Month: December 2021

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Paul Marner…50th Anniversary of Organizing Ski Trips

From the latest edition of Ski Canada magazine…

“Around the same time readers first started turning pages of Ski Canada 50 years ago, Paul Marner, then a 14-year-old grade 10 student from the burbs of Toronto, was busy cooking up with his French teacher the first of countless group ski trips to Quebec. The young entrepreneur and definitive “freeskier” quickly learned how he could ski on someone else’s dime. (All it required was hours of organization and sales talk.) By grade 13 he had 500 students in buses heading to Quebec City during Christmas and March Breaks. Half a century later, Marner’s still at it with Merit Travel.

Most of the “lifers” in the ski-biz have worked directly with resorts or ski gear and clothing manufacturers, while Marner was the guy who got bums onto buses, planes and, indirectly, to ski shops. More than 250,000 by Marner’s count—and only one ski trip with a murder, but that’s a story for Ski Canada’s and Marner’s 100th anniversaries.

Before Breakaway Tours was founded in the early ’80s though, Marner worked for Majestic Travel and set up his own ski shop, Ski Connection, in the agency’s basement. “We leased skis and did tune-ups; as well, I used to buy close-outs of clothing and skis,” says Marner.

After Majestic and Breakaway Tours, Marner headed up Gotta Travel, which morphed into Ultimate Ski & Golf Vacations. (Remember Ultimate’s red carpet “Excite Flight” direct charter to Tremblant from the free parking at Toronto’s exclusive Executive Terminal?) Cross-promoting with Elan, Labatt, Bacardi, Columbia, Avalanche and radio stations like Q107, it was tough to curb his enthusiasm for our sport. He still has a copy of the formal response from the White House following his gracious invitation to U.S. President Ronald Reagan to take a ski break while discussing acid rain and the DEW line with Brian Mulroney during Quebec City’s Shamrock Summit.

Marner has since settled down with Merit Travel Ski Vacations, offering more than 100 resorts from the best of B.C., Alberta, Quebec, U.S. East and West and the Alps. And like many who have worked in the ski industry a long time, he’s at home leading a group of skiers.. As Ski Canada celebrates its 50th anniversary, they hope for a much better winter than the last. Certainly there’s more anticipation than ever for making travel plans and the memories that will follow. “

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President’s Message – Happy Holidays!!

Home Smith Park, December 25, 2020 Photo by JK Graham

December 22, 2021

HPSC Friends,

I would like to wish all of you the very best of the holidays! 

As you know we have been planning very hard, as best we can, for what we had hoped to be a close facsimile of a normal season.  But the one thing we have all learned over the last two years is the need to stay flexible.  During the last three weeks we have gone from being fairly optimistic of starting the season, weather dependent, on time, to having to make the following announcement. 

As we have stated repeatedly, the safety of our members is our top priority.  Therefore, due to the rapid increase of COVID cases due to the Omicron variant we have made the decision to pause the beginning of the season.  And to start, unfortunately, we will not be able to run any buses.

Downhill daytrips will begin on Saturday January 15th and continue as scheduled as drive-up only events.  This means that we will offer lessons by our Snow School.  To participate you will need to register via HPSC for lessons, but you will need to purchase your lift ticket directly from the resort. For the Wednesday trips we are still discussing with the clubs how tickets will be handled.   

Due to the changing situation, registration for each week’s trip will also open one week prior to the first trip and continue on a weekly basis.  Registration will close for the weekend and Monday trips as usual on Thursday at 6pm.  Due to new requirements at the private clubs, we have had to move up the registration deadline as well to Thursday at 6pm. So all downhill trips will now close at the same time.  Registration for the first week will open on January 8th.

On the cross-country side, all trips at this point are postponed until at least January 22nd, and will only run if we are able to run bus trips. 

Our plan is to continuously monitor the situation and to start running buses when it is feasible, so please read all communications carefully from the club to stay informed. 

Further, due to the revised regulations announced last week regarding the need for a PCR test for any trip outside of the country, even for less than 72 hours, the Long Trips Committee has made the decision to cancel our yearly trip to Holiday Valley for this season.

Never a dull moment!

Happy Holidays! Enjoy the season and please stay safe.  And if you are able to, get your booster shot when you can. 

Cheers!

Justin Graham

President, High Park Ski Club

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What happens if you test positive after being on a HPSC trip?

As you may be aware, last year the Board of Directors prepared a detailed COVID Protocol document.  The document has been updated for the 2021/22 season and is posted on our website.

One area that members should be aware of is what to do if they test positive for COVID after being on a HPSC trip/event.

If a member tests positive within 14 days of being on a trip/event, they MUST contact the appropriate Director (Downhill Day Trips, Director of Cross-Country and Snowshoeing, Long Trips, Social) ASAP. You should inform the Director if you were in a lesson and the name of their instructor if possible. The club will then contact all possible close contacts in a lesson or on the bus.  You should contact any people you were with outside of the bus or lesson.    

All impacted members are encouraged to get a PCR COVID test and to self-isolate as recommended by public health guidelines. All affected members are put on 14-day suspension (from the date of possible exposure) from all club activities. The suspension will be lifted earlier if they are able to provide the club with a negative PCR test result. If a member on the contact list subsequently tests positive during the 14-day period, they must inform the club.  The original COVID positive member is suspended from all trips/club activities until official clearance is provided to the Director of Membership.

If the club experiences two or more cases of COVID-19 on a trip/event that are not from the same household, this is considered an outbreak. All trips/events in that portfolio of the club (Alpine or Cross-country, Social) will be immediately cancelled for 2 weeks.

If a second outbreak occurs, all trips for that portfolio of the club (Alpine or Cross-Country, Social) will be cancelled for the rest of the season. 

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President’s Message – The Snow is Falling…

The snow is starting to fall more regularly and some of the local hills have already opened. It was fantastic to see posts from members who got out early to Mount St. Louis and Horseshoe Valley this past weekend. 

While this year will still be a somewhat different experience, it will still be fantastic to get back to skiing regularly this coming season. Let me assure you that your HPSC team has been working continuously with the resorts to work out the details and procedures we will need to follow as the resorts work out the rules. Keep following the announcements in SnoBiz and the HPSC Facebook group to stay up to date. 

And just a reminder that registration for all trips will be restricted to only those who have provided their vaccination proof to the club. If you haven’t done so yet, please send a copy to vac@hpsc.ca . Only the Director of Membership has access to this email address, and all documents are delated after verification – the club is not keeping copies of any documents. I want to thank the 72% of current members who have provided their proof for verification. 

I am sincerely looking forward seeing as many of you as possible on the hill and trails this coming season!

Justin Graham

President, High Park Ski Club

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Dec. 29 Scenic Caves Trip Canceled

Unfortunately we have had to cancel our Dec. 29th trip to Scenic Caves. Unforeseen operational issues combined with the lack of winter make it impossible to run the trip.

The first trip is still tentatively scheduled for Jan. 2. Keep an eye here, on the website and on our social media channels for updates.

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Cross-country day trips, COVID style (December update)

As we get closer to the season, I am sure that everyone has questions about what the experience on the bus and at the resorts is going to be…here are some answers! We encourage new members to read this carefully. The experience will not be what we are used to, but with some patience and good humour, we can have fun.

What can I expect on the bus?

As of now, the buses will run at almost full capacity. Masks (cloth or medical masks) are mandatory. A buff is not a mask. Proper masks must cover the nose and the mouth. Not wearing masks properly will not be tolerated. Please note that studies show that medical masks (especially N95s, which are more widely available now) are more effective than cloth masks with no filter. While we will not dictate what kind of masks members should wear, we strongly encourage members to choose the most effective masks they can. This keeps all of us safe.

While the bus is in motion, we expect members to stay in their seats (except for quick washroom trips). We ask that members don’t eat or drink (except quick sips if medically necessary). No sharing of food and no consuming alcohol.

At most places, we will have to eat lunch on the bus or on the trail. When on the bus for lunch, please ensure you eat lunch quickly to limit the amount of time that you are not wearing a mask.

There will not be any capacity limits enforced at any point unless we feel it is necessary after the first few trips. We are confident that members will be courteous of each other and work hard to make our trips a success.

What can I expect at the resorts?

Members are expected to follow all resort rules, which will be communicated on the registration modules and in the day trip status email/webpage.

Resorts all have different policies, but in general, we will not be able to store bags/get ready/hang out in the chalet like we normally do. You will be able to use the indoor washrooms (only Wasaga will have portable washrooms). You will be able to pop in for quick spells to warm up (emphasis on quick; Wasaga, Georgian Nordic, Kawartha are exceptions in that we anticipate no indoor space). If you want indoor space to eat, you usually will have to use the bus (Scenic Caves is the only exception). The bus cannot idle all day, so it may not be very warm, but it will be out of the wind.

Because you will be spending significant amounts of time outside this year, we recommend that you bring a small day pack filled with items to help keep you warm should you have to wait outside while not skiing. While everyone is different, this could include extra gloves/mitts (really warm ones!), a dry top base layer (maybe something thicker than what you ski in to keep you warmer), an extra pair of socks, and a down jacket that folds up small (a great investment in the winter). Pack water and extra snacks – a hydrated and fueled body is a warmer body!

At the end of the day, you may not be able to get fully changed like you are used to. Bring a dry top and dry socks and ensure a warm parka is on the bus waiting for you. Departure times are generally (with some exceptions) going to be earlier to account for the increased time spent outside.

The caveat…

Policies and procedures were set before Omicron was identified. We are watching the public health situation closely over the next couple weeks and may alter our policies and procedures in accordance with public health guidelines.

Please note that the Dec. 29th trip has been cancelled (largely due to the slow arrival of winter). We will tentatively start our season on Jan. 2. Keep an eye on the website and our social media channels for updates. That trip would open for registration on Dec. 20.

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Announcement regarding Downhill Daytrips

The season is fast approaching, and we are finally able to announce how things will run. 

First off, we thank you all for your patience.  It has been a very challenging year for planning.  All of the resorts have and will be short staffed this coming season (as are many service industries), so we ask that you understand and be patient with our resort partners.  They will be doing the best they can with fewer staff and much more work to do. 

PLEASE READ THROUGH CAREFULLY SINCE THIS INCLUDES A LOT OF IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Saturday trips to Mount St. Louis Moonstone (MSLM)

The good news is that the general procedure for our trips to MSLM will be fairly familiar, with a few alternations. 

First off, due to contact tracing requirements, we need to send MSLM our list of members on the bus 3 days prior to each trip.  We do not need to send the list of drive-up members (instructors excluded.) Therefore, the registration deadline will be changed to TUESDAYS by 6 pm instead of our traditional Thursdays. 

As in past years, drive-ups are responsible for purchasing their own ticket and will need to register for HPSC lessons online (cut off is Tuesday by 6pm.) 

Once we arrive, the Bus Captain will, as in the past, go in and pick-up the tickets and will distribute them at the bus.  This year the tickets are actually RIF readable paper cards.  The Bus Captain will also pick up wrist bands that identify you as being fully vaccinated.  This will allow our members to enter the grounds without having to show vaccination proof at the ‘gates’ that will be set up.  Since we have already verified your vaccination proof, MSLM has agreed to this protocol, so our members will not be required to show their proof.  However, we still recommend that you carry your vaccination proof with you.

The biggest change to our normal procedure is that you will not be able to get dressed, put on your boots etc. within the lodge. The lower level will only available be as a warm-up area during the day.  Therefore, members will need to get prepared on the bus (or at their car if driving up.)  To ensure enough room on the bus to do this safely, we are reducing the number of available bus spots to 35 to start with.  (We will be constantly reviewing processes during the season so we might be able to increase that number if we can do so safely). 

Despite reduced bus capacity the bus fee will remain at $30. 

Once members are on hill, you will scan the lift card at the RIF gate at each lift which will “activate” your ticket. You are then free to ski/snowboard/join lessons.

The cafeteria will be open to purchase lunch during the lunch period (11:30am-2:30pm) but will be limited to just 45 minutes.  No bagged lunches will be allowed into the cafeteria or the lower-level warm-up areas; therefore, the bus will be available during the lunch period (12pm to 2pm) for members to eat their bagged lunch.

After 2:30pm the upstairs bar will be open for après without a time limit.  Currently there is no capacity limit but that may change based on public health guidelines.  When you are finished for the day, you can just stay at the bar in your gear or go to the bus and get changed and stay at the bus or change and head back to the lodge for Après.  We ask that if you stay in your gear, that you give your self enough time to get back to the bus in time for departure.  In all cases, we request that members be on the bus 10 minutes prior to departure time so that we can leave on time.  Departure time is not when you need to get to the bus it is when we need to leave. 

Sunday trips to Blue Mountain South

Much like MSLM, the Blue Mountain South lodge will not be open to get changed during the weekend.  Therefore, you will need to get changed on the bus and make your way over to the lifts.  And as with the Saturday trips we are restricting the number of bus seats to 35 to begin with.

Again despite reduced bus capacity the bus fee will remain at $30. 

The Bullwheel pub on the upper level will be open from 11am to 7pm for lunch and après.  However, as at MSLM you cannot bring bagged lunches into the Bullwheel.  If you pack a lunch you will need to eat it on the bus which will be open from 12pm to 2pm. 

To access the Bullwheel you will need to provide your vaccination proof and government ID. 

For those who question why we don’t just go to the Inn lodge instead on Sundays, that lodge will be packed with the Snowhawks and other youth groups on Sundays. 

Just as on Saturdays, when you are finished for the day you can head to the Bullwheel to après in your gear, or head to the bus to get changed, and if you want head back to the Bullwheel.  Again, we ask that you allow enough time to get back and be on the bus 10 minutes prior to departure time.  Departure time is not when you need to get to the bus it is when we need to leave. 

Mondays to Blue Mountain Inn

On Mondays, we will be heading to the Inn as usual.  Members will be allowed to get changed in the Lodge.  However, you will need to go downstairs to get changed and prepare.  As well, you will also need to use the lockers available. Any bags lefts upstairs will be removed. 

Since you will not be required to get prepared on the bus, we will be running full buses on Mondays. 

Midweek trips to the private clubs

Midweek trips will run pretty much as they have in the past.  We will be able to change in the lodge and we will have designated rooms in most of the resorts.   

Just a couple of things regarding the buses:

  • Members must wear a mask while on the bus.
  • Members must remain seated during the bus trip, except to go to the washroom. With the exception of the Bus Captain who will move around to check members in.
  • Members will keep socializing to a minimum, and restricted to those seated beside them
  • When using the washrooms members must wear a mask and use hand sanitizer before and after using the washroom.
  • Members will limit food and drink intake to necessities – quick drinks of water and quick consumption of snacks while the bus is travelling.
  • There will be no passing of food around the bus.

To read the full COVID Protocol document please click here.

As always, members will receive a trip status email a few days before the trip.

PLEASE read these emails carefully as they will include bus pick up times and locations, lesson start times and locations and other relevant information. These may change week over week, so members need to review every email they receive. 

We want to reinforce that our resort partners are under extreme stress and pressure due to new (and changing) regulations, as well as severe staff shortages. We ask that you remain patient with line-ups, staff, or any hiccups that occur along the way.  We also ask that you remember that all of these processes are also new to our Bus Captains, who are fellow members, and who have volunteered their time to make sure that you are able to get to the hill and enjoy your day.  Please be kind.  

Erika Clark

Director of Downhill Daytrips

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Welcome New Instructors to the Downhill Snow School

This season we have 4 new instructors join our roster! Check out who they are and what their favourite things to do are. Keep your eyes out as we introduce you over the next several weeks. Today we welcome Kerry Kupecz! Find out more about Kerry, read on…

I’ve been a member of High Park for longer than I can remember, and I’ve always been interested in the Ski School and what they do, so I decided to join and find out for myself. I’m looking forward to meeting new members and helping new skiers learn to love skiing as much as we all do! Over the years I’ve been on many trips with the club, and one of my favorite memories is doing the Vallee Blanche on a trip to Chamonix and skiing through a glacier. I’m excited to get back out on the snow and see all my friends from the club again.

Kerry Kupecz
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Cross-country day trips begin Dec. 29!

Your cross-country ski and snowshoe team is excited to announce that the first trip of the season will be a rare mid-week trip for us – Wed., Dec. 29 to Scenic Caves! Since Christmas and New Year’s both fall on weekends, we couldn’t schedule our regular New Year’s celebration on the weekend. So we’re trying something new!

Are you off work in between Christmas and New Year’s? Get in a ski on what we hope will be relatively quiet midweek trails. Ring in a new year with friends and enjoy the first HPSC trip back in nearly two years!

We will have access to the log cabin and the adjacent washrooms. There is no food, so bring your own. You may want to bring a ski pack with some extra food and warm, dry clothing. There are rentals.

No lessons on this trip – let’s just get our ski legs back!

Registration opens Dec. 15th.

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Cross-country schedule online + registration procedure changes

As we get ever closer to the ski season (where did that lovely snow go?!), the cross-country ski and snowshoe team has posted it’s schedule on the website (in the season update). The schedule is subject to change as we work with the resorts to make this season a reality!

Regular members will notice a change to how our registration process will work this year. Normally we load the registration modules for all the trips at the start of the season and members can register for trips far into the season. This year, we are not doing that. Given the uncertainty surrounding COVID, we need the ability to remain flexible and mitigate losses should we have to cancel trips. Therefore, trips will open for registration TWO WEEKS in advance, generally on Monday at 9am.

For the first few weeks of the season, this means:

Dec. 29th (Scenic Caves, no lessons) – opens Dec. 15.

Jan. 2 (Scenic Caves, beginner lessons only, guided snowshoeing) – opens Dec. 20

Jan. 8 (Highlands)/Jan. 9 (Hardwood TBC) (both offer lessons and guided snowshoeing) – opens Dec. 27

Due to restrictions at the resort, we are limiting trips to one bus. If the trip is full when you want to book, put yourself on the waitlist. There are always cancellations and many people get on trips if they put they put themselves on the waitlist.

There are no walk ons this year. If you want to come ski with us, please register.