High Park Ski Club Blog – Read about all of the latest news and events from HPSC

2023-11-082023-11-08

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

2023-10-252023-11-08

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

2023-02-012023-09-24

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

2023-01-202023-01-27

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

2022-11-222022-11-23

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

2022-10-262022-10-26

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!

2022-10-12

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

2022-09-282022-09-29

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

2022-09-202022-09-20

President’s Message – The season of renewal

2022-08-302022-08-30

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.

2022-08-172022-08-17

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.

2022-08-172022-08-17

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 31^st of $150 (+tax); after November 1^st 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 15^th 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 28^th.

September also kicks off a number of club activities – SkiFit will begin as usual on the first Saturday after Labour Day (September 10^th). 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 20^th 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

2022-04-11

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/

2021-08-182021-08-18

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 1^st 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. 2^nd 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 2^nd 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

2024-10-232024-11-11

Coming Soon to SkiFit: Roller Skiing!

HPSC Cross-Country skiing instructor / roller ski guru, Andrew M, will be offering intro to roller skiing workshops starting this Saturday, October 26. They will run through November.

How to sign up? When you register for SkiFit (https://hpsc.ca/Social-Events) select the roller ski option.

Note that it is mandatory that skiers bring their own protection gear (helmet, glasses, gloves, elbow and knee pads) and NNN boots. If you need to borrow roller skis or poles, make sure you choose that option on the registration form.

Quick testimonial: Andrew is a great teacher! He doesn’t let you leave the safety of the parking lot until you can demonstrate you are confident starting and stopping.

2024-10-232024-11-11

Overnight Bus Trip Sign-up is Tomorrow!

Bus trip sign-up night is coming on Thursday, October 24 at 8pm sharp for our final batch of trips…Family Day Eastern Townships (Sutton/Orford and XC) and four trips to Mont Tremblant. A few spots still remain for Lake Placid, NY as well. See the website for details on all trips.

One of the best kept secrets is south of Montreal in the Eastern Townships. We’ll spend 3 nights at the luxurious Manoir des Sables and included in our package are 3 full breakfasts and two dinners. The hotel has an indoor swimming pool, hot tub and exercise room along with high-end spa facilities with Finnish sauna and Nordic baths. You may choose to skate at the on-site rink at our hotel or explore the skating path around the lake in the beautiful town of Magog. Sutton is known for the “Best Glade Skiing in the East” and has a reputation for great snow. Mont Orford, with 3 peaks and its hybrid 6-pack/gondola lift makes for a great ski experience.

Cross-country skiers and snowshoers will be skiing at Parc Du Mont Orford Le Cerisier and if conditions permit, at Plein Air Sutton.

2024-10-232024-11-11

President’s Message – The season is getting closer and closer!

Dear Friends,

As the weather cools down, we are getting closer to the beginning of the season, with more and more club activities occurring.

In all the years that I have been going to SkiFit, I do not recall a Saturday with heavy rain (OK maybe one). Most weeks, as was the case this past Saturday, are beautiful and sunny. In my view there is nothing more fantastic than to spend an autumn Saturday morning in High Park. After a smaller turnout over Thanksgiving weekend, more than 40 members participated this past Saturday. Just as a reminder, registration opens each Tuesday for the following Saturday. The colours should be at their peak this coming week.

On Sunday afternoon, 18 HPSC members attended the Toronto Marlies game at Coca-Cola Coliseum witnessing up close future NHL players. We all had a fantastic time cheering on our future Maples Leafs to a 4-0 win over the New Utica Comets (NJ Devils farm team).

Also on Sunday was the first of six Sunday evening Cross-Fit sessions. All of the sessions are open for registration now. Each session is the discounted rate of $15 (plus tax).

This coming week is our overnight bus trip sign-up night (see the article below); as well as the Toronto Ski & Snowboard Show starting on Friday afternoon at the Better Living Centre on the CNE grounds. As a reminder, you can receive a 30% discount on show tickets by purchasing online and using the promo code HighParkSkiClub. Please stop by our booth and say hello. You will also be able to see our special 75^th Anniversary logo – designed by our own very talented Director of Marketing, Rocco Romeo.

On another note, I received a message this past week from our long-time bus driver, Wib Bach. He cracked a rib last year which has been causing continued pain, as well as suffering from some other health issues. Wib has decided to retire from driving bus. He added “I honestly enjoyed driving for the club & know that the feeling was mutual.” All of the trip leaders knew that if Wib was driving there would not be any issues, and if something did come up he would know how to handle it. Wib was hired by our current bus partner, Attridge, based on our suggestion, after having driven for our previous supplier Pacific Western until they shut down their Ontario operations. I know that we will all miss Wib.

And finally, I know the season is getting close – my Ikon pass arrived in the mail on Friday .

Cheers!

Justin Graham

President, High Park Ski Club

2024-10-092024-11-11

Welcome New Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing Director Jackie Flowers!

2024-10-092024-11-11

Spots Available on Lake Placid Trip!

Trip sign up night on Sept 26 was a great success! Almost all members were able to sign up for a spot on the trip of their choice. HPSC is the premier destination ski club with more spots to the ski areas that you want to go to.

One of the ski destinations that you may not know about is Lake Placid, New York. We will stay in the newly renovated Grand Adirondack Lodge on the main street of the lovely town of Lake Placid. Downhill skiers will ski at Whiteface Mountain located in the beautiful Adirondack mountain range. It has a vertical of 3,430 feet, making it the highest in the eastern USA. Cross-country skiers will ski the Olympic XC trails at Mount Van Hoevenberg which has recently built a new spacious lodge. Transportation to both sites will be provided by our HPSC luxury coach. Downhillers can also take the town shuttle if they wish to get up later or return earlier. This is a 4 night trip with 4 full buffet breakfasts. Add on three days of downhill or cross-country skiing in peak snow season, February 23-27, 2025 and you have the makings of a great HPSC vacation trip! Please see the details on the website and note that this trip is available for sign up now.

Finally, a reminder that our overnight bus trips to Mont Tremblant and the Eastern Townships will go on sale on Thursday, October 24 at 8pm sharp! Details on the website.

2024-10-092024-11-11

President’s Message – Happy Thanksgiving!!!

I have always loved the fall and Thanksgiving. It could be because I was born on Thanksgiving, but I think it is more than that. Thanksgiving is really a time to reflect on all that we have, including the incredible people in our lives. For me that includes so many close friends that I have met through High Park Ski Club. In today’s world fewer and fewer people actually meet and socialize in person, which makes our club very special.

SkiFit is in full swing on Saturday mornings with more and more members coming out each week to get some exercise and socializing with others over brunch. Last Saturday we had the highest turnout so far this season with about 40 members and potential members exercising. About 25 stayed for brunch. Registration opens each Tuesday. On Sunday, David Flowers led a successful walking tour of the East End, followed by lunch – Thank you David. And a group of members joined me at the Toronto Oktoberfest on Friday September 27^th, for some fun and entertainment.

Speaking of exercise, if you want a more intense workout, we have once again arranged for a series of Sunday afternoon Crossfit sessions with professional trainers at a significant discount. Please see the article below.

There are still a few tickets available for our group outing to the Toronto Marlies hockey game on the afternoon of Sunday, October 20^th – puck drops at 4pm. Tickets are just $30 each. We will be arranging to meet prior to the game somewhere in Liberty Village for food and/or drink before heading over to Coca Cola Coliseum. Please register here. If the event is sold out, please add your name to the waitlist – I can likely arrange for additional tickets in the same section.

While we are club that emphasizes winter sports, each of these social events also strengthens our club by expanding connections.

Just a reminder that the Early Bird rate of $155 (+HST) is available for membership renewal only until October 31^st. As of November 1^st membership goes back to the full rate of $170 (+HST). New members can join at the $155 (+HST) at any time during the season.

Looking forward to seeing and speaking with many of you over the next few months before the season begins.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Justin Graham

President, High Park Ski Club

2024-09-112024-09-16

Ikon Group Sale Extended!

We have seven trips going on sale on September 26, and five of the destinations are on the Ikon Pass!

And, the Ikon Pass is still available through our Group Sale (sale has been extended). The sale gets you a modest discount off the pass, plus $50 off any Skican Group trip, including many of our HPSC trips.

Plus, you get a chance to win a refund equivalent to an Ikon Base Pass. We already have enough sales to refund SIX passes!

A final date has not yet been announced, but we are told the Group Sale will continue into October.

If you have questions, send them to Ikon coordinator, Russ Harding, at ikon@hpsc.ca

2024-09-112024-09-16

Long Trips Sign-up

It’s almost here! Sign-up will open at 8pm sharp on Thursday, September 26 for the following trips: Sun Peaks 1 & 2, Banff 1 & 2, Jasper, Lake Placid Combo trip and Killington. Sign-up for the 4 Mont Tremblant trips and the Family Day Eastern Townships Downhill trip will open at 8pm on Thursday, October 24. We’ve worked hard to put together another interesting line up of trips with more spaces on HPSC’s favourite Ikon pass destinations, like Sun Peaks, Banff and Mont Tremblant but also return to other HPSC favourites, like Lake Placid and Eastern Townships.

If you are signing up for yourself and a roommate, be sure to complete both parts of Stage 1 on sign-up night to indicate that you are signing up for a double room with a roommate and that you are paying the $100 deposit x 2 for both you and your roommate. Some members did not complete both questions and unfortunately only registered themselves and we want to help you avoid this mistake. Note that it will be up to you to settle up with your roommate for their initial $100 deposit. You will provide your roommate’s name by email to the trip leader, after you have finished the registration. Alternatively, you can each register and pay separately, but there is no guarantee using this process that you will both be successful in getting onto the trip.

It’s a great time to review the list of helpful tips for roommates before signing up for a trip.

Helpful Tips for Roommates

If possible, HPSC trip leaders will try to match you with someone who is in your age group, ski level, early riser, or nighthawk. On some trips, this is not possible if there are only a few singles to be matched. However, respectful communication and common courtesy will ensure that both parties will have a great ski trip, and may even form a long and lasting friendship.

Here are a few tips to help you.

1. Recommended quiet hours and lights out for a ski trip would be between 10 pm and 7am. You and your roommate can mutually agree to modify these hours which may also have to change on travel days. To be clear, this means no lights or sounds from mobile devices or computers. If you need to use these, please go to the lobby or find another spot in the hotel so that you do not disturb your roommate.

2. Beds / Storage – Agree on which beds you will take. Allocate separate and equal areas within the room to keep your bags stored, and split the closet and drawer space evenly.

3. Temperature – Leave the standard settings unless you and your roommate agree to a change.

4. Towels – Allocate the standard towels provided in the room evenly. If you need more, order more for yourself, but use only your assigned towels. Agree on where you will each hang them.

Note that if you have been identified as a loud snorer, require a CPAP or white noise machine, you need to sign up for a single room, or sign up with a roommate who is aware of them in advance and has agreed to room with you despite these conditions.

2024-09-112024-09-20

President’s Message – And Away We Go!!

As the calendar flips to September, High Park Ski Club gears up for our fall activities and ultimately the ski season.

First of all, if you have not already done so, I would encourage you to take advantage of our Early Bird renewal rate of $155 (plus tax). If you are planning on registering for any of the trips that open up on September 26^th (at 8pm sharp) you will need to be a current member. As a reminder for those who have already registered for a charter trip, you will need to renew your membership ASAP.

The second item I would like to mention is that we are having our Annual General Meeting on Tuesday September 24^th. According to our By-laws and required under the Ontario Not-for-Profit Corporation Act (ONCA), we must hold an annual meeting. This must be held by the end of September each year. Without achieving our required quorum, we cannot officially hold the meeting. Please register online for either the in-person option (at the National Yacht Club) or the Zoom virtual option. Click here to register. If you can’t attend either way, please fill out a proxy form here

Tomorrow night (Thursday September 12) we are hosting our kick-off pub night at The Swan in the Bloor/Runnymede area. There is no cost, but we would like you to register online so we have a sense of how many people will be attending.

Just a couple of other upcoming social events, the Toronto Oktoberfest on Friday September 27 (check out the information on our Social Schedule), Historic walk of the East End on Sunday October 6 (check out the information on our Social Schedule), and our attendance at the Toronto Marlies game on Sunday October 20 (register and pay online on our Social Schedule). We are continuing to organize additional social events for the fall and during the season, and a 75^th Anniversary Gala.

Lastly, it was fantastic to see so many members at the first SkiFit and Brunch of the season in High Park last Saturday morning. Despite the threat of rain, it turned out to be another sunny Saturday morning. Registration opens each Tuesday for the following Saturday. This is a great way to get in shape for the season and to meet fellow members.

I look forward to seeing and talking to many of you at our upcoming events.

Cheers!

Justin Graham

President, High Park Ski Club

2024-08-14

Ikon Group Sale Pass continues…but not for long!!

Our Group Sale for Ikon Passes will be coming to an end on September 6 at 5pm. Lots of info here.

We have had a great response, and are poised to award a refund equivalent to an Ikon Base Pass to SIX lucky members!

The Ikon Pass can be used for unlimited skiing at Blue Mountain and Tremblant, with no blackouts.

If you have already purchased a 5×7 Pass for Blue, but are thinking maybe you would have been better off getting the Ikon Pass, note that you can get a full refund for the 5×7 by telling Blue the order number for your Ikon Pass. It’s easy!

The pass can be used on our trips as follows:

Blue Mountain Ikon Base Pass (unlimited)
save $69-$159 per day

Tremblant Ikon Base Pass (unlimited)
save $170-$365*

Killington Ikon Base Pass (5 days), Ikon Pass (7 days)
save $270**

Panorama Ikon Base Pass (5 days), Ikon Pass (7 days)
save $405

Japan Ikon Base Pass (5 days), Ikon Pass (7 days)
save $455

Val Gardena Ikon Base Pass (5 days), Ikon Pass (7 days)
save $680

Sun Valley Ikon Base PLUS (5 days), Ikon Pass (7 days)
save $925***

Sun Peaks 1 Ikon Base Pass (5 days), Ikon Pass (7 days)
save $500

Sun Peaks 2 Ikon Base Pass (5 days), Ikon Pass (7 days)
save $455

Banff 1 Ikon Base Pass (5 days), Ikon Pass (7 days)
save $485

Banff 2 Ikon Base Pass (5 days), Ikon Pass (7 days)
save $515

*Tremblant prices are not yet published. Savings shown are from last season.

**Killington prices are not yet published. Savings shown are from last season.

***The Ikon Base Pass is not accepted at Sun Valley. You can purchase the Ikon Base Pass through our Group Sale, and then upgrade to the Ikon Base Plus through your Ikon Pass online account. Or, you can buy the full Ikon Pass through our Group Sale.

Contact me with any questions

Russ Harding

ikon@hpsc.ca