February - March,  2019

 

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

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  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!

January 25  OFF TO CANADA 

February 10 (Sunday) 5:30 P.M. Post Trip Whistler/Blackcomb/Rusutsu Packet Pickup Party/General Membership Meeting at the Esplanade, 500 Lunalillo Home Road, Hawaii Kai.

February 16  OFF TO JAPAN

March 14 (Thursday) 5:30 P.M.  General Membership Meeting/Results of  Voting for Hawaii Ski Week 2020 at Ruby Tuesday, Moanalua Shopping Center

March 21 (Thursday) 5:30 P.M.  Board Meeting at Ruby Tuesday, Moanalua Shopping Center.

April 4 (Thursday) General Membership Meeting/Results of Annual Board Election at Ruby Tuesday, Moanalua Shopping Center.

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE:

As I sit down to write this, at 7 A.M. Hawaii time, it's +17 Farenheit at Whistler with 97" of snow, and they might get a dusting tonight.  I'd like it a little warmer than that, but not too much.  Just below freezing would be great.

We had a spirited discussion at the Club's board meeting last week concerning this year's voting procedures for next year's trip and here goes:

  1. Nominations to be made at the Farewell Dinner at Whistler Blackcomb followed by voting at the Dinner to determine the top three areas;

  2. Email voting by the entire membership, to determine the winner, with a deadline of March 1.

As I have previously stated, even if you are not going on the trip, you can make a nomination by email, no later than this coming Friday (our departure date), to be presented to the group at the farewell Dinner.  Nominations should include such information as size of the area, percentage of novice, intermediate, and expert terrain, proximity of most lodging to the slopes, proximity of restaurants, bars, and shops, alternative activities for non skiers/boarders, and ease of travel from Hawaii.  Most, if not all, of this information is readily available on the area's website. If you're at the Farewell Dinner, a write-up or, at least, legible notes containing this information, would be helpful for the Trip Committee to put together an email ballot.  Most of the necessary information can be gleaned from the ski area's website and related "hits" on the internet.  I have my own nomination, and it didn't take me long at all.

This is the northern hemisphere ski season, and we won't be back to our normal monthly routine until March (see above calendar).  In fact, I am taking off for Utah shortly after we return from Whistler-Blackcomb and won't be back, myself, until mid March.  About half of our Board have one year remaining on their two year terms, and the rest will be up for re-election for another two year term (me for one year as the "Pres" is year to year.  Paul Ferguson has advised that he is not running again, and he will be sorely missed as he was our recording Secretary, our ad hoc parliamentarian, and wouldn't let the rest of us get away with anything.  Thank you in advance, Paul, for your incomparable service:  You will be missed.  This all to say that if you want to run for the Board or want to get rid of me, have at it.  Talk to Geoff Chu who is serving as our Nominations Committee this time through.

A hui hou kakou - - - -  and I'll see many of you at the airport Friday night,

TOBY

UPCOMING SKI CLUB ACTIVITIES:

POST TRIP WHISTLER/BLACKCOMB/ RUSUTSU PACKET PICKUP PARTY/GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING
THE ESPLANADE, 500 LUNALLILO HOME RD.
FEBRUARY 10 (SUNDAY) 5:30 P.M.

Sam has invited us back to the Esplanade to swap pictures and stories of Whistler/Blackcomb and for updated information for those shortly leaving for the powder of Rusutsu.  Unless "countermanded" by future updates, this will be Potluck as well as BYOB.  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

GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING
RUBY TUESDAY
Moanalua Shopping Center
930 Valkenburgh St.
March 14 (Thursday) 5:00 P.M.

Come to Ruby Tuesday for our first "normal,"  albeit one week late, General Membership Meeting of the year.  It is on the second Thursday rather than the first Thursday of the month because I will have been on a ski trip to Utah until day before the meeting.  Not that it can't happen without me but----------.   At this meeting, we will be announcing the results (which may have leaked by now)  of the voting for Hawaii Ski Week 2020.  For those who have not been to Ruby Tuesday, it is at the Ewa end of the Moanalua Shopping Center off Valkenburgh St.  We will be in the covered lanai at the Ewa end of the restaurant.  While the actual meeting will probably not start until sometime between 5:30 and 6:00, come at 5:00 to start with the grinds and the stories.

TOBY 

GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING
RUBY TUESDAY
Moanalua Shopping Center
930 Valkenburgh St.
April 4 (Thursday) 5:00 P.M.

Come back to Ruby Tuesday for our April General Membership Meeting, this time on the usual day of the month,  where we will be announcing the results of our Annual Board Election.    While the actual meeting will probably not start until sometime between 5:30 and 6:00, come at 5:00 to start with the grinds and the stories.

TOBY 


PAST SKI CLUB ACTIVITIES:

PACKET PICKUP PARTY & GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING
748 KALANIPUU ST.
HONOLULU, HAWAII 96825
JANUARY 19 (SATURDAY) 5:30 P.M.

Mahalo to Judy and Jeff for sharing their lovely and expansive home, on the banks of Hawaii Kai's "inland waterway," and to Geoff for once again becoming "Geoff the Chef" for our Packet Pickup Party and General Membership Meeting.  Although ten people who RSVPed didn't show, a guy with the first name initial of "R" ate their share:  I was amazed.  I'll see many of you at the airport this coming Friday night.

TOBY

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.

Air Line


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/

  January, 2019 Newsletter