The HPSS would like to welcome the new ski instructors to our team. We will be featuring each instructor in this and upcoming newsletters. Today we introduce you to Apolonija Battiston
Welcome new Instructors
Long Trips
Open Trips
The homepage will show an “On Sale” label for a trip with an open seat. But you can add your name to the waitlist for any other trip. Cancellations happen from time to time and members on the waitlist get called first before opening the trip up to others. There is no cost to adding your name to a waitlist.
Charters:
C6 Silver Star, 1 seat for a Male
C7 ClubMed Les Arcs, France 2 seats
Overnight bus trips:
W4 Mt Ste Anne, 10 seats
W7 Lake Placid, 21 seats
W9 Holiday Valley-2, 15 seats
Second Holiday Valley
The 2nd Holiday Valley trip added to the schedule last month is filling up W9 Holiday Valley-2 , Jan 31-Feb 2, 2020. Both Holiday Valley trips leave the city after work on Friday and return early Sunday night. On Saturday night after a great day of skiing you will enjoy the pretty town of Ellicottville, NY. A passport is required, make sure yours is up to date.
Parking for Overnight Trips
If you plan to park at the bus pickup point, you will have to pre-pay online at least 2 days beforehand. There is no option for a cash payment so you cannot arrive at the lot with payment in hand. If you know definitely that you will need parking, you could pay for parking when you register for the trip. You’ll find the parking webpage this way: Login > OUR TRIPS > MY LONG TRIPS > Trip# Payment for Parking. Check the itinerary for the correct parking lot because unlike last season, each trip has a different bus pickup point.
Bill Bates, Director
Good times never seemed so good, so good
Where it began , I can’t begin to knowing
But then I know it’s growing strong…
The 70th Anniversary season spectacular begins now… And we know that our club began in 1950, from the group of winter enthusiasts – members of YMCA in High Park area. Our first day on the snow this year is scheduled for December 007. Let’s make this historical season memorable for all. Please take a lot of pictures at all club’s activities and post them on our Facebook group. Please “like” pictures that you really like! The author of the most “liked” picture of the season will be invited to the Apres Season Snow Ball on April 25 2020 to receive a special 70th Anniversary Snow Globe Award! Imagine yourself on the HPSC Magic Carpet of fame! Have fun and make it into the club’s history! Read HPSC brief history here: https://hpsc.ca/A-Brief-History We are adding new chapters every day. This season we’re entering into an exclusive partnership with Skiis & Biikes for the first time in club’s history to provide additional services to our members. We are continuously growing and improving. Viva High Park Ski Club!
Warm regards, Stella
HPSC Volunteer President
HPSC Teams Up With Skiis & Biikes for 2019/20 Season
We are happy to inform our members that, in this our 70th anniversary year, we have entered into an exclusive sponsorship agreement with a store many of you are familiar with, Skiis & Biikes.
As many of you know, Skiis & Biikes is the largest snow sports retailer in Ontario. Started in 1978, the family owned business has grown into a major supplier of goods and services for skiers and snowboarders with locations in Mississauga, Toronto and Collingwood.
We are excited about what this will mean for our membership. Below are a few benefits of our sponsorship agreement for our members in 2019/20:
- Discount Shopping Nights with 15% off ski equipment, clothing and merchandise happening December 5th at their Toronto and Mississauga locations. Find out more.
- a 50% discount on one Ski Tuning per member that will be available until the end of the current ski season
- Monthly Ski Tuning Clinics for members with special discounts on ski tuning materials and supplies
- Skiis & Biikes will invite HPSC members to attend Demo Days for their Downhill and Cross Country ski brands at resorts who host these events in Southern Ontario
- Race Day prizes for Downhill, Snowboard and Cross Country Races
Many of you are already social media friends with Skiis & Biikes. We encourage you to post your experiences on Facebook, Twitter, share news and events that you believe would be of interest.
We look forward to a fruitful and exciting partnership with Skiis & Biikes and hope our members enjoy the benefits.
A note from Skiis & Biikes
Our mission for 41 years in business has always been to get families outside. We are a family-owned business with an endless passion for skiing and adventure and we pour this enthusiasm into everything we do at Skiis & Biikes. We are excited to partner with the High Park Ski Club and get to know all the members who are as passionate about winter sports as we are. Come by any of our shops in Mississauga, Yonge St, Collingwood, or Caledon to get the gear you need to be ready for a great winter outdoors. We are proud to offer Performance and Bootfit Guarantees so you can ski with the knowledge that you will be comfortable and having fun on the hill. We’re looking forward to meeting everyone in the HPSC!
XC ski school special programs 2019-2020
HPSC holds regular lessons every trip, but we also offer the following special programs through the season. There is no additional cost for these programs. You can find the dates in our schedule. You can email xcskischool@hpsc.ca if you have questions about any of these programs.
Classic Beginners Series: Held on three consecutive weekends with the same instructor, this popular program will get you moving on the trails and making friends in no time. If you are interested, please email xcskischool@hpsc.ca to register. Ideal for Classic 1 and Classic 2 skiers.
Skate Better Series: Held on three weekends with the same instructors, this series is designed for those who can get some forward momentum and glide on their skate skis. If you are interested, please email xcskischool@hpsc.ca to register. Ideal for Skate 2 and Skate 3 skiers.
Skate Great Series: Held on two weekends with the same instructor, this series is designed for those who already move well but want to become stronger and more efficient. This program introduces you to more advanced techniques. If you are interested, please email xcskischool@hpsc.ca to register. Ideal for Skate 4 and Skate 5 skiers.
Tips & Tricks: Offered four times (2 classic, 2 skate), these 15-minute one-on-one lessons offer the chance to work with an instructor on a particular skill. Great for those who want to learn, but don’t want to commit to a full regular lesson. Register on the trip registration module. Available to skiers of all levels but ideal for Level 3 to Level 5 skiers.
NEW CLINICS! Faster, smarter skate & Faster, smarter classic: If you have good foundational skills and decent fitness, learn how to navigate terrain more efficiently. Register on the trip registration module. Ideal for Classic 3+/Skate 3+ skiers.
New XC skiing lesson levels!
HPSC offers a wide array of lessons from our roster of qualified instructors. Taking lessons is a great way to learn the sport, refine your technique so you can explore more efficiently, and meet other skiers at your skill level.
Based on feedback from last season, the ski school has redesigned our lesson levels. We hope this will help students land in the right class so their skiing can progress more effectively. We have split classic and skate lessons into five levels. Below is a brief outline of each level to help you assess where you should be.
Classic 1/Skate 1:
- I am brand new to skiing or have only been on skis once or twice.
- I feel uncomfortable on skis – my balance is very unsteady. I fall often.
- I don’t even want to think about hills!
Classic 2/Skate 2:
- I have been on skis before, but still feel uncomfortable or unsteady at times.
- I don’t think I understand the basic techniques.
- I can’t glide with all my weight on one ski.
- I attempt to get down gentle hills, but I’m still very hesitant.
Classic 3/Skate 3:
- I feel comfortable moving on beginner trails and may go on some intermediate trails.
- I understand the basic techniques, but my skiing feels choppy and, while sometimes I manage it, it is hard to glide with all my weight on one ski.
- I can get myself up and down moderate hills.
Classic 4/Skate 4:
- I think my skiing is fluid and efficient much of the time.
- I can confidently glide with all my weight on one ski some of the time.
- I feel comfortable on intermediate trails, and capable of advanced trails.
- I can get myself up and down most hills, although still hesitant on the steep ones.
Classic 5/Skate 5:
- I think my skiing is fluid and efficient most of the time.
- I can glide with all my weight on one ski most of the time.
- I am comfortable on all the trails and cool with most hills I encounter on advanced trails.
- I think I’m ready to learn more advanced techniques
How do I know what level to put myself in?
With the above descriptions in mind, do your best to estimate where you should be. Feel free to talk to the head instructor on the bus when they go around confirming lessons. They are happy to provide advice.
Once an instructor sees you on skis, they may decide its best to put you in a different group. Don’t worry about being moved up or down. Placing students in the appropriate group is essential for a safe and fun learning experience for everyone. Worry less about the level and focus on skill development. We also may, due to instructor availability, combine lesson levels. But the instructor will be able to give tailored activities to each level. We appreciate your cooperation.
When can I move up levels?
Instructors are looking for particular markers at each level. At the end of each lesson, the instructor should provide feedback on specific things to work on. They will indicate if you should register for the same level or move up next time. If they don’t, please ask them.
Why did the lesson levels change?
Based on feedback from students and our experience teaching lessons we felt that the old levels (e.g. Beginner, Bronze, Silver) were unclear. Furthermore, we wanted to provide more opportunity for students to progress in their development. We’ve reworked lessons into a clearer set of levels, with better definitions for what each level means. This should allow you to be better able to get a lesson at your current skill level which maximizes your ability to learn and progress in your skiing.
Should I take lessons every trip?
The answer to this question is completely personal. We offer lessons on every trip. Some people like taking one every trip. Others like to take a lesson, go off on their own and practice for a couple weeks, and then come back to a lesson. Everyone learns differently. Do what’s right and, most importantly, most fun for you.
Calling all snowshoers! Volunteer guides needed…
HPSC’s snowshoeing program has grown in the last few years. There are many reasons to choose snowshoeing – it’s a less intense physical activity than skiing, but still a good workout; you really get in the forest and up close and personal with nature; and it’s a fun social activity. Best of all it gets you outside and moving in the winter! We have many members who both snowshoe and ski.
While you can certainly snowshoe on your own, it’s definitely more fun in a group. And beginners who are unfamiliar with the trails definitely feel more comfortable being led by someone more experienced. If you’ve been snowshoeing with the club for a few years now, please consider becoming a snowshoe leader!
No special training beyond experience snowshoeing with the club is needed (and perhaps the ability to read the resort maps!). If you are going to snowshoe anyway, why not lead a group? The more leaders that we have, the more, and varied, experiences we can offer to club members – we can have groups that go at different paces and do routes of varying difficulty. This is not a big commitment – you can do as many or as few as you want.
We are happy to have new volunteers work with an experienced guide the first time.
Snowshoe leaders are recognized with complimentary bus and trail fees for the trip on which they are guiding.
The club runs on volunteers and more hands mean lighter work for everyone! If you are interested in volunteering, please contact crosscountry@hpsc.ca and we’ll connect you with our head guide and snowshoe coordinator.
Two Bus Test Drive on December 7th Means Additional Pick Up Locations at Queen’s Quay and Liberty Village
We have two buses for this the first daytrip of the season, which means that we have added the two additional pickup points of Queen’s Quay, and the new spot in Liberty Village.
As a reminder, even if you didn’t sign up for these pick-up spots, you can use any of the locations that best suits your needs! To find out exactly where all of our pick-up locations click here: https://www.hpsc.ca/Day-Trip-Pick-Up-Locations
Registration deadline is December 4th by 6pm!
What to expect on a XC day trip
Joining a club trip can be intimidating when you’re new. We’re here to help! If you’re preparing to come out on your first day trip with us, here is how you can expect your day to unfold. Note that times are approximate as they depend on how far the resort is from Toronto. But it gives you the general idea.
745am-845am
- Get to your bus stop. You can find out locations here. Pick up times are communicated on the status page (log in to see it) and the email that is sent to all participants on Friday. Arrive 10 minutes early as the pick up times are departure times. Don’t be shy; introduce yourself to the others waiting.
- When the bus arrives, stow your skis below the bus and get on with your bag(s) and ski boots.
- Choose a seat. You will sit in the same seat on the way back.
845am-1030am
- Once all skiers are on the bus and we are on the highway, the bus captain will make announcements about the day.
- The bus captain will then come around and check off your name and ensure that you are registered correctly for the activities you want to do. If not, you may owe money (to be paid online after the trip) or you may be owed a refund.
- The ski school director of the day will come around and confirm lessons. If you didn’t sign up in advance, we will try to fit you in, but we can’t make any guarantees as lessons are popular.
- As we approach the resort, the bus captain will make more announcements, confirming the facilities that are available, departure times etc..
1030am-1100am
- Upon arrival, the renters get off with a designated instructor and go get their equipment. The bus captain goes inside to get the trail passes. Everyone else remains on the bus. There are a couple exceptions to this; listen to the bus captains’ instructions.
- The bus captain returns, and everyone gets off the bus, collects their trail pass from the bus captain and equipment from under the bus, and heads to the chalet.
- Find a place inside to put your bags and get ready. Ask other members if you aren’t sure where you can store bags. Sometimes we have our own room, other times we are with the general public. Cross-country resorts are generally very safe; while you should carry valuables with you (i.e., wallet, phone), theft is rare. There are a couple resorts where we need to store our bags on the bus (but generally you can take your stuff inside, get ready, and then bring it back out).
- Students and snowshoers meet their instructors/guide in front of the chalet approx. 30 mins after arrival. Not taking lessons? Go ski!
11:00am-1230pm
- Lessons, followed by lunch. Most resorts have indoor space to eat; if not, the bus will be available for lunch.
1230pm-4:30pm
- Free ski time!
- The bus leaves promptly at 430pm. Be sure you are back to the chalet in enough time to get ready and be on the bus by 425pm.
- Put your equipment in the marked return bin (based on where you are getting off the bus), sit in the same seat you were in on the way up, and enjoy the ride home! The bus captain will make announcements about the upcoming weekend.
If you are new and have additional questions, see our FAQ.
XC “racing” is back!
Get ready for yet another year of fun cross-country ski races! Our race program may have been competitive in the past, but now it’s all about fun. Test your skills with a group of your closest ski friends and maybe win a prize in the process. Bonus: prizes are by draw, not by finishing time! We encourage wide participation, but you should be able to move around the trail for at least a few kms (even if it’s not particularly fast!).
Look out for these events throughout the season…
Race #1: Fourth Annual Frisbee Biathlon! Probably our most popular race of the season, we kick off the race program with our frisbee biathlon at Highlands Nordic on Jan. 4. The race director creates team of two. One person skis a very short sprint track, then you play frisbee! If you drop the frisbee, you have to do a penalty lap before your partner can ski. Fast skiing doesn’t matter…it’s all in the frisbee throwing.
Race #2: Return to Hardwood (Freestyle). On Jan. 12, we will have our first race at Hardwood since the devastating fire they had a couple years ago. Let’s celebrate our return with a freestyle race. Choose classic or skate and test yourself on a relatively short course (4kmish).
Race #3: Fourth Annual Pine Trail Classic at Wasaga. Your race director’s favourite race, this 3kmish classic race starts and ends at the fire shelter and takes you along the rolling hills of the beautiful Pine trail. Classic skiing only. Will this be the year no one gets lost? Probably not. January 18.
Race #4: Crossover Day Scavenger Hunt Race! On Jan. 25, join us for a fun team-based scavenger hunt race on the upper trails (the section with the lookout etc.). Solve clues along the way to find your way to the finish. Smarts and map skills probably outweigh fast skiing!
Race #5: First Annual Beginner/Advanced Spring Fling Costume Race. We close out the season on Mar. 8 at Horseshoe where we will do our annual beginner/advanced day (choose your own adventure – one course is shorter and flatter, the other longer and hillier) but with an added costume element! Celebrate spring in style and get bonus points if you ski in costume. Extra bonus points for the best costume!
There are often random bonus points given for ridiculous reasons and if you participate in one of these events, you will get an invite to our fun end of year party!
