Austin Skiers and Travel Club
September News
Presidents Message
This summer’s schedule was a bit different than it has been in quite some time with no Annual Trip Presentation in late July since we merged it with the Annual Membership Meeting. We plan to do the same next year with the Annual Membership/Trip Presentation being held on Sunday, May 31, 2026, from 4-6pm at Balcones Country Club.
Also, there were nine (9) members of Austin Skiers who attended the Annual TSC BidFest August 1-3 in San Antonio to decide on TSC Trips for 2027. This was the largest contingency of any club! I was very pleased to see so many Austin Skiers attend.
We are advertising on our website on behalf of the TSC Youth Foundation (501 (c) (3) regarding their annual Thanksgiving trip. The event aims promotes youth skiing making lodging and other aspects of skiing more affordable to families. There is no financial support nor requirement to provide a Trip Chair for the event. Member would register directly with the foundation.
You will see more information about trips in Sylvia and Stuart’s section but wanted to provide you a brief update on the status of our trip line-up for 2026. We have five trips having SOLD OUT - Val Thorens France, Snowmass, Beaver Creek, Mt Bachelor and Banff. The remaining trips still have space.
Some of us, including myself, literally just returned from the South Africa/Victoria Falls, ZB trip on September 24. We had 29 participants. I think to a person we all thought this trip was terrific – a lifetime experience. It was absolutely fantastic!! Check out the pics posted on the clubs FaceBook page.
I also want to thank all our members for continuing to show your support for our club with our goal to continue being the best ski/travel/social club in Texas. Active Members now stands at 347. Keep spreading the word among your friends and colleagues about your great club!
Trip planning committee is already beginning to discuss plans for 2027. This year we will begin the process soon - so look for an opportunity coming your way to give us your input. For inquiries regarding Trip Planning you may contact Stuart (Stu) at TripsPlanning@austinskiers.org.
Hope to see you at a Happy Hour soon and stay tuned for other club activities later this fall.
Trips VP News
Thanksgiving Family Trip
Want to ski with the family this Thanksgiving?
Texas Ski Council & The Texas Youth Foundation are offering a 5 Day Ski Trip to Taos, NM – Nov. 26 – 30, 2026 staying at either The Blake or Sundance with discounted Lodging, Lifts and Lessons!
For any questions, please contact Ms. Willie Cunningham (210) 313-7064 or mrswlc919@gmail.com
Steamboat Springs OPENINGS - Jan 10-17
First trip of the year still has openings at this iconic Western slope ski resort.
Telluride OPENINGS - Feb 21-28
Looking for couples, single supplements or singles that don’t mind sharing a king bed, to join a marvelous trip to Telluride. Feel free to call Diane Bennett - trip leader - 512-751-0664
Breckenridge OPENINGS - Feb 28-Mar 7
Check out this cool Social Media promo for Austin Skier's/Texas Ski Council trip to Breck!
Lake Tahoe OPENINGS - Mar 13-20
Spring break trip in the High Sierras. And for those that like casinos, our hotel in South Lake Tahoe is next to Harrahs!
New England Ireland and Tanzania Trips posting soon!
Trips Planning News
DISCOVER THE ISLANDS OF NEW ENGLAND
June 19-26, 2026
TSC trip with 24 seats for our members.
Some highlights:
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Day One (Friday 19th) –Fly into Boston, bus to Providence, Rhode Island. Home for the first three nights is the Aloft Providence Downtown.
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Day Two (Saturday 20th) – A tour around Providence area., including options of a walking tour including the creative district or visiting the RISD museum with over 2,000 pieces of art and design. Colonial themed welcome dinner.
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Day Three (Sunday 21st) - A trip to Norfolk, the ‘Sailing Capital of the World’ and the historic homes of America’s wealthiest industrialists.
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Day Four (Monday 22nd) – A visit to Plymouth, boat cruise around Plymouth Harbor, including a lobster pulling demonstration. Walk around town including a visit to Plymouth Rock.
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Arrive at your beachfront hotel, the Sea Crest Beach Hotel in Falmouth, Massachusetts, for your four-night stay on the Cape.
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Day Five (Tuesday 23rd) – Trip to visit Hyannis Port, a ferry ride to explore the island of Nantucket, with its cobblestone main street, whaling museum, where sailboats and yachts sway in the harbor. Dinner at a popular local restaurant.
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Day Six (Wednesday 24th) – Choice of staying at the hotel and taking advantage of the amenities, including a private beach on Buzzard’s Bay and the pool. OR take a trip to Sandwich to visit the Heritage Museum and Gardens, plus a visit to the Sandwich Glass Museum.
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Day Seven (Thursday 25th) – A ferry ride to Martha’s Vineyard awaits to take you to see all that ‘the Vineyard’ has to offer including sea captain’s homes with widow’s walks, gingerbread-styled cottages, etc. Afterward, take a cruise back to Cape Cod for a farewell lobster feast.
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Day Eight (Friday 26th) – Travel Day - Bus back to Boston to fly back to Austin.
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Optional 3 day/2-night Boston Post Tour Extension. More information to follow.
OPTIONAL OKTOBERFEST PRE-TRIP (before Ireland)
September 23-27
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Transfer on Wednesday 23rd from Munich airport to hotel by private coach
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3-night accommodations at the 4-star NH Bavaria Collection hotel in Munich.
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City tour of Munich with local guide
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Two seat reservations for the Oktoberfest and 3-course lunch including 1 stein of beer!
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Transfer Saturday 26th f rom hotel to Munich airport by private coach.
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Air Transportation from Munich to Dublin by Lufthansa Airlines.
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One-night accommodations at 4-star Radisson Blu Dublin Airport – Saturday 26th.
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Meet up with Ireland tour group and tour representative in arrivals hall at Dublin Airport on Saturday to join tour and take coach to Limerick.
IRELAND (optional pre-trip to Octoberfest)
September 27-October 4, 2026 (pre-trip September 23-27)
Have you ever been to Ireland, or feel that it is time you returned, then mark your calendars for our Austin Skiers trip next fall to Ireland, with an optional pre-trip to Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany! We are currently reserving 30 seats for this great trip to Ireland.
Some Highlights:
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This is a Land Only Tour – you will make your own air arrangements to arrive at Dublin airport by 10:00am local time on Sunday, September 27th.
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All transfers by private deluxe coach.
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Four nights at the 4-star George Hotel in Limerick and three nights at 4-star Academy Plaza Hotel in Dublin.
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Full Irish Breakfast daily plus one dinner included at each hotel.
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Medieval Banquet at Bunratty Castle
ITINERARY
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Day One (Sunday 27th) – Arrive Dublin Airport, meet and greet in arrivals hall with Grand Tour representative. Bus to Limerick via Kildare. Visit Irish National Stud (guided) and Gardens, Tully, Co. Kildare. Dinner at your hotel – the George Hotel.
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Day Two (Monday 28th) – After breakfast, depart at 9:00am on our excursion from Limerick to Galway. Short version of Connemara tour via Spiddal and MaamCross. Afternoon – optional visit to Connemara Marbel Factory. Return to George Hotel. Dinner on your own.
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Day Three (Tuesday 29th) – After breakfast, depart at 9:00am on our excursion from Limerick to Killarney leaving at 9:00am. Visit Muckross House and Gardens, followed by short version of Ring of Kerry tour via Kilgarven, Kenmare, with photo stop at Molls Gap and Ladies View. Depart Killarney and return to George Hotel. Dinner on your own.
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Day Four (Wednesday 30th) – After breakfast, depart at 9:00am on our excursion to Cliffs of Moher, Burren, and Bunratty leaving at 9:00am. Return to George Hotel after tour. Dinner - Return to Bunratty Castle for special Medieval Dinner. Return to George Hotel.
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Day Five (Thursday 1st) – After breakfast, depart at 9:00am for Dublin including visits along the way to the Rock of Cashel, as well as Kilkenny Castle. Arrive at the Academy Plaza Hotel in Dublin. Dinner on your own.
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Day Six (Friday 2nd) – After breakfast, at 9:00am meet your local guide for a full day sightseeing around Dublin. Includes Trinity College, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and an afternoon visit to the Guinness Storehouse! Dinner on your own. Overnight at the Academy Plaza Hotel.
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Day Seven (Saturday 3rd) – After breakfast, depart at 9:00am on our excursion to Wicklow, known as the ‘Garden of Ireland’! We visit Powerscourt Gardens at the foot of the Wicklow Mountains, and the Vale of Avoca – including a stop at the Avoca Handweavers. In the afternoon we visit Glendalough Visitor Center for a presentation and talk about this early Christian monastic site founded in the 6th century by St. Kevin. Dinner at the Academy Plaza Hotel this evening.
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Day Eight (Sunday 4th) – Travel Day. Depart our hotel for Dublin Airport for home or other destinations.
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The TSC will also be offering an African Safari Adventure in Tanzania Nov. 1-9, 2026 in case you missed out on our Africa Trip this September!
Events from Activities VP
Happy Hours are a fun way to meet members and newcomers!
Thursday October 9 at 4pm - South - BJ's Sunset Valley -5207 Brodie Lane
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$4 Happy Hour Specials DOMESTIC BOTTLES, CHIPS & DIPS Chips & Housemade Guacamole + Salsa
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$5 Happy Hour Special BJ's HANDCRAFTED SIGNATURE BEERS, DARK HORSE WINES Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay
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$6 Happy Hour Specials BREWHOUSE MARGARITA, CALL DRINK
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$7 Happy Hour Specials SELECT APPETIZERS Sliders*, Deep-Fried Chicken Pot Stickers, Avocado Egg Rolls, Spinach and Artichoke Dip, Mozzarella Sticks
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PERSONAL DEEP DISH PIZZA Signature Flavors or a Build Your Own Pizza (up to four toppings)
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$1 OFF Specials BJ's SEASONAL BEERS, GUEST DRAFT BEERS
Thursday October 23 at 4pm - North - Mama Betty's - 9900 West Parmer Lane
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$7 MamaRitas & La Playas
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$1 off all Beer, Wine, Liquors
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1/2 off Selected Appetizers - Chili con Queso, Queso Flameado, Flautas de Pollo, Crispy and Soft Taco Plates
Membership Director News
Save the Date - Holiday Party December 7th
You'all talked and we listened. We are planning to have the Holiday Party at the Balcones Country club this year. Once we have all the details, we'll include in the newsletter and also send out email invitations.
Member Name Tags
The board decided to end the practice of automatically ordering name tags upon new membership registrations. If you meet with someone who does not have a name tag, please remind them there is a link on the Home Page and under “Members Only” on the website to order one or just click here Order Name Tags . Also, all new members have the opportunity to order a name tag when signing up.
If you have any suggestions for member benefits, please feel free to reach out to me!
Diane Bennett
Discounts
Our relationship with Marine Max Sail & Ski is alive and well with many new promotions and events coming our way. Be sure to inform the staff you are a member of Austin Skiers when visiting their store!!!! And show your membership card when available. AND THE BEST PART…….DISCOUNTS!!!
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20% off all sale items in the snow and water sports departments ALL YEAR.
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20% off all snow sports rentals •
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20% off all snow sports tunes in the ski shop
AVAILABLE TO AUSTIN SKIERS’ MEMBERSHIP IN GOOD STANDING
Highlighted Trip of the Month
SOUTH AFRICA TRIP
SEPTEMBER 2025
34 Club Members took part in this trip
This was definitely an awesome trip and we’d like to give you a little information about all the fun we had.
We toured about Cape Town for a few days and saw penguins and ostriches and mountains and beautiful ocean scenery. Rode the cable car to the top of Table Mountain and visited a township which was very educational about how they evolve. The tour included had 2 great dinners in Cape Town. Our first dinner out was at Chef’s Studio (cook our own entree) with the best mashed potatoes I’ve ever had. And then at Gold’s Restaurant with local dishes and everyone playing drums.
Then we went to Botlierskop Private Game Reserve and were blown away. We had 6 game drives and found the lions, elephants, rhinos, water buffalo, giraffes, hippos, meerkat, and so many different types of antelopes (kudu, wildebeest, impala, and more). We seemed to be in a couple of episodes of Wild Kingdom as we saw both the lions and cheetahs hunting and catching their next meal (it was the animal’s version of Chef’s Studio I guess).
Many of us also went with a Vet and his staff to do an elephant’s 18 month physical and implantation of a temporary rod in its tusk to teach it to not knock over the electrical fence surrounding the game reserve. Here is a link to the video of this experience. Elephant Vet Tour video
The Game Reserve had phenomenal accommodations and food!
We also visited a few wineries and I personally really enjoyed the Constantia winery very near Cape Town.
We also spent about 48 hours in Zimbabwe to visit Victoria Falls and do a Sunset Boat Cruise and some others went Ziplining and Helicoptor tour and Whitewater rafting!
Here are all the pictures if you are interested. South Africa Photo Album