by Armand Gutierrez, President

August is upon us and the weather is getting more fall-like with pleasant days and comfortable temps. Yours truly finally joined that all-exclusive COVID club, although it was a short membership (about two days) and more like a mild case of the flu. Nevertheless, we’ll continue to hear and read all about the roller-coaster cases ‘till the end of the year (and probably longer). Although the mask mandate has been lifted (except in medical facilities), wearing a mask does offer that added protection in crowded environments.

NSC Annual Luau Picnic and Membership Meeting

The NSC Annual Luau Picnic and Membership Meeting were held on Saturday, 23 July at Las Palmas Park, Sunnyvale, and there was a great turn out. Mother Nature blessed us with great weather and, as usual, there was plenty of food. This was also a great opportunity to say farewell to Karen Soo, as she will be moving to New York in August. She will continue her roles on the board as Newsletter Editor and Trip Director.

Board Movement (again)

Well, this time it’s Jeanne Katsuro that is making the change. Jeanne emailed me and said that she would like to volunteer for the open VP position, a spot that hasn’t been filled for years. Based on our Constitution/By-Laws the protocol for appointing a member to the board requires the board to nominate, second, and then vote, and if approved make the appointment. And this we did at the Luau Picnic/Membership meeting on the 23rrd at Las Palmas Park. And yes, Jeanne was unanimously approved. So there you have it, a new VP on the board. And like a true politician Jeanne gave a short speech and related her plans for getting more non-ski events planned to increase our membership.

2023 NSC Ski Week to Breckenridge or Park City?

During the Membership Meeting at the Luau Picnic I mentioned that Breckenridge might be canceled due to lack of signups (currently there are 11). The idea of no ski week didn’t sit well with me so I looked at various other options, including Beaver Creek, Telluride, Keystone, Vail, and finally Park City. Beaver Creek was deemed to small given the higher price, Telluride and Keystone didn’t make the finals because of their elevation (same as Breckenridge), and Vail would have broken the bank getting lodging at this late date. So, the latest candidate is Park City and I am currently awaiting a proposal to see what is available and cost at this late stage. Over the years I’ve been securing lodging by March-May to ensure availability and reasonable pricing, and now that it’s August the options are greatly diminished. Since a number of people purchased the Epic Pass from Sports America it would be better to find a resort that was on the Epic Pass.

The question now becomes: do we try to fill the Breckenridge trip or go with Park City? In either case, the minimum signups needed to maintain our group rates is 20 for lodging and 10 for air, meaning that we need at least a minimum of 25-30 signups because there will be a number of people arranging their own air. The deadline for final reservations is mid-October, and that doesn’t leave much time to decide on a final destination. To facilitate identifying a final destination I need those of you that are going, or planning to go on the ski week, to email me (president@niseiskiclub.org) your commitment to one of the resorts (Breckenridge or Park City) as soon as you can. At the moment we do have great lodging at Breckenridge that is ski in/ski out, plus a complimentary Wine and Cheese Reception. Park City will most likely require a shuttle bus to the slopes.

Breckenridge and Park City are Epic Pass destinations so you can pick up an Epic Pass for the next season. Once again, Sports America will be offering the Epic/Ikon Pass promotion-trip rebate for anyone that goes on the trip and purchases a pass through Sports America.

For 2022-23 Breckenridge/Park City will be on the Epic Pass, and is also good for Northstar, Heavenly Valley and Kirkwood. Here is what you need to know about the Ikon and Epic Passes for the Breckenridge trip:

  • Purchase an Ikon Pass (Palisades/Alpine) from Sports America and receive a:
    • $60 trip discount for an Ikon Base Pass, or
    • $60 trip discount for an Ikon Pass.
    • Go to this link to purchase: : www.sportsamerica.com/ikon-nisei.
    • The Ikon Pass or Ikon Base Pass cannot be used at Breckenridge or Park City.
  • Purchase an Epic Pass (Northstar, Heavenly, Kirkwood) from Sports America and receive a:
    • $40 trip discount for an Epic Local Pass, unlimited at Vail Resorts
    • $30 trip discount for an Epic Tahoe Local, 5-days skiing at Breckenridge/Park City
    • $30 trip discount for an Epic 5-day Unrestricted Pass, 5-days skiing at Breckenridge/Park City
    • $20 trip discount for an Epic 5-day Holiday Excluded Pass, 5-days skiing at Breckenridge/Park City. This pass is recommended if you only want to ski 5 days at Breckenridge/Park City
    • Our trip will not be during any of the Holiday Exclusion dates.
    • Go to this link to purchase: www.sportsamerica.com/epic-nisei.
  • Purchase both the Ikon/Epic passes and you will receive a combination trip discount based on the type of passes you purchase.

If you have any questions about either of the passes then drop me a line at president@niseiskiclub.org.

QotM:  No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.