra!
by Gary Roth, Publicity V.P.
We're in the last month of our membership contest. It's your last chance to get your friends and neighbors on our Club membership roster, and reward yourself! Just have your friends write your name as a reference on their membership application, and that's a vote for you! It's easy and effective. We ran the rules in July's Newsletter see that (also on the Web site) or contact me (e-mail and phone below) if you want to review them. Once again, the rewards:
You have two ways to win a $100 certificate that can be used to help pay for your 2001-2001 Austin Skiers trip:
The member that recruits the most new members will win a $100 certificate, or
Every time you recruit a new member, you'll be entered into a drawing to win one of two $100 certificates. Recruit two members and you get two chances, etc. This drawing will be held at the November (Nov.13, 2001) monthly meeting.
If you have any questions, email skimail@austinskiers.org or call me at 261-1306. Recruit now; the contest ends Oct. 31!
Club members, we've just received word that Tom Zimmermann, a longtime, active, valued member of Austin Skiers (and intended Innsbruck Trip Chair) is currently battling a serious, sudden illness. Right now Tom expresses a desire to have Club friends visit him at home, especially during the weekdays. If you would like to do so, call Linda Neeno at 512.441.2629. Linda is coordinating food and visits after Tom is discharged from the hospital. Moreover, as they have no insurance coverage, they need your financial help as well. A fund has been established to help cover the significant costs of Tom's medical bills. If you would like to contribute, contact Jim Phillips at 512.264.2779 or mail a check payable to Zimmermann Medical Fund c/o Jim Phillips, Route 3, Box 2415, Spicewood, TX 78669. You can also contribute at the October meeting and other Club functions with a donation. Please keep Tom and Ellen in your thoughts and prayers, as we wish Tom a speedy recovery, and thank you for your giving.
By Mike Hagye
Editor's Note: This is the 2nd of a 2-part article on the Utah Interconnect Tour experience. The first part was run in the September Newsletter. Those of you who are going on the Snowbasin trip particularly are encouraged to check out the following article, as well as those of you considering any upcoming Utah ski trip.
After our Tour's fabulous early morning at Snowbird, we "vanned it" up the road to Alta because the Baldy Chutes connecting the two mountains were closed for the morning. Making our way to Alta's summit, our three guides (Rodd Keller, John Hughes, and Steve Shuler) rendezvoused briefly with the local ski patrol about conditions and best possible routes. I felt some reassurance as our guides were armed with the latest information, even as I remembered my avalanche-victim locator beacon strapped to my chest. Soon we were traversing a shoulder peak and quickly dropped out of the designated ski area; now we were really beginning the "backcountry trek" phase of the Tour. A few quick turns, and suddenly we were all tracking through a small forest and then a long climb up a 200 foot hill. I can tell you, a few sidesteps or herringbone pushes near a chairlift base is a different world from a long, 15 minute, wearying push upward! Despite my increasingly gasping breath, muscle fatigue, and profuse sweating, I managed to keep up. A few more in-track traverses, a last push through some trees, and a cut through a rocky outcrop, and WOW! We suddenly emerged into a picturesque panorama of a seemingly endless, open snowfields rimmed by vertical peaks! And this was all ours! As the group caught its breath, our guides simply said, "Go for it when you're ready!" The group peeled off one by one, covering the wide, sloping expanse, and I pushed off as well. Into waist-deep powder I went much deeper than one would think based on recent snowfall amounts- and put together about a dozen turns, to my absolute glee. Even John yelled down to me a reassuring "That's it, Mike!", and the deep blue, sun-filled sky, crisp air, and chill of the powder swirling around me was ethereal. Then, proud of myself, I came to a stop about 3/4 the way down, only to hear John shout "Mike you want to stay to the right just down there, because right in front of you is a 600-foot drop". I went right.
Then the real fun began; after swinging through a narrow neck, I re-entered a wide area which had even deeper powder. I made a cut, caught an edge, and while going at full speed, managed to pull to my terror a forward, violent 360 somersault into the fluff. Just when I thought "this is it for me!", my momentum carried me miraculously back over my skis and I kept going without missing a beat! Shock turned into relief turned into self-satisfaction. "Did you see my flip?" I excitedly asked John and Steve as they arrived down with the group. John coolly replied "Oh, yeah, that was interesting." guess it was John's 1,847th time he saw that kind of thing. The group was equally excited everyone was swept up in one big post-run high. Rodd, Steve and John asked how it was for us, and they smiled like proud uncles at the group's shouts and raves of delight.
However, reality soon set in; Rodd told us that we were at a bottom, so we'd have to do an even longer trek to our next slope. This march would take 30 minutes, and my unacclimated body moved from uncomfortable to downright in distress. The snow around us was unfathomably deep, and a fall off of our guides' carefully placed parallel tracks could be disaster. It was here that I really began to understand how difficult it would be to move, even survive, in this backcountry sea of snow without proper training and equipment. This was fun, but to the foolhardy could be deadly. On a particularly tough stretch were we had to remove our skis and walk stairstep fashion about 100 feet up, I was unsure if I could make it. I began to wave group members by me and soon was bringing up the rear except for Rodd, the tail guide. My size and weight caused me to plunge through the footholes more than the others; but maybe toughest of all, I was beginning to realize that I was becoming the "holdback" of our group! This was happening to me, ME the all-star high school athlete! Eventually I began to fall back of the other 11 (including two women) and Rodd and John relayed conversation about me back and forth on their radios; John stayed back with me as Rodd now went to the front; soon the group was 4-5 minutes ahead of John and me! But it was here that, in the midst of the worst part of my day, that I found out just how great these guides could be. John's unique Brooklyn-style humor mixed with calm encouragement had timing that any performer would envy. I discovered that the mind drastically changes when you're exhausted and struggling turns usually simple, familiar tasks into all out efforts. Although I kept my chin up (which John very much appreciated) I really wondered if I could make it. A fall off the track and very difficult getting back up added to my misery. John calmly helped me up, and directed me to do a 180 degree standstill turn on my skis. Although I've done this easily a thousand times before, my current state of discouragement made this extraordinarily difficult now. "C'mon Mike, we have to get going," John calmly but firmly prodded, and finally I swung around and we were off again!
John and I swooped through a few glades and trails; we arrived at Brighton (three down, one to go!) about 15 minutes behind the group, who had enough time to make a few short runs there. Then, shortly after, we all rode another chair and dropped over to Solitude (4 mountains mission completed!). Making a few long, sweeping groomed runs, Solitude's quaint size and winding layout were surprisingly enjoyable, and I began to perk up again. We stopped for lunch at the lodge cafeteria; the Tour fee allows the group to pick out lunch and the guides pay for everyone at once. As I staggered into the cafeteria, John and the guides chatted about a suggestion John gave to me just earlier out on the mountain that I might think about hanging back at Solitude and having a van take me back for the rest of afternoon. Although I felt a bit embarrassed and frustrated, I understood and didn't object; I said by no means did I want to hold the group back, and even if I quit now, I felt I got my money's worth. I think John appreciated this gesture, because after a nice lunch where the guides and I talked about families, Austin Skiers, Texas, and other assorted subjects, John suddenly said "You know Mike, I think you can make it the rest of the day. We have one last long traverse back to Alta, but then it's mostly skiing. If we get a 10 minute head start, we can go ahead of the group and they'll catch us." It was this type of careful but encouraging attitude from the guides that makes this trip unique. I said, "sure, let's go for it!"
Now rested and fueled, I found the afternoon to be much easier. We went up the chair and over a saddle, immediately into a long side traverse back to Alta, which was about a half mile, but generally flat with only a few low grade uphills. I did the traverse easily, even being further ahead of the arriving group than John figured. I was heartened when a few of the group offered me encouragement and a "good job!" Once again, we were at the top of a shoulder, this time the opposite side of Alta, and the group was given the option of going off here or hiking up another saddle of about 150 feet. About five of the group made the steep 10-minute climb; the rest of us figured that we got our money's worth even now and the extra 6-7 turns weren't worth it. This side of Alta's backcountry offered more enclosed skiing, with lots of powder and tree glades; we were still out of bounds, west of the Catherine's area. We spent about an hour on this northwest side, in and out of bounds, and then things began to wind up. After a long, powdery sweep we ended in a steep gully which came out just across the road from the parking lot. Exhausted but content, the group huddled up, removed its Pieps beacons, and made its way back to the vans. After the short drop down to Snowbird, many of us said our good-byes. The tour, starting around 8 a.m., ended about 3:30 p.m. In a final generous gesture, guides gave us each a specially-minted Olympic pin at their own expense.
As if the guides weren't helpful enough already, when they found out I had to wait for my ride all the way from Deer Valley, they gladly offered to take me back with them to Park City and save the family the long trip to get me! Gratefully I said yes, made the arrangements, and had an enjoyable van ride back, along with two other group members. We discussed politics, skiing, the Olympics, and whatever else came to mind. We three group members made a gesture to buy the guides a beer, and they accepted (except Steve the driver!). Soon, after taking Rodd and John to their cars parked at the Canyons, Steve had the courtesy to take me the short distance and drop me off right in front of the Park City main lodge. Typical. I thanked him and it was over. What a day!
The Interconnect Tour is a truly unique experience that has to be done at least once. However, don't go just for the skiing, but rather think of an exhilarating mix of skiing, nature seeing, hiking, and fraternizing, a complete package. You will thoroughly experience the thrill and delight of a variety of experiences, from the scenic, grand backcountry to the familiar likes of groomed in-bounds runs. And, you do see a good bit of several resorts, more than you'd think in one day, producing a fulfilling sense of accomplishment. However, take some care; there is a lot of hiking between runs. Go when you've been at altitude a few days, and after at least a few ski days, to get the most out of it. Carry some water and maybe a light snack (small backpack). Those less advanced might inquire about the easier five-mountain trek; those wanting more challenging skiing should aim for the four-mountain days. But however you go, chalking up this satisfying day on your skiing resume is something you will never forget.
The Ski Utah Interconnect Adventure Tour leaves from Snowbird or Park City (depending on the day and tour). For more information, call Ski Utah at (801) 534-1907 or e-mail them at skiinfo@skiutah.com.
Editor's Note: Prices and details are subject to change! At this time the Big Sky and Grindelwald trips are full and taking waiting lists. However, contact the Trip Chairs for trip status, because availability changes frequently!
Trip Chair: Tom Remaley 477-9628
e-mail: coppertrip@austinskiers.org
What better place to talk turkey than spending Thanksgiving at one of Colorado's most accessible and prime ski areas? Just a short drive from Denver, Copper Mountain provides abundant thrills; from the intermediate-styled Union Peak area, to the daredevil east side of Copper Peak, the mountain's 118 trails and over 2,400 vertical feet give you enough room to work off that Thanksgiving meal! And if you get hungry or thirsty again, Copper's famous Village Square has all the restaurants and pubs you'd want. As the TSC Fall Roundup, of course there'll be the usual great parties and races. Our 2br/2ba condos are at the base of the mountain, and we're taking a direct flight from Austin to Denver. Note that the departure date has been moved from Tues. 20th to early Wed. 21st to secure much cheaper flights. We'll still be able to ski 3 1/2 days (Wed p.m.-Sat).
Trip Size: 24 skiers
Trip Chair: Barbara Bobo 458-5648
Assistant Chair: Kathy Collins 447-2320
e-mail: ogdentrip@austinskiers.org
This trip was so wonderful last year that you insisted we return again this holiday season! Located in the Wasatch Mountains 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 upcoming Olympic Downhill and GS courses, plus all the pre-Olympic style and pageantry. 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 with cooked to order omelets, 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. Last year some folks decided to use rental cars, so if you opt out of the club's shuttle service deduct $112 per person from the trip price. Ogden is the spot for your pre-Olympic holiday fun, so don't miss out!
Trip size: 41 skiers
Trip Chair: Liz Earhart 453-5778
Assistant Trip Chair: Peggy Foreman 288-5747
e-mail: lakelouisetrip@austinskiers.org
We're returning to Canada's most spectacular resort if you've never seen beautiful Lake Louise, nestled between picturesque mountains and glaciers, then you can't imagine what you've been missing! We'll have three great mountains to ski, plus bargain shopping (with the American dollar buying 1 1/2 times its value in Canada). Our lodging is the romantic, luxurious, grand Chateau Lake Louise, a beautiful and world-famous 80-year old hotel that is also the base for the great TSC parties and races. We'll also be able to visit nearby, world-famous Banff village and its remarkable shopping and dining. It's no wonder that the Canadian government made this the primary tourist attraction on the trans-Canadian railroad in the early 1900's Lake Louise's beauty, wealth of activities, and terrific skiing packs it all into one inexpensive package! Note that this is a Sunday-to-Sunday trip!
Trip Size: 44 skiers
Trip Chair: Terry Champion 258-8374
Assistant Trip Chair: Rainer Vanoni 1+512-237-4289
e-mail: bigskytrip@austinskiers.org
A welcome return for the Club! After well over a decade, we're going back to Montana's premier resort. Big Sky is a 4,350 foot answer to a key ski question: where's the nation's highest vertical drop? Big Sky is also incredible scenery, short lift lines, over 400 inches of annual snow, and Meadow Village's and Mountain Village's shopping, restaurants, and nightlife (plus a few celebrities might show up from their Montana ranches!). We'll be staying in 3br / 3 1/2 ba, ski in/out condos, with a hot tub and a restaurant on site. Plus, an on-call, free shuttle runs until midnight for those emergency grocery or pub runs! Whether you're a seasoned Club vet who wants a new destination, or newcomer who loves great skiing, gorgeous scenery and culture, Big Sky should be your choice!
Trip Size: 47 skiers
Trip Chair: Kevin Juhl 836-5016
Assistant Trip Chair: Jon Martin 335-7490
e-mail: andorratrip@austinskiers.org
This month's Page 1 featured trip
Trip Size: 44 skiers
Trip Chair: Gary Roth 261-1306
Assistant Trip Chair: Barbara Jacquin 388-1974
e-mail: innsbrucktrip@austinskiers.org
Beautiful Innsbruck, the capital of the world-famous Austrian Tyrol region, is synonymous with the development of skiing as a sport. Tracing its European roots back over 1300 years, Innsbruck became famous as a center of the famous Habsburg Court high culture during the 13th century, and Mozart found the crisp mountain climate suitable for his many visits. The incredible beauty and charm of this heart of European skiing must be experienced! Innsbruck hosted the 1964 and 1976 Olympics, and continues to be the focal point of the Tyrol's magnificent resorts (eight skiing regions, 210 lifts, over 300 miles of trails). You'll definitely want to ski the famous Patscherkofel and Axamer Lizum Olympic regions, plus we'll have options to ski the Stubai glacier, Kitzbühel and St. Anton. Our lodging is a 4-star hotel near City Center, with breakfast and dinner included. On Friday we'll have a group dinner at the world-famous Hofbraühaus in Munich (three-course meal included), then on Saturday we'll have a couple hours to shop and explore Munich before departing for the airport. Sound good? Even magical? Then join us!
Trip Size: 44 skiers
Trip Chair: Carter Rowles 833-0467
Assistant Trip Chair: Wendy Buck 276-7407
e-mail: durangotrip@austinskiers.org
Newly-redesigned Durango Mountain Resort (formerly Purgatory) has been working hard to give you the best in a Colorado ski vacation week! Our trip last year was full of Durango's fabled dry powder, and this year we're returning with the TSC. We'll also offer a short trip from Wednesday to Sunday. From the gentle slopes of Columbine, to the groomed cruisers like Paradise, to the trap-door headwalls of Styx, Purgatory's 11 lifts covering 75 trails serve up an ideal blend of 23% beginner, 51% intermediate and 26% expert terrain. And there's a great extra deal, called the Total Ticket: if you want to take a day off you can exchange one day of skiing for activities like snowmobiling, sleigh riding, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, or a tour of the Mesa Verde ruins. Add to this the TSC parties and races, and you have a great Western-flavored week in store. Durango is the place to be in early February!
Trip size: 24 long; 10 short
Trip Chair: Chuck Bohman 453-4992
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 great news is that this year we have a prime location - we'll be staying in 2br/2ba condos across from the Village marketplace, 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!
Trip Size: 36 skiers
Trip Chair: Cherilyn Hack 1-512-863-3371
Assistant Trip Chair: Nancy Hawkins 330-9103
e-mail: alyeskatrip@austinskiers.org
Another Austin Skiers first-time exclusive! Want to visit a foreign land while still in the USA? Well, that's the feeling many people get when they visit our country's "Final Frontier", beautiful Alaska! And, we're joining the TSC for our first trip into this wilderness paradise. Tucked amid the Tugach Mountains on Alaska's south central coast, Alyeska offers the best of Alaska's beauty and thrills. The mountain features 2,500 vertical feet of skiing on some 62 runs, serviced by 10 lifts, and its low elevation (base only 250 feet!) prevents the thin-air blues, while accommodating the 480 inches of snow annually. And, the resort features the must-see, majestic Alyeska Prince Hotel, and the spectacular Alyeska Tramway, from which you'll see heart-stopping views on your way to the summit! We'll spend the first two nights in Anchorage for a real treat - we'll be on hand to observe the start of the world-famous +Iditarod dogsled race! Then we'll take the hour or so trip up to Alyeska for 4 days of skiing and numerous other activities with the TSC. Want to experience a first? Join us on our first Alaska expedition!
Trip Size: 44 skiers
Trip Chair: Phyllis Penniston 671-8487
Assistant Trip Chair: Cindy Carlson 458-9736
e-mail: mammothtrip@austinskiers.org
Are you California dreaming? Can you say Mammoth? How about 3,500 skiable acres, 30 lifts and 3100 vertical feet? Mammoth Mountain is centrally located on the eastern slopes of the beautiful Sierra Nevada mountain range. A traditional favorite, this huge area has something for all levels of skiers. Mammoth is 30% beginner, 40% intermediate, and 30% advanced terrain. Also, can you say sun? Mammoth has over 255 sunny days (70%) per year. You'll be treated to unobstructed views of high deserts and lush valleys bordered by the snowcapped Sierras. Our 2br/2ba condos are just a short walk from the base area, and feature 3 hot tubs and a heated swimming pool. A free on-call shuttle service is available for shopping or trips to some of the many restaurants and pubs in the village. Snowboard & ski rentals are just down the street at Canyon Lodge. Additional activities include cross-country skiing, snowmobile excursions, and fine dining at more that 30 restaurants on the mountain or in town. For a mammoth great time, join us at one of California's truly great ski experiences!
Trip Size: 44 skiers
Trip Chair: Mike Hagye 263-1456
e-mail: combotrip@austinskiers.org
Still another Austin Skiers first-time exclusive (that's 3 next
season)! Calling this a vacation is like calling Texas a small state; this
trip's more like an adventure! How much can you do in ten days? We'll test the
limit! First, we'll travel to western Switzerland to the village of Grindelwald.
Headquarters of Switzerland's gorgeous Jungfraujoch ("top of Europe") region,
with a total of 49 lifts and 130+ miles of marked ski runs (not including the
bowls and off-trail skiing), Grindelwald has three main ski areas, and lies near
the beautiful Aletsch glacier complex. Home of the first cable car (1908),
Grindelwald is known for its pristine marble, ice commerce, chapel of St.
Petronell (the patron saint of Alps travelers), and the world's highest
railroad. In fact, our hotel is just across from the cog railway train that will
take us on the short ride up above the village each morning. After five days of
exquisite skiing, we switch gears, weather, and culture! It's on to beautiful,
historic Greece, where we arrive in Athens, then take a three day cruise of
several Greek islands, and a visit to the Turkish port of Kusadasi. After the
cruise, we'll spend two days seeing Athens and its quaint, charming Plaka
district of cafes and shops, and the famous Parthenon complex. We'll also take a
short bus trip to Classical Greece's religious center, Delphi, and its memorable
ruins. All this in ten days? Must be a dream; well, dream no more spend Spring
Break in our first trip to these marvelous destinations! Note that this trip
is priced for departure from Dallas; and Austin-to-Dallas
(and back).
For more information on details and availability of this trip, please read the
associated article on the Club Website:
http://www.austinskiers.org/t02gs02.htm
or contact the Trip Chair.
Trip Size: 42 skiers
The past few weeks have been some of the most difficult in the history of our nation. We've all been forever impacted by the horrible events that occurred on September 11th, as our world is very different than it was just three weeks ago. Several of our Club members have told me that they knew some working in the twin towers, and they're either feeling the immense relief of finding them alive, or the deep grief they feel at their loss. My heart, my prayers and my tears go out to the victims, families and friends of this tragedy.
In the days ahead we'll continue to struggle to find what is normal. No one knows what changes we will undergo or how they will effect our everyday activities. I plan to continue with my vacation plans to travel both in the U.S. and abroad, and I hope you will too. I can't let these acts by cowardly terrorists, horrible as they are, change my attitude on life. If I do, then they win and I have lost my freedoms.
It was comforting to see friends at our last Club meeting the evening of September 11th. While we debated whether to cancel that night, we decided that it might be best to provide a venue of relief, even as fresh as that tragedy was. As it was, we were glad that many had the opportunity to talk to others about the events of the day, even through the tears. Throughout the evening I heard many of you express a desire to help New York, Washington, and Pennsylvania. As a result, we're going to have a donation collection area set up for the Red Cross at our October meeting, to aid victims and families. We'll also be having a blood drive in a future meeting; current demand to give blood far outweighs the need right now, but we'll keep you apprised of this development.
I know you've heard about the many canceled flights in the weeks past, and the threats to lay off many airline personnel or even declare bankruptcy. I have heard these things as well and hope our Club flights are not among those cuts. Currently, I cannot tell you what changes we may face for any of our Club trips. I can tell you however that Doug and the trip leaders are on top of any changes and are in contact with the tour operators or the airlines. Contact them if you have questions but please be patient with them as they work with their sources. They will keep you informed of any changes pertaining to your trip, as they know them.
There are two things for sure that changed about airline travel. First, names on airline tickets must match exactly the photo ID passengers present at the airport. Please be sure your trip leader has your exact name as it reads on your driver license or passport. The other change we will encounter as travelers is the additional time it will take to board a plane. No more getting to the airport 30 minutes before departure time. Currently, the airline officials are saying to allow several hours before departure. Hopefully, these times will be reduced in the months to come, but be prepared to arrive much earlier than in years past.
Let's be frank. We at Austin Skiers are in the business of fun, escape, and recreation. While we strive to remain that way, we also recognize that the last several weeks have seen tragedy and sorrow beyond belief. We know how many of us have been deeply affected by these events, and also recognize some troubling uncertainty for the future. So, although we'll go on offering our happy hours, ski trips, and other activities as we always do, we now do so with a new focus. Maybe the recent events give us more, rather than less, incentive to help our members get away, even briefly, from the sorrow left by the tragedy. So, if you feel overwhelmed from all the news reports about the attack on America, and want or need to get out among people, then join your fellow Austin Skiers in any one of the special activities planned for this month. Check out the events on the facing page, and allow yourself to have some fun. You deserve it! And God bless America.
Tere Ayson
Oct. 9 Monthly meeting at Red Lion (bring money for Red Cross)
Oct. 11 Carpool from Happy Hour to Esther's Follies
Oct. 27 Halloween party at the Renaissance Festival
Nov. 9 View IMAX "Extreme" movie at Bob Bullock Texas History Museum
Nov. 13 monthly meeting at Austin Sail and Ski.
Join us for a "Merrie Scerrie Olde Tyme" as we combine two of our popular traditions: Renaissance Fest and our Halloween party! On October 27, we're going to bus to the Renaissance site in Magnolia (northwest of Houston) to take in the fun. The cost is $45 for adults and $46 for non-members; the price includes bus, entry to the festival, and snacks and sodas. You can bring a small ice chest. We'll have a site at the Fest for our glorious party! For more information, call Cindy Berry at 248-9544.
Have you seen the cool, six-story tall IMAX movie screen at the new Bob Bullock Texas History Museum yet? Well, now's your chance to take it all in! On Friday, Nov. 9th, the Club will view the exciting action movie, 'Extreme', which among other thrills and adventure contains ski scenes. We'll meet in the IMAX foyer in the museum about 7:40 p.m. You should purchase your $5 ticket first on your own, then meet at the foyer; the movie begins at 8. Museum tickets are separate should you wish to take that in before the movie. For more information, call Cindy Berry at 248-9544
After our October 9 Happy Hour at the Dam View, we're getting in cars to make the early showing of Esther's Follies. Come have a laugh with us! Call Cindy Berry at 248-9544 for ticket prices and showtimes.
By now you've probably become familiar with, and even donated to, the Red Cross' efforts to help the victims of the September 11 tragedy. Well, we're asking you once again to bring whatever you can to the club's monthly meeting in October, where we'll have a place to give to help the families and friends of the victims. We'll also be setting up a blood drive in a future monthly meeting; for now demand to give blood is so great in Central Texas that the blood collection organizations are booked through the rest of the year! So help us as a Club help others - bring a donation in October. Thank you!
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Mike Hagye
President Tere Ayson 394-9676
president@austinskiers.org
| V.P. Trips Doug Jordan | 671-8487 |
| V.P. Trip Planning- Liz Earhart | 453-6784 |
| V.P. Programs Elva Hibbs | 231-0190 |
| V.P. Publicity Gary Roth | 261-1306 |
| V.P. Membership Barbara Jacquin | 388-1974 |
| V.P. Special Activities Cindy Berry | 248-9544 |
| Secretary Barbara Bobo | 458-5648 |
| Treasurer Cindy Swannack | (512) 295-3693 |
| Newsletter Editor Mike Hagye | 263-1456 newsletter@austinskiers.org |
| Webmaster Cliff Hoagland | 244-9342 skiwebmaster@austinskiers.org |
| Past President Anthony Beissner | 246-9852 |
| Cathy Collins | 447-2320 |
| Mary Gasal | 327-8659 |
| Jim Davis | 892-6797 |
| Neil Martin | 250-0238 |
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 is a non profit ski club
For questions on Special Activities, contact Cindy Berry, Activities V.P. at 248-9544.
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