Seeking Information on Ski Find-Your-Friends (FYF) apps

by David Uyeda, Board Member

I volunteered to gather information on ski find-your-friends (FYF) apps so NSC could:

     1) Educate club members on how to use ski FYF apps.

     2) Facilitate the formation of FYF groups on NSC ski trips.

Making use of phone GPS information, FYF apps display the real-time location of designated friends as dots on a ski resort map.  FYF apps are part of larger ski applications that also track individual skier statistics (e.g., vertical, lifts, miles, max speed, etc.)

In January 2022, I observed NSCers use the Steamboat FYF app but wasn’t able to do so myself because I was on a 3G Android phone.  That killer app motivated me to upgrade to a 5G iPhone 13 mini.  Later in March 2022, I used the Palisades FYF app with some club members.  For the January 2023 Breckenridge trip, I didn’t discover the EpicMix app until day 4, and did not use EpicMix FYF until day 5 (after stumbling through the set up).  My experience led me to believe that NSC could enhance its ski trips by facilitating the use of FYF apps.  For example, NSC could:

     – announce the best FYF app to use for a destination resort.

     – provide tips on how to use the app.

     – and broadcast (by email) the names of people trying to form or expand a FYF group.

It’s hard to find information on FYF apps.  One has to rely on trial-and-error personal experience and word of mouth information.  So please email me if you have any information on the FYF subjects below.

1. What is the best FYF app for the Vail resorts?  EpicMix or some other app?

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/epicmix/id395375487

2. What is the best FYF app for Jackson Hole?  The Jackson Hole app, or Slopes, or some other app?

https://www.jacksonhole.com/jh-insider-app

https://getslopes.com/

3. I couldn’t find any tutorials or videos on how to use the ski FYF apps.  Have you run across anything worthwhile?

4. I noticed that FYF apps drain the phone battery.  Any advice on how to avoid battery drain?

Thank you for your help.

David Uyeda

NSC President’s Message, February, 2023

by Armand Gutierrez, President

The ski season is well under way with copious amount of snow up in Tahoe. Have you been up yet? If not, why not? Whether you have an Ikon Pass or an Epic Pass, this is the month to take advantage of the great snow conditions. This month is also that time of year to express your amorous intentions for Valentine’s Day with the traditional roses and chocolate.

Five Resorts with the Worst Parking

It would be easy to list the five resorts with the best parking but that would be too wearisome and boring. Instead, lets fill your mind with the five resorts with the worst parking:

  1. Alta and Snowbird, UT – both traffic and parking are the biggest issues at these famous resorts. And, before heading out the door you better have a parking reservation, aka pre-paid parking.
  2. Vail Mountain, CO – Vail is the Mecca for great skiing, but paid parking is expensive and free parking is very limited and also a long walk to the slopes.
  3. Palisades Tahoe, CA – Yes, a Cal resort made the list! Beware that traffic and parking can be problematic on powder and weekend days (so what else is new?). Palisades has 4,200 parking spots and another 1,825 at Alpine Meadows.
  4. Stowe Mountain, VT – Let’s see, parking is free on non-holiday weekdays (Mon-Thu), and 30 clams a day on weekends (Fri-Sun) and holidays. Or, you can opt for a $450 parking pass, but that doesn’t guarantee a parking spot.
  5. Park City, UT – Parking here can resemble a tailgate party at a football game, that is, arrive extra early, snag a parking spot, and have breakfast.
  6. Northstar, CA – This wasn’t on the original list provided by the Resort Guide 2023 produced by Ski magazine, but I added it because this past weekend the powder hounds and racers came out of the woodworks and the main lots filled quickly, and additional parking was at the Truckee Airport and Golf Course.

2023 NSC Ski Week in Breckenridge

The Breckenridge Warriors are in Breckenridge enjoying fresh powder and great ski conditions. Yes, it’s on the cold side, mid-teens and low twenties, but that is what is keeping the snow in great condition. Look for eyewitness reports in the March Newsletter.

QotM:  Doing the right thing starts at the beginning of the day, not after you’ve been caught.

Nisei Ski Club – Get Ready for 2023

by Jeanne Katsuro, Vice President

Hi Nisei Ski Club Members!

Happy 2023!

The Nisei Ski Club Board is looking forward to presenting you with many new activities for this year.This is the basic activity schedule (subject to change as we confirm the dates).

April 

Golfing Activity – Lead by David Schultz (Board Member)

May 6, Saturday 2-5pm

Social Dancing, Lessons and Potluck at the Cupertino Recreation Center

Lead by Tina Woo (Board Member) & Sandy Kiyomura (Former Board Member and Current Member)

June 10, Saturday 

Mah Jong Classes – Learn the rules and play Mah Jong Plus Potluck at Judy Hom’s backyard

Lead by Judy Hom and Janet Gee (Former Board Members and Current Nisei Members)

July, Saturday / Nisei Ski Club Picnic – Las Palmas Park, Sunnyvale 

Lead by Karen Soo (Newsletter Editor) and Curtis Otaguro (Board Member)

August 26 or 27 Saturday or Sunday

                  Bowling at 4th Street Bowl & Meal

                  Lead by Frank Chang ( Treasurer)

September  / Car Rally & Meal

                  Lead by Carolyn Wong (Current Nisei Member) (Porsche Club Member)

October / 65th Anniversary Dinner Lead by Jeanne Katsuro (Vice President)

                       TBA Golden Palace Restaurant

                       1148 S De Anza Blvd

                       San Jose, CA  (Borders Cupertino)

Month to be Announced

2nd Bocce Ball Activity & Meal Lead by Hoyt Nelson (Board Member)

Each of  these events have limited capacity so if there is a favorite activity you like

SIGN UP EARLY!

      Example: We had people on the waiting list for Pickleball this past October!

For members, who are only interested in eating and socializing, we are providing potlucks or meals with each event so you can still join us!

Let’s Get Going!

Ask your Friends to Join Nisei Ski Club and Join in all our Fun and Activities

There will be Member Prices which will always be lower than Non Member Prices at each activity.

Nisei Skl Club Membership is still only $25 before May 31 and $30 after June 1st.

Nisei Ski Club Fiscal Year is June 1 to May 31.

Our Membership Fees are still super low.  These fees are the same as when I was President in 1986-1987!

This is the New Rule!

    First Come, First Serve!

    When Sign up forms and Checks are received on the same day and we hit capacity for the event.

    Registration Forms that are received on the same day.  A Nisei Member will take precedence over a Non Member to fulfill the sign ups for the event.

Please send the following Nisei Ski Club Registration Form to your Friends!

Let’s Build Our Nisei Ski Club Membership!

Nisei Ski Club Membership Form – CLICK HERE

Thank you so much!

Jeanne Katsuro

Vice President

Nisei Ski Club Recipe Corner – Raspberry Almond Vegan Thumbprint Cookies Credits – Nora Cooks

by Karen Soo, Newsletter Editor

During the Christmas holiday, I went over to my sister’s house. Trying to be the cool aunt, spending quality time with my niece and nephews. I did a lot of baking to pass the time there. I made my usual Italian rainbow cookies, my chocolate, pistachios biscotti’s, Dutch apple pie and a peach cobbler. The professional 6 cup Kitchen Aid was getting a good work out. I was baking to give away as gifts. One of my nephew’s girl friend is VEGAN. Vegan; a person who does not eat any food derived from animals and who typically does not use other animal products. That means no eggs, no dairy, no meat. OMG my sister and I spent 2 hours googling and finding the right recipe that uses the ingredients that we already had on hand.  I hate to spend all that money for a ¼ cup of coconut flour or and paying $6.00 for a bag of vegan chocolate chips that does not contain milk. What a challenge… all this one person.

Halleluiah, we came across the prefect recipe that used ingredients that we have around the house.

These Vegan Thumbprint Cookies are insanely addictive and perfect for the holiday season. With a buttery shortbread cookie base, a sweet raspberry filling and a drizzle of almond flavored glaze, just try to stop at one!

If you’re ever in a bind and need a vegan dessert recipe This is it.

If you’re are going to make them, send me a picture and let me know how they taste to you?
Back to my regular recipes next month.

Bon Appetite – Julia Child and Karen Soo shares the same birthday

Prep: 15 mins

Cook: 15 mins

Chilling time: 10 mins

Total: 40 mins

Servings: 26 cookies

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 1/4 cups vegan butter, softened, you can use margarine
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
  • If Butter is unsalted, add a tiny pinch of salt
  • 1/2 Cup Seedless raspberry jam or any jam of your choice
  • Simple Almond Glaze
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon almond extract
  • 2-3 teaspoon water, as needed
Looks Like A Heart

INGREDIENTS

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

2. In a large bowl, stir the flour and powdered sugar together. Now add the softened butter and almond extract and mix with a hand mixer on low-medium speed until combined. The dough will look crumbly and soft but should smush together when squeezed in your hands. If it looks really crumbly, that means your butter was too cold. Use your hands to mush the dough together, the warmth from your hands will help it come together.

3. Shape the dough into 1-inch balls, about a tablespoon each, and place on baking sheets. 

4. Make a small indentation with your thumb or finger in the center of each cookie, then fill with about a teaspoon of jam. For flatter cookies, flatten the balls a bit first, then make the indentation.

5. Place the baking sheet with the cookies in the freezer for 10 minutes before baking, then place in the preheated oven and bake for 15-16 minutes. This helps the cookies bake perfectly and not spread or flatten. The cookies will still be light in color and appear a bit underdone when you take them out of the oven, but they firm up as they cool.

6. Let cool for a few minutes on the pan, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the glaze: 

Whisk all ingredients in a small bowl until smooth, adding water as needed to thin the icing. You want it to be pretty thick and not too thin. Add the glaze to a small bag, cut a small tip from a corner and drizzle over the cooled cookies. Let them set, then store cookies in an airtight container.

https://www.noracooks.com/vegan-thumbprint-cookies/

Love Is in the Air

by Karen Soo, Newsletter Editor

Happy Valentines Day!!

Just a friendly reminder Valentine’s Day is February 14th, don’t forget to get your sweetheart flowers, chocolates and a Valentine’s card.

Here are some of my favorite “Love” tunes to get you into that romantic mood.

Nude Pickleball Is Taking Off

by Karen Soo, Trip Director

From Pickler – Can this be the next NSC event??

Can This The next NSC event?

Nude pickleball is … er, um … busting out all over.

Naturist resorts from coast to coast are finding out that nudists want more pickleball – just like the majority of people who don’t do their dinking in the raw.

Nude pickleball is beating the pants off its competition.

Clothing-optional resorts are advertising their pickleball facilities, holding tournaments, and putting in more courts to meet the demand.

Mike Sullivan is a USA Pickleball ambassador and a resident of Cypress Cove Nudist Resort in Kissimmee, Florida.

“Pickleball is the biggest sport here by five times,” Sullivan said.

Pickleball at Cypress Cove began modestly 14 years ago when a couple visiting from England drew chalk lines on the two tennis courts there.

Getting that allover tan at the same time.

Five years later, the resort had its first two pickleball-dedicated courts. Five years ago, those two courts multiplied into six, and today pickleball is the most popular recreational pursuit at Cypress Cove, with 172 dues-paying nudists playing there seven days a week.

Nothing else comes close,” Sullivan said. “Tennis is dying. Most of them have died off or hurt their knees. I think they have eight people left.”

The only recreational pursuit other than pickleball that is holding its own at Cypress Cove is cornhole, a bean-bag tossing game that is similar to horseshoes.

“That’s just a drinking game,” Sullivan said. “They play four hours a week, and it’s scheduled around happy hour. We play pickleball all the time.”

Sullivan is arranging home-and-away pickleball matches with other Florida nudist resorts and getting ready for his community’s July 4th pickleball tournament, which is called the “Clothing Independence Day Tournament.”

The nudist resort keeps cultivating new players with ball machines to practice drills, lessons and encouragement.

“We tell people, just bring your tennis shoes. We provide the paddles and the balls,” Sullivan said

People who play pickleball in the nude say that it’s much more comfortable than playing while clothed. There’s no sweaty, clinging clothing to deal with, and it’s easier to cool down after playing a few games.

“As with anything nude vs. clothed, it’s the feeling of the sun and the wind on your body and the freedom of it,” said Larry Ford, who owns the Clothing Optional Home Network, and operates from the Alpenglow Ranch, a nudist bed-and-breakfast resort in Bend, Oregon.

Alpenglow Ranch put a pickleball court in the middle of its 50 secluded acres about five years ago. The resort has a gated entrance and a quarter-mile driveway to afford nude pickleballers an extra measure of privacy.

“It’s very recreational play here,” Ford said. “The host couple plays 4.0 pickleball, but it’s not competitive play. And our guests love to be able to play nude.

“A lot of people book here just to play nude pickleball.”

Back in Florida at the Eden RV Resort, a nudist camping spot in the Pasco County community of Hudson, about 30 people play clothing-optional pickleball every day, said general manager Tracy Pangburn.

The resort’s one pickleball court isn’t enough, Pangburn said.

“We’re putting in a second court,” she said. “I had to get rid of the shuffleboard to make room for pickleball.”

Original Post – Thepickler.com

NSC President’s Message, January, 2023

by Armand Gutierrez, President

Another year, another NSC birthday. This year NSC will be celebrating its 65th anniversary and the board is working on some possible events to celebrate this milestone. As we go into the New Year the board is also working on having more non-ski events, possible changes for the 2023-24 ski season, and efforts to boost our membership. Meanwhile, Mother Nature is replaying last year’s tune and blessing the Tahoe region with plenty of snow (and at times, unfortunately, rain).

Welcome to the Chinese Year of the Rabbit! Yes, the Chinese New Year starts January 22nd and celebrations culminate with the Lantern Festival on February 5th. In Chinese culture, rabbits represent the moon. Some say it is because the shadows of the moon resemble a rabbit. Others say it is because of the rabbit’s pure characteristics. People born in the year of the Rabbit (1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, etc.) are often considered to be kind, but also showing confidence and strength.

2023 NSC Ski Week in Breckenridge

At the end of the month the Magnificent 11 Breckenridge Bravados will depart the California landscape and be transported to one of the best places (and highest) for skiing in Colorado. The last time NSC members schussed on the Breckenridge slopes was back in 1987. A lot has changed in all those years: more lifts, more terrain, and definitely higher lift prices.

QotM:  Friends are the most important ingredients in the recipe of life.

TOKO Ski Edging and Waxing Videos

by Karen Soo, Trip Director

Toko waxes and tools is a Black Diamond sponsor of the National Ski Council Federation.  They would like to provide a monthly blast for share with our members. 

Toko is a Swiss brand and are known for their quality. They would like to extend a 30% discount to all National Ski Council Federation members. To access this discount, one needs to go to https://tokous.com, put desired items in the shopping cart, and then enter and apply the discount code NSCFTOKO on checkout (it’s on the right under promotional codes). The discount is on all products except for clearance items which are already very marked down.

Here are some useful videos.

How to use the Edge Tuner Pro for sharpening side edges

Side edge beveling

Shaping sidewalls using the Sidewall Planer Pro

https://tokous.com/

Chinese Horoscope 2023 – Year of the Rabbit

by Karen Soo, Newsletter Editor

Happy New Year!!

According to the Chinese calendar, 2023 is the year of the Water Rabbit and it is expected to be a lucky and prosperous year.

The focus will be on work and career opportunities, but it is important to act quickly as those working independently may have an advantage. The Chinese New Year will begin on January 22, 2023, marking the beginning of a new cycle of happiness and good fortune.

After the eventful year of the Tiger, the year of the Rabbit brings the promise of a tremendous and ambitious new beginning.  This is an excellent time to prepare for significant projects and take on challenges with joy and determination. The Rabbit is also associated with travel, childbirth and starting a new business. It is believed to bring good fortune and happiness.

In Chinese astrology, the Rabbit symbolizes longevity and represents grace, good manners, sound advice, kindness and sensitivity. Embrace the positive energy of the Year of the Water Rabbit and let it guide you towards a happy and prosperous New Year.

People born under the sign of the Rabbit are generally known for their peaceful and harmonious nature. They appreciated comfort and may be seen as passive of shy at times. Despite this, the Rabbit is known for its artistic temperament and attention to detail.

However, they can be also be prone to being introspective and quiet and may sometimes appear distant or indifferent to their surroundings and peers. Despite if these traits, the Rabbit is a thoughtful and sensitive individual who values peace and harmony in their life,
The year 2023 is expected to be balanced and peaceful, but it is still essential to be prepared for any eventualities. This year is likely to see an emergence of exceptional creativity, craftsmanship and prosperity of those involved in luxurious ventures. Ballrooms, music studios, art centers, exhibitions and theaters are expected to be particularly popular is 2023.

It is advisable to be cautious and not to miss out opportunities as the Rabbit may be hesitant and quick to flee from perceived dangers. However, with careful planning and a focus on creativity and craftsmanship, 2023 can be a prosperous year.

Check out your horoscope in the Year of the Rabbit 2023.
https://horoscopeview.com/2023-chinese-horoscope.html

http://raymond-lo.com/p/14533/nr/100055/2023-the-year-of-the-rabbit-forecast

Nisei Ski Club Recipe Corner – Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Credits – Once Upon a Chef / Jennifer Segal

by Karen Soo, Newsletter Editor

Who doesn’t love chocolates?

With their rich chocolate flavor and chewy center, chocolate crinkles are a cross between a brownie and a cookie. The secret to their crinkled appearance? A simple trick: rolling the dough balls in confectioners’ sugar before baking. As the cookies puff up in the oven, the sugar cracks and reveals the dark chocolate center. For best results, be sure to make the dough a few hours ahead of time and chill it in the refrigerator before baking. This will allow the dough to firm up, making it easier to roll and ensuring that the cookies have a perfect crinkled texture when they come out of the oven.

Bon Appetite – Julia Child and Karen Soo shares the same birthday.

Servings: 48 cookies

Prep Time: 45 Minutes

Cook Time: 12 Minutes

Total Time: 60 Minutes, plus at least 2 hours to chill the dough

INGREDIENTS

  •  2 1/2 all-purpose flour, spooned into measuring cup and leveled off with knife
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  •  5 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped (best quality, such as Ghirardelli)
  •  8 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into ½-inch pieces
  • 1 teaspoon instant coffee or espresso powder (optional)
  • 4 large eggs
  •  1 cup granulated sugar
  •  1 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup Confectioners’ sugar

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

2. Combine the chocolate and butter in a small, microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring between each bout of heat, until almost melted. The chocolate will continue to melt as it sits. (This technique ensures the chocolate mixture will not get too hot and scorch.) Add the espresso powder and stir until completely melted and smooth.

3. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs with the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Use a whisk to smash any lumps of brown sugar. Whisk in chocolate mixture.

4. Add the flour mixture and whisk until evenly combined. (Note that the mixture will be very wet, more like cake batter than cookie dough.) Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill until firm enough to roll — at least 2 hours or longer if necessary.

5. Position two racks in the center of the oven and preheat to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and place the Confectioners’ sugar in a small bowl. Roll the chilled dough into 1½-inch balls, then roll each ball in confectioners sugar. (If the dough gets sticky, wash your hands and then dust them with confectioners sugar before proceeding.) Arrange 12 balls evenly on each baking sheet, then place remaining dough back in the refrigerator. Bake the cookies for 9 to 12 minutes, rotating the pans from top to bottom and front to back midway through, or until puffy and almost dry between the cracks. Cool the cookies on the pans for a few minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely. Repeat with the remaining cookie dough. Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.

6. Freezer-Friendly Instructions: The cookie dough can be frozen for up to 3 months. Scoop the dough into balls, roll in confectioners’ sugar, let set on a baking sheet in the freezer, then place in a sealable bag and press out as much air as possible. Bake as needed directly from the freezer. (Allow 1 to 2 minutes longer in the oven.) To freeze after baking, let the cookies cool completely and then store in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Before serving, remove the cookies from the container and let them come to room temperature.

https://www.onceuponachef.com/recipes/chocolate-fudge-crinkles.html#tabrecipe