Trip 2 for Nisei skiers finds new friends on the snow-bus to Reno/Tahoe.
It takes an adventurous sort to make the commitment for spending a weekend on a loooonnnng bus ride… both ways over Donner Summit to the below-freezing enchantment of Lake Tahoe. But, ahhhh, skiers have that destination-driven gene that makes them seek out the thrills of the hunt for perfect snow, steep trails, short lift lines, and good hot chocolate by the fireside at day’s end.
And did we mention friendship and camaraderie? Yes, the desire to share these moments with other kindred spirits — to explain the steeps and moguls and snowy spills in vivid detail to each other — far exceeds the strain and pain of tight-fitting ski boots, drafty snow goggles, bathroom stops in a one-piece ski suit, and early-morning wake-up calls after a night of partying. Yes, because sandwiched between those dark bus rides is the Oreo-like snow we so excitedly long to get our skis on.
Long runs, blankets of snow, pent-up demand
Like a shot out of the gate at Del Mar, we attacked them thar hills… kicking up snow dust in our wakes. Saturday at Alpine Meadows started with a burst of early sunshine to bring out the SPF 70. Later the snow started and dusted us all afternoon long, only slightly diminishing the enthusiasm for Sherwood and the upper bowls. Even the first-time skiers got a quick start with their lessons and practice. And with not-to-be-beaten discount rates and tickets delivered right to our hands by Nisei leaders (they were great), we found the shredding ever so more beautiful and rewarding.
Nisei ski club members made the whole weekend a dream
But we get ahead of ourselves… When was the last time you had a drink at the bar of an off-the-beaten-path Bowling Alley? I ask because behind this San Jose bowling alley was the meet-up spot for the start of the bus ride. And since many of us were early for the 6:30PM bus departure, we had the choice of bowling a few games ($3 for shoe rentals) or having a cold one. Easy choice, though the strange out-of-the-fifties feel to the dimly lit area evoked a spooky vibe to the experience. Turns out the bowling alley had a big rear parking area that was really perfect for our cars.
With welcoming smiles and fantastic preplanning, Nisei trip leader Amy Lew greeted us and gave us the needed instructions about stowing our gear and skis. We were in for a real treat, as we discovered, since our hot Asian-styled dinner and drinks were to be served after a stop in El Cerrito for the rest of the ski gang. And a great dinner it was, with many Nisei helpers passing out the napkins and forks, drinks, and dinners. It struck us all how selfless and loving those helping were to all the guests.
13 Monterey Ski Clubbers make the trip, too
With a fairly full complement of 39 ski-trippers on the bus, the talk turned to questions for the Monterey skiers and the friendly chatter continued for the whole ride. Except for when the movie started and we were thrust into the underground London world of famed sleuth Sherlock Holmes. But the real historic occasion was the coming together of skiers from the San Francisco Bay Area and the Monterey Bay Area, thanks to the Nisei offer for Monterey to join their ski trip. Monterey gathered a worthy crowd of 13 skiers and winter adventurers for the trip, which included a sensational dinner at the Sands Casino and Hotel, our home for the weekend. We had $5 off coupons for our dinner, 2 for 1 martinis, and a $10 credit at the slots, which bore $fruit for many of our players.
And now for the finale’…
Back to the mountains from our Reno overnight experiences, it turns out Sunday was the BIG day for skiing. Many regard Northstar as a favorite at Tahoe, so with a quick gondola ride up to mid-mountain, we regrouped into our ski-buddy teams and criss-crossed Mt. Pluto from all angles. Seven of us skiing together found inspiration in each others’ abilities, drawing on that energy within to keep the group (and ourselves) rapidly moving up and down the slopes. The original day’s plan was to ski Sugar Bowl, but a big-rig accident on 80-west cut off our route to that destination. Quick-thinking by David Jensen (he brought his computer for snow updates just in case) triggered the new plan to Northstar. We all seconded his idea. And that’s how the story ends.
Well almost. When Amy Lew mentioned snacks at the end of the ski day at the bus, we had no idea what to expect. But as we came off the mountain and arrived at the bus for the trip home, gathered around the snack table was our legion of tired-but-happy skiers. It was a veritable snack fest, including drinks and goodies and cheeses and chocolates and pate’ and fruit of all descriptions. Thank you Nisei volunteers and leaders for making this a memorable 2010 ski trip. Your yeoman efforts to make it special for us travelers will be as remembered as the skiing itself. Thank you all.
