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A Social Club For Snow Skiers and Sports Enthusiasts
Contents
- December Meeting
- Ski the Best of the Great Northwest
Whistler/Blackcomb, Canada - February 16-23
Alyeska, Alaska March 1-9- Austin Skiers 2001 - 2002 Trips
- New Zealand/Fiji Trip Offered This Summer!
- Do You Want To Help Plan Our Trips Next Year?
- FROM the TOP - NOTES from the PRESIDENT
- From the Editor...
- OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS
- Information
Date and time: Tuesday, December 11, 2001, 7 - 9 P.M.
Location: Canyon Café
701 S. Capital of TX Hwy. 329-0400
Annual Holiday party!!
$5 admission fee, also toy donation to Blue Santa requested
Trip Chair: Chuck Bohman 453-4992
e-mail: whistlertrip@austinskiers.org
Trip Size: 36 skiers
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" envelops a beautiful, meticulously-planned village, and that was no accident. Whistler has often been compared to Vail, and that was the idea 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. 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. This meticulous design laid out the village on what once a town dump! But every detail of this Olympic (and Vail) style international village was planned, from building zoning to street length to type of brick. 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 simply cannot be fathomed unless 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 (which has already gotten off to a 3-foot start this year)! 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 as attracted over 2 million skiers for the second consecutive year, but you won't see many of them the mountains' sheer, vast size is also being complemented this year by a newly-redesigned base area to eliminate lines 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!).
Unlike past years' visits, this year we're right in heart of the Village - 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. 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!
(TSC Final Showdown)
Trip Chair: Cherilyn Hack 1-512-863-3371
Assistant Trip Chair: Nancy Hawkins 330-9103
e-mail: alyeskatrip@austinskiers.org
Trip Size: 44 skiers
Polar bears (and black and brown bears), wilderness, Northern Lights, eagles and adventure - these are just some of the things brought to mind when you think of Alaska! Add spectacular panoramic views and more mountains than any other state and you've got a deal! Alyeska, Alaska's premier resort, has all this plus fabulous skiing to make for an unforgettable week!
We fly midday on March 1 to Anchorage, arriving before 10 p.m., with just a 10-minute bus ride to our hotel, the Captain Cook. Filled with luxurious ambiance and special amenities that qualify it as one of the world class Preferred Hotels, the Captain Cook is located in downtown Anchorage. There is an athletic club on premises, complete with an indoor pool, racquetball courts and weight training equipment, and you even get a wake up call for the Northern Lights! Men's and women's locker rooms are located below the lap pool. There is a huge hot tub with a spectacular view of the mountain at one end. An exercise room is available to continue your workout, or to work out some of your sore muscles, try the sauna or schedule a massage. Order your lift ticket sent up to your room each day as you decide if you'll ski. And, do you like to shop? There are 15 shops/stores inside the Captain Cook to keep you occupied.
Look at the other activities you can do: wake up early for the staged Anchorage start of the Iditarod Dog Sled Race, or you can watch it a couple of blocks from the hotel. Take an optional tour of the Alaskan Native Heritage and Cultural Center or wander downtown to enjoy the shops. We're also having a pub crawl to Chilkoot Charlie's on Saturday night. Voted the number one skiing watering hole by Playboy magazine, this place boasts 8 different bars and 3 dance floors, or there are 10 bars and restaurants within one block of the hotel if you want to venture out on your own. Even more optional activities include: dog sledding, snowmobiling, heli-skiing, snowcat skiing, flight seeing, salmon fishing and marine wildlife cruises. The resort also offers a $124, 4-day Alyeska Adventure Pass, which besides skiing, can be used for dinner in the unique cuisine Pond Café (and music in its 2nd floor piano bar), special items in the Logo Shop, 1/2 hour massage, and other choices.
Oh yes, the skiing buses to the Alyeska resort will leave throughout the day, so catch the 9 a.m. bus and make first tracks when skiing opens at 10:30 a.m., or sleep in and catch a later bus. The 60-passenger tram will whisk you to the top of the mountain in 4 minutes. And when you get there, you can enjoy Alyeska's 2,400 acres laid out in 62 trails serviced by 8 chairs and a few tows. You can gently ski back to the hotel from the chair lifts, or straight down (it seems) from the double black diamond slopes off to the left. Even at the top, the elevation is less than 4,000 feet. And Alyeska's snow is legendary: a 500-inch season is usual (so far this winter already 80 inches have fallen!). You can catch the NCAA Men's & Women's National Ski Championships midweek at the resort, and as TSC trip, we'll have a welcome party, club and individual races, a mountain picnic, and awards dinner. While on the mountain, dine at the summit's Seven Glaciers Restaurant, for a wonderful 4 diamond experience, or hit the Sitzmark Bar and Grill for more casual fare. You might even try The Double Musky Inn for a Cajun flair, or a Japanese steak house, the Teppanyaki Katsura.
We also have an optional, $237 post-trip extension to Talkeetna, Alaska from March 9th - 11th. This small town is believed to be the inspiration for the TV show, Northern Exposure. At the base of Mt. McKinley, all climbers are required to check-in with the local ranger station. A lovely evening with a wildlife slide show is planned our first night, or enjoy one of the other activities listed above, also available at Talkeenta. Whether taking in this option or just the base trip, we'll be experiencing an adventure that will be long remembered.
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: 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
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!
November's Page 1 featured trip
Trip Size: 42 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
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 resorts with a total of over 7100 acres of slopes (all within 20 miles of each other!). Finally, although Andorra's wealth and richness might make shopping seem expensive, their virtually tax-free monetary system provides unbelievable shopping bargains. On this TSC Expedition trip we'll spend the first 5 nights in the Andorra la Vella hotel, then the last 2 nights in nearby Barcelona, Spain. Breakfast and dinner are included while in Andorra, and a buffet breakfast in Barcelona. Excursions and extensions will be offered as well; so come with us to discover this enchanting land of contrasts- join us on our first trip to Andorra!
October'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!
November's Page 1 featured trip
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!
This Month's Page 1 featured trip
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!
This Month's Page 1 featured trip
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).
Trip Size: 42 skiers
This is another reminder from last month - escape the heat next summer as Austin Skiers join other Texas ski clubs in a fantastic trip to the exotic South Pacific islands of New Zealand and Fiji. The planned itinerary includes six days in Queenstown, New Zealand - skiing, jetboating, bungi jumping, horse riding, luge riding, mountain biking, wine tours, etc. - then one day sightseeing in Auckland. We'd continue on to Fiji for six days at the Sheraton Fiji Resort, where we'll have the opportunity to windsurf, sea kayak, golf, scuba dive, play tennis, do some deep sea fishing, or just relax in the spa and fitness center. Breakfast is included throughout the trip. There is also a 7 night scuba diving option at the Garden Island Resort in Taveuni, Fiji. Trip price is estimated at $2,075 including airfare from Los Angeles, 12 nights lodging, and ground transfers (add approx. $360 for air from Austin). The trip is scheduled to leave July 27, 2002 at 9:30 p.m. and return to LAX at 2:40 p.m. on August 10, 2002.
To reserve your space on this adventure, mail your trip application and $200 per person deposit (make checks to "Austin Skiers" - fully refundable if we don't have at least 12 members sign up) to Austin Skiers, c/o Doug Jordan, 13552 Anarosa Loop, Austin, TX 78727. You can also sign up at the December 11 holiday party. Trip applications are available on the Club Web site, or from any officer or trip leader. For further information please contact Wendy Buck, Trip Leader, at 276-7407.
This is a call for your help in planning our trips for the 2001-02 ski year! Liz Earhart, our VP of Trip Planning, is looking volunteers to serve on the Trip Planning Committee. This is a great opportunity to see how both the TSC and Club-only trips are researched, bid, and decided upon. Helping out with trip planning not only contributes to the welfare of our Club, but also comes in very handy in helping you understand how to plan your own trips! So if you've been wanting to go to a particular resort for years, this is your chance to have a say-so you might get your way!
The Trip Planning Committee will meet beginning in the last half of January, meets once or twice a month through early April. So if you want to get on board, learn more about the intricacies of trip planning and help your Club at the same time, give Liz a call at 453-6784 or e-mail her at tripplanning@austinskiers.org. Looking forward to hearing from you!
Season's Greetings to all. Hope your holiday plans include a ski trip with Austin Skiers or possibly a trip after the first of the year. Our first trip of the year has come and gone, and even though the snow was thin at Copper Mountain, the excitement has heavy. From what I hear everyone had a great time, as Copper continued with all their planned activities except for the TSC races. Instead, the Women's World Cup races were moved to Copper from Vail for a few days. I'm sure everyone was in top form after getting some expert advice from the racing coaches.
I must say our response to the membership contest was in top form. 33 members recommended the club to friends and family and recruited 47 new memberships during our contest. We always knew the best form of advertising was from our members and now we know for sure. Two people did such a good job of bringing in new members, that we had a tie for the most recruited. As a result, we decided to award both Barbara Bobo and Ben Copper a $100 ski certificate to use on any Austin Skiers' trip this ski year. Drawing one of the other 31 member names awarded the last remaining $100 ski certificate to Joy Lamb. A big thanks goes out to everyone who participated in the contest and for touting the benefits of Club membership.
Speaking of Club benefits, membership does have its rewards, especially when you let our retail sponsors know you are an Austin Skier member. Did you know you get a 10% discount on sale purchases at Sun and Ski? You can if you tell them you are a member of Austin Skiers. Our sponsors also give us benefits by the way of advertising dollars, which helps to keep our membership dues down. We have not increased our membership dues in almost 10 years. In addition, these sponsors give us door prizes and valuable free meeting space, which reduces our operating expenses. So the next time you shop Sail & Ski or Sun and Ski, be sure to tell them you are a member.
Have you ever wondered how Austin Skiers puts together those great ski trips every year? Well now is your chance to find out how it is done. Liz Earhart, our VP of Trip Planning, is looking for a few hard working people to volunteer for the task of researching next year's trips. No prior trip planning experience is needed, but good task follow through is a must. Learning to plan ski trips is a lot of fun and you can use these skills in your personal travels as well. Trying to determine what are good deals for our members can be exciting and rewarding. If you are interested in learning new things and helping the Club at the same time, then give Liz a call. Her committee will begin meeting in January. (see p. 7)
It 'tis the season to be jolly and share our blessings with others. Our annual Holiday Party will be held at the Canyon Café at the corner of 360 and Bee Cave. There will be a $5 charge to enter the party. Bring an unwrapped toy for Blue Santa or make a $10 donation to Blue Santa and help make a child's holidays a bit brighter this year with your kindness. Hopefully, the ice storm won't happen again this year, but if the weather should turn nasty, please check the Austin Skiers Hot Line for an update.
Happy Holidays and Think SNOW!
Tere Ayson
Dec. 6 S. Congress First Thursday Night after Happy Hour
Dec. 11 Annual Holiday Party at Canyon Café!
Dec. 31 New Year's Eve Party at Al Niece's 5400 Musket Ridge 343-9163
For questions on Special Activities, contact Cindy Berry, Activities V.P. at 248-9544.
Jan. 8 Monthly Meeting at Red Lion Hotel
For questions on Special Activities, contact Cindy Berry, Activities V.P. at 248-9544.
Join us after Happy Hour on December 6th for First Thursday on South Congress. From 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. South Congress Avenue's unique and kischy stores, about a mile south of Town Lake, stay open that night, with holiday cheer and live outdoor musical groups. Enjoy several blocks of antique and gift stores for your unique shopping needs, stroll and enjoy the lights and live music, or just view the downtown lights as you visit the shops at St. Mary's Street area. We'll gather in front of Rue's Antiques (corner of west Elizabeth & S. Congress) about 7:15 p.m. if you don't make it to Happy Hour. If you have questions, contact Kathy Collins at 447-2320.
Although last year's party fell victim to the Great December 2000 Ice Storm, we're sure that this year's party will be a warm-blooded success! As usual, our December meeting will be both a great social mixer and a chance to show the holiday spirit. Canyon Café will be the locale; the party starts at 7 p.m. and ends around 9. Remember that there is a $5 admission charge; we'll also be taking toy collections for the Austin Police Department's Blue Santa toys for needy children program. You're requested to bring either an unwrapped new or slightly used toy, or make a $10 donation to this worthy cause; a table will be set up for these donations. The Canyon Café is located at 701 S. Capitol of Texas Highway (360 and Bee Caves Rd. in the Westlake Center). We'll provide light appetizers and a cash bar will be on hand.
We all enjoy the opportunity to shoot the breeze with fellow club members and visitors alike at our weekly happy hours. You might not stop to think that although our happy hour is an informal, spontaneous gathering each week, it's also a means to represent our Austin Skiers' image to local establishments and other patrons. So, we're reminding you that good behavior and common sense should always be the rule at happy hour. If you ever have a problem with a restaurant's service, food, seating, or other issues, discuss those problems quietly and politely with the management, or you can notify Cindy Berry, our Special Activities V. P. if a recurring problem exists for you with a particular venue. Remember that while you're an individual, you're also an Austin Skier and can affect the image of the entire group. Let's take this time to remember that decorum and tact goes a long way towards being invited back to a venue, as well as keeping for us the good name we've spent a long time building!
2 CineMark Theatres Discount Passes
Lou Horwitz
Bula headband, water bottle
Jackie Bayly-Bryant
Steamboat T-shirt & cap
Bryan Kruse
MAJIC 95 T-shirt & insulated mug
Pat Glantzberg
Descente ski sweater (courtesy of Sail & Ski)
Jon Martin
This time of year for a lot of people means looking back to happy holiday memories, especially of childhood. Well, since this is a skiing newsletter, let me regale you with my best "childhood" (or at least younger) skiing memories:
Rudest awakening (I was 12): within 30 minutes of my being on skis for the first time on a Pennsylvania slope, I totally plastered several skiers in an "elderly skiing" club like bowling pins, knocking 3 or 4 of them into each other like dominoes. Um, not all my fault who knew skiing was a contact sport?
Most embarrassing moment with the opposite sex (17): got to know a gal from another group also staying at my high school group's lodge. I thought she was 17 and she thought I was 21. Turned out to be vice-versa; she was with a college group. Bye, Mike.
Best fall I (15): I went off a trail, tumbled over a creek, landed with my skis straddling the banks, and was suspended upside down! Those new easy release bindings dropped me into the creek where I then regrouped and made a frozen run to the lodge.
Best fall II (16): Started down this 35 degree steep, my first turn catching an edge, fell on my back facing uphill and slid down about 600 feet of slope narrowly missing a snow gun with my head and undoubtedly (and literally) killing myself.
Greatest escape (14): Hit a bump and cut sharply into some slopeside trees. Somersaulted with my knees hitting the ground in a kneeling position. Stopped suddenly, straddling a tree, with a sharp, pointy twig not an inch from my well you know where I gingerly backed up, my life having flashed before my eyes.
Most unreal moment (18): My best high school friend bet me $10 that he could walk naked (except for a ski mask) up to a bar in Vermont and order a drink (drinking age was 18 then). He won.
Ahh, those childhood memories and soon you'll get a chance to add your own to the newsletter! See next month's issue for details. Meanwhile, the best of holidays to you and yours!
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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