Downhill Times October 2016North PennSki ClubSki Club

In Full Swing

NEXT MEETING:

7PM, Thursday October 13thThe Red Cedar Grille, 249 Bethlehem Pike(Route 309), Colmar, PAwww.theredcedar.com

Guests & visitors welcome!

Inclement weather? Call an officer for any cancellation info.

RCG ... OUR NEW HOME!We meet at 7PM at the Red CedarGrille, located on Route 309 (formerlythe Inn Flight). Join your skiing friendsfor dinner, or drinks, or beers and appe-tizers, or coffee and dessert – whateverfloats your boat. “Business” portion ofthe meeting starts around 7:30pm. Seeyou all on Thursday, the 13th!

If you haven’t come out to our newvenue yet, what are you waiting for?

You may think that October is “early” as faras ski season is concerned – think again!Work behind the scenes has been going onsince August ... Council put their new issueof Snow Drifts together and distributed5000 copies at their September dinnermeeting. Ski schools throughout the stateare recruiting and training new instructors.And, resorts in Colorado and Montana already have several inches of SNOW!

North Penn’s season is in full swing also.Several board members recently attendedlocal community days in order to drum upadditional members. The board has beencoordinating the various aspects of the

+

www.northpennskiclub.org

trips we have planned, working on updates to the club website, coming upwith prize drawings and other interesting features for this season’s meetings,and much more. And YOU can do your part too by renewing your dues this month. As mentioned in an email blast prior to September’s meeting, NPSCmembership dues will be going up $5 – the first increase we’ve had in manyyears! This slight increase will help fund the activities and benefits we enjoyby being members in this club, as well as take up a little slack in funds sincewe aren’t holding an auction this year. Folks who want to save a few buckscan renew in October at the current rates ($20 individual, $25 couple/family) – use the “Early Bird” renewal application provided in this newsletter. We willalso have forms available at October’s meeting. But, come November, duesincrease to $25 individual and $30 couple/ family. The updated form is alreadyposted on our website.

Another thing that takes place early is “Trip Deposits”! We need to be making payments on lodging and transportation for the Steamboat trip, soyour signup deposits and subsequent payments are strongly encouraged.Quite a few members were interested in a western trip this season, andSteamboat won in our vote for a destination. Now it’s time to put your moneywhere your mouth is! :)

Our trip coordinators got NPSC a fantastic deal by booking early (an entireweek of skiing, lodging, and round trip transportation for under $1500!). Now we need our members to do the same – book early! Complete detailswill be available at the meeting, and the trip flyer and application form areposted on the NPSC website. Let’s go skiing!

So let’s talk about the October meeting! It takes place THIS THURSDAY atthe Red Cedar Grille. We will have all the forms necessary for you to renewmembership, sign up for a trip, and .. . there will be a raffle drawing for a $35Buckmans Ski Shop gift card! Come on out and join the fun, enjoy a goodmeal, and visit with ski club friends (or make new ones). If you haven’t visitedour new meeting location, you really should. It’s quite nice! See you there!

PresidentJoAnne Landis215 234 0358

Vice PresidentDave Schonekerdschoneker@aol.com

SecretaryJudy Gordon215 538 3992

Treasurer Jenny Hutchison215 541 1189

Board MembersBruce Schwartzibruce01@comcast.net

John Del Pizzo484 362 8470

Membership Linda Dedman215 412 2080

Web Masters Bruce SchwartzJohn Del Pizzo

EPSC RepsKen Foster215 822 1413Dave Schonekerdschoneker@aol.com

Disc. Lift Tickets Ken Foster215 822 1413

Newsletter Editor JoAnne Landis215 234 0358

NPSC OFFICERS

H

H

(2)

UPCOMING EVENTS•October 20: Meet the Mountains clubevent, 6-9pm, Mainland Golf Course

•October 30: EPSC auction/winter expoCrowne Plaza, King of Prussia, 2-5pm,FREE admission, open to the public

•November 4: UBSC auction, ShellyFire Co, Quakertown, 6:30pm

•November 10: NPSC General meetingat Red Cedar Grille, Colmar PA, 7pm

•December 8: NPSC Holiday meeting at Red Cedar Grille, Colmar PA, 7pm

•January 9, 23, 30: EPSC Learn-to-Ski lessons, Spring Mountain, 6:30pm

HH

H

Club Membership Cards Save MoneyMany east coast ski resorts offer Ski Council / Ski Club discount days. Here are just a few as of August 2016.Check EPSC’s website for any additional dates announced during the ski season. You must present a valid 2016/17club membership card along with photo ID in order to receive these discounted prices!

Bolton Valley, VT: Daily lifts $35 during these times: December 12-26, 2016; January 9-13, 2017January 23-26; February 6-11; March 20-26, 2017

Mount Snow, VT: (per person, one day lift)December 15, 16, 18, 2016: $37 December 17: $42Fridays, February 10 and March 10: $49Saturdays, February 11 and March 11: $57Sundays, February 12 and March 12: $52Ski Club Week Special: Monday-Friday, February 13-16: $37 per day

Stowe, VT: (must purchase $5 Evolution Stowe card;hands-free lift access replaces traditional lift ticket.)December 2-4, 2016; January 11-13, 2017February 8-10; March 17-19; April 7-9, 2017

Adult (13+) 1-day: $46 Child (6-12) 1-day: $34Adult 2-day: $92 Child 2-day: $68Adult 3-day: $138 Child 3-day: $102

Bear Creek Mountain Resort (Macungie PA) is extending its ski club discount days to include Tuesdays,Wednesdays and Thursdays (non-holiday) throughout thisentire season. Arrive anytime during the day (9am-9pm)and receive a $22 unlimited daily lift ticket.

Killington, VT: (Friday & Monday, Saturday & Sunday)December 16 & 19, 2016: $45 December 17 & 18: $50January 20 & 23, 2017: $45 January 21 & 22: $50February 3 & 6: $45 February 4 & 5: $50March 10 & 13: $45 March 11 & 12: $50April 7-10, 2017: $43 each day

Pico, VT: (Friday & Monday, Saturday & Sunday)January 20 & 23, 2017: $36 January 21 & 22: $41February 3 & 6: $36 February 4 & 5: $41March 10 & 13: $36 March 11 & 12: $41

Sugarbush, VT: Mon–Sun, January 2-8, 2017 Lifts are$52 each, except Saturday, which is $58.

SKI HOUSE FOR RENT:Elk Mountain rental house; weekdays just $99 / night total!

Two of our new members, Ray and Florence Messina, areaware of this ranch style house located four miles fromElk Mountain. The house sits on a lake and is available forrent year round. The Messinas drove up to the house tocheck it out this past September. The house is a vacationhome for a woman who lives in NJ and enjoys skiing. Itsleeps up to 8 people and is very clean and comfy. Cook-ing is allowed. Ray and Florence (a non-skier) are eagerto rent the house for 3, 4, or 5 nights. They are lookingfor a few people who would be interested to ski and sharethe house. Or, if you want to put together your owngroup, no problem! You can phone Ray to get more detailsat (302) 683-1461. If you have additional interest, Ray willgive you the name and phone number of the owner.

Facebook Friends: If you’re on Facebook, we invite you to“LIKE” North Penn’s page! Support the clubby being a friend and recommending the pageto other Face book friends and skiers. Simplygo to North Penn Ski Club's page, click onthe "invite your friends" link, and then hit the"invite" button next to each of your friends'names. It's simple and easy. Thanks!

Our page features comics, member photos,interesting resort information, upcoming clubevents, ski shop deals, amusing or inspiringvideos, other club’s trips, etc. Check it out!

Ski-Related NewsAn AARP kind of thing for SkiersSubscribe Free and Get Ski Gear Discounts like Instructors, Racers,and Patrollers do.Sign up to receive weekly alerts from SeniorsSkiing.com, the onlinemagazine for the older snow sports community. The benefit: The samedeep discounts on top brands for ski equipment, clothing and accessoriesthat are available to professional ski instructors, racers, and others industryinsiders. Signing up for SeniorsSkiing.com is free. Registering for ProMotive,the service offering the discounts, also is free and does not require anypurchases. The website also has lots of interesting articles about gear, des-tinations, fitness, and fun stuff for active, 50+ snow enthusiasts. You can alsodownload a free e-book of historic ski posters from the International SkiHistory Association (as seen on our Facebook page, “ski poster Sundays”).

Here's the catch: People signing up for SeniorsSkiing.com or for the Pro-Motive benefit must be 50 or older. The mission of SeniorsSkiing.com isto provide older snow sports enthusiasts with useful information and toadvocate their interests to the ski industry.

Meet the Mountains, October 20, 6-9pmMainland Golf Course, 2250 Rittenhouse Rd, Harleysville PAThe annual Meet the Mountains event hosted by Merck Ski Association willbe held Thursday, October 20, at The Mainland Golf Course (Pavilion).Phone: (215) 256-9548

As always, ADMISSION IS FREE if you are a current EPSC club member.You Must show your current club membership card for free entry, DoorPrize and Grand Prize raffle eligibility!! Without current membership card,entry is $5 per person. Bring your friends and family!

Mix and mingle with fellow EPSC club members AND meet the mountainsplus other ski/boarding-related industry groups in person. ContinuousDOOR PRIZE DRAWINGS throughout the evening as well as the end ofnight GRAND PRIZE drawing (for club members only). The growing listof reps that are coming and providing prizes: Banchi Outdoor; Bolton Val-ley, VT; Buckmans Ski Shops; Eastern Mountain Sports; Eastern Townships,Canada; Elk Mountain; Encompasse Tours; Killington, VT; Montage; MountSnow, VT; Stowe, VT; Seven Springs, PA and Windham, NY to name a few.

Light hors d'oeuvres and beverages will be available. Cash bar is availableduring the event.

Belated wishes go out to our September birthday people!

Helen Hans Sept. 2 Sandy Petrie Sept. 3 Tom Hans Sept. 5 Les Sheely Sept. 6 Devon & Grant Verity Sept. 7 Zachary Verity Sept. 7 Wendy Schubert Sept. 8 Richard Gress Sept. 9 Linda Dubois Sept. 9 Tom Francis Sept. 14 Jim Pompe Sept. 16 Mark Beaty Sept. 17 Alicia Bell Sept. 18 Alysia Chaves Sept. 27 Scotty Landis Sept. 30 Mindy Cutcher Sept. 30

Dick Ludwig Oct. 2 Dan Rose Oct. 4 Jeff Cutcher Oct. 5 Mike Zabrecky Oct. 6 Betsey Galli Oct. 8 Dave Schoneker Oct. 11 Mary Ann Licwinko Oct. 14 Mindy Zhang Oct. 14 Mindey Elgart Oct. 14 Steve Cutcher Oct. 14 Janet Amacher Oct. 15 Rose Mazur Oct. 15 Jane Cutcher Oct. 16 Auta Zabrecky Oct. 17 Nanette Brock Oct. 18 Kimberly Sheldron Oct. 26 Sarah Brufke Oct. 29

Birthdays!

H

H

H

H

H

(3)

New Members:David Keightl,

Sherri Gill & son Tristan

Welcome to the club!

f

(4)

Eastern PA Ski Council News

Eastern Inter-Council / Inter-Club Winter Carnivalat Whiteface / Lake Placid (New York) January 26-29, 2017ONLY 3 SPOTS LEFT!Singles welcomed, especially one female as a room mate is needed.

Lodging: High Peaks Resort Four Star Hotel (3 Nights), Indoor Pool, Hot Tub, Spa, Exercise RoomTransportation: Hagey Coach wide body, DVD and wifi

Meals/Reception: Breakfast Daily; Thursday, dinner at North Woods; Friday, Welcome Receptionincluding one drink, appetizers followed by cash bar; Saturday Group dinner/banquet & awards ceremony followed by 3-hour party with cash bar, DJ entertainment and door prizes.

Tickets: 3-day, all-area lift ticket to Whiteface Mountain. Eligible for a discounted Bobsled or Skeletonrun. With a 3-day ticket, you receive the Passport to Adventure (provides access to Olympic venuesand discounts at town merchants). Activities: Thursday, scheduled stop at ski jumping complex;Friday, optional Bobsled ride, Practice Run through the race gates; and Saturday, Inter-Council Race– Private Dual GS course, other Olympic venues available throughout the weekend. Also available:Ice skating on either the Olympic oval or on Mirror Lake, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, tobogganrides. Includes services of Banchi Outdoor Adventures staff.

Depart: Bus leaves Thursday from Hagey’s, Schoolhouse Road, Souderton, 7AM, and PA TurnpikeQuakertown Commuter Lot, Route 663, at 7:15AM. Return: Arrive approx 11pm, Sunday night.

Rates: All Per Person (families welcomed)

Four (4) per Room $628 Two (2) per Room $768Three (3) per Room $668 One (1) per Room $1068

Reservation: $100 deposit per person at signup, plus membership to either UBSC, NPSC, orBCSC for 2016/17 season or other EPSC club. (Reciprocity for membership in other EPSC clubs,include copy of current membership).

Payment schedule: $100 per person due at time of reservation and signed Release & Waiver ofLiability. $300 due: November 1st Balance due: December 1, 2016

Send checks made payable to North Penn Ski Club to: Pete Ryan, 515 N York Road 7-D, Willow Grove, PA 19090Questions: peteski3@juno.com or 215-385-1329

Drive Yourself Option:The EPSC has openings on their club overrun, drive-up, “melting pot” version of this trip for thosewho may want to drive to NY – maybe include a day or two before or after at another resort,visit family, etc. For details about this, contact Dave at dschoneker@aol.com.

Discount on Kids’ LessonsThis season, the Bear Creek Snowsports School will be offering aTuesday Night Youth Lesson Series (formerly the Flying Dutch-men program). This revised lesson series is offered at a special discount for all club members in EPSC. This is a great way for kidsto learn how to ski or ride or to continue to develop their skills,explore new terrain, and make new friends.

The lessons will be offered to children ages 8 to 14 (must be 8years old by January 10th, 2017) and open to both skiers and snow-boarders. The six-week series begins on Tuesday, January 10th andruns through Tuesday, February 14, from 6:30 to 8pm. The YouthLesson Series is offered as a six-week series only. No make-updates will be scheduled unless Bear Creek is closed for the day.The lesson cost to EPSC club members is $115 for the six-weekseries. Six-session lift passes and various other lift or rental pack-ages are available; contact Bear Creek for full details.

Contact the School at snowsports@bcmr.com or 610-641-1319for registration information. Proof of club membership must bepresented at time of payment to receive the discounted rate. Thisseries will have limited availability and is likely to fill quickly!

Free Admission to Expo/AuctionKick off the 2016/17 ski season at the PRW Philly Winter Expo / EPSCAuction, Sunday, October 30th, 2016, 2pm – 5pm, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, 260 Mall Boulevard, King of Prussia, PA (locatedjust behind the King of Prussia Plaza mall area).

This event is open to the public and all ski club members. A great op-portunity to meet with and talk to local, western, and European skiresort reps, tour operators, and other winter sports vendors. Getthe latest info on your favorite ski resort – and it is FREE. Plus, thereare LIVE and SILENT AUCTIONS throughout the afternoon – vacationpackages, tickets, and gear are some of the many items up for bid. You are eligible for door prize drawings just for attending! For moredetails or to register, visit the auction page of EPSC’s website. Registerearly, because the first 100 people that do receive a goodie bag withspecial gifts inside. www.easternpaskicouncil.org

(North Penn Ski Club will have a display table at this event as well. Ifyou’re attending the expo, please consider spending 30 minutes or soat our table to help talk to visitors!)

(5)

SKIS FOR SALE:2013-14 Rossignol Pursuit 12 Used Men's Skis For Sale – I bought these new inJanuary, 2016. I have used them about 6 days. They are in very good condition.Cost is $200 and will come with clean edges and fresh wax. The bindings arefully adjustable. Below is info from the manufacturer, length is 163cm and aregreat edge to edge with a wonderfully low turning radius of 12meters. So whyam I selling these you ask, I missed the wide shovel of my Elan’s and got my 3rdpair of Speed Magic’s. The manufacturer says this ski is for advanced to interme-diate skiers. I think it is more for strong intermediate skiers, but not beginners.

The Pursuit 12 TI is a dedicated high-performance carving ski for advanced tointermediate front-side skiers. World Cup technology and titanyl laminates pro-vide rock-solid stability and confident edge grip. Power Turn Rocker combinessubtle tip rocker with traditional camber, delivering the explosive power of World Cup race skis combined with more playful carving. A new Diamond Tipprovides quick, clean turn initiation allows faster, more aggressive lines. The Pursuit 12 delivers shorter turn shapes and exhilarating, groomed snow perform-ance for frontside skiers.

• MSL: $599.99 • PERFORMANCE: High Performance

• SKIER TYPE: Advanced to Intermediate • RADIUS: 12m

• CONSTRUCTION: Composite Core, Power Turn Rocker

• DIMENSIONS: 125/70/105 • BINDING: Xelium 110 S

Please email me with questions or interest, Pat Gottshalk, 3gotts@gmail.com

World Traveler:Again, Dave Schoneker has spent theoff season traveling the world onbusiness. Most recently he was in Lisbon, and Prague. Luckily for Dave,most of his business trips allow hima day or two to see the sights. Shownhere, a wonderful medieval church inPrague. And, fortunately for us, Daveis quite willing to spend some of whatlittle time he has here at home doingthings for the club. Below, Dave joinsBruce Schwartz and Jenny Hutchisonat the Montgomery County “AutumnFestival” on October 1st. This wasjust one of five such communityevents NPSC has attended this year!

Opening Day - November 18th!Get out!! Here’s the promo info we received this week from Park City, Utah:

“Plan Your Winter Vacation Now and Save. We're counting down the days until Opening Day on November 18th. The season gets started with the holidays right behind. Join us for greatDecember events like Santa Comes Down Town Lift and Park City Snowfest. Visit Park City this winter and take advantage of our holiday gift to you. Stay 3 nights at any participatingproperty in the Park City area and get your 4th night FREE!”

(6)

STEAMBOAT, CO: February 11-18, 2017Quad occupancy in a 2 bedroom, 2 bath condo: $1,449 per personEach condo has a King or Queen and (2) Twins. Single occupancy: $1,809 per person

TRIP INCLUDES: Roundtrip airfare from Philadelphia/Denver via Southwest Airlines in-cluding all current air taxes. This is a DIRECT FLIGHT, and SW does not charge baggagefees! Roundtrip airport transfers from Denver/Steamboat via private bus based upon30 paying passengers. Grocery stop on way to lodging included. Plus 7 nights lodging atthe Ranch (where we stayed in 2012). Welcome wine/cheese reception. $50/person foodvoucher w/ each 5-day lift pass purchased. (Not valid for Non-Skiers.) Option of a West-ern BBQ Buffet Dinner on Top of Mountain with live music and dancing, additional $48(Minimum 15 people for BBQ). And of course, a 5-out-of-7-day ski pass. for a 6th day ofskiing add $55 and this must be prepaid with final payment. Non skiers: less $315 backout lift pass rate. Group lift rate based upon 25 purchases.

SIGNUP DEPOSIT OF $750 IS DUE NOW. Additional payment on November 4thof $500, and balance paid by December 16th (plus additional 6th day and BBQ costs). Cancellations: By November, 20%. By December, 50%. By January 2, 2017, no refund. Full refunds only apply if you find a replacement person to commit to your spot.

$50 Food Vouchers valid at: Thunderhead Cafeteria, Four Points Cafeteria, RendezvousLodge Cafeteria, Gondola Joe’s Café, Geano’s Pizzeria, and Bear Hive Bar & Grill.

Please specify whom you want to room with; also please keep in mind the condoarrangements. No guarantee on roommates unless I’m told in advance. Please makechecks out to: North Penn Ski Club. You can pay at the monthly meeting or mail yourcheck to:

Jenny Hutchison3225 Fennel Road, Pennsburg, PA 18073

QUESTIONS: 215-541-1189 or jennyhutch@comcast.net

Feel like akid again!

Discover a Lifetime of Turns!Whether you want to sharpen your skills, build your con�dence, tune up for a trip,

or ski all day with your friends and family, the senior skiing clinics have your solution.

Call the Bear Creek Snowsports School for Reservations

• Jan 11, 18, 25 and Feb 1, 8, 2017(Advanced Reservations Appreciated)

• $40 per session or $175 for 5 sessions• Clinic time- 10am-1pm• Skill Levels Intermediate to Advanced

• Lunch Voucher Included• Lift Ticket or Season Pass Required

(Not included in clinic price)• Video Analysis of your skiing• Ages 50 and Up

Wednesdays:

Senior Skiing Clinic at Bear CreekTips Turns Tactics

101 Doe Mountain Lane | Macungie, PA 18062 | 610.641.1319 | bcmr.com

UPPER BUCKS SKI CLUB AUCTION, NOVEMBER 4Mark your calendar for the annual Upper Bucks Ski Club auction on Friday, November 4th at Shelly Fire House (across from Pelican Ski Shop)on Route 309, Quakertown. Registration begins at 6:30 pm, auction at7:00 pm. Free Admission. Purchases paid by cash or checks only. The listof donations continues to grow and is quite varied this year . . . from lifttickets to tubing, rafting on the Delaware, and even a tandem sky divingcertificate at the Pennridge Airport. The list of items available at the auc-tion is on UBSC’s website: www.upperbucksskiclub.com

Visit our web site! w

ww

.northpennskiclub.org

Ski Related News

Chinese Skiers Expected to Fuel GrowthVail Resorts Inc. has reached an agreement to buy Whistler BlackcombHoldings, owner of Whistler Blackcomb ski resort. The C$1.4 billion dealis expected to result in Vail’s marketing machine to attract greater numbers of international visitors to Whistler Blackcomb.

“We have felt for a long time that Whistler (Blackcomb) is really the bestpositioned North American resort to benefit from the growth that weexpect in outbound Chinese ski visitation, especially as China starts toramp up towards the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics,” says Vail’s CEO.

News of the sale had a positive impact on Whistler Blackcomb shares,which jumped to C $36.63 per share in Toronto, up by C$11.49 followingMonday’s announcement. Earlier this year, Whistler Blackcomb an-nounced a C$345-million infrastructure and real estate expansion. DavidBrownlie, Whistler Blackcomb CEO, will remain chief operating officer.

Whistler opened in 1966, with a four-person gondola, a double chairliftand a day lodge. It merged with Blackcomb in 1997. The combined areascomprise the largest and most visited ski resort in North America.

Blanket DaysThere was a time lift blankets and fur coats kept you warm on chilly days.Here, Mad River GM Ken Quakenbush checks tickets on the single chair,circa 1953. Check out the really cool 1960’s blanket story from a MadRiver ski patroller at: www.seniorsskiing.com/those-blanket-days

Member News & Travel Stories

“Throwback Thursday”from September 2012 – NPSC member and PSIA ski instructor, Les Sheely, spent a few days in a beginner’s Ski Jumping clinic. Prepared with a wet suit, “rock skis”, and a lot of daring, Les first practiced and learned manoeuvers on a trampoline before actually jumping off a ramp and

landing in a deep pool of water.

SUNDAY BRUNCH: Several of usenjoyed a delicious brunch at the Red CedarGrille in June. The RCG had everything frommade-from-scratch omelettes and eggs benedictto mussels, salads, desserts, and more. We werejoined by a couple of Upper Bucks Ski Club mem-bers also. So if you opted not to go, you missedout on a great meal and lots of fun conversations!

Have Adventure,Will ShareDo you have a photo,special event, adven-ture, or story we canshare with members?Let our editor know soit can be included in afuture newsletter!

f