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President’s Message – Gearing up for the season!

Dear HPSC Friends,

While others complain when we return to Standard Time, I look forward to it. I actually get a bit excited because it means that our season is another step closer! In fact, some of our trip destinations have already opened for the season. 

I want to thank all of the volunteers who helped to staff our booth at the Toronto Ski + Snowboard Show – it was a great success. We were able to talk with a wide variety of current and potential members, and with suppliers (and other clubs.)  

At the show we were handing out this year’s day trip schedule postcard – which will be uploaded to the website shortly.  Just some of the highlights on the downhill side: the first planned trips, conditions permitting of course, are Saturday, December 9 to Mount St Louis, and Sunday, December 10 to Blue Mountain.  The first Monday trip is January 8.  For midweek skiers, the first Wednesday trip is January 10 to Blue, followed by Alpine the following week. In late February, in place of Wednesday, we will be doing a couple of Thursday trips to Georgian Peaks and Beaver Valley (because these resorts will not be regularly be open on Wednesdays). On the cross-country side, the first scheduled trip is the traditional New Year’s celebration to Scenic Caves on Saturday, December 30.  

If you have not been out to SkiFit yet this year, there are just two more Saturdays left. I want to personally thank Karen Evans and John McHutchion for their ongoing leadership in helping members get ready of the season.  Karen is now out west at Silver Star, leaving John to lead the next two weeks on his own. One thing that I have been very happy about is the return of our post-exercise brunch in The Grenadier Café. It has been great to catch up with members and share stories and photos of recent travels and discussions regarding the upcoming season.

Due to the high response rate to the upcoming Information night on November 17, we have moved it to a location where we can accommodate more people.  The new location is the Duke of York (39 Prince Arthur Street, just off of Bedford Rd. just north of the St. George Subway station). Just as a reminder, for those attending the event we will have some of our fantastic logo wear long sleeve shirts to try on and of course purchase!  Hope to see many of you at the event.

On a personal note, as many of you know I am a huge fan of the most successful Toronto pro sports team – the Toronto Argonauts. The Argos have won more championships than all of the other Toronto teams combined! This weekend is the Eastern Final versus Montreal, and hopefully they will be playing in the Grey Cup game in Hamilton on November 19.  So I conclude this week’s message with the time honoured cheer – AAARRRGGOOOSSSS!

Justin Graham

President, High Park Ski Club

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President’s Message – Aloha!

As I write this, I have just returned to my room from a sunset cruise off of Kaanapali Beach, Maui. But even as I finish up my bucket list trip to Hawaii, I am looking forward to the next couple of weeks for our club. This coming Thursday is our overnight bus trip sign-up night. The great thing about our overnight trips is that there are many more spaces than on charters. I plan on personally registering for the Holiday Valley trip!

This weekend myself and other volunteers will be representing the club at the Toronto Snow Show at the International Centre. If you are at the show, please stop by the HPSC booth and say hello! I personally feel that it is important for the future of our club that we continue to be seen as part of the Ontario snow sport industry. One of the best ways to gain new members is through direct interpersonal communication and that means being at the show.

As we get closer to the actual season, I am looking forward to meeting many of you at club activities including the last few weeks of SkiFit, at an upcoming New Member/Information night in November, as well as the Holiday event in early December. Please keep reading SnoBiz for all updates and  announcements.

Just a reminder that our Early Bird renewal price of $155 (+tax) ends next Tuesday. Starting on Wednesday, November 1 the renewal rate reverts back to the full price of $170 (+tax). Please don’t miss out!

If you were wondering, in place of my usual photo, this is the Tiki of Happiness. According to the note “Keep the Happiness Tiki by your side, it will bring happiness and joy to you and others around you.” After the last three years, we finally appear to be getting back to a normal season. I am hoping this Tiki will bring all of us Happiness and Joy this coming season.

Mahalo

Justin Graham

President, High Park Ski Club

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President’s Message – Rebounding

I can’t believe that January is already over! And for the first time in three seasons we are concentrating on running trips and not other issues; looking more at weather forecasts than public health alerts. In the last two weeks we have run all scheduled day trips, two successful charter trips, our very popular Holiday Valley weekend, and, as well, members are currently in Tremblant till this Thursday. 

After a bit of a slow start, it appears that the snow has finally arrived, resulting in good conditions in ski country. To avoid disappointment, please sign up for trips early. If the trip is full, put your name on the waitlist – don’t worry you will not be charged for joining the waitlist. If there is enough interest, we will add a second bus, if possible. 

And we are planning new social events – the next being a Toronto Marlies game on the afternoon of Family Day (February 20) at Scotiabank Arena, against the Utica Comets. The Marlies are one of the top teams in the AHL, and lead the North Division, while the Comets are in second place. Utica are the farm team for the New Jersey Devils. Come see future Maple Leafs for a faction of the cost!  Click here to register. 

Finally, I am very pleased to mention that our membership number has finally rebounded to pre-COVID level, which at the time had been a high for at least the previous eight years. Included are more than 330 new members. Thank you to all of you for joining the club this season.  As I have said in the past, people join HPSC for various sports, but return year after year due to the friendships they make. 

I truly hope that all of you are enjoying this season! 

Cheers!

Justin Graham

President, High Park Ski Club

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President’s Message – Time to Have Fun!!

Dear HPSC Friends,

It has finally happened – we are back to our regular schedule!! 

This past Saturday we held our traditional Double Double day with lessons both in the morning and afternoon at Mount St. Louis.  And we were finally, after a number of weeks of disappointment, able to run cross-country trips due to the recent snowfall in resort country. Thank you to Heather for all her work in juggling the cross-country schedule to get the first trips run. This coming weekend our initial charter trips of the season leave for Jackson Hole and for France. I hope everyone has a fantastic time!

Just a reminder, for those who haven’t been on our day trips in a few seasons:  Last year we had to adjust our registration deadlines due to our change in bus company.  For weekend trips (Saturday, Sunday, Monday) the deadline is now on the Tuesday prior at 6 pm. The deadline for Wednesday trips is the previous Thursday at 6 pm. To avoid disappointment please sign up early. If the trip is full, please sign up on the waitlist. If there is enough interest, we will add a second bus (which also means using our two additional pick-up locations of Queen’s Quay and Liberty Village).

Regarding cross-country day trips, please make sure to read the trip descriptions carefully and follow updated posts on our Facebook group, regarding when trips open for registration. Due to the uncertainty of conditions, at least so far this season, registration is being opened when we are sure the resort conditions will allow us to run trips. This is to avoid having to process a large number of refunds which costs the club in credit cards fees.

Also as a reminder, if you need to cancel a day trip you have registered for, please send a message to cancellations@hpsc.ca.

To end on a personal note, I am very disappointed that I will once again miss skiing and snowshoeing this season. According to an MRI I had just before Christmas, I have re-ruptured my quad tendon and I needed to have surgery repeated on January 11. I am currently in a full leg cast for the next 5 weeks and will then start physio once again. However, I will try to be at as many club events as possible while I recover. 

Cheers!

Justin Graham

President, High Park Ski Club

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Basic Information About Concussion

We love to ski! The twists and turns, the pivoting and edging, the thrill of the next hill and run, the fresh outdoors, the thrill of the ride!  While we take precautions to ski safely, unfortunately, accidents sometimes do happen.  It is good to have some basic information about concussion awareness.  We minimize the impact of the severity of any head injury by wearing helmets. 

Of note, loss of consciousness is not necessary for a person to have sustained a concussion.  While there has been controversy in the scientific community regarding criteria for traumatic brain injury and concussion, what is now commonly accepted is that among several criteria is some alteration in awareness associated with biomechanical forces to the head sufficient to cause neuropathological changes to the brain.

The good news is that for cases of mild concussion/mild traumatic brain injury, the physiological disruptions to the brain (and associated impairments in attention, memory, and information processing speed)  generally resolve for the majority of individuals within days or weeks.   

 Symptoms associated with concussion include (but are not limited to):  headaches, nausea, vomiting, dizziness.  As well, there may be impairments in orientation, short term memory, and information processing speed.

As first line responders, ski patrol may ask some basic questions about a person’s awareness and orientation.  For example, asking the person’s name, day of the week, birthdate, etc.  This information may be of subsequent benefit if further cognitive testing is conducted.  The following link shows some of the questions on a standardized assessment of concussion.

https://newburghschools.org/files/departments/athletics/ConcussionTestForm.pdf

Given that loss of consciousness is not a requirement for a determination for sustaining a concussion, it is always good to speak to ski patrol if you have had a fall and hit your head with any sufficient force which you think might be of concern.  Remember:  in the vast majority of cases, the natural course of events is for the brain to fully heal when there have been minor physiological disruptions.

Jonathan Siegel

HPSC Instructor

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2022/23 Downhill Day Trips Schedule

We are happy to announce the downhill day trips schedule for the upcoming season!

The coming season has 50 downhill day trips scheduled including a special Family Day trip to Beaver Valley. As in the past we will be following our usual schedule of trips on Saturday to Mount St. Louis (MSLM), Sunday and Monday to Blue Mountain, and Wednesday to the various private clubs. 

The first scheduled trips are December 10 to Mount St. Louis and December 11 to Blue Mountain.  The first Monday trip is January 9.  The Wednesday trips start on January 11.  There are three Wednesday trips to Alpine, and two each to Osler and Craigleith, and one to Devil’s Glen and one to Blue Mountain. Later in the season we have a number of TBD Wednesday trips since the private clubs cannot guarantee they will be open. 

Final prices for the day trips will be confirmed in the next number of weeks.

Hoping you have a fantastic season! 

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Last chance to try out roller skiing! 

Looking for a way to get in shape for ski season or work on your technique in the off-season? Roller skiing is cross-country ski specific dryland training that will achieve both goals! It’s also a fun sport in its own right.

In conjunction with Ski Fit, HPSC is offering members a chance to try it out in High Park. In small groups (we have four pairs of roller skis), we will cover safety, the basic manoeuvres, how to slow and stop, how to cross uneven pavement, and point out hazards and how to avoid them. We will also cover equipment and where to get it and good places in the city you could ski.

Our last chance to try is

  • Oct. 22 9:30-10:15 am

Location: High Park. Meet at the Grenadier Cafe parking lot.

Equipment:

  • Bike helmet (mandatory)
  • Ski boots (mandatory – see below under booking)
  • Gloves (any kind, mandatory)
  • Optional, but highly recommended: knee and elbow pads. Spills on concrete can happen leading to scrapes. But we will be doing slow manoeuvres on flat pavement.

Prerequisites: being a current HPSC member (this will be checked), the above equipment, experience skiing on snow (skate and/or classic, whatever roller skiing you want to try), and a desire to learn!

To book your spot: email crosscountry@hpsc.ca with the date you are interested and the type of ski boots you will bring (skate NNN, classic NNN or classic/skate SNS with the older Profil bindings that have one metal bar. If you have SNS bindings with two bars, our roller skis won’t work). If you have your own roller skis, you are welcome to attend. He

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President’s Message – Welcome to Fall!

I have always loved the fall!! Last week we officially moved from summer to autumn with a very distinct change in the temperature. The fall also means moving closer to the ski season and more activities of the club. 

Over the last month or so, many of you have expressed your faith in HPSC by renewing your membership or joining for the first time. Thank you!  We have also held a successful social pub night and there have been two very successful long trip sign-up nights – some spots are still available on a number of charter trips. SkiFit has resumed every Saturday morning in High Park with a good number of core participants as well as some new and potential members each week. We held our Annual General Meeting last week as a hybrid meeting with members attending both in person at the National Yacht Club and virtually on Zoom.

Over the next couple of months, the long bus trips will open for registration (October 13), we will be releasing our day trips schedule (as they are finalized with the resorts), holding information nights for members and potential members (TBD), communicating what the procedures will be for day trips and for the first time in many years, we will have a booth at the Toronto Ski + Snowboard Show (October 28-30).Finally, since the next edition of SnoBiz will not be sent until after the holiday weekend, I want to wish all of you a very Happy Thanksgiving! 

Cheers!
Justin Graham
President
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President’s Message – The season of renewal


Dear HPSC friends,

September has always been a time of renewal.  When we were children, September was the beginning of the school year (and still is for many of our members who are teachers).  It is also the time when our HPSC memberships come due.  If you have not yet done so, please take advantage of our early bird rate of $150 until October 31.  

Over the last week, I was very happy to meet up with many of you at our first social event of the season on Thursday September 8 at The Swan, and at the first SkiFit of the year on Saturday.  The turnout for both events clearly shows there is pent up demand for social connection and makes me very optimistic for the upcoming season.  

I was also pleased to meet so many new members. Thank you all for coming out.  We are planning more socials for over the fall and winter.  And of course, SkiFit happens every Saturday morning in High Park – registration opens each Tuesday prior to the session.  

One of the new members asked me what makes HPSC different, and I mentioned what I have said many times, that HPSC is a community.  That people may join the club for a sport, but what keeps them returning is the friends they make, the community of fellow members.  

You should have also received the official notification regarding the Annual General Meeting to be held on Tuesday September 20.  We are once again holding a hybrid meeting with an in-person option (at the National Yacht Club) and a virtual option (via Zoom).  The AGM is an important event for the running of the club at which we present the financial results of the previous season, as well as discussion of what the club accomplished.  The AGM also is when changes to the by-laws are approved (or rejected).  All those registered to attend will be able to vote (both in-person and on Zoom).  If you have not yet done so please register to attend the AGM here.   If you are not able to attend, please fill out a proxy and send to president@hpsc.ca.

Justin Graham
President, HPSC
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Last Call for the Ikon Pass!

Our Ikon Pass Group Sale is scheduled to wind up September 1. The club has organized trips to numerous Ikon Pass destinations such as Jackson Hole, Banff, Killington, and three trips to Tremblant. And of course, many day trips to Blue Mountain.  

Our Group Sale not only gets you a better price, it also gets you a chance to win an Ikon Base Pass (or equivalent refund)!  

The Ikon Pass provides access to 50 destinations, so if you wish to venture out on your own in addition to the club trips, there are many options. Plus, there are numerous discounts on food, beverages, and retail shops (10% for the Ikon Base Pass, and 15% with the Ikon Pass).  

Adventure Assurance comes free this year with every 22/23 Ikon Pass. Designed to alleviate uncertainty while providing flexibility for Ikon Pass holders, Adventure Assurance gives pass holders credits in the case of COVID-related closures and the option to defer the purchase price of an unused pass by December 8, no questions asked.  

Have you already purchased a Blue Mountain Pass? The 5×7 Pass is quite popular with our members. If you purchased this pass and are now realizing that the Ikon Pass would have worked better for you, I have good news. If you buy an Ikon Pass or Ikon Base Pass, you can get a refund for your 5×7 Pass! The Ikon Pass gives you unlimited access to Blue Mountain 7 days a week, with no blackouts.  

If you have already purchased an Ikon Base Pass, you can still upgrade to the full Ikon Pass. Simply login to your Ikon Pass account, View Account, and look for the upgrade link near the top of the page. It is presently $400 to upgrade to the Ikon Pass, and $250 to upgrade to the Ikon Base Plus Pass ($CDN).  

https://www.ikonpass.com/en/compare-passes

Contact Russ Harding at ikon@hpsc.ca for further details if you are interested or have questions.

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Special note regarding Jackson Hole

Jackson Hole is one of the greatest ski destinations in the western USA with one of the very best authentic western towns.  There are many excellent dining experiences with local gourmet choices like elk, bison, local trout and of course beef.  If you are a fan of the Yellowstone series, you will enjoy the fabulous scenery and proximity to the Elk Refuge and possible day trips to Yellowstone Park. 

Our HPSC trip is in peak season, January 21-28, 2023 and the price without lifts is only $1,705.  You’ll need to add lifts if you do not have an Ikon Base Plus pass.  The cost of the 5-day lift pass from the tour operator is $1,125 (a sixth day for an additional $230). 

If you have not yet purchased an Ikon Pass and are interested, please contact Russ Harding (ikon@hpsc.ca) to purchase an HPSC group Ikon Pass.  The sale price for the Ikon Base Pass is $1,039 pass and then you will need to upgrade to the Ikon Base Plus for an additional $250.  Note that the HPSC group sale is scheduled to end as of September 1, so sign up now!  

If you have already purchased the Ikon Base pass and are interested in upgrading to the Ikon Base Plus pass for the Jackson Hole trip, the cost is an additional $250 or if you would like to upgrade to the Ikon Pass, the additional cost is $400.   All passes also provide full access to Blue Mountain and Tremblant.

Reservations are required to guarantee access to the resort. This applies to all Ikon Pass holders as well as advanced ticket purchasers. Reservations are scheduled to open as of August 1. The LTC tracks major holidays, and there are none during our week in Jackson Hole. So, we do not expect any issue with trying to the desired dates for reservations, though we recommend making your reservations as soon as you can.

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President’s Message – The Dog Days of August

August 17, 2022

Growing up mid-August was always a bit exciting for me. The CNE was about to open, which meant visits to Toronto by my aunts, uncles and cousins; the weather would start to turn a little more comfortable (I really hate hot humid weather); and the last two weeks before Labour Day were always my Dad’s vacation period.  Labour Day has always represented a new year for me.  As a member of High Park Ski Club, mid-August also means we are starting to gear up for the upcoming season.  For example, this week’s edition begins our regular two-week cycle of SnoBiz until the end of next April.

Over the next few week’s, you will be receiving information on renewing your club membership for the upcoming season.  The good news is that we are keeping membership fees at the same level as last year  – early bird rate until October 31st of $150 (+tax); after November 1st the fee increases to $170 (+tax).  New member rate is $150 (+tax) for the entire season. 

As you will read below, something new this year, we have a number of our charter trips going on sale next week.  As long as you are a valid member for the 2021/22 season (or have renewed your membership early) you can sign up; however, you have up to September 15th to renew your membership to keep your spot.  Please read the Long Trip article in SnoBiz carefully.

Regarding our planned COVID protocols for the upcoming season. As mentioned in the last SnoBiz, the club will still require members to wear masks while on buses for all trips.  However, moving with current public health guidelines, we will no longer require proof of vaccination to participate in any club activity.   The caveat of course is that if public health rules change, HPSC will need to adjust protocols.  As well, as noted in the Long Trips article in SnoBiz, members will need to still follow all vaccination requirements and rules for the locations travelling to.  For example, vaccination proof is still currently needed for non-US citizens entering the United States.  While we are not requiring vaccination proofs this year we still encourage all members to do whatever they can to stay healthy. 

On a different topic, If you have ever thought of becoming an HPSC Ski or Snowboard instructor, now is the time.  The club is currently recruiting for new instructors.  If you are interested, please contact our Director of Snow School, David Manning at downhillsnowschool@hpsc.ca . Due to the planning required for the season, applications need to be received by August 28th.   

September also kicks off a number of club activities – SkiFit will begin as usual on the first Saturday after Labour Day (September 10th).  As in the past couple of years registration will open each week on the Tuesday prior to that week’s session.  This year we will also be able to revive our weekly brunch after SkiFit at The Grenadier Café.

We are planning a Social event in early September (details to come in the next SnoBiz). 

And finally, please mark September 20th on your calendars for the club’s Annual General Meeting.  The AGM will be held in person at the National Yacht Club with an online Zoom option as we did for the Election night last April.  The official announcement will be sent in the next couple of weeks.

I am really looking forward to chatting with as many members over the next coming months as we prepare for what we all hope will be a fantastic year on the snow!

Cheers!

Justin Graham, President

High Park Ski Club

President@HPSC.ca

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Announcing the New HPSC Ikon Group Pass Program!

And the chance to win back the cost of your pass!

High Park Ski Club is pleased to announce that our members can now purchase their Ikon pass through a group sales program.

All HPSC members who purchase a pass through the program, including those renewing their current pass, will have a chance to win a rebate of the cost of Ikon Base Pass*. Eligibility for the rebate program is not retroactive for passes already purchased or renewed.

For those purchasing a new Ikon pass there is a $50 discount off the list price. (Renewals are at the posted renewal rate.)

If you are interested in the program or would like more information, please contact long time HPSC member Russ Harding who is organizing the program for us, at Ikon@hpsc.ca.

Russ will add you to the list of HPSC members purchasing a pass which is shared with Ikon for verification. If you are purchasing a new pass, you will receive a unique discount code for you to use when ordering your pass directly on the Ikon website.

For those renewing a pass, to qualify for the rebate program draw, you must register with Russ prior to renewing your pass directly on the Ikon website.

The group sales program is only available until August 31, 2022. However, list price rates for new passes and for renewal will increase at different times throughout the spring and summer, so for the past price, purchase/renew as early as possible.

Again, if you are interested in a new Ikon pass or plan to renew your pass, please contact Russ Harding at Ikon@hpsc.ca.

*NOTE: The rebate offer is available only if at least 20 members purchase a pass through the HPSC Ikon Group sales program (including renewals). The number of rebate winners depends on the number of passes that are purchased. For example, for every 20 passes purchased through the program, we receive one rebated pass. The draw for rebate winner(s) will be held in November.
https://www.ikonpass.com/

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So you are vaccinated . . . now what?

As announced earlier in the summer, the HPSC Board made the decision that to protect the health of other club members and volunteers, in order to participate in most in-person club events this season you will need to be fully vaccinated against COVID.  

The first step will be to attest to your vaccination status on your member profile page, at the same time you acknowledge the Code of Conduct, Waiver, and Rowan’s law declaration after September 1st when membership renewal occurs.  Any falsification of vaccination status will be considered as a breach of the HPSC Code of Conduct and will be subject to disciplinary review. 

However, without confirmation of vaccination status the Long Trips Committee will not be able to arrange roommates or run close to full buses, that allow us to control the costs of trips. Or allow other portfolios to ensure only those fully vaccinated are participating in events. 

Therefore, as a second step at some point during the fall, we are asking that members provide our membership team with proof of your vaccination status (i.e. 2nd shot vaccination certificate or federal vaccination passport announced last week) by emailing it to vac@hpsc.ca.  Only those on the membership team will have access to these emails and once they confirm your status by reviewing your document, all of your documents and emails will be deleted.  The club will not be storing your private vaccination record.

PLEASE HOLD OFF SENDING YOUR DOCUMENTATION UNTIL AFTER SEPTEMBER 1 WHEN RENEWALS OPEN. 

For those concerned about privacy, on the vaccination certificate, we only need to see the following information: Name; Date of 2nd vaccination; Agent (COVID-19); Dose – 2 of 2.  All of the rest of the information can be blacked out. 

If you feel uncomfortable in emailing your documentation, we will also be arranging for numerous in-person events (i.e. after each week’s SkiFit; other nights during the week at locations around the city) when you can show the membership team your proof, and they will note your status.  If you cannot meet in person and are concerned about emailing your documents, we can arrange for a personal Zoom call where you can show your document.  We will NOT be recording or taking screen shots.

Please note that to register for charter or long trips at our signup nights in September and October you will need to have at least attested on your member profile that you are fully vaccinated. As with all members you will also need to provide your vaccination document at some point prior during the fall. If you are not fully vaccinated by trip signup night, you will not be able to register for trips until you are (if spots are still available).  If you have not had your second shot yet and want to sign up for charter or long trips, please arrange for your second shot so as soon as possible. At that point you can update your member profile page and send in/arrange to show us your vaccination proof document.

As mentioned earlier, you do not have to send in your vaccination proof right away.  If you feel more comfortable doing so when the Federal vaccination passport becomes available that is fine.  We just need to review your document prior to your first in-person event (please allow at least 5 days for our team to review and confirm your status – we are all volunteers so it might take time to get to).  If you are signing up for a long or charter trip it should be before full payment.

For charter trips, you will likely be required to provide the newly announced federal vaccination passport to our tour company partners. As well, last week the Federal government also announced that proof of vaccination will be required for travel, including domestically, by plane, train, etc. And it makes sense to assume that long distance bus trips should also be included. 

If you CANNOT be vaccinated due to a medical condition, and can provide a doctors note to our membership team simply stating this (without any medical diagnosis information) you will be able to have limited participation in club events this year, (i.e. drive up for a day trip and participate in lessons).  However, as announced earlier you will not be able to register for any long or charter trips, or to go on the bus for daytrips.

We acknowledge that members have the free choice to not be vaccinated; however, we as the directors of the club have the duty to protect the health and safety of our club members and volunteers to the best of our ability.  Until the pandemic is declared over in Canada, the best option for protection and moving to a more ‘normal’ environment is vaccination.  If you are dissatisfied with this policy, we are truly sorry.  We can, upon request, if you choose, to defer your membership for another year or refund your membership fee (however, your club seniority would be maintained), and we will welcome you back once pandemic measure are lifted.     

Justin Graham

President, High Park Ski Club

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Jasper Ski Trip – March 8 – 15, 2025

Good News! Our Long Trips Committee managed to extend the deadline for registration for this trip to January 12, 2025, allowing members who recently joined the club or those who weren’t able to get on a previously offered trip to experience one of our best value charter trips! Enjoy 6 days of exceptional skiing in the Canadian Rockies. Your stay at the Crimson Hotel in  downtown Jasper includes a daily hot breakfast, and the hotel is within walking distance to many excellent dining options. There are currently 4 spots left. In addition; one male member is looking for a roommate and one female member is looking for a roommate.Don’t wait until the last minute to sign up as the tour operator will release the airline seats and the hotel rooms soon. The ski resort and hotel were not affected by last summer’s fire, and Jasper Tourism has let us know that the restaurants and bars are open for business! They are looking forward to welcoming us back to Jasper this winter.
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Last Call for Lake Placid February 23-27 – Terrific for Downhill and Cross-Country!


There are a few rooms left for the Lake Placid trip but we must release them by December 19! For downhill skiers and snowboarders, you will be skiing at Whiteface Mountain, the highest vertical in eastern USA (vertical 3,430ft.). For cross-country skiers and snowshoers, you will ski the extensive recreational and Olympic trails at Mt. Van Hoevenberg. One day, we will go to Heart Lake which is high in the mountains at the Adirondack Mountain Club to do some back country skiing and snowshoeing. Accommodation is at the newly renovated Grand Adirondack Lodge in the heart of Lake Placid, close to restaurants, shops and Olympic museums. Please sign up on the website under overnight trips under the Long Trips tab.

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XC Day Trip Full? Get on the Waitlist!

Since members are so excited to ski, waitlists are an important part of the registration process. If the trip is full, sign up on the waitlist. People cancel off trips and then we move people over from the waitlist. It happens often! You have 24 hours to pay after which you’ll be deleted from the trip – so if you want to ski, check your email (including junk mail). Be prepared to act! On Wednesday morning before the trip we clear the waitlist and any unpaid registrations (even if you haven’t had a full 24 hours to pay – sorry). Any remaining seats are up for grabs. This system is a balance between fair access and minimizing the work for volunteers. If there are enough people on the waitlist, we will try to run a second bus if the resort allows it.
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President’s Message – Happy Holidays!!

Looking back to last year when we were waiting for snow in order to start our season of activities, this year we have been much luckier. This past weekend we were able to run our first day trips of the season to both Mount St. Louis and Blue Mountain. Members also returned from the first charter trip to Panorama, and this coming weekend our downhill instructors are off to Mont Tremblant for their annual training weekend. 

On the cross-country front, many of the resorts are already operating and our first trips are open for registrations and have filled quickly – if you would like to go please join the waitlist and if there are enough members we might be able to run a second bus.

As a reminder, we have downhill day trips scheduled for December 28 and 29 so if you want to get out over the holidays please register quickly. January trips will open soon. As a heads up, our annual Double Double day with both morning and afternoon lessons is scheduled for January 11 at Mount St. Louis. 

I would also like to thank everyone who attended our First Tracks Holiday Party last Friday at the National Yacht Club.  It was a fun evening catching up with so many members.  We have more social events planned for the new year, including our special 75th Anniversary Gala next spring, so please keep reading all of the communication from the club.

Please take care over the holidays and stay healthy!  See you in the new year!

Justin Graham

President, High Park Ski Club

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Wecome to New Downhill Instructor Livia Zhang!

My name is Livia Zhang. I have been a member of HPSC for 6 seasons. I am excited to join the High Park Snow School and learn from experienced instructors, as well as contribute my skills to the club.I started skiing at Christmas in 2003. I fell in love with it on the first try. I feel gravity does the most work when I am skiing and I just need to control it. I like what my Trainer said – ski effortless.

At the beginning, my ski pathway was not smooth due to a lack of formal training. In the 2013/2014 winter season I joined High Park Ski Club. With proper training and skiing with members with common interests, my skiing skills improved quickly. I became a certified CSIA Level 2 instructor in 2017 and I have actively taught for 7 seasons.

I am a full-time Information Technology Professional. In my spare time, I am a passionate sports lover. I am very active in different sports in all seasons, either as an athlete or as a volunteer, which puts me in a very good mental and physical condition. I have finished 3 full marathons, and 4 half IRONMAN races. Now every year I still run several half marathons as a pacer and race an Olympic distance triathlon. The feeling of riding a road bike is so close to downhill skiing.I wish to continue to improve my teaching and skiing skills. I hope my ski skills and positive lifestyle can impact more people to have fun in the winter and live a healthy lifestyle. 

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Clinic Spotlight: Ski the Steeps – STEPs 7-9

These classes offer tips to make skiing the steeps easy and fun. Join us, whether you enjoy the challenge here in Ontario or want to master the steeps for your weekend or charter trips. Some skills you will work on include (but not limited to) short radius turns, speed control and edging.

The emphasis is on building control and confidence in a safe and relaxing environment.

Clinic dates:

Sunday, February 2

Monday, February 10

Wednesday, February 12

Sunday, March 2

Check out the Downhill Ski School page (https://www.hpsc.ca/Downhill-Ski-School) for further information.

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Only a Few Spaces Available on Long Trips!


Now that we’ve got some local snow, the last few spots will start to fill up on the Jasper, Alberta and Lake Placid, NY trips. Please see the last edition of SnoBiz or the HPSC website for a detailed description of these two iconic trips.

We are also looking for one female to share a hotel room at the Killington Grand, and have spots remaining on our Mont Tremblant early and late season trips. The mid-season mid-week trip in February is full. Spots do open up on other trips but only if another member has to cancel. Sign up for the last few open spots on our trips now!

One spot open for a male in a double room for C6 Newfoundland (XC and Downhill). Final payments are due December 3, 2024, so if you are interested register on the waitlist ASAP and you will removed from the waitlist and registered right away.

Skiing and snowshoeing in Newfoundland is amazing; last year they had tons more snow than we did. Plus Newfoundlanders are the friendliest people. Come join us and get “screeched in” and become an honourary Newfoundlander!

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President’s Message –Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow!!

This past weekend was a very encouraging sign that this winter will be a snowy one. 

This means that our first trips are very likely to run. The first downhill trips will open shortly, while the cross-country trips will open on December 16. Except for the coming weekend, we have downhill day trips scheduled for all of the remaining weekends in December, while the first cross-country and snowshoe day trip is planned for December 28.

As we head into the holiday season, I also want to mention that we are holding a Holiday Party on Friday, December 13 at the National Yacht Club. This will be a buffet dinner for a cost of $65 which includes the gratuity and tax. Because we need to provide numbers to the NYC we require that everyone register by this coming Saturday, December 7.  Looking forward to seeing many of you at the event.  I will also be handing out our special 75th Anniversary pins.  Guests are welcome. 

Speaking of social events, it is with sadness that our Director of Social Events, Jen Beatty, has made the decision to step away due to new work commitments. Jen has been a director for 4.5 years. Originally elected as the Director of Marketing in 2020, she switched portfolios in 2022 as we were starting to re-establish our social events after the pandemic. Thank you Jen for all of your hard work and dedication to the club. 

Luckily, long-time member Mary Tountas has volunteered to step into the role of Social Director for the remainder of this year. Mary and a small team of volunteers have already been working on upcoming social events for the remainder of the year. If you would like to help out as part of the team, please contact Mary at social@hpsc.ca. Thank you Mary!

As a heads up, we will be holding a special 75th Anniversary Gala next spring on May 9. More details will be forthcoming in the New Year. All current and past members are invited. 

Looking forward to a fabulous season!

Justin Graham

President, High Park Ski Club

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Celebrating our Volunteers!

On Thursday November 7th we held the annual Volunteer Appreciation Dinner and Awards night. Approximately 150 club volunteers were invited and about 90 were able to attend the event. In this age of endless virtual meetings, it is always great to actually get to meet up with fellow volunteers in person. We gave out 14 Volunteer Awards in five categories:

Rookie Volunteer of the Year:  “Awarded to a first-year volunteer for a high level of contribution to a portfolio during the current season.”

Matt Dimond

Bronze Volunteer of the Year: “Awarded to a volunteer for a high level of contribution to a portfolio during the current season.”

Melain Chung
Rubina Khan
Kristina Nou
Michele Williamson

Silver Volunteer of the Year:  “Awarded to a volunteer for a high level of contribution to a portfolio during the current season.”

Theo Kempe
Don Lefresne
Chantal Lebel
Beth Scannell
Michaela Sandhu
Tom Stiemerling

Gold Volunteer of the Year: “Awarded to a volunteer for outstanding and increasing volunteer contribution and leadership in a portfolio or the club over a number of years.”

Bill Bates
David Manning

Lifetime Achievement: “Awarded to a long-time member for outstanding and long-term volunteering and leadership in the club. A member can only receive this award once.”

Kevin Thyer
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Downhill Snowschool Welcomes Two New Snowboard Instructors!

Jesse Han

My name is Jesse Han. I am excited to be one of your new 2024/2025 snowboard instructors at High Park Snow School. I joined the High Park Snow School because I love snowboarding and want to share my love and passion for snowboarding with others. It would bring me great joy to see others pick up the sport and thrive in their journey. I have been snowboarding for two years and have obtained my Canadian Association of Snowboard Instructor (CASI) Level 1 certification. When I am not snowboarding, I am busy training for my triathlons.
Chris Luong

Hi everyone, my name is Chris. I started snowboarding later in my adult life and fell in love with it because of how much fun it is. When I first started I told myself I would never do anything dangerous like jumps and rails but somehow it ended up being my favorite things to do on the slopes.

This season will be my 8th season of snowboarding with 7 of them focused on freestyle. I joined HPSC last season because I wanted to learn how to ski properly and now I want to do my part in giving back to the community and hopefully help grow the freestyle community in HPSC.