This year we had a record breaking 120 HSC members join us on our annual ski trips to Hokkaido, Japan, including a half dozen Nisei Ski Club members from the Bay area who recently joined our ski club. Our first trip was to Sapporo/Otaru in mid-February, where we skied 3 nearby ski resorts: Tiene, Kokusai and Otaru. Tiene was the site of the 1972 Winter Olympic Games where the bobsled, slalom and giant slalom events were held. Over a foot and a half of fresh powder fell during of the course of the day so the powder hounds took advantage of the famous Japow that day. For others, especially those who were skiing for the first day of the season, it was challenging. The next day was an optional ski day at Kokusai, a “locals” ski resort, and we had a glorious blue bird day of skiing on long, wide groomed slopes, with the option to ski bumps on the steeper slopes. Couldn’t have asked for a nicer day on the slopes. We also had several days skiing at Kiroro, an upscale resort operated by Club Med but conditions were warmer than earlier in the week and more spring-like. So during our first week skiing mid February in Hokkaido we saw everything that Puki Yuki, the Japanese snow goddess had to offer: from unlimited powder, to blue bird skies and finally spring snow conditions. We also had two days of sightseeing visiting the downtown area of Sapporo, the Hill of Buddha, the 1972 Olympic Ski Jump Stadium where Japan swept all the medals, Aoyama Villa a mansion built at the turn of the century by a wealthy fish merchant, and a tour of the quaint fishing village of Otaru.

On our second ski trip during the last week of February, 70 HSC members went to Rusutsu Ski Resort and Convention Center, approximately an hour and half away from Sapporo. Rusutsu is known for its long, wide runs spread across 3 mountains, its tree skiing and its extensive lift system all of which are rated as among the best in Japan. Rusutsu Resort Hotel also has fantastic breakfast and dinner buffets featuring both Western and Japanese cuisines, including all you can eat snow crab legs and fresh sushi. The newer north wing, where the HSC stays, also features a fabulous onsen with indoor and outdoor sections, where you can relax in the warm water and watch the snow fall with the slopes in the distance. The week we were there had spring-like conditions on top of a 10 foot base and everyone had a great time on the slopes. In the evenings a number of people enjoyed the music provided by local artists, including jazz and traditional Japanese music while sipping local beverages.

Last fall we announced that we were exploring the possibility of going to the Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival and skiing at Yabli, the largest ski resort in China. However, since then a number of HSC members expressed various concerns about such a trip, therefore instead we decided to go to Shiga Kogen on Honshu the main island of Japan February 12-21, 2027 and to Rusutsu located in Hokkaido February 20-28, 2027. We hope to have the registration open for these ski trips by the end of May or early June.

ALAN

SKI TRIPS FOR 2027:

Hawaii Ski Week; Whitefish Montana, 1/23/27 - 1/30/27.  Stay tuned for details.

Japan: Shiga Kogen, 2/12/27 - 2/21/27 and Rusutsu 2/20/27 - 2/28/27.  Stay tuned for details.

Europe: Before Hawaii Ski Week or after Japan.

 Ability to join current Edelweiss Tours & Trips without cost (based on availability)
*** Estimated price is $4595 for two adults or $3195 for single ***
(Please note this is the 2026 price and will probably increase by 3-5%)

NOT included:
 No airfare/flights
 Daily lunches, dinners, snacks
 Transportation in and around Garmisch-Partenkirchen
 Souvenirs
ITINERARY:
Sunday: Arrival / Transportation to Hausberg for equipment / Transportation to Edelweiss Lodge and
Resort / Arrival reception
Monday: Ski Garmisch Classic
Tuesday: Ski Garmisch Classic or Zugspitze
Wednesday: Ski Austria
Thursday: Rest Day / Guided tour of Murnau Greisbrau Brewery
Friday: Ski Austria
Saturday: Ski Austria
Sunday: Ski Garmisch Classic or Zugspitze
Monday: Depart / Transportation to Munich Airport
Germany Ski Areas: Hausberg, Kreuzjoch, Kreuzeck, Osterfelderkopt and Zugspitze
Austria Ski Areas: Biberwier and Lermoos Ski Areas
POSSIBLE DATES:
(Must arrive by 1200 on that Sunday)
 Sun 21 Feb – Mon 1 Mar 2027
 Sun 28 Feb – Mon 8 Mar 2027
 Checking on early Jan 2027 as this was suggested at the April Meeting
POC Contact Information:
Jack Riley // 808.699.4603 // jack@hawaiisnowskiclub.com

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

HAWAII SKI CLUB IS ON FACEBOOK

Facebook is the best way to keep current on the Hawaii Ski Club. On your Facebook page on your computer, type "Hawaii Ski Club" into the search box on the top left. On your mobile device, tap the magnifying glass at the top to get the search box.  Pictures from Ski Club activities and other items are posted as they are submitted.  You can submit your own Ski Club pictures and other items you wish posted by emailing them to nicole@hawaiisnowskiclub.com . 

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Contributions from the membership to future newsletters are encouraged and will be greatly appreciated: Please e mail them to Toby (see Contacts) no later than 12 calendar days from the end of the month. Thanx much.

Updated club info available at http://www.hawaiisnowskiclub.com and on our Facebook page.

 January - March 2026 Newsletter