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January, 2019
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
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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 3 (Thursday) Zilch. Nada. No General Membership Meeting on this date. The Packet Pickup party for Hawaii Ski Week on January 19, to which everyone is invited, whether or not you are signed up for the trip, will serve as the General Membership Meeting.
January 17 (Thursday) 5:30 P.M. Board meeting at Henry Loui's.
January 19 (Saturday) 5:30 P.M. Packet Pickup Party for Hawaii Ski Week 2019 (Whistler/Blackcomb)/General Membership Meeting at the home of Judy Sobin and Jeff Lilley, 748 Kalanipuu St., Honolulu, Hi. 96825 (Hawaii Kai). Please note that the previous newsletter indicated Sunday: Date was correct; day was wrong; "slip of the mind."
January 25 Off to Whistler/Blackcomb
February 10 (Sunday) 5:30 P.M. Post Trip Whistler/Blackcomb/Pre Trip Rusutsu Party/General Membership Meeting at the Esplanade, 500 Lunalillo Home Road, Hawaii Kai.
February 16 Off to Rusutsu
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE:
As I sit to write this month's President Message, per the "On the Snow" website, Whistler has been "blessed" with 81" of snow, more than any of the other ski areas I track. By comparison, Alta has 56", Mammoth has 60", and Vail has 44". I'm "stoked." ------- We'll be there in four weeks.
As indicated below in the write-up for our January 19 Packet Pickup Party/General Membership Meeting, we will not be holding nominations, as we did last year, for the next year's Hawaii Ski Week but, instead, returning to the traditional practice of holding them at the Farewell Dinner on this year's trip. We, however, do invite all members, if they wish, to submit written nominations to be read at the 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. Some of you made suggestions for changes in the selection process for Hawaii Ski Week (clearly inviting written nominations was one of them), and we will be further discussing them in our Board Meeting on January 17. We will probably be having a vote to select the top three at the Post Trip Canada/Pre Trip Rusutsu party on February 10, as we have done in the past, and, if this is the case, you would want to attend to be able to fully participate in the process: The party is open to the entire membership. Afterwards, as in previous years, the entire membership will get to vote for the winner of the "surviving" nominations. In any case, the voting process will be clarified in our upcoming Board Meeting and communicated via email.
I trust that a number of you will be proudly wearing your colors, your new Hawaii Ski Club shirts, on both of our upcoming trips. We sold twelve at the Christmas party, and I'm sure that Caroline will be bringing more stock to the Packet Pickup on January 19th. Sorry I haven't had the time to put pictures on our website yet, but, thanks to Anita, you can find them on our Facebook page. New shirts are available for $20, $25, and $45.00. A very limited (in style, color, and size) number of old shirts are still available for $10.00.
Finally, very shortly after the 2019 northern hemisphere ski season has been put to bed, Board elections will be coming up. If you are interested in helping to keep the ship afloat or, maybe, to help steer it in new and interesting directions, we (the present Board) are interested in you. Let me know.
A hui hou kakou,
TOBY
UPCOMING SKI CLUB ACTIVITIES:
PACKET PICKUP PARTY & GENERAL
MEMBERSHIP MEETING
748 KALANIPUU ST.
HONOLULU, HAWAII 96825
JANUARY 19
(SATURDAY) 5:30 P.M.
Our Packet Pickup Party for Hawaii Ski Week, 2019, which will also serve as the Club's January General Membership Meeting (everyone is invited whether or not you are going on the trip) will be held at the home of Judy Sobin and Jeff Lilley in Hawaii Kai. The Trip Committee will provide the food, but beverages are BYOB. We will not be having the nominations for our 2020 Hawaii Ski Week at the Pre-Trip party as I suggested we might in last month's Newsletter: Instead, we will be returning to our traditional practice of having it at the farewell dinner of Hawaii Ski Week. Still, even if you are not going on the trip, you can nominate a ski destination for 2020 as long as you write it up so it can be read at the Farewell Dinner, and give it/email it to me or the Trip Committee (See "Contact Us" on website) prior to our departure: The Packet Pickup Party would be a convenient time and place to submit it. Make sure the write-up contains sufficient information on the ski area to later submit it for a vote without further research. To get to Judy's and Jeff's house at 748 Kalanipuu St., turn off Kalanianaole Highway onto Lunalillo home Road and drive approximately 1.8 miles (about .41 past the Esplanade where we had our Christmas party) where you will find Kalanipuu St. on the left. Drive down Kalanipuu St. .29 miles and you'll see the house on the left with a bear holding a surfboard. Please RSVP to me, pres@hawaiisnowskiclub.com if you are coming as we need a headcount for the food.
TOBY
POST TRIP
WHISTLER/BLACKCOMB/PRE TRIP RUSUTSU 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.
PAST SKI CLUB ACTIVITIES:
ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PARTY
THE ESPLANADE, 500 LUNALLILO
HOME RD.
DECEMBER 16 (SUNDAY)
As always, our annual Christmas Party was well attended, most everyone was dressed in their holiday best, there was more than enough food to go around, and the gift exchange, as usual, had a bit of frustration but a bit more of laughter. Imagine Geoff in a red negligee! I know he didn't pick it, but he ended up wearing it. Thank you, again, Sam, for making your recreation area available. You're the "hostess with the mostest."
TOBY
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
HAWAII SKI WEEK 2019
WHISTLER-BLACKCOMB
JANUARY 25, 2019 -
FEBRUARY 2, 2019
The
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
# 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.
Please contact Alan Teramura,
alan@hawaiisnowskiclub.com
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/