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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

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

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

I don’t know about you, but this time of the year for me has always been one of building excitement. When I was child, this was the CNE time and everything that offered, as well as looking forward to the beginning of school. I still get that sense of excitement as we count down to the beginning of September. 

September 1 marks the beginning of our membership year. The good news is that we are not raising membership fees this year. The early bird renewal rate till October 31 remains at $155 (plus HST). This is also the new member rate for the entire year. As of November 1 the renewal rate is $170 (plus HST). 

September also marks the beginning of our SkiFit and Brunch program on Saturday mornings in High Park. This is a great opportunity to get moving prior to the ski season, to meet up with old friends or to make new ski club friends.  All are welcome and we have programs for all levels of fitness.    

The fall also kicks off our social events season – we are planning some fun socials for our club’s 75^th anniversary year.  Please continue to read SnoBiz and checking the website for information. 

As we prepare for the season we are also reaching out to our members to gain feedback about the club. If you have not done so yet, please participate in our membership survey that was emailed out this past weekend.  You can also click on this link  to access the survey. 

This is the last of our summer editions of SnoBiz.  The next edition will be on August 28^th which will then begin our schedule of bi-weekly editions until the end of April. 

I am sincerely looking forward to meeting and chatting with as many of you as possible over the next few months. 

Cheers!

Justin Graham

President, High Park Ski Club