President's Message - Summer '09

It was another hot and miserable weekend in New Jersey. So rather than dealing with the heat and unbearable humidity, I drove up to Vermont to take in some clean air, crisp cool nights, and views of Vermont's beautiful Green Mountains. While relaxing on the deck of the cabin at which I am staying, I found myself thinking of all the great weekends that many of us had right here in Manchester, skiing the many areas available to us. Some of you might not know that WASC did actually lease and maintain a ski lodge here for about ten years, and I must admit, they were some of the best times I've had in my skiing life. Now in this wondrous state of mind, I thought it was the perfect time to compose my first presidential message.

The Executive Council has met to accomplish our first priority, which was to set the schedule of ski trips and events for the upcoming season. Here's a brief rundown of the 2011-2012 highlights. For all of our Western trip skiers, I think you'll be pleased to know that we will be heading to Steamboat Springs, Colorado February 25 through March 3. This will be a premium trip and a duplicate of our first trip to Steamboat in 1993. When the word got out about this trip, many people who attended the first one inquired about lodging, hopeful that we would be staying at the same property. Good news! Yes, we will be staying at the Ptarmigan Inn, a true ski in-ski out lodge right on the mountain. The Ptarmigan is a full-service lodge with all of the amenities we enjoy on our trips. They also really like catering to groups such as ours.

Air travel for the Western trip will be on a ski-season-only flight with Continental Airlines, direct from Newark to Hayden, Colorado, which is about five miles from the resort. I have made a group reservation at the mid-mountain restaurant for their Western BBQ--an evening of dining, Western music and dancing. It is one of Steamboat's not-to-miss events. You can also look forward to having the opportunity to ski with Billy Kidd, a former Winter Olympics gold medalist. He is a fun guy and usually will pass on a few skiing techniques based on racing. This is sure to be a great trip, but as airfares, hotel costs and lift ticket prices have all increased (which we expected), this trip is likely to be our most expensive to date.

Now for our weekend trips! We'll be returning to Okemo, Vermont for our early season "warm up" trip December 9-11. Last season, we really enjoyed the early season snowmaking for which Okemo is renowned. Next is the Club Outing, January 27-79 at Pico Mountain in Vermont. I have been in contact with Tony Vigani, (yes, Tony is Jim Vigani's brother) who is the ski race coordinator at Pico. He is very eager to set up a race course for us (of our own choosing) and will see to it that everything goes smoothly.

Our lodging will be at the Inn at Long Trail, of course. WASC has stayed at the Inn for the past two seasons and we've really enjoyed the uniqueness and hospitality of this property. A reservation has been made to hold all of the rooms in the main building which will allow us to take over the entire property, providing we get 30-34 people. Additional rooms in the building annex are available if we need more. I would recommend an early sign-up with deposit for this event. A three-day option is available for those who may want to extend their stay.

The Inn has nightly entertainment in their lounge, either comedy or music, and the atmosphere is VERY Irish. Included are a full breakfast and an outstanding dinner prepared by an award-winning chef. But the highlight of the Club Outing will be our guest of honor, Erling Omland, who is our only living (and still skiing!) charter member. Erling is an amazing person and just loves our ski club. He's skied with us and joined us for dinner during our last two trips to Pico, and for those who haven't yet had the opportunity, I guarantee that you will thoroughly enjoy meeting and speaking with him.

Our final "Extended New England" weekend trip will be to Stratton, Vermont, March 29-April 1. I know that there are some folks who are concerned about "spring skiing" and may get turned off by the thought, but although spring skiing can sometimes be tough, it can also be very good depending on where you ski. We skied at Pico at the end of March last season and everyone I skied with or spoke to told me it was outstanding. The reason for this is that Pico is a true north-facing mountain--and so is Stratton. I attempted to end my ski season last year with a final day at Sugarbush, then at Stratton. Stratton was definitely the better mountain to ski the end of season. I had such a great time I went back for more in April. The skiing was still great on the upper mountain. It was all due to the northern exposure and Stratton.s extensive snowmaking. They do make a whole lot of snow. I know, since I did work in Stratton snowmaking for a season.

Finally, a quick rundown on Sunday bus trips. For our first bus trip on December 18, Joe Tag has arranged a super deal on lift tickets with Belleayre. If we can fill a bus, the trip could cost as little as $60 per person.or possibly less. The actual cost will be set once the bus price is determined. More details to come in an email from Joe. A September sign-up with a deposit will be required to get this great price. Our January Sunday Bus trips will be to Windham Mountain, NY on January 8 and Blue Mountain, PA on January 22. On February 12, we'll head out to Elk Mountain, PA, and on March 11, for our last bus trip of the season, we'll attempt to head to Plattekill if snow conditions are good. I'll try to have Ernie keep a close watch on the snow conditions there, and if it's not decent we will go back to Belleayre. All dates and details will be posted on the club website. If you are interested in running any of our Sunday bus trips, please contact me at any time.

So there you have it, our 2011-2012 line-up. I think our membership can look forward to a really great season, and as always, I would be very interested in hearing any comments, good or bad, concerning our trips and events.

Just a reminder, we still have a few summer activities on the calendar. On Sunday, August 14, Jean Marie Krahnert will lead our Second Summer Bike Trip on the Landsdown Trail through Capoolong Creek Trail to Pittstown; Mark Mintz will lead another Bike Trip on September 11. Coming up on August 20 is our whitewater rafting trip; I wish all who attend a good time (no drownings please!). I also want to wish Bobby Gittleman a speedy recovery from his upcoming knee surgery and hope that this will be the end of his knee problems. And don't forget our final "Summer Social Meeting" on September 1.

Hope you all have a great remaining summer. As for me, don't bother asking "How's your summer going?" You will only get my stock answer: "I hate it and can't wait until October!"

Sincerely,

John "Ski" Czyzewski

Cell: (908) 391-4745