The Roanoke Skier The Monthly Newsletter for the Roanoke Ski Club 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 nonmembers. 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 1
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: bkstrickland@cox.net 2
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. 3
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 4
BIG SKY, MT Jan 27 Feb 3, 2018 $2,099 per person, double occupancy Trip Leader: Kate Steinbacher kate@coachesconsole.com COMPLETED! TIMBERLINE/CANAAN VALLEY, WV February 4-7, 2018 (Sunday Wednesday) Only $450 per person, double occupancy Trip Leader: Shelley Gibson shellgbsn@aol.com COMPLETED! 5
ASPEN / SNOWMASS, CO February 10 17, 2018 $1,999 per person, double occupancy Trip Leader: Karen Saunders kxsaunders@yahoo.com COMPLETED! TELLURIDE, CO February 24 March 3, 2018 $2,120 per person, double occupancy Trip Leader: Shelley Gibson shellgbsn@aol.com COMPLETED! Check out the write up below! 6
CRESTED BUTTE, CO March 3 10, 2018 $2,280 per person, double occupancy Trip Leader: Marla Kelsey marlakemsey1@gmail.com 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 daveb@vt.edu WAIT LIST CONTACT TRIP LEADER! Click here for full color flyer! 7
CROATIA ADVENTURE September 7 17, 2018 Approx. $3,554 per person, double occupancy Trip Leader: Bill Fleshman bill.fleshman1@gmail.com 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! 8
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 9
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!). 10
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. 11
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. 12
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. 13
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 1 st through June 30 th of the following year. Membership applications received on or after April 1 st will extend through June 30 th 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! 14
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?!? 15
Treasurer s Report: February 2018 16
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 info@roanokeskiclub.org OFFICE President Vice President Secretary Newsletter Treasurer Marketing Director Membership Director Activities Director Program Director Trip Director Webmaster Past Director NAME Marla Kemsey Linda Corbitt Kate Steinbacher Pat Oberlin Steve Worman Heidi Marer Karen Strickland Sally Wesley Karen Saunders Dave Cohan Ted Lonitz Melinda Cohan 17