the roanoke skier...leaving on may 14 for our western mediterranean cruise to spain, france, monaco,...
TRANSCRIPT
The Roanoke Skier The Monthly Newsletter for the Roanoke Ski Club
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April 2018
President’s Message
Spring is officially here, and our wildly successful 2018 ski season has come to a close. We enjoyed an amazing winter, with record snow fall totals and conditions, spectacular sunrises and sunsets, the profound warmth of friendship and family, and poignant memories that will stay with us for a lifetime. Our End of Ski Season Party will celebrate our four incredible weeks out west, and our local Canaan Valley weekend. Make sure you mark your calendar to join us on April 11th at 6:30 pm at Hidden Valley Country Club for a delicious Southern Hospitality Springtime Buffet Dinner. If you traveled on a ski trip this season, you will have a chance to reconnect with your ski buddies. If you did not make it onto the snow with us, I promise you, you will enjoy the stories! The event is free to all ski club members. As always, guests and non-members, are welcome. There is a $32 fee for all guests and non-members. In addition to the yummy food and good friends, we will have a special guest, Phil Hogan. Phil is a hilarious comedian and musician, and his show is a Southern flavored blend of stand-up, original comedy songs, guitar goofiness, and musical impressions. Come laugh, celebrate spring, and help me wish bon voyage to our club members sailing in May on the Star Pride, where they will cruise the Western Mediterranean with stops in Italy, Monte Carlo, France and Spain! Sending you warm and colorful wishes for the season. Happy Spring, Marla Kemsey President
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The Roanoke Ski Club Mission Statement
To actively promote and engage our members' appreciation of the outdoors, our love of skiing, travel, and adventure.
******** See New Email Below Please send responses to: [email protected]
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Upcoming Events:
Membership Meeting
• Wednesday, April 11 at 6:30 p.m. Hidden Valley Country Club
2500 Romar Road
Salem, VA
Happy Hour
• Tuesday, April 24 at 5:30 p.m.
Smokey Bones Bar & Fire Grill
4813 Valley View Blvd.
Roanoke, VA
Click the dates to easily add the events to your Google calendar!
TRIPS! TRIPS! TRIPS!
Thank you to the 88 members who filled out our Ski Trip Survey, and the 130 members
who filled out our Non-Ski Trip Survey! That’s a fantastic response rate and will help us
decide which trips to offer in 2019.
Ski Trip Survey:
The top votes were for Jackson Hole, Sun Valley, Zermatt, Banff, Snowmass/Aspen,
Steamboat, Innsbruck, Kitzbuhel, Snowbasin/Powder Mountain, Deer Valley, and
Snowbird/Alta.
The favorite combo among the back-to-back trips was a week at Snowbird/Alta, combined
with a week at either Snowbasin/Powder Mountain or Deer Valley with a day at Sundance.
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Non-Ski Trip Survey:
The top votes were for a River Cruise with biking, Fiords of Norway Cruise, Galapagos
Cruise, and an African Safari (non-hunting, of course!). We will likely do two non-ski trips
again in 2019, as both of our 2018 non-ski trips sold out with long wait lists.
We have submitted the survey results to our tour operators and we’ll see what they come
up with, depending on available dates and prices for lodging and airfare.
Since the last newsletter was published, trips to Telluride and Crested Butte have been
completed. Check out the write-ups below. Next trip up: 45 of our members will be
leaving on May 14 for our Western Mediterranean Cruise to Spain, France, Monaco, and
Italy, ending with three nights in Barcelona!
TRIP LINEUP FOR 2017 – 2018
The following is a summary of the 2017-2018 trips. See the following pages for
more detail and for links to the full-color flyer on the RSC website, or visit our
website at https://roanokeskiclub.org/Trips.
Ski Trips
• BIG SKY 1/27 – 2/3 Kate Steinbacher
• CANAAN VALLEY 2/4 – 2/7 Shelley Gibson & Dana Harlor
• SNOWMASS / ASPEN 2/10 – 2/17 Karen Saunders
• TELLURIDE 2/24 – 3/3 Shelley Gibson
• CRESTED BUTTE 3/3 – 3/10 Marla Kemsey
• TELLURIDE & CRESTED BUTTE 2/24 – 3/10 (two weeks) Marla Kemsey
Non-Ski Trips
• WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN CRUISE 5/14/18 – 5/25/18 Dave Brammer
(includes 3-days in Barcelona)
• CROATIA ADVENTURE 9/7/18 – 9/17/18 Bill Fleshman
Happy Travels,
Dave Cohan, Trip Director
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BIG SKY, MT
Jan 27 – Feb 3, 2018
$2,099 per person, double occupancy
Trip Leader: Kate Steinbacher [email protected]
COMPLETED!
TIMBERLINE/CANAAN VALLEY, WV
February 4-7, 2018 (Sunday – Wednesday)
Only $450 per person, double occupancy
Trip Leader: Shelley Gibson [email protected]
COMPLETED!
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ASPEN / SNOWMASS, CO February 10–17, 2018
$1,999 per person, double occupancy
Trip Leader: Karen Saunders [email protected]
COMPLETED!
TELLURIDE, CO
February 24 – March 3, 2018
$2,120 per person, double occupancy
Trip Leader: Shelley Gibson [email protected]
COMPLETED! Check out the write up below!
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CRESTED BUTTE, CO March 3–10, 2018
$2,280 per person, double occupancy
Trip Leader: Marla Kelsey [email protected]
COMPLETED! Check out the write up below!
WINDSTAR WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN CRUISE
(Spain, France, Monte Carlo, Italy)
Includes 3 days in Barcelona May 14–25, 2018
from $3,996 (depending on cabin selected) per person, double occupancy
Trip Leader: Dave Brammer [email protected]
WAIT LIST—CONTACT TRIP LEADER! Click here for full color flyer!
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CROATIA ADVENTURE September 7–17, 2018
Approx. $3,554 per person, double occupancy
Trip Leader: Bill Fleshman [email protected]
WAIT LIST—CONTACT TRIP LEADER! Click here for full color flyer!
Summaries of Completed Trips!
TELLURIDE, CO
February 24 – March 3, 2018
The Roanoke Ski Club certainly "lucked out" with perfect travel days, not only on arrival but also with our departure! No flight delays and even early arrivals both ways for the group flight to and from Roanoke!
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If that wasn't good enough, we were blessed with 32" of fresh powder from the prior 7 days to our arrival date in Telluride! We certainly took advantage of the benefits of the fresh powder throughout our weeks stay! Our lodging at Bear Creek was in the European-style alpine Mountain Village located at 9,545 feet! We were just a stone's throw from the historic mining town of Telluride (which sits at the end of a towering canyon) and a 13-minute free ride on the gondola system! (only one of its kind in North America!) What a
ride this was...absolutely awe-inspiring in the heart of the San Juan mountains where the scenic allure is unparalleled! My blood pressure drops even "now" just thinking about the gondola rides! At the lodge our group took advantage of the many amenities to include the "Funicular", a private 4-minute lift ride with direct access to the base of Chair 1 and Chair 10! Then there were the spacious condominiums with full gourmet kitchens enjoyed and used to the fullest by many in the group. It seemed we had a few aspiring chefs that not only shared favorite recipes but cooked up delicious meals for their condo mates and welcomed many from outside the condo! Outdoor hot
tubs and a heated pool were enjoyed to soothe tired muscles and the free shuttle service provided by our lodging was outstanding! Though skiing on legendary terrain was what most came for... many in the group expanded their interests to some of the following activities: Dog Sledding, Snowmobiling, an early morning hike to Bridal Veil Falls, a "Day at the Spa"/Peaks Resort for several lucky travelers, a movie at the historical/landmark (The Nugget Theater), drinks at the New Sheridan Historic Bar, Dinner and/or drinks at the incredibly unique mountain top dining of Allred's, an Uber ride to the backcountry of a nearby National Forest for skiing and boarding, The infamous Stringdusters Bluegrass live in concert at the Sheridan Opera House, and last but certainly not least one couple enjoyed a snow cat ride to Alpino Vino situated at 11,966 feet, a European-style chalet serving fine wine & dining! And then...if all that was not enough to keep us busy we enjoyed a Welcome Reception upon arrival, two Après Ski Group gatherings and a Clean Out the Fridge Party where Dean Martin shared a favorite scrumptious tray of baked spaghetti to fill our hungry tummy's and a birthday (Van Lane) was also celebrated! Unfortunately, we did have two injuries as both John Schrader and Dean Martin had incidents on the first day...last run which kept them both off the slopes for the remainder of the trip. Both gentlemen are thankfully recouping well! Our thoughts and prayers continue to Jim and Barb Martin whom were unable at the last minute to make this trip due to a health issue, and Mike Maunz who left mid-week due to a family death. A great BIG thanks to everyone for a great trip, a memorable time in a place of peaceful atmosphere, scenic beauty, character & charm, legendary terrain, lack of crowds, non-existent lift lines, and authentic and friendly town folks! This is the "short list" of my description and feelings of Telluride during our stay! Shelley Gibson Trip Leader, Telluride
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CRESTED BUTTE, CO
March 3–10, 2018 The club’s last trip of 2018 was a huge success!
Forty-three people spent a fun filled week in Crested Butte Colorado. The Grand Lodge was a perfect venue for our group; steps from the slopes, with suite lodging rooms. The hotel had a great outdoor hot tub and pool complex, and the centrally located WoodStone Grill and Bar, with an open pool table, was our favorite go-to gathering spot. The historic mining and ranching Victorian downtown was an amazing place to spend an afternoon shopping and sightseeing or to enjoy a charming dining experience. We had a week full of après ski gatherings: a gourmet soup and salad reception, an educational private tour at Montanya's Distillery, a hilarious happy Hour at Butte 66, an exciting sunset sleigh ride with dinner in an 1800's
cottage, a festive margarita happy hour at Bonez, and a poignant farewell pizza and award party.
Our week was invigorating, and extra special with the addition of a dynamic group of young newcomers who joined us. A special shout out to Alaina, Maggie, Tobin, Lucas, Ben and Kevin! We are so glad you hung with the old folks and gave us the opportunity to teach you how to ski (ha, ha, ha!).
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Also, special thanks to Mike Kelly, who taught us how to ‘drive the car’ (a dance move you all must learn). And to John Schneider who fearlessly took over the difficult task as our in-resident ski patrol staffer. It was a week full of great weather, skiing, profound friendship and family, but best of all, NO injuries on this trip! I'm thankful for the opportunity to spend a week with such a great group of people. Warmly, Marla
“FAM” Trip of a Lifetime
The primary responsibility of the Trip Director, with input and approval by the Board, is to select the trips
for the following year. The process begins with the Ski Trip and Non-Ski Trip Surveys, but it doesn’t end
there. The Trip Director and other Board members have occasional opportunities to participate in “FAM”
trips offered by tour operators who are trying to get the RSC’s business. “FAM” is short for
“familiarization.” Tour operators partner with lodging properties, resorts, and airlines, to put together a
significantly discounted package to entice Trip Directors from ski clubs across the country to participate
on these FAM trips. So, a FAM trip is essentially a scouting mission, so we can determine whether the
destination, lodging, non-ski activities, etc. would be a trip that our members would enjoy.
Last March, when I was entering my second year as Trip Director, the RSC was given the opportunity to
participate in the FAM trip to end all FAM trips. It happened to be offered by Pete Kovacevic of Alpine
Adventures / Adventures Africa, our tour operator for the Amalfi Coast trip and the upcoming Croatia
Adventure. Generally, only one “trip decision maker” from each ski club is invited, but because Melinda
was President at the time this opportunity arose, and because our club offers multiple ski trips as well as
non-ski trips each year, I talked Pete into letting us both go.
Pete put together back-to-back week-long FAM trips, and we participated in both parts. On March 11, we
flew from Dulles to Geneva for a week of skiing and other activities at Alpe d’Huez in the French Alps. We
then flew to Johannesburg (through Cairo) for a three-day safari (non-hunting) at Kariega Private Game
Reserve on the Eastern Cape of Africa, followed by three days scouting lodging and activities in Cape
Town on the Western Cape. We had a packed schedule so we could research the various elements that
make up our club's trips (travel, lodging, activities, resort amenities, etc.). It was an amazing experience
on all accounts, and we gave both weeks of the trip two enthusiastic thumbs up. Below are summaries
written by Melinda.
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Alpe d’Huez, French Alps
Dave and I only knew of Alpe d’Huez from the Tour de
France as it is one of the legendary mountain climbs in
the race. We were surprised to learn that it was voted
the Best Ski Resort in Europe in 2017. Experiencing it
for 5 days as a ski town and resort was an incredible
experience, especially since Europe has received the
best snow they’ve seen in 7-10 years. We received over
3 feet of snow while we were there, and we had bluebird days as well.
This is a vast mountain with terrain for all levels and is
the most breathtakingly beautiful mountain that Dave
and I have ever skied. With the scouting, research, and
other activities built in to this FAM trip, we only had two
full days to ski. Since our time was limited we used
guides to help us find our way around the mountain.
They helped create the best experience possible, both
on-piste and off-piste, and made it easy to navigate the
mountain. We even got to experience the longest slope
in Europe – La Sarenne at 16 km (10 miles)!
Located at the base of the slopes is a picturesque
European village with shops, art galleries, restaurants,
and activities for all. We experienced snowmobiling at
night under the stars, sledging (sledding down a
winding snow race track), a helicopter tour over the
resort, and a delicious dinner of Raclette and Fondue at
a restaurant atop one of the slopes with a snow cat ride
back to our hotel. We even got to experience their “La
Grotte De Glace” (the Ice Cave) – a 200-meter cave with
ice and snow sculptures along a self-guided tour. The
meals and wine were great and the people and staff exceptional.
We visited different lodging accommodations both in the village and ski in/ski out to identify the ideal
accommodations for our club should we decide to offer a trip to Alpe d’Huez.
This location would be an ideal destination for skiers desiring to ski in the French Alps as well as plenty
of activities for non-skiers desiring a European type of experience.
Safari Trip at Kariega Private Game Reserve, South Africa
Last month, Dave and I had another opportunity to go on a “FAM” (Familiarization) Trip to South Africa to
research a safari and a trip to Cape Town as a possibility for one of the Ski Club’s non-ski trips for 2019.
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The first four days of the trip were spent in Kariega
Private Game Reserve on the Eastern Cape of South
Africa. Kariega spans approximately 25,000 acres and is
privately owned to protect the animals in their natural
environment. We experienced six safari drives (these are
non-hunting of course) with an open-air Jeep that seats
10 people, and each drive was packed with incredible
sightings – elephants, a mama rhino and her one-week
old baby calf, giraffes, zebras, lions, hippos, cape buffalo,
wildebeest, warthogs, and so much more. The guides at
Kariega are excellent at not only finding the animals, but also in explaining history, education and
information to help make the sighting a richer experience.
We loved that no mosquitos were spotted on the safari; almost all South Africa, including Kariega, is
malaria-free and no shots were needed to travel there. The weather was excellent – sunny with highs in
the mid-70’s and lows in the mid-50’s each day.
The lodging, staff, and meals at Kariega are exceptional. Our group of 10 stayed in 2 – 3-bedroom
Chalets around Kariega’s Main Lodge, which proved to be an ideal setting should our club decide to go
there. The Main Lodge is a central place for groups to gather, relax, and enjoy our meals. The 4-star
property creates a true luxury-rustic experience. There are 24 Chalets surrounding the Main Lodge
tucked in the trees, high along the ridge of the Reserve. Each Chalet has a breathtaking view of the
property and one can see animals, sunrises and sunsets from their back deck.
The staff at Kariega are well versed in working with groups such as the RSC. While they plan for safari
drives twice a day, there is also ample time to relax, take advantage of their spa services or just enjoy a
relaxing afternoon next to the infinity pool. We are excited about the possibility of a trip like this for the
RSC.
Cape Town, South Africa
The conclusion of our “FAM” (Familiarization) Trip
ended with 2 ½ days in Cape Town on the Western Cape
of South Africa. We toured different hotel sites to scope
them out for our club. The hotel we stayed at is ideal for
our club should we decide to go – it has spacious
rooms, an amazing full breakfast buffet included each
morning (with a made-to-order omelet station), a large
lounge and courtyard area for gatherings, an outdoor
pool with sauna and steam room, and is less than 5
minutes walking distance from the iconic V&A
Waterfront filled with live music, shopping, bars,
restaurants and gorgeous views of the mountains and harbor.
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From Cape Town, we enjoyed an excursion to Cape Point
on the Cape of Good Hope, Simone’s Town to see
African penguins on the beach, the Botanical Gardens,
and shopping with local vendors. Cape Town has
majestic mountains while being right on the water. This
makes Cape Town a unique experience, and we could
see why Travel & Leisure ranked it as one of the top 10
destinations worldwide. We experienced a gondola ride
to the top of Table Mountain and walked along the
117,000-year-old rocks while enjoying panoramic views
of Cape Town.
One day was spent touring various South African
wineries in Stellenbosch region just outside of Cape
Town.
We found Kariega and Cape Town to be safe, and the
people to be welcoming and very friendly. The
combination of 3-4 days on Safari, followed by 3-4 days
to experience and explore Cape Town, would be an ideal
itinerary for the types of experiences RSC members like
to have.
Membership:
Membership dues are: $35 for individual, $50 for family and $40 single family. Our Membership year runs from July 1st through June 30th of the following year. Membership applications received on or after April 1st will extend through June 30th of the following year. Please remember that your membership must be up-to-date before registering for any trips.
Applications can be obtained via the Club website under the Membership tab or you can click here. We need the application completed and signed even if you are a returning member!
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Marketing:
CHECK THIS OUT!
We will post our events to our new Facebook page so make sure you follow it
and share with your friends! Now if you're wondering how to conquer any of
these tasks, you'll be relieved to hear we will share these actions plus a few
more at an upcoming membership meeting. Stay tuned!
Click the logo on the left for a direct link! Have you checked it out yet?!?
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Treasurer’s Report: February 2018
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THAT’S ALL FOLKS!
Stay tuned for next month’s news and activities.
WE ARE NOT JUST A SKI CLUB!
CHECK OUT OUR YEAR-ROUND ACTIVITIES AT:
www.roanokeskiclub.org
And click here to follow us on Facebook!
Roanoke Ski Club Board Members: Contact us at [email protected]
OFFICE NAME
President Marla Kemsey Vice President Linda Corbitt
Secretary Newsletter
Kate Steinbacher Pat Oberlin
Treasurer Steve Worman Marketing Director Heidi Marer Membership Director Karen Strickland Activities Director Sally Wesley Program Director Karen Saunders Trip Director Dave Cohan Webmaster Ted Lonitz Past Director
Melinda Cohan