Category: Downhill Day Trips

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Find out why Holiday Valley is different . . .

If you have only skied locally in Ontario at Blue Mountain or Mount St. Louis, going to Holiday Valley in Western New York for the day is a much different experience.

It is not just that you ski on actual hills (vs. the Niagara Escarpment) where you can go down multiple sides into different runs and areas. Conquer ‘The Wall’, enjoy Happy Glades, cruise down Morning Star, or take in the tranquility of Mistletoe (see above photo).

But it is also the aroma’s that make Holiday Valley special – The hint of fresh waffles from The Waffle House at the foot of Cindy’s Chair. Or the smell of the meat smoker at the top of Mardi Gras or of roasting hot dogs outside the Mountain Top Warming Hut. Or the pine forest off the Tannenbaum Express.

Come experience Holiday Valley on our one-day trip during Family Day weekend on February 15th. We will have guided skiing (Step 4 and above) and boarding (intermediate and advanced). This is the only day trip for that weekend.

All the regular pick up locations (except 400/7) will be used. The last pick up is at QEW/Winston Churchill at ~7:30am.

From 5-7pm we are having a special pizza après (or you can continue skiing). The bus will leave at 7pm SHARP.

As with all cross-border trips you must have a valid passport. 

Spots are filling quickly!  Don’t miss out. 

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The ski season has finally taken off!! Sign up early and often

After a bit of an up and down early January the HPSC season has taken off with full buses to both Mount St. Louis and Blue Mountain, as well as on the Wednesday trips.  Thank you to all of the members who have signed up for trips – and a big thank you to all the new members who have jumped into the club with both feet. 

With a growing membership, trips have been filling quickly.  While the deadline for registering for weekend day trips is Thursday 6pm (Monday 6pm for Wednesday trips), with a lot of passionate new members, trips have been selling out before that point. 

To ensure we are being fiscally responsible, we initially open enough spots for one bus and if all those spots are filled, a waitlist opens immediately.  If it is decided that there is sufficient time and interest, spots for a second bus will be added.  The waitlist helps to gauge if there is sufficient numbers for a second bus, and that the trip still breaks even. 

Opening a second bus also means that we add additional pick up locations (Queen’s Quay; Liberty Village; Davenport/Yonge).   All those on the waitlist will be added to the trip and be notified of their invoice.  They will then have between 12 and 24  hours to pay their invoice (depending on how close to the registration deadline is).  If they don’t pay, the spot will be cancelled.  The bottom line is to ensure you get on the trip, you need to sign up early and often.  And if the trip is full, add your name to the waitlist.   

If you are interested in going on daytrip – even if it is in few weeks or next month, please register as soon as you can.  This guarantees you don’t miss out on a day on the slopes you want to go on, it also lets us know that there may be enough interest for additional buses. 

All trips until the beginning of March are open for registration.   So sign up early and sign up often.

https://hpsc.ca/downhill-trip-registration-page

Justin Graham, Assistant Director of Downhill Daytrips

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New Date for Double Double – February 8 2020

Double Double is our annual tradition with lessons in the morning and in the afternoon

After the extreme weather conditions, and day trips cancellations last weekend with safety of our members being the top priority for the club, we are announcing a new date for our Annual Tradition: Double Double with lessons in the morning and in the afternoon. New date is Saturday February 8 at MSLM. Register early, we will have double double buses and drive up spots available based on your interest.

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New Member 101 – What you need to know about Downhill Daytrips

First of all thank you for joining our club.  We realize that there are many procedures and policies that are new to you, so hopefully this list will answer a number of your more common questions.

  • TRIP REGISTRATION: Trips available for registration are found on the calendar (or list if you prefer list mode) on the Downhill Daytrips Registration page (Link below).  The upcoming trips will also be listed at the bottom of the HPSC homepage.
  • BUS vs. DRIVE UP: There are two “Events” listed per trip. One will have the word BUS in the title; the other will have the words DRIVE UP.  If you want to take the bus, register in the BUS module.  If you prefer to drive up you can, but to participate in our free HPSC Ski School lessons you MUST register in the Drive Up module (and you have to purchase your own lift ticket).

https://hpsc.ca/downhill-trip-registration-page

  • MUST BE LOGGED IN: You must be logged into the website to register for trips and to view all of the available trips.
  • REGISTRATION DEADLINES: Deadlines to sign up for daytrips – Thursday by 6pm for Saturday, Sunday, and Monday trips.  Sunday by 6pm for Wednesday trips.
  • CANCELLATION DEADLINES: If you need to cancel a trip (even if you have registered as a Drive Up) you need to send an email to cancellations@hpsc.ca by 8pm Wednesday for Saturday, Sunday, and Monday trips; 8pm Sunday for Wednesday trips.  Please include the trip number in subject line.  Trip number is found on the registration page for each trip.  Downhill daytrips will start with A (e.g. A1901), while the cross-country trips will start with an N (N1901). (Please see link below for Cancellation policy and procedure).
  • REFUNDS:  When you cancel a trip by the deadline, a full refund will be processed.

https://hpsc.ca/daytrip-cancellation-policy

  • BRING A GUEST TRIPS:    On most of our daytrips we allow you to bring up to three guests.  However, you must register these guests and yourself at the same time on the Wednesday and Thursday (prior to 6pm) for Saturday, Sunday, and Monday trips; and Sunday and Monday (up to 6pm) for Wednesday trips. There is a $20 per guest fee in addition to the trip costs. Guests can participate in the HPSC free lessons.  But this program is only available when coming on the bus.  Guests cannot be Drive-ups.    
  • PICK UP LOCATIONS: You can get on the bus at any of the pick-up locations available for that trip.  You do not have to get on at the one you registered for.  For most trips the pick locations are Bloor/Indian Rd.; Yonge & Eglinton; Yonge & York Mills; 400/7.  (Please see link below for all pick up locations).
  • ADDITIONAL PICK UP LOCATIONS ON 2 BUS TRIPS: On trips where we have added a second bus (after we have enough registrants for one bus) we also add in two additional pick up locations (Queens Quay; Liberty Village).  Once again if you have registered early at one of the other pick up locations, but we have added a second bus (and the additional pick ups) and either of these is more convenient, you can get on at one of these two. Descriptions of all pickup locations are described on the website under the Our Trips page.  The exact locations are also pinned to a Google map on page. (Please see link below for all pick up locations).

https://hpsc.ca/Day-Trip-Pick-Up-Locations

  • READ THE TRIP STATUS EMAIL YOU RECIEVE:  After registering for a trip you will receive an email confirming your registration.  It will include the information that is on the Trip description page where you registered.  A few days prior to the trip you will also receive a Trip Status email.  It is important to read this message.  It will indicate if the trip is a go or cancelled.  It will also provide information on the pick up times and locations being used for that trip, as well as information regarding lessons.  In some instances, there may be a change (for example extreme weather) when a trip maybe cancelled after you have already received the trip status.  In that instance you will receive a revised Trip Status.  It is also good to check the Trip Status page on the website the night before your schedule trip.  A link to the Trip Status page is located on the Downhill Daytrips Registration page (Link to Trip Status Page is below).

https://hpsc.ca/Downhill-Day-Trips-Status

  • NO LESSONS IF TRIP IS CANCELLED: If the bus trip does not run, there are no lessons even for drive-ups
  • SHOW UP EARLY AT YOUR PICK UP LOCATION: Please arrive at your pick up location at least 5-10 minutes prior to the listed time.  And be prepared to board the bus when it arrives.  The bus drivers, and HPSC volunteer bus captains, will check to see if anyone is rushing to get to the bus at the scheduled departure time and wait, but they need to stick to the schedule as close as possible.  Especially at the Yonge/Eglinton stop since due to the ongoing LRT construction, our bus stops in a TTC bus stop location, and we need to load and leave as quick as possible to our scheduled time.
  • WHEN ARE WALK ONS ALLOWED:  If there are seats left on the bus you can “walk on” if the trip status states Walk Ons are allowed and at what pick up locations.  There is a Walk On fee of $10.   
  • MUST REGISTER FOR LESSONS: Ski school plans for the number of students based on the number of registrations for the bus and drive-ups at the time of the deadline (Thursday or Monday night).  If you are not registered for a lesson you will not be able to participate in a lesson.
  • MUST WEAR A HELMET IN LESSONS: When taking one of the HPSC Ski School lessons you MUST wear a helmet.
  • LINE UP FOR LESSONS:  Line up for lessons is 10 minute prior to the start of lessons.  This allows the Ski School to arrange the classes.  You must be ready to start at the time of the lesson.
  • ENJOY YOUR SKI DAY!!!
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Special Wednesday Trip Open for All STEP Levels on February 12

Mansfield Ski Club

You might have heard about the fun on our Wednesday trips to private ski clubs but haven’t had a chance to experience it since instruction is usually restricted to intermediate and advanced skiers only.    However, as a special event for HPSC members newer to the sport we have opened up registration for the Wednesday trip on February 12th to Mansfield Ski Club to all levels and will be providing instruction for all STEPs. 

If you are just a beginner and want to experience what a private club is like, this is your opportunity to play hooky for the day and join the Wednesday HPSC crowd.  Remember to bring a health snack to share on the ride home!  Register here:

https://hpsc.ca/event-3690307?CalendarViewType=1&SelectedDate=2/11/2020

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Happy New Year!! Book your January ski days now!!

The New Year means the ski season is moving into full swing with four HPSC alpine day trips scheduled each week (Saturday, Sunday, Monday, and Wednesday). 

Caution – Don’t risk not getting on the daytrips you want. Sign up early and often!

The full January schedule is available for registration, so go in and book all of the daytrips you plan on going on.  As we did last year, we are guaranteeing to run at least one bus (except due to extreme weather conditions) for all scheduled trips in January and February.  A second bus will only be added if there is strong interest and we have filled the first bus, so it is best to sign up as soon as possible.   Our club is growing quickly, which means more sold out buses, so sign up early and sign up often.

Alpine Daytrip highlights in January:

January 11 @ MSLM: Member Appreciation and Double Double Lessons. You can take lessons both morning and afternoon with our own HPSC Ski Instructors, and then stay for a special Pizza après event for HPSC Members only. This is a Member only trip. The bus will depart at 6:15pm allowing for additional time to socialize and get to know your fellow HPSC members.

January 25: Alpine/Nordic Cross-Over Day – Downhill skiers and boarders are encouraged to try out cross-country skiing or snowshoeing with our fellow Nordic HPSC members at Scenic Caves.  At the end of the day is the annual Nordic Wine & Cheese event.  Nordic skiers are encouraged to cross-over and try downhill or boarding for the day at Mount St. Louis Moonstone.  As always, all HPSC members can take free lessons with our own qualified ski school instructors.

January 26@Blue Mountain:  National Ski and Snowboard Day and free HPSC Pizza Lunch.  Join the HPSC Sunday@Blue Crew to celebrate National Ski and Snowboard Day with one of our special pizza lunch events. 

Also open for registration is the special members only day trip to Holiday Valley on February 15.  This is the only daytrip we will be running over Family Day weekend.  No drive up option is available for this trip.

Don’t delay and risk not getting on the daytrips you want . . . sign up early, and sign up often. 

https://hpsc.ca/downhill-trip-registration-page
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What is a Walk-On and how do you pay for a trip? New Walk-On Procedure

When there are extra spaces on the bus, members are allowed to show up (usually at 400/7 only) and ‘walk-on’ the bus. 

However, there is a cost to this privilege – the club has reinstituted the $10 walk-on fee for all downhill daytrips to encourage members to not wait and to sign up before the regular deadline. 

And in response to requests, you can now pay electronically when you walk-on. 

Please follow the ‘walk-on’ procedure outlined below:

  1.  Check the Downhill Trip Status Page (link below) on the website to see if Walk-Ons will be allowed, and at what stops.  If the status is No Walk-Ons it is because the bus has sold out . . . please do not try to be a special walk-on.   
  2. Allow all registered members to get on the bus first and find a seat.  If you are at 400/7 please wait outside the bus until the Bus Captain indicates the number of available Walk-On seats. 
  3. Walk-On spots are on a first come, first service basis.  We cannot have more people on the bus than the number of seats. If there are more potential walk-ons than available seats, please discuss amongst the other potential walk-ons and the bus captain a fair and equitable process.  
  4. When allowed on the bus, find a seat and store your gear appropriately (no boots in the overhead bin).  The bus cannot leave until everyone has a seat and is seated.  You can socialize with your friends when the bus gets underway.
  5. The bus captain will make his/her announcements and will also state that the Walk-On module on the website and app is enabled (it will only be available when the bus is on the highway).  At this point you can go online on your smart phone to either the Wild Apricot for Members App or to the HPSC website and go to the event for the trip that also says WALK ON in the title.  You will be asked to pay for the Walk-On fee, your lift ticket option, and the bus fee (bus vouchers are not allowed for walk-ons).  NOTE:  You can still pay by cash if you choose.
  6. When the Bus Captain comes around to check you in, please let them know what your lift ticket option is and show them your proof of payment (either from the app or the confirmation email). 
  7. Enjoy your day!!  And remember to be back on the bus and in your seat at least 5 minutes prior to departure time. (If you are not coming back on the bus, please let the bus captain know at some point during the day.) 

https://hpsc.ca/Downhill-Day-Trips-Status

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Fantastic Kick Off to the HPSC Downhill Season!!

HPSC Kick Off and Test Drive MSLM December 7 2019

Hurrah!!! The ski season has begun!!!!!

It was a superb first day for our two buses to travel to Mount St Louis Moonstone on Saturday December 7! Sunny day, hero snow, lots of friends from High Park and many guests, skiers, snowboarders, beginners, experts. December 7th was also our first Test Drive trip of the season with over 25 guests checking out the club.  

On the following Monday, December 9th, a group of dedicated skiers and boarders also initiated the Blue Mountain season for HPSC.  Despite the light rain, it was a fantastic day!  And a little après at the Irish Pub in the village to top off the day, as well as some seasonal music on the bus ride home.  

There are still a number of trips scheduled before the New Year, including this coming weekend to Mount St Louis Moonstone on Saturday and Blue Mountain on Sunday.  Our instructors will be back from their training weekend in Tremblant. So get your shopping done early and avoid the crazy crowds at the mall . . . come skiing instead!  

After Christmas and Boxing Day if you want to test out your new equipment sign up for MSLM on December 28th or come on a special trip to Mansfield Ski Club on Monday December 30th.  

All of the January alpine daytrips are open for registration!

https://hpsc.ca/downhill-trip-registration-page

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Some Small Changes on Downhill Daytrips

Each year your Downhill Daytrips team attempts to improve the overall process of trips.  This year we have a couple of small tweaks to let you know about.

Liberty Village pick up: As previously announced, on two bus trips we will also have a pick-up location in Liberty Village on the west side of Lamport Stadium.  Please see https://www.hpsc.ca/Day-Trip-Pick-Up-Locations

Cashless Buses: Starting this year, Bus Captains will no longer be responsible for collecting cash on the bus for walk-ons or any other money. Any money owed will be recorded and will be billed onto your HPSC account.  You will need to pay the invoice prior to booking for another trip or paid event. 

Dedicated Bin for Ski School Instructors Equipment:  We have always asked that you allow our Instructors to get off the bus first so that they can get started at arranging for ski assessments and lessons.  However, most times they end up pulling off all of the skis from the bus to get to their own.  We are requesting that all Ski Instructors put their skis in a dedicated marked Instructor bin (usually Bin 4).  Members can put their equipment in any of the other available bins on the way to the resort.  On the way home, all skis/boards etc. (including Instructors) should be in the bin for their desired drop off location as is currently done.   

Rowan’s Law – concussion protocol:– In Ontario there is a new law regarding concussion protocols for young adults that all sports programs and sports clubs (such as HPSC) must follow.  All participants in HPSC (members and guests) 25 and younger must sign a waiver indicating an understanding of what they need to do in case of a possible concussion and ways to prevent concussions.  This is the reason that in registration we are asking if you are 25 or younger – it is especially important when you register any guest on a trip that we know if they are under 26 so that we can get them to sign the additional Rowan’s Law waiver. 

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Get some skiing in prior to the New Year!

Can’t wait to get on the hills – Neither can we! After our kick off on December 7, we have scheduled six more trips in December to choose from. 

Midweek Skiing: For those who like to ski mid-week and want to get some extra days in on their 5X7 or Ikon pass, we have a couple of trips to Blue Mountain (Monday December 9; Wednesday December 18). 

Get the Rust Off/Sleep In Days: Do you really want to do a ski assessment on your first run of the year?  For the weekend of December 14 and 15, while our instructors are off on their annual training excursion to Mount Tremblant, we are offering a couple of sleep-in “Get the Rust Off” days to Mount St. Louis and Blue Mountain respectively.  These are combo trips with our Nordic members, and since the entire day will be free skiing we have agreed to use the slightly later Nordic pick-up times (starting at 7:50 from Bloor/Indian Rd.)   Because we are leaving the city off a little later in the morning, we get to stay at the hills a little longer, allowing for more Après time!

Avoid the Crazy Mall Crowds – Go Skiing Instead: Get your shopping done early so you can avoid the crazy crowds at the mall on the last weekend before Christmas and instead enjoy the fairly empty slopes at Mount St Louis and Blue Mountain. December 21 and 22 our instructors will be back, so we are back to our regular trip schedule.

Can’t Wait to Try Out Your New Equipment?: For those who just got new equipment as a gift or on Boxing Day and just can’t wait to try it out, we have scheduled a trip to Mount St Louis on Saturday December 28.   

Avoid the Crowded Holiday Slopes – Ski with Us at Mansfield Ski Club Instead: Our last trip of 2019 is on Monday December 30 when we are off to Mansfield Ski Club for a special treat during the holiday break.  While the other resorts may be crowded with everyone else who just got new equipment, we will be skiing at a private club which prides itself on having fantastic conditions for it’s members and guests. And due to it’s closeness to the GTA we will be starting off a later than normal (first pickup is 8am from Bloor/Indian Rd.), which means of course more Après time in the afternoon.  Celebrate an early New Year with your HPSC friends!    

https://www.hpsc.ca/downhill-trip-registration-page