~Karen Soo, Trip Director ~

It’s upsetting to see our ski club dwindling down with such low membership. Three weekend trips were planned back in September of 2012 and everyone had plenty of notice of when we were going on our trips in 2013.

Doug W from MSSC and Tony M from NSC

We had 13 sign-ups for Trip 1.The first trip of the season had to be cancelled due to low sign-ups. We needed 30 people to make a weekend trip happen, thirty to break even. Prior to Trip 2’s departure, we had 15 signups. Emails were sent and phone calls were made. With Monterey Ski and Social Club’s gang of 11 sign-ups, we finally had 37 people for Trip 2.

Now I was left with another problem – We needed a bigger bus. The 36 passenger bus was too small. I made a few phone calls to Bonjour Transportation and we were able to get a 57 passenger bus. It cost everyone an additional $7.00 but it was worth it for the leg space and comfort.

With Amy Tsuhako as my co-trip leader, we left the bay area around 8:00pm due to an accident delay on 880 North. As usual, dinner was served on the bus. What was on the menu? Thai chicken green curry over rice with mango pudding as the dessert was served. We plugged in a DVD into the player,Flight with Denzel Washington, and we were on our way. Before you know it, we arrived at the Sands Hotel in Reno around 12:00am.

The Crew from Monterey

When we arrived at the Sands, everyone got their $5.00 casino voucher, the keys to their rooms, a quick introduction to their roommates and everyone scurried off to bed.

On Saturday morning, we departed at 7:30 am for Alpine Ski Resort. Amy and I collected the money for the group rate lift tickets on the bus and called to order the lift tickets. By the time we arrived at the parking lot, the Alpine sales coordinator came over and handed me the lift tickets. The tickets were distributed and we were on our way.

The skiing at Alpine Meadows was great. Sunny skies and plenty of snow. Most people skied the entire day and got back to the bus by 3:30pm. We had our après ski at the bus with drinks and plenty of snacks donated by the people who came on the trip. ~”Thank you” to those who brought home made goodies.

By the time we got back to the Sands, it was 6:00pm. We had an hour to get ready for 7:00 dinner. Where did we go for dinner? A group went out to the Vietnamese restaurant across the street from the hotel, Seafood Buffet at the El Dorado and Hash house A Go Go at Harrah’s.

Snow at Northstar

On Sunday morning, we went to Northstar Ski Resort. Thanks to Sidney Mar, I was able to secure 18 – $50.00 lift tickets from the Tahoe SAFE Alliance. (A local Tahoe charity) Those who signed up early on the trip were able to get this limited deal. Those who signed up late for the trip had to get their own lift tickets. This is not the usual case; the cost of these tickets was lower than the $70.00 group rate, a price we could not refuse.

The weather for Northstar was wet with a light drizzle at the parking lot. When we got to the summit, there was 6 inches of fresh snow and fresh tracks made.  It was fantastic plus it was still snowing on top.

Some people who opted out from skiing that Sunday morning went back to the bus, changed to their ski gear and came out again.

Après Ski at 3:30

It turned out to be a great day. Dennis Heffley from BAC came out to meet us. He brought his famous cookies filled with whole almonds, chocolate chips and apricots.

Dennis – Can I get the recipe? Or is this a secret family recipe?

Again, we had après ski at the end of the day. For dinner, we tried something different.I know that the tour leaders were supposed to provide dinner but you know what? Amy and I did not have time to do this. We decided to order out at Ikeda’s in Auburn. Tom Lee helped out with everyone’s order and call in the order at Ikeda’s.

Walking Billboard for
Marmot

We had 4 people, charging 4 groups of receipts. The food was bagged and the names and amount was put on every bag. The only problem that we ran into was that 2 bags were switched on their orders. All was cleared and everyone had a hot meal going home.

It was smooth sailing going home.  Grady, our great bus driver, worked wonders in getting us home on time.

An extra thank you to Greg Robinson – President of the Monterey Ski and Social Club for getting their 11 members onto our weekend trip. We had had a blast, plus it was a great way to get the 2 clubs together. We hope to continue this collaboration in 2014.

Uhh.. What happened to Trip 3? You have to wait and see.