December,  2018

HAPPY HOLIDAYS
MELE KAMIKIMAKA
AND
HAU'OLI MAKAHIKI HOU

 

EXECUTIVE ORGANIZATION

   BOARD OF DIRECTORS

  President – Toby Kravet – 808-224-1065
  Jonathan Carr
  Geoff Chu
  Paul Ferguson
  Bill Hodges
  Anita Hodges
  Alan Teramura
  Linda Giers
  Caroline Sluyter
  Mike Tsutsui

  -----------------------------------------
  Newsletter Editor
  Toby Kravet

(Click on Contacts for e mail addresses)

CALENDAR OF EVENTS:

Additional events, such as concerts, hikes, excursions, may be added.  Watch your email for possible updates.

Every Monday evening (except on holidays and, of course, during Hawaii Ski Week): 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 share refreshments afterwards!

December 6 (Thursday) Zilch. Nada. No General Membership Meeting.  The upcoming Christmas Party will serve as the December Meeting.

December 16 (Sunday) 5:30 P.M.  Annual Christmas Party Potluck at the ground floor recreation area/terrace of the Esplanade, 500 Lunalillo Home Road.  Bring a dish to share and a gift of approximately $15.00 value if you wish to participate in the Secret Santa gift exchange.

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE:

The holiday season is upon us, and that means no stand-alone General Membership Meetings, no Pau Hanas (unless there's a clamor for one), and ski trips shortly thereafter.  Our annual Christmas Party, only two weeks (and a couple of days) away, will serve as our December General Membership Meeting.  Not on the calendar yet, because plans have not been formalized, is our Packet Pickup Party (for Whistler-Blackcomb) on Sunday, January 19th at Jeff Lilly's and Judy Sobin's home in Hawaii Kai.  They live on a side street, on the water side, off Lunalillo Home Road just a little ways down from the Esplanade where we are having our Christmas Party.   As always, all Ski Club Members are invited to the Packet Pickup Party, whether or not they will be going on the trip, and if we follow last year's procedure change (The Trip Committee has yet to officially comment), this will be where we kick off the selection process for the 2020 Hawaii Ski Week destination.  We did it this way last year so that more than just Hawaii Ski Week participants would get a say in where we might go.  If we do go ahead with this and you want to nominate a destination for 2020, you need to do a little research (pretty easy on the internet), write it up, and present it at the party, covering such issues as ease of access, proximity of accommodation to the slopes, percentage of green, blue, and black runs, nightlife, etc.  If it is a destination where we have been before, it should be even easier.  The list of "contenders" will be narrowed down at the Hawaii Ski Week farewell dinner and a ballot sent out to the entire membership upon our return.  

Hope to see you all, who are not "geographically challenged," at the Christmas Party three Sundays from now. 

A hui hou kakou,

TOBY

UPCOMING SKI CLUB ACTIVITIES:

ANNUAL CHRISTMAS  PARTY
The Esplanade, 500 Lunalillo Home Road
December 16 (Sunday)
5:30 P.M.

Would you believe our Traditional Ski Club Christmas Party is on the same date as last year's, September 16?  Only this time it's on a Sunday, not a Saturday.   Sylvia "Sam" Wright has come through yet again to get us the recreation room/terrace at her condo, The Esplanade, on Hawaii Kai Drive.   This is both pot luck and BYOB.  Also, if you want to participate (almost all do) in the traditional gift exchange,  bring a grab bag gift with approximate value of $15.00   You will be given a raffle ticket, and when your number is called, have the option of choosing a gift from the "pile" or one that has already been chosen, thereby forcing the original chooser to choose from the pile again:  This can get pretty funny, satisfying, or frustrating depending upon whether you are victor, victim, or spectator----at that particular moment. and victors can turn into victims at the next ticket pulled. To get to the Esplanade, turn left off Kalanianaole Highway at Lunalillo Home Road, the last traffic light before the highway goes up the hill towards Hanauma Bay. Drive in the mountain direction approximately .6 of a mile and look for the looming white building complex on the left.  While parking is limited at the building (eleven guest stalls in the circle at the entrance)  there is normally plenty of street parking available on the other side of the street and on side streets off the other side.  The recreation area is right on the ground level beside the lobby. 

TOBY


PAST SKI CLUB ACTIVITIES:

 

ROLLER THERAPY ("THE FASCIANATOR")
and
GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING
HONOLULU CLUB
932 Ward Ave, 7th Floor
November 1 (Thursday) 5:00 P.M.

Unlike the large turnout for last year's roller therapy session with Anthony Chrisco at the Honolulu Club, I counted only seventeen Ski Club members "suffering" on their mats as Anthony led us through the discovery of tightness in parts of our bodies we didn't even know we had. The number of attendees who purchased rollers (harder than the foam rollers normally available at commercial outlets or online), from Anthony following the session  was a testament to the value of the experience.   Thank you, Alan (Teramura), for setting this up again. Following the session, we attempted to hold a brief membership meeting, but there were no quiet rooms available so we adjourned to the bar instead. 

TOBY

 

TRADITIONAL THANKSGIVING VOLUNTEER ACTIVITY
SERVING AN EARLY THANKSGIVING DINNER TO THE NEEDY
AND PRE-EVENT POTLUCK
Blaisdell Center
777 Ward Ave.
November 22  (Thursday)  9:30 A.M (potluck tailgate); ll:30 A.M. (volunteering)

A big Mahalo to all ski club members who volunteered to serve at the 48th Salvation Army Thanksgiving Day dinner! Eighteen members arrived early to partake in our traditional volunteers’ potluck brunch outside Blaisdell Arena. A delicious spread of dishes, coffee, and mimosas got us ready to take on the waiter’s job inside the arena. It took just about an hour to serve over 1000 people before we returned home to celebrate our own Thanksgiving meals.

Serving others is a long-standing tradition of Hawaii Ski Club members. What could be a more refreshing and fulfilling way to start Thanksgiving than to see children smiling, families enjoying musical entertainment together, and the elderly eating a traditional Thanksgiving meal which they may not have enjoyed otherwise? Thank you to our volunteers for giving of your time to assist others.

FOR PHOTOS OF THIS THANKSGIVING EVENT AND OF OTHER CLUB ACTIVITIES, MAKE SURE YOU CHECK THE SKI CLUB FACEBOOK PAGE

ANITA

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

HAWAII SKI WEEK 2019
WHISTLER-BLACKCOMB
JANUARY 25, 2019 - FEBRUARY 2, 2019

The trip package includes non-stop round trip airfare leaving Honolulu on Friday January 25, 2019 to Vancouver and returning on February 2, 2019. From the airport we will board a chartered bus directly to Whistler and our lodging. You can choose between either a hotel room for two people or a nearby condo that accommodates quad occupancy. Group discounted lift tickets can be added to the package. The total trip package is $2004 with the hotel option and $1930 with the condo option assuming a 5 day senior lift ticket, making this one of the most affordable ski trips we have recently made. This year we are using a local travel agency which is experienced in booking ski trips for hundreds of skiers and boarders annually and which has arranged over a dozen trips to Whistler- Blackcomb. Schewe Travel Associates, 1481 S. King Street #312A - Honolulu, Hawaii 96814 Telephone: (808) 947 - 8811, Email: schewetravel@hawaii.rr.com.  Therefore,  there will be some changes in the booking process. For one, the initial deposit is only $300 per person, much less than in the past, and it is due on or before August 1, 2018. The final payment is due November 1, 2018.  Reservation forms have already been emailed to all members at the time of the announcement.  If, for some reason, you did not receive it, please contact Alan Teramura, alan@hawaiisnowskiclub.com  Complete and mail the form, with your deposit, to Schewe Travel Associates.

Airline


WESTJET AIRLINES: $599.00. Air Fare per person from Honolulu to Vancouver, Canada, for up to 50 people. Additional people will be priced at the air fare in existence at the time of booking. First check bag is free; additional checked bags are $35.00. One small carryon and one personal item taken on board are free. Block group seating is included. Individuals may change seats without charge at airport check in or may purchase PLUS SEAT upgrades. Friday, Jan.25 WestJet 1865 Depart HNL 11:50 pm – Arrive YVR 7:30 am Jan.26; Saturday, Feb.02 WestJet 1864 Depart YVR 6:15 pm – Arrive HNL 10:48 pm


Hotel/Condo Lodging


TANTALUS LODGE: $795.00 per person based on 4 people sharing a 2 bedroom, 2 bath suite with full kitchen and living room. Bedding: Queen in first bedroom, 2 twin beds or bunk bed in second bedroom, sofa sleeper in living room. Baggage handling is optional for groups at $6.00 per person in/out. Free WIFI, shuttle van to lift, secure ski and snowboard storage, overnight ski tuning & repair, in-room safe, telephone with free local and 800 calls, hairdryers, iron and ironing board. Located just outside the main Whistler Village area and around the corner from Westin Hotel & Spa. Approximately 5-6 minute walk to Whistler Gondola.


LISTEL WHISTLER HOTEL: $869.00 per person based on 1 person or 2 people sharing a hotel room with 2 queen beds with coffee maker, small fridge, in-room safe, TV. $30.00 extra person fee (max 4 per room, per night plus tax. Upgraded rooms may be available upon request. Baggage handling optional for groups at $8.00 per person in & out. Hotel offers free WIFI throughout, après Ski Champagne Bar, award-winning Bearfoot Bistro Restaurant, Ketel One Ice Room serving over 50 vodkas, coin operated laundry, computers/printers in lobby, elevators, shared Jacuzzi. Approximately 2-3 minute walk to the Whistler Gondola.


Lift Ticket Choices

 

Selection must be made at time of booking. Change allowed prior to final payment. These lift tickets allow one day off to rest during the total number of days purchased. No changes are allowed within 30 days
# of Days. 6 out of 7; 5 out of 6; 4 out of 5; 3 out of 4
Adults 19-64 $597 $526 $426. $331
Seniors 65+. $557. $476. $392 $302
Youth 13-18 $528. $452. $369. $239
Child 6-12. $299. $272. $226. $177


Shuttle bus


Transfers Round Trip– airport/Whistler/airport: $60.00 per person includes tax and gratuity to driver. One 46 seat motor coach for 43 people or two 25 seat motor coaches for 24 people in each coach. Vehicle size will to be determined by final number of people signed up 30 days prior to departure.
Travel Protection Plans: Travel protection coverage is recommended and available to cover most cancellation situations. Coverage to cancel for any reason or for pre-existing medical conditions must be purchased within 14 days of tour member’s deposit. Otherwise, coverage must be purchased prior to final payment. Call for additional information.


Terms and Conditions for Group Packages:


All features outlined above will be confirmed upon receipt of initial deposit. A 4% service fee will be applied to individuals wishing to pay with individual credit cards. Prices listed will not be assessed any fees for payment by cash or check. Per person deposit of $300.00 to confirm booking is due on/before August 1, 2018. Per person final payment is due on/before November 1, 2018. 
Prices are based on a minimum of 25 people traveling. If the group falls below this number, the price will be adjusted according to the final count.


Please contact Alan Teramura, alan@hawaiisnowskiclub.com
for any questions you might have.

ALAN

RUSUTSU SKI TRIP
HOKKAIDO, JAPAN
February 16-24, 2019



Rusutsu is the largest ski resort in Hokkaido, Japan and only a 90 minute shuttle bus ride from Sapporo Airport (CTS).  It is known by skiers worldwide for its plentiful powder, long and wide well groomed runs, and access to fabulous tree skiing. The resort receives over 45 feet of snow annually, with 37 runs serviced by 4 gondolas and 15 chair lifts. Approximately a third of the runs are beginner, a third intermediate, and a third advanced to expert.

The trip includes non-stop round trip airfare on Hawaiian Airlines leaving Honolulu on Saturday February 16, 2019 and returning on Sunday February 24, 2019. From Chitose (CTS) Airport, a chartered bus will take us directly to our hotel for 7 nights. All rooms at the Rusutsu Hotel have two twin beds for double occupancy and include breakfast and dinner vouchers. Senior 5 of 6 day lift tickets (for people 60+ years old) are included in the land package with a $35 supplement for those under 60 years of age. The total trip cost is $2,800 per person twin/double occupancy which includes $843 for airfare and $1,957 for the land package. Single supplement is $1,000. You can book the land package separately from air If you wish to arrange your own air travel.

As with the trip to Whistler, we are using Schewe Travel Associates which is experienced in booking ski trips for hundreds of skiers and boarders annually. Their address is 1481 S. King Street #312A, Honolulu HI 96814. Telephone (808) 947-8811. Email is schewetravel@hawaii.rr.com. The booking process is quite simple – just complete the Reservation Form and mail it to Schewe Travel Associates with your $300 per person deposit on or before July 13, 2018. After this date, reservations will be accepted on a space available basis. 
Reservation forms have already been emailed to all Club members   If, for some reason, you did not receive it, please contact Alan Teramura, alan@hawaiisnowskiclub.com  Complete and mail the form, with your deposit, to Schewe Travel Associates.

Airline

 

Hawaiian Airlines fare is $843 per person for the round trip non-stop flights to Sapporo’s Chitose Airport. We have only 40 airline seats at this price. Additional airline seats will be at the published price on day of booking. First two checked bags are free and a third checked bag is allowed for a fee of $150. One small carry on and one personal item taken on board are free. Block group seating is included. Individuals may change seats without charge at airport check in. HawaiianMiles credit is permitted if your account number is on the Reservation Form. HawaiianMiles First Class Upgrades are permitted in accordance with the HawaiianMiles policy.

Lodging


We will be staying at the Rusutsu Resort and Convention Center, a four star ski in ski out hotel with its own onsen, 6 restaurants, game room, 4-D movie theater, swimming pool and wave pool. Rooms are all non-smoking run-of-house with twin beds, free WIFI, safety deposit box, free bathroom toiletries & slippers, electric kettle, small refrigerator, satellite TV, telephone, private bathroom with shower/tub.
Breakfast and dinner vouchers valid at all hotel restaurants are included
daily. Check in 3:00 pm - check out 11:00 am.

Lift Tickets


Included in the package is a 5 out of 6 day senior lift ticket for the 60+ age group. For people under 60, add $35. If you would like fewer ski days or none at all, please contact Schewe Travel Associates.

Shuttle Bus


Our transfers from the airport to the hotel and back are included in the package. It will be a non-stop chartered motor coach for our group. We’ll be met on arrival after clearing immigration and collecting our luggage. No waiting at the airport for the regular shuttle bus to Rusutsu. Those making their own air travel plans, must meet the group when they arrive at 5 pm in order to ride the shuttle bus or must make their own shuttle reservations.

Travel Protection Plans


Travel insurance is recommended and available to cover most cancellation situations. Coverage to cancel “for any reason” or for “pre-existing medical conditions must be purchased within 14 days of paying your deposit. Otherwise, coverage must be purchased prior to final payment. Call for additional information.

Terms and Conditions


All features outlined above will be confirmed upon receipt of the Reservation Form and deposit. A 4% service charge will be applied for individuals wishing to pay with individual credit cards. Prices listed will not be assessed any fees for payment by cash or check. Deposit of $300 per person is due on or before July 13, 2018. Final payment is due on or before November 1, 2018. Prices are based on a minimum of 30 people traveling together. If the group falls below 30, the price may have to be adjusted according to the final count.

All cancellations must be made in writing. Cancellations received after July 13, 2018 will be assessed a $50 administration fee. Cancellations received after full payment will be subject to the refund policy of the airline and hotel. Cancellations received within 30 days of departure and after airline tickets have been issued will be non-refundable. While the ticket will be valid for one year from issuance, a $200 service fee to change dates or routing will be assessed.

ALAN

HAWAII SKI CLUB IS ON FACEBOOK

If you are on Facebook, add the HSC as a “friend.” You will be up-to-date with recent HSC activities that members upload. The HSC Facebook page has photos from members on ski trips and at Club activities.  You can also include your personal photos and announcements relating to the club for all HSC members to view.

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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/

  November, 2018 Newsletter