News

Hello to everyone who enjoys the lifestyles and adventures of the Chattanooga Ski Club, and to anyone who is thinking of joining us in the future. 

Here's some items from this week in ski news. For starters, amazingly, Mammoth Mountain finally announced a closing date for their 2018/2019 season. July 28! And Vail Resorts received more recognition for their efforts in promoting women in the workplace. Finally, we have some very exciting news for fans of ski racing: HBO will air a documentary on Lindsey Vonn this fall. 

But the biggest news was the fantastic time we had at the lake party!  We had great turnout, the food was off the charts great, and the weather was perfect right up to end, then the bottom fell out!   So many people worked hard to make this happen, especially Bobbi and Chris, who help us to get this fantastic place and prepare some terrific food.  To all who helped to make the lake party a success, I would like to thank you all.

Trips are filling up; so if you are interested in one of the available trips, please contact a trip leader.  Our next meeting is August 6th -- be sure watch for the invite from Bob.

Thanks,

Mike

On May 13^th, twenty-five club members set sail for an amazing trip to Key West and Cuba.  Cruisers arranged for their own transportation to Fort Lauderdale, Florida prior to the cruise.  We received notification before the cruise that our boarding time was delayed from noon to 5:00 PM.  This was a little disappointing.  The cruise line gave everyone a voucher for the lunch we missed on board ship.  We were actually able to start boarding around 3:30 PM, and left the Port of Fort Lauderdale at 9:00 PM.  From then on it was smooth sailing.

We had a Club cocktail party, a free bottle of wine in every cabin, and we were all seated together at four tables for our evening dining.

Our Itinerary

• Depart Fort Lauderdale     Monday         9:00 PM
• Fun Day At Sea                    Tuesday           
• Key West, FL                         Wednesday  8:00a AM to 7:00 PM
• Havana, Cuba                       Thursday     7:00 AM – overnight
• Havana, Cuba                       Friday           Depart 2:00PM
• Arrive at Fort Lauderdale   Saturday      Disembark starting at 8:30 AM

Some of the Highlights of the Trip

• The hop-off-hop-on trolley in Key West and lunch at Sloppy Joe's
• Touring Havana in classic American cars
• Bus tour of Havana
• An evening at the Tropicana, established in 1939
• A visit to the Hotel Nationale
• Fantastic dinners with each other every night
• Bill Hooten and Jimmie Coley singing to us
  

Hello to everyone who enjoys the lifestyles and adventures of the Chattanooga Ski Club, and to anyone who is thinking of joining us in the future   As I write this, the weatherman says we are heading into the 90 plus degree weather for the next few days. I sure miss those nice crisp days of winter that just flew by.  Good news is that we have plenty of good trips to get back to those places in a few months.  We just have to endure the Tennessee Valley summer weather, but that includes having the lake party coming up in July.  See our website for details, and be sure to register.  

Our next meeting is June 4, and to spread the wealth, so to speak, we need some people to show up around 5 p.m. and help set the tables up. Any help would be appreciated. Another improvement is registering and paying online so Bob does not have to work so hard.    

I found this bit of ski news, "One of the many ways that industry players are attempting to counter climate change is by utilizing cloud seeding. When we first reported on the concept a few years ago, we shared a story regarding two meteorologist-snowboard “bums” who were developing the technique with an eye towards increasing snowfall at ski resorts. This week, we check back in on the concept as Denver Channel 7 News has released a report covering the growth of cloud seeding in Colorado. In the report, a number of cloud seeding proponents are interviewed who see the technique as a great way to encourage more precipitation in the area."

I say, great, let's hope Snowmass will have plenty of snow this coming season!  See you at the meeting!    

Mike

I really had my doubts and was frankly quite worried when the forecast for the May 3-5, 2019 ride was not only showing an 80% chance of rain, but also calling for thunderstorms! OMG!!!  This will be two VA Creeper Trips in a row with rain in the forecast!

Despite the forecast, eighteen faithful believers headed for Abingdon, VA Friday May 3^rd.  I was getting more and more concerned as we drove through a blinding rainstorm past Knoxville.  Apprehension was really setting into my usually positive attitude. 

However, rainstorm or not, “neither, rain, snow, sleet or hail” will stop the scheduled and highly anticipated “happy hour” margaritas, the best in town (thank you, Larry Plemons),  enjoyed by all, along with a new tradition, the “Left, Right, Center” dice game.  Also new this year was guitar music and singing by Jimmie Coley & Eddie Graham.   The rain let up just in time for the Friday night trek to the Barter Theatre for the performance of “Madam Buttermilk.”  All I can say is, if you missed it, you missed a fabulous performance.  The rain held off until after the show in time to get back to our rooms, and then… the bottom fell out of the sky with rain, rain and more heavy rain!

Saturday morning we awoke to a glorious blue sky: sun shining, bird singing, and 18 happy bikers riding the VA Creeper bike trail.   Though two of our riders, Kevin Cleek & Paula Guffey, left very early to ride up the mountain, both arrived just in time for our traditional Green Cove group picture.  WOW!! I am impressed and envious. 

We all finished as much of the trail that we choose to ride without a drop of rain, until four o’clock “happy hour” time.  Then, “Chicken Little, the sky is falling” -- rain came down in torrents.  However, being the CSC members that we are, margaritas seem to make everything so much better.  Plus, more rounds of “Left, Right, Center” lasted until the rain completely stopped just in time to make it to the Peppermill Restaurant, now added to our favorites list. 

Great trip, great time and a glorious ride!!!!

Go with us next time,

Barb

Hello to everyone who enjoys the lifestyles and adventures of the Chattanooga Ski Club, and to anyone who is thinking of joining us in the future.  As I write this on the day before Easter, most of us are turning the air conditioners off and turning up the heat!  I just heard on local news that Clingman's Dome had two inches of snow today and that Aspen Highlands ski resort in Colorado extended their ski season for another two weeks!  Meanwhile, our club is trying to transition into warmer activities, such as the Silver Comet bike ride, the Virginia Creeper bike ride, and the Cuban cruise. And that is just for April and May!

Whatever activity you choose,  if you are like me, let's be outside and moving!  We are very fortunate to live in an area that has so much to offer.  

As we start a new calendar year with all our officers and board members,  I would encourage you to thank them for all they do.  Case in point, the newsletter that Susan does such a great job getting organized and out to us. [Editor's note: I did not pay Mike to say this. -Susan]  There are just too many folks behind the scenes to list, but without those overpaid (volunteers) that give their time and energy, our club would not be what it is today.  And, of course, if anyone would like to join to help, please let any board member know.  

Be sure to come to our May 7 meeting to learn about all our trips and activities coming up.  Looking for to see you there,

Mike

Although ski trips, cruises, and European tours are pleasurable, generally risk-free events, emergencies can happen. A sudden illness of yourself or a loved one before a trip, or an illness or injury during a trip, may cost you money. Unfortunately, many trip insurance policies charge more depending on age, as those most likely to need it are older. If the trip insurance offered by our vendors is too costly for you, you have some options:

• Several websites offer the ability to compare several trip insurance companies at once, to see which rate is best for you.
• One company recommended by some of our members is World Nomads. Their web page is: http://worldnomads.com.
• Check your credit card policy for whether it offers trip insurance when you pay for your trip with your credit card.

While we now accept credit card payments for large trips, we can’t afford to absorb the fee we are charged for processing a credit card payment. Nevertheless, the payment of that fee may be offset for you if you get free travel insurance coverage. And you may earn points for using your card. Again, check with your credit card company to see what it offers regarding insurance and/or points.

If fear of emergencies keeps you from taking a trip, the cost of trip insurance may be worth the peace of mind it affords you. 

The Ski Club’s trip to Italy was a memorable experience for all 36 participants.  Chattanooga area members traveled with others from Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Texas, and New York.  Our itinerary included the following:

• A Delta flight from Atlanta to Munich;
• A scenic bus ride through Germany and Austria to northern Italy;
• A week in Ortisei (Or-ta-sey) situated in the majestic Dolomite mountains where:
• We stayed in the very nice Hotel Hell (family name) which allowed us to say that we had been to hell and back and to also witness hell frozen over suggesting that the University of Tennessee might actually have a winning football season this year;
• Our skiers had great skiing in the world famous Sellaronda;
• Non-skiers enjoyed day excursions including a horse drawn sleigh ride, the Neustift Monastery & Wine Estate, visits to Brixen and Bolanzo, and the highest museum in Europe – Marmolada WW I Museo;
• A train ride to Rome where we spent three days visiting various sites including the Vatican, the Coliseum, Circus Maximus, Roman Forum, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, and the Catacombs;
• A stop for lunch and shopping in Naples;
• 3 days at a spectacular seaside hotel in Sorrento from which we visited Pompeii, Capri, and the Amalfi Coast;
• Return KLM flight from Rome to Atlanta via Amsterdam.

Our entire trip flowed with precision thanks to the marvelous planning and coordination by our Alpine Adventures guide, Ina Gerlach.  Ina lined up world class hotels, meals, transportation, and guides which combined to provide a grand experience for all who had the privilege of enjoying the best of Italy.

Our Ski Club group quickly gelled into a happy, caring family with superb fellowship, mutual support, and a whole lot of laughter along the way.  We were awed by Italy’s majestic scenery, rich culture and history, and wonderful hospitality in all of the places we visited.  Our Italian adventure was truly a trip to remember and cherish!

Trip Captain, Don Drumm

Hello to everyone who enjoys the lifestyles and adventures of the Chattanooga Ski Club, and to any one who is thinking of joining us in the future.  Our members should be back from our last ski trip to Italy, and I am looking forward to hearing about the good times and seeing some good pictures.  As mentioned at our March meeting, we have chosen the ski trips for next year, and we should have flyers and applications at our April 2 meeting.  Be sure to come and get signed up.  Not only will you learn about the ski trips; but also about the just-announced, eight-day Caribbean cruise, and more information about the November Caribbean dive trip. But, guess what, folks? There is also a lot going on this spring and summer, so come and hear about those events too.

I read a good article the other day about the effects the mega-season pass are having on ski resort towns.  It’s a mostly a win/win for the skier.  With daily lift tickets in excess of $200.00 at a lot of resorts, it’s trending for skiers to spend more days in resorts. This causes increased demand for lodging, which drives up the cost and availability of lodging. This is big reason our club, through our trusted vendors, have to make our plans earlier than in years past. By the way, our club will be offering the Ikon pass on next year’s trips.

Our April meeting is also a special one as our annual elections take place.  My thanks go to all who are running this year. It’s a team effort from everyone to make our club successful.  I am humbled to have been your President this past year.  I strive to do my best for all members.  Looking forward to seeing you at our April meeting.   

Thanks,
Mike Hood

Hello to everyone who enjoys the lifestyles and adventures with the Chattanooga Ski Club, and to any one who is thinking of joining us in the future.  Three ski trips down, including Steamboat and one more to go on March 8th to Italy. 

I just found out while in Park City that the club is celebrating its 50th year. That is something to be proud of; kudos to all who made this happen.  I knew all that bicycle riding in 1969 would someday get me on the ski slopes!  I would love to hear some good stories from over the years, PG rating only, please.  If anyone wants to share a story, please send me an email.  

The state of our club is as strong as its ever been, and the opportunities for events that appeal to all seems to increase yearly. Our next general meeting is March 5th at the Enclave, hope to see everyone there.

Sincerely 

Mike Hood

We gathered 26 members at Woodland Park Baptist Church for the bus ride to the Atlanta airport, with another 10 who met us at the Salt Lake airport.  The transportation worked out well.  TSA was back at work so there were minimal lines through security.  Both bus rides were without any drama with most of us riding the bus from Salt Lake to Park City.  The party had begun!  We had a liquor and food stop at Park City before continuing to the Snowflower condos where porter services carried the bags up to our rooms.

The ground and secondary roads had a few inches of ice and snow from the 48 inches of snow that had fallen in the previous seven days.  The usual mantra for all ski resorts is: you should have been here last week or you should stay till next week.  Our week broke that scenario. We had 39 inches of snow during our stay with some windy and some sunny days.  We had great snow conditions with occasional low visibility but reasonable temperatures. Park City Resort is so large that the Canyons had perfect conditions while the main resort had low visibility and wind one day.  Deer Valley a couple of miles away had different conditions from the others. 

Some of the 2019 FIS Snowboard, Freestyle, and Freeski World Championship events were held at Park City and Deer Valley during our stay.  Several of us went to venues at both locations.  Watching the top athletes in the world compete was amazing. At 68, I’m giving up hope I’ll ever be among that elite group of athletes. 

Some joined Knoxville and Nashville for an event at Wasatch Brewing Company and for a Deer Valley dessert tasting.  We also had a group pizza dinner at the Snowflower condos.  We had six birthdays and the ski club’s 50^th anniversary to celebrate.  The Boston cream pie and the carrot cake were the hits of the desserts.  No more "birthday cakes," please!

One unusual event occurred while skiing.  Several people skied down into a canyon, but the lifts closed due to wind while they were there.  Snowmobiles were used to transport them out.  One person was on the back of the snowmobile and three were towed by rope behind it.  There were loops on the rope that the poles were put through and then you held onto the poles.  No one fell or had any problems with the “rescue." I’m sure that was an adventure.

Foodies had a ball on this trip.  From yurts on the mountain at night, to the wonderful Deer Valley seafood buffet, to an Irish restaurant, they had it all.  Options abounded and waistlines expanded.  Wine and cheese on Friday night was also enjoyed.

We had several newbies on this trip.  They fit into the group and were welcomed by everyone.  This group of people melded together quickly, and had a great time with skiing, snowshoeing, shopping, eating, and visiting.  This was a great group I would go anywhere with. Old friends and new friends; we cannot wish for more. 

The trips home were all we could ask for.  There were no surprises or delays.  We were home before the bad weather arrived.  This was a trip to remember and savor for many seasons.

John Neblett