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It is interesting that after two years of having to make major policy decisions, this year has been a horse of a different colour. We have been faced with different types of challenges trying to get back to normal. And our current weather has not helped. However, for those who have gone on trips, I understand they have still enjoyed themselves.  

We are currently halfway through our season, meaning that our final month of downhill trips will open soon. Please don’t delay registering. Since the weather has a larger impact on cross-country resorts, those trips open much closer to the date of the trip. Please check the trip descriptions for when they are available for registration. 

While overall, trips have run smoothly, there have unfortunately been a couple of transportation related issues that we are working through with our bus company. Please let me reassure you that I take these incidents seriously and have expressed our displeasure and concern with the bus company.  As we always have, we provide them with detailed information on pick-up locations and times and expect they will follow the schedule as close as they can.  Having drivers that do not know where they are supposed to pick up and when, or directions to the destination, are a major issue that I have raised with Attridge Coach Lines. We are also currently working on an internal system so that we are informed promptly when there appears to be a bus delay, and are able jump on it quickly, and then communicate with the different pick-up locations.  

On the topic of buses, one thing that many new members may not be aware of, is that you do not have to get on at the location you select when your register.  Or get off there either. If you accidently sleep in and miss your pick-up time and are able to get to one of the other locations, that is fine. On the return trip you can arrange to have someone pick you up at an earlier stop or you can jump on the subway. The only thing we ask is that you put your equipment in the bin of where you plan to get off.

To rebalance the length of time various members spend on the bus, last year we instituted a change to our downhill drop off order.  For background, previously members who got on first at Bloor and Keele (at between 6:45 am and 7:00 am) were the last to be dropped off resulting in these members being on the bus for a total of up to 6+ hours during a typical day trip – which was unfair. To balance this out, we revised the order on the return trip to continue in the west end after the 400/7 drop off. This drop off order had already been instituted on our cross-country trips. South of the 401, the 400 turns directly into Black Creek Drive and ultimately Keele St.  After dropping off at the Keele Subway station, the bus then continues back to Davenport & Yonge, Yonge & Eglinton and finally Yonge & York Mills. With this new drop off order, no members end up spending half of their day on the bus!  

I hope that everyone is enjoying the season and having a fantastic time on our various trips.

Justin Graham

President, High Park Ski Club

The High Park Ski Club has a long history of, and is dedicated to, bringing people together to enjoy the winter. It is important that the Club provides an environment that allows everyone to enjoy the activities we offer. We want to remind everyone that the Club absolutely does not tolerate any sort of bullying or harassment.

Each year we require that all members read and acknowledge our Code of Conduct which includes the following in the very first paragraph: “Club members are responsible for respecting the integrity and dignity of each and every club member, as well as our suppliers including tour operators, resort personnel, and bus drivers. Members maintain a companionable environment that is free of profane, sexist or sexually explicit language, threats, violence, or hurtful actions.”  

HPSC encourages any member with complaints regarding Code of Conduct issues to contact the Club Ombudsperson, Kerry Kupecz, at ombudsperson@hpsc.ca . The Club takes all complaints seriously and fully investigates them.

Please read the full article here.

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

Dear HPSC Friends:

I hope everyone had a fantastic and restful holiday season and is looking forward to a great HPSC season.

This week marks the return to a more normal season – including the recent weather. While we would all love to have full snow cover and consistent lower temperatures, historically, especially here in Toronto, that has not always been the case. A thaw in January is actually very common. This is why ski resorts start as early as possible making snow to build up a base (and pack it down) to help withstand warmer temperatures and rain. 

This brings me to an important point – we do not cancel downhill day trips due to weather unless it severely impacts member safety. (Cross-country is a different case, because rain and especially rain followed by lower temperatures can result in icy trails and be very dangerous for our cross-country members.)  We also do not cancel trips based on long-range forecasts – since these can be notoriously unreliable. 

The other thing to keep in mind is that the weather/conditions in Toronto rarely reflect the conditions at the resorts. A couple of degrees discrepancy can make a huge difference between rain and snow – just look back to pre-Christmas when Toronto received mostly rain with a little bit of snow, while fairly close, just south of Lake Ontario in the Niagara region was under severe blizzard conditions. 

We would all love perfect bluebird ski days every time we go out, however that is not probable, which is why such days are so special. I hope that everyone who is going on this weekend’s trips has a fantastic time!

Justin Graham

President, High Park Ski Club