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December, 2021
EXECUTIVE ORGANIZATION
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President
– Toby Kravet – 808-224-1065
Jonathan Carr
Geoffrey Chu
Michiro Iwanaga
Anita Hodges
Alan Teramura
Caroline Sluyter
Mike Tsutsui
Karl See
Nelson Dang
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Newsletter Editor
Toby Kravet
(Click on Contacts for e mail addresses)
CALENDAR OF EVENTS:
Every Monday evening (except on holidays and, of course, during Hawaii Ski Week), at 4:30 P.M., a group of ski club members and their friends play tennis at Keehi Lagoon Courts, off Lagoon Drive. Stay in shape and enjoy a "careful social hour" afterwards.
December 2 (Thursday) 5:00 PM (Meeting at 5:30) General Membership Meeting at Mangiamo by 604. (Note that we will be starting the meeting 15 minutes earlier)
January 6 (Thursday) 5:00 PM (Meeting at 5:30) General Membership Meeting at Mangiamo by 604. (Note that we will be starting the meeting 15 minutes earlier)
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE:
The Newsletter is a bit early this month due to the fact I am leaving Monday for Thanksgiving with family on the mainland and won't be returning until it's a little late to be giving you a "heads up" on the December General Membership Meeting. We will be continuing at Mangiamo for the December 2 meeting, which will also be our "Holiday Party" (see below), and for the first meeting of the new year, January 6, which is looking like it may become our Pre-Trip Party. Although COVID restrictions continue to limit the size of "Social Gatherings" to 10 inside and 25 outside, restaurants are permitted to seat up to 10 vaccinated or negative tested diners at separate tables. For those of you who have been to one or more of our recent meetings, please note that we will be starting the anoucements, etc. at 5:30 PM instead of 5:45 so that we are not competing with the music which is contracted by the restuarant to begin at 6:00 PM.
Secondly, which would usually be the first item, I'd like to welcome Laura Dunham and Timothy Gedney to the "fold" and welcome back previous board member Linda Giers. I was glad to see Linda again at the November General Membership Meeting and hope to meet Tim and Laura in the not too distant future.
For those of you going to Japan, please read the announcements below, under "Trips--." There have been some changes/additions. Adding Kiroro to your trip will give you another two days of skiing the incomperable Hokkaido powder, and you can, maybe, if I understand Alan correctly, sneak in another half day as soon as you get there if you are ambitious. Alta, Utah likes to boast the "Greatest Snow on Earth:" That's what the bumper sticker says for the snow that sometimes has as little as 7% water. The snow in Hokkaido, however, can get as low as 4%. Enough said.
Speaking of skiing (our "raison d'etre"), those of you who go on your own trips in addition to those sponsored by the Club and have been considering an early season "excursion" to the slopes, be sure you first check conditions before making plans. A number of areas in Utah have delayed their planned opening dates due to not enough snow and too warm temperatures to make it themselves. Park City, which I know is a favorite destination for some of you, is one of the areas that has had to delay it's opening date. The base of Park City, is only around 6,900 feet high, Solitude, however, just over the ridge at around 8,000 feet. is opening November 23, and Alta, just over the ridge from Solitude, with a base altitude of around 8,500 feet, is opening November 24.
Have a good Thanksgiving holiday and hope to see you, in your festive best, on December 2.
TOBY
UPCOMING SKI CLUB ACTIVITIES:
SKI CLUB HOLIDAY
GATHERING/
GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING
MANGIAMO BY 604
NAVY MARINE GOLF COURSE
943
VALKENBURGH ST.
December 2 (Thursday) 5 PM (Meeting at 5:30)
Please join us for the December 2nd General Meeting at Mangiamo. Due to
continuing COVID restrictions about the size of indoor gatherings and
vaccination cards, the Hawaii Ski Club cannot host our traditional holiday
party at the Esplanade. But we have a wonderful idea to turn our December
general meeting at Mangiamo into a festive occasion. If you RSVP BY
DEC 1 that you will attend the general meeting, you qualify for a door prize
drawing of both monetary and gift prizes. What a fun way to
celebrate the holidays with your ski friends!! Be festive; wear a holiday
outfit.
Remember: RSVP to Anita (
anita@hawaiisnowskiclub.com
) by Dec 1st so that you qualify for the drawing and to have the
restaurant staff prepared for us. Vaccine card
card required to get into the restaurant and mask to be worn while not eating or drinking!! Seating begins at 5pm and
the general meeting will begin promptly at 5:30pm to avoid conflicting with
the music.
ANITA
GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING
MANGIAMO BY 604
NAVY MARINE GOLF COURSE
943
VALKENBURGH ST.
January 6 (Thursday) 5 PM (Meeting at 5:30)
Come to our first General Membership Meeting of the new year and the last for a couple of months as we will be off skiing. Also, stay tuned: If COVID restrictions on size of social gatherings prevent us from having the normal Packet Pickup or Pre-Trip Party we normally hold before Hawaii Ski Week, this may become that, i.e. we may be using the meeting, for those of you "tripees" who can make it. to distribute materials on the upcoming trip to Aspen-Snowmass. As with previous meetings at Mangiamo, be sure to bring your mask and proof of vaccination. Also, just like previous meetings, so as to make sure the restaurant has enough staff on hand to serve us, please RSVP to Anita, ( anita@hawaiisnowskiclub.com ) if you plan to come.
TOBY
NATIONAL NEWS (courtesy of the Far West Ski Association):
CHALLENGES AHEAD FOR
SIERRA-AT-TAHOE: Significant damage sustained from the Caldor
Fire—a 221,000-acre forest fire that tore through the Tahoe Basin in late
August and September—will impact operations at Sierra-at-Tahoe for the
coming season. The damage is far greater in scope than initially estimated.
Fire-weakened trees throughout the property’s entire 2,000 acres will need
to be evaluated and potentially removed, particularly in areas around lift
lines and ski trails. Sierra is also in the midst of repairs to several of
its chairlifts—a task that global supply chain and shipping issues has made
more difficult. The resort still intends to open this season but has told
current passholders to look for an email regarding options related to their
2020-21 season pass.
SOLITUDE EXTENDS LIFT OPENING HOURS: Starting in
mid-December, select chairlifts will have extended lift hours on weekends
and holidays, opening an hour early. Then, in mid-March, lift operations for
the whole mountain will “spring ahead” with daylight saving time all lifts
will run from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. every day through the end of the season
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES FOR HSC MEMBERS
One of the
most rewarding activities for anyone is to volunteer to help those in our
community who need extra help. The HSC has been volunteering at the
Salvation Army Thanksgiving dinner at Blaisdell Arena for over 25 years. Due
to the pandemic restrictions, the event was cancelled in 2020 and will not
occur in 2021. We all remember fun times where we had our pre-volunteering
“tailgate” on the lawn of the Blaisdell and hope to return in 2022! Our
club members also have been volunteering at Lanakila Meals on Wheels for
over 6 years, but we have been unable to continue packaging frozen meals due
to COVID restrictions. However, Anita was contacted by Eddie, the LMOW
volunteer coordinator, who asked for volunteers to DELIVER the weekly,
pre-packaged, frozen meals to elderly people at their homes. This volunteer
effort means going to LMOW main building in Kalihi, picking up coolers
containing the frozen meals, and delivering the packages to a few people in
one area of the island. Previously a HSC member who lives in Mililani
picked up meals which he then delivered to the elderly near his home. THIS
IS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR YOUR ENTIRE FAMILY TO VOLUNTEER TO HELP THE
ELDERLY. Dad/mother or grandfather/grandmother can drive to the house and
the kids can knock on the door to hand the prepared meals to the recipient.
If you or your family wishes to help deliver meals, please contact Eddie at the LMOW Volunteer Coordinator’s desk phone at 356-8527. Text or call the Volunteer Coordinator’s work cell phone at 824-6218 (be sure to identify yourself as a ski club member if texting for the first time.) OR
Email volunteer@lanakilapacific.org
ANITA
SKI TRIPS FOR 2022
Update on Aspen Snowmass January 21-29,
2022
The Aspen Snowmass ski trip is completely sold
out with 49 Hawaii Ski Club members registered for the trip. November
18 was the deadline to make final payment to Ski.com. If you hadn’t
already done so, make sure that you also paid for the Farewell Dinner on
Friday, January 29. We are planning to have a Welcome Party on Saturday
January 22; daily meeting locations on-mountain each day; apres-ski meeting
locations each night; a day trip to Buttermilk Mountain; and the Farewell
Dinner, where we vote for next year’s ski destination and announce our
annual ski trip awards. Aspen Snowmass also will be offering its award
winning Women’s Ski Clinic during the week we are there, so let me know if
you want more information about this. If you missed the ski trip
registration deadline and still are interested in going to Aspen Snowmass
with us, contact me for options at
alan@hawaiisnowskiclub.com
ALAN
Update on
Rusutsu, Japan February 19-27, 2022
We have reserved rooms at the 4-star ski-in ski-out Rusutsu Resort Hotel
for 7-nights, including daily buffet breakfast and dinner, 6-day lift
tickets and private airport shuttle for $1,967. See the Rusutsu
informational flier below for more details. We currently have 36 people who
have registered and only have a few rooms still available at this price.
This hotel package is available until December 13, 2021 or until the last
few rooms are sold out.
Round-trip non-stop airfare on Hawaiian
Airlines is $917, which is more than $100 less than the currently published
online airfare. Note that this airfare is available only until
December 13, 2021.Total package price is $2,884 (hotel and airfare) with
Schewetravel email:
lschewe@hawaii.rr.com
There is an optional 3-day extension to Kiroro Resort which is midway
between Rusutsu and Sapporo. Lodging will be at the slope-side award winning
Sheraton Hotel including 3-nights lodging, 2 lift tickets, 3 breakfast
buffets, and shuttle bus transfers. See the Kiroro informational flier below
for more trip details or contact Linda Schewe at (808)947-8811.
Note
that if Japan is not open to foreign travelers by the trip date, your hotel
package costs will be refunded except a non-refundable $100 administrative
fee that covers both the Rusutsu trip and the Kiroro extension. Hawaiian
Airlines will not issue cash refunds but will credit your unused airfare for
a future trip taken within one calendar year.
ALAN
SKI RUSUTSU ~ HOKKAIDO, JAPAN, February 19 - 27, 2022
Alan
Teramura, Trip Coordinator
Rusutsu Ski Trip Includes:
Round trip on Hawaiian Airline - Honolulu
to Sapporo - Economy Class
(only when booking complete land package)
First & second check in bag included at no cost
Round trip charter motor
coach transfers from airport to Rusutsu (only when booking complete land
package)
7 nights standard room at Rusutsu Resort Hotel – single or twin
occupancy
Breakfast and Dinner vouchers daily - a $540.00 Value!
6 of
7 day Adult Lift Ticket / All taxes for items listed above
** Per Person
Prices based on Single (1 per room) or Double (2 per room) occupancy.
Single Double Description of Airline and Hotel Accommodations
$ 917.00 $
917.00 Airline ticket Economy Class. Group seating. Extra Comfort is $125.00
each way
(This fare can only be purchased with the full land package
shown below.)
$2700.00 $1967.00 Four star ski in/ski out hotel with
onsen, 6 restaurants, game room, 4-D movie theater,
swimming and wave
pool. Rooms are all non-smoking run-of-house with twin beds, free
WIFI,
safety deposit box, bathroom toiletries & slippers, electric kettle for
coffee or tea,
small refrigerator, satellite TV, telephone. Check in 4:00
pm – Check out 11:00 am.
Optional Kiroro Extension: 3 nights after
Rutsusu at additional fee. Details below.
**Above prices are
for Hawaii Ski Club Members. For membership info, go to
www.hawaiiskiclub.com .
Click on above link. Print & complete the form
and mail it with payment. Non-members add $50.00 to above prices.
~If
another airline, mileage award ticket or ticket exchange is requested, a
$50.00 administrative fee may be assessed.
~EPIC Pass holders get 5 day
lift tickets – Deduct $305.00. Nonskiers deduct $305.00. Seniors 60+ deduct
$22.00
~Optional equipment rentals are available online only
individually. Payment is made directly to hotel.
~Travel insurance is
recommended to cover most situations. “Cancel for Any Reason” or for
“Pre-existing Conditions”
must be purchased within 14 days of paying
deposit. Otherwise, coverage must be paid prior to making final payment.
~Prices are in U.S. Dollars based on current exchange rate. We reserve the
right to adjust rates before final payment.
~Payment Schedule: $500.00
Deposit by check is required with signed Reservation Form on/before August
30. After this
date, reservations will be accepted on a space available
basis. Balance is due on / before December 13, 2020.
~ Cancellations
received before December 13 will be assessed $100.00 administrative fee.
Cancellations for any reason
after final payment will be assessed $500.00
per person PLUS any nonrefundable amounts from vendors. Air tickets
are
nonrefundable once issued but can be reused for another trip within 12
months.
Note: If Japan is not open to U.S.tourists, a $100.00 per person
administrative fee will be assessed for issuing refunds.
For
reservations, contact:
SCHEWE TRAVEL ASSOCIATES Phone: (808) 947 – 8811
P. O . Box 22584
Honolulu, Hawaii 96823-2584
Email:
lschewe@hawaii.rr.com
THE RESERVATION FORM CAN BE FOUND ON OUR WEBSITE, www.hawaiisnowskiclub.com , in the Trips section.
KIRORO EXTENSION AFTER RUSUTSU, February 27 – March 2, 2022
Kiroro Extension Includes: One way bus transfer from Rusutsu to Kiroro Ski
Resort
3 nights lodging – single or twin/double occupancy
Breakfast Buffet
daily – a great start of the day Two day adult lift tickets included. One
way bus transfer from hotel to Chitose Airport (90 minutes) All taxes and
fees on items listed above
Per Person Prices based on Single (1 per room) or Twin/Double (2 per room) occupancy
Single
Double Deluxe Hotel Room – 30
square meters. 10 available. Enjoy free WIFI, Satellite/cable TV, in-room
small fridge, coffee/tea maker,
safe
$1110.00 $700.00
Sheraton Hokkaido Kiroro Resort offers an unforgettable experience. Boasting prized powdered snow in the winter, our idyllic location is in the heart of the Hokkaido Golden Triangle. Kiroro Resort offers something for everyone with ski-in, ski-out facilities, 23 ski/snowboarding trails, 14 off-piste areas, a ski/snowboard academy, a rental shop, and a traditional onsen with indoor and outdoor pools for après-ski relaxation. The modern hotel also features delicious dining options to satisfy all types of tastes. Create a memorable holiday in one of the world’s most pristine destinations, Sheraton Hokkaido Kiroro Resort. IKON Pass holders & Non skiers deduct $93.00. Seniors age 65+ deduct $10.00 if purchasing 2 day Adult lift tickets. Important Notes: *Cancellation up to 60 days prior to arrival: 10% of the total price of the extension is non-refundable. *Cancellation less than 60 days prior to arrival or if no show: the total price of the Kiroro extension is non-refundable. *Cancellation if Japan is not open due to Covid, an administration fee of US $100.00 per person applies for the entire Hokkaido trip – Rusutsu and Kiroro. *Trip insurance is available to cover medical situations. Reservations by:
SCHEWE TRAVEL ASSOCIATES Phone: (808) 947 – 8811
P. O . Box 22584
Honolulu, Hawaii 96823-2584
Email:
lschewe@hawaii.rr.com
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 anita@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 9 calendar days from the end of the month. Thanx much.
Updated club info available at http://www.hawaiisnowskiclub.com and on our Facebook page.