| Looking for a way to get in shape for ski season or work on your technique in the off-season? Roller skiing is cross-country ski specific dryland training that will achieve both goals! It’s also a fun sport in its own right.In conjunction with Ski Fit, HPSC is offering members a chance to try it out in High Park. In small groups (we have four pairs of roller skis), we will cover safety, the basic manoeuvres, how to slow and stop, how to cross uneven pavement, and point out hazards and how to avoid them. We will also cover equipment and where to get it and good places in the city you could ski. Lesson options: October 1, 9:30 – 10:15 am October 8, 9:30 – 10:15 am October 22, 9:30 -10:15 am Location: High Park. Meet at the Grenadier Cafe parking lot. Equipment: Bike helmet (mandatory) Ski boots (mandatory – see below under booking) Gloves (any kind, mandatory) Optional, but highly recommended: knee and elbow pads. Spills on concrete can happen leading to scrapes. But we will be doing slow manoeuvres on flat pavement. To book your spot: email crosscountry@hpsc.ca with the date you are interested and the type of ski boots you will bring (skate NNN, classic NNN or classic/skate SNS with the older Profil bindings that have one metal bar. If you have SNS bindings with two bars, we don’t have skis for you). If you have your own roller skis, you are welcome to attend. Heather will confirm your participation prior to the first session. Heather SteelDirector, Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing crosscountry@hpsc.ca |
HPSC Annual General Meeting 2022
The Annual General Meeting is an important and legally required event for the club. This is the chance to discuss the past year, review our financial position and find out plans for the upcoming year. There are a number of standard motions that are required to be passed for the club to function, as well as any proposed changes to our club By-laws. So I personally want to thank all of the members who took the time to attend our AGM on September 20 at the National Yacht Club in person or virtually. With those in-person, online, and with a number of proxy votes we were able to reach the required quorum and therefore proceed with the meeting.
Just some highlights . . .
After two years of the pandemic, we are in very good shape financially, basically breaking even, due in part to cost containment, a shortened season, as well as windfall revenue from a couple of investments that came due this past year. For specific information, please read the AGM Report available on our website under About Us/Club Documents. You need to be logged into the site to access this file.
We were also able to pass a number of by-law changes regarding member meetings. The pandemic forced upon us the use of virtual meetings for our AGM and Election over the last two years. Now that things are opening up and we are able to resume in-person meetings, we wanted to update the By-laws to recognize the use of virtual or hybrid meetings and how voting during such meetings should be done. In addition, the definition of what constitutes quorum was made clearer; as well adding clarifications regarding the use of proxy votes.
Justin Graham
President
President’s Message – Welcome to Fall!
| I have always loved the fall!! Last week we officially moved from summer to autumn with a very distinct change in the temperature. The fall also means moving closer to the ski season and more activities of the club. Over the last month or so, many of you have expressed your faith in HPSC by renewing your membership or joining for the first time. Thank you! We have also held a successful social pub night and there have been two very successful long trip sign-up nights – some spots are still available on a number of charter trips. SkiFit has resumed every Saturday morning in High Park with a good number of core participants as well as some new and potential members each week. We held our Annual General Meeting last week as a hybrid meeting with members attending both in person at the National Yacht Club and virtually on Zoom. Over the next couple of months, the long bus trips will open for registration (October 13), we will be releasing our day trips schedule (as they are finalized with the resorts), holding information nights for members and potential members (TBD), communicating what the procedures will be for day trips and for the first time in many years, we will have a booth at the Toronto Ski + Snowboard Show (October 28-30).Finally, since the next edition of SnoBiz will not be sent until after the holiday weekend, I want to wish all of you a very Happy Thanksgiving! Cheers! Justin Graham President |
Long Trips Still Available!
Our members want to travel! The August sign up night was a success. I am happy to say that within a few days of selling out the first trip to Club Med Serre Chevalier in France, we were able to add a new trip the week before the first trip. Members on the waitlist were given first choice on the trip and this trip is also now full. For the Whistler trip, our tour operator opened an online payment portal to simplify the payment process and keep your data secure. HPSC worked with the tour operator to test out this new process. Adding a new trip with Merit Travel and implementing a new payment portal for Skican trips would not have been possible without the close partnerships we have with our tour operators.
Don’t miss the upcoming dates for sign up:
Open now – Jackson Hole, Whistler, and Club Med Charlevoix, Quebec – some spots still available. Look on the website for the detailed descriptions of these awesome destinations.
Thursday, September 22 – 8 pm – Registration opens for charter trips to Banff, Sun Peaks and Jasper
Thursday, October 13 – 8 pm – Registration opens for bus trips to Tremblant (3 trips), Holiday Valley, Killington, Orford, and Jay Peak.
Once trips are open for registration, they will stay open until they are full or until the space must be released. Sign up early so you don’t miss your chance to enjoy your mountain adventure!
Reminder – to register for any trip you need to be a current member of the club. If you registered for one of the trips in the first sign up in August, if you have not done so yet you MUST renew your club membership by tomorrow, September 15, to retain your spot on the trip. After September 15 if you have not renewed your club membership your spot may be released and you will lose your deposit. Do You Have a Ski Pass?
The ski pass world that has evolved over the past few years has resulted in higher demand for some destinations and unfortunately high lift ticket prices. The good news is that requiring registration for some destinations and increasing the lift ticket prices, will result in a better experience on the slopes without huge crowds.
If you already have a ski pass that covers the destination, you do not have to pay for lift tickets. With the lift ticket component removed, below is a quick comparison of our remaining HPSC charter trips, all in CAD$ (including all taxes and fees).
Trip costs without lift tickets (Lift ticket costs and Land only options available)
Jackson Hole: $1,705 (Single supplement add $515)
Whistler: $2,060 (Single supplement add $1,160)
Sun Peaks: $1,920 (Single supplement add $615)
Banff: $1,555 (Single supplement add $749)
Jasper: $1,740 (Single supplement add $595)
Full prices including lifts tickets, and land only pricing are available on the website.
COVID update – If you sign up for a long trip (charter or bus) you will be required to meet the government guidelines in effect at the time of travel in Canada and at your destination country. This may mean providing proof of vaccination and booster status. Masks will be required on the bus portion of trips. HPSC recommends that you ensure you have adequate medical and cancellation insurance and carefully review the dates and limitations on refunds.
Kim Wiebe
Director of Long Trips
President’s Message – The season of renewal
 Dear HPSC friends, September has always been a time of renewal. When we were children, September was the beginning of the school year (and still is for many of our members who are teachers). It is also the time when our HPSC memberships come due. If you have not yet done so, please take advantage of our early bird rate of $150 until October 31. Over the last week, I was very happy to meet up with many of you at our first social event of the season on Thursday September 8 at The Swan, and at the first SkiFit of the year on Saturday. The turnout for both events clearly shows there is pent up demand for social connection and makes me very optimistic for the upcoming season. I was also pleased to meet so many new members. Thank you all for coming out. We are planning more socials for over the fall and winter. And of course, SkiFit happens every Saturday morning in High Park – registration opens each Tuesday prior to the session. One of the new members asked me what makes HPSC different, and I mentioned what I have said many times, that HPSC is a community. That people may join the club for a sport, but what keeps them returning is the friends they make, the community of fellow members. You should have also received the official notification regarding the Annual General Meeting to be held on Tuesday September 20. We are once again holding a hybrid meeting with an in-person option (at the National Yacht Club) and a virtual option (via Zoom). The AGM is an important event for the running of the club at which we present the financial results of the previous season, as well as discussion of what the club accomplished. The AGM also is when changes to the by-laws are approved (or rejected). All those registered to attend will be able to vote (both in-person and on Zoom). If you have not yet done so please register to attend the AGM here. If you are not able to attend, please fill out a proxy and send to president@hpsc.ca. Justin Graham President, HPSC |
Club Med Serre Chevalier – New Trip Added!
Our early trip sign up night was popular with members. We’ve been able to add another trip to Serre Chevalier in France and have contacted the members on the waitlist first. Please check your email and respond before 7 pm on Sept 1 to confirm your spot if you were on the waitlist.
On Friday Sept 2 at 8 pm, any remaining spots will be offered to the rest of our members.
A reminder of the upcoming dates for the rest of our trips…
Now – spots still available for Jackson Hole, Whistler, and Club Med Charlevoix, Quebec. Look on the website for the detailed descriptions of these awesome destinations. Lift ticket prices will be going up for Whistler and Jackson Hole so lock in your pricing now.
Thursday, September 22 – 8 pm – Registration opens for charter trips to Banff, Sun Peaks and Jasper
Thursday, October 13 – 8 pm – Registration opens for bus trips to Tremblant (3 trips), Holiday Valley, Killington, Orford, and Jay Peak
Once trips are open for registration, they will stay open until they are full or until the space must be released back to the tour operator. Sign up early so you don’t miss your chance to enjoy your mountain adventure!
Reminder – you will be able to register if you are were a member this past season, but MUST enew your membership for the upcoming season by September 15 to hold your early registration spot on a long trip. After that date, your spot may be released after that, and you will lose your deposit.
COVID update – Unfortunately many of us have learned the hard way that we are still dealing with the realities of Covid. If you sign up for a long trip (charter or bus) you will be required to meet the government guidelines in effect at the time of travel in Canada and at your destination country. This may mean providing proof of vaccination and booster status. As always, HPSC recommends that you ensure you have adequate medical and cancellation insurance and carefully review the dates and limitations on refunds.
Last Call for the Ikon Pass!
Our Ikon Pass Group Sale is scheduled to wind up September 1. The club has organized trips to numerous Ikon Pass destinations such as Jackson Hole, Banff, Killington, and three trips to Tremblant. And of course, many day trips to Blue Mountain.
Our Group Sale not only gets you a better price, it also gets you a chance to win an Ikon Base Pass (or equivalent refund)!
The Ikon Pass provides access to 50 destinations, so if you wish to venture out on your own in addition to the club trips, there are many options. Plus, there are numerous discounts on food, beverages, and retail shops (10% for the Ikon Base Pass, and 15% with the Ikon Pass).
Adventure Assurance comes free this year with every 22/23 Ikon Pass. Designed to alleviate uncertainty while providing flexibility for Ikon Pass holders, Adventure Assurance gives pass holders credits in the case of COVID-related closures and the option to defer the purchase price of an unused pass by December 8, no questions asked.
Have you already purchased a Blue Mountain Pass? The 5×7 Pass is quite popular with our members. If you purchased this pass and are now realizing that the Ikon Pass would have worked better for you, I have good news. If you buy an Ikon Pass or Ikon Base Pass, you can get a refund for your 5×7 Pass! The Ikon Pass gives you unlimited access to Blue Mountain 7 days a week, with no blackouts.
If you have already purchased an Ikon Base Pass, you can still upgrade to the full Ikon Pass. Simply login to your Ikon Pass account, View Account, and look for the upgrade link near the top of the page. It is presently $400 to upgrade to the Ikon Pass, and $250 to upgrade to the Ikon Base Plus Pass ($CDN).
https://www.ikonpass.com/en/compare-passes
Contact Russ Harding at ikon@hpsc.ca for further details if you are interested or have questions.
Special note regarding Jackson Hole
Jackson Hole is one of the greatest ski destinations in the western USA with one of the very best authentic western towns. There are many excellent dining experiences with local gourmet choices like elk, bison, local trout and of course beef. If you are a fan of the Yellowstone series, you will enjoy the fabulous scenery and proximity to the Elk Refuge and possible day trips to Yellowstone Park.
Our HPSC trip is in peak season, January 21-28, 2023 and the price without lifts is only $1,705. You’ll need to add lifts if you do not have an Ikon Base Plus pass. The cost of the 5-day lift pass from the tour operator is $1,125 (a sixth day for an additional $230).
If you have not yet purchased an Ikon Pass and are interested, please contact Russ Harding (ikon@hpsc.ca) to purchase an HPSC group Ikon Pass. The sale price for the Ikon Base Pass is $1,039 pass and then you will need to upgrade to the Ikon Base Plus for an additional $250. Note that the HPSC group sale is scheduled to end as of September 1, so sign up now!
If you have already purchased the Ikon Base pass and are interested in upgrading to the Ikon Base Plus pass for the Jackson Hole trip, the cost is an additional $250 or if you would like to upgrade to the Ikon Pass, the additional cost is $400. All passes also provide full access to Blue Mountain and Tremblant.
Reservations are required to guarantee access to the resort. This applies to all Ikon Pass holders as well as advanced ticket purchasers. Reservations are scheduled to open as of August 1. The LTC tracks major holidays, and there are none during our week in Jackson Hole. So, we do not expect any issue with trying to the desired dates for reservations, though we recommend making your reservations as soon as you can.
President’s Message – The Dog Days of August
August 17, 2022
Growing up mid-August was always a bit exciting for me. The CNE was about to open, which meant visits to Toronto by my aunts, uncles and cousins; the weather would start to turn a little more comfortable (I really hate hot humid weather); and the last two weeks before Labour Day were always my Dad’s vacation period. Labour Day has always represented a new year for me. As a member of High Park Ski Club, mid-August also means we are starting to gear up for the upcoming season. For example, this week’s edition begins our regular two-week cycle of SnoBiz until the end of next April.
Over the next few week’s, you will be receiving information on renewing your club membership for the upcoming season. The good news is that we are keeping membership fees at the same level as last year – early bird rate until October 31st of $150 (+tax); after November 1st the fee increases to $170 (+tax). New member rate is $150 (+tax) for the entire season.
As you will read below, something new this year, we have a number of our charter trips going on sale next week. As long as you are a valid member for the 2021/22 season (or have renewed your membership early) you can sign up; however, you have up to September 15th to renew your membership to keep your spot. Please read the Long Trip article in SnoBiz carefully.
Regarding our planned COVID protocols for the upcoming season. As mentioned in the last SnoBiz, the club will still require members to wear masks while on buses for all trips. However, moving with current public health guidelines, we will no longer require proof of vaccination to participate in any club activity. The caveat of course is that if public health rules change, HPSC will need to adjust protocols. As well, as noted in the Long Trips article in SnoBiz, members will need to still follow all vaccination requirements and rules for the locations travelling to. For example, vaccination proof is still currently needed for non-US citizens entering the United States. While we are not requiring vaccination proofs this year we still encourage all members to do whatever they can to stay healthy.
On a different topic, If you have ever thought of becoming an HPSC Ski or Snowboard instructor, now is the time. The club is currently recruiting for new instructors. If you are interested, please contact our Director of Snow School, David Manning at downhillsnowschool@hpsc.ca . Due to the planning required for the season, applications need to be received by August 28th.
September also kicks off a number of club activities – SkiFit will begin as usual on the first Saturday after Labour Day (September 10th). As in the past couple of years registration will open each week on the Tuesday prior to that week’s session. This year we will also be able to revive our weekly brunch after SkiFit at The Grenadier Café.
We are planning a Social event in early September (details to come in the next SnoBiz).
And finally, please mark September 20th on your calendars for the club’s Annual General Meeting. The AGM will be held in person at the National Yacht Club with an online Zoom option as we did for the Election night last April. The official announcement will be sent in the next couple of weeks.
I am really looking forward to chatting with as many members over the next coming months as we prepare for what we all hope will be a fantastic year on the snow!
Cheers!
Justin Graham, President
High Park Ski Club
2022 HPSC Election Candidates
Candidate for President – Justin Graham
I have been very proud to be your President the last two years – years that have likely been the most challenging the club has ever faced. Leading our very strong Board of Directors I believe that we have made the tough but correct decisions for the club, and that we have been transparent and fair in our decisions.
I am very proud that despite the challenges we have faced we have been able to provide our members the opportunity to get out to enjoy the winter and to connect with fellow HPSC members, while following the public health guidelines.
Last December after very short notice by our previous bus company (Pacific Western) that they were shutting down their Ontario operations, as President I was able to quickly locate and negotiate an agreement with a new bus partner (Attridge Coach Lines) in time for our 2022 season.
Before becoming President in 2020 I participate in most of the activities of the club (most weekends on alpine daytrips; a couple of snowshoe trips per season; a couple of long trips per season; SkiFit in the fall; Climb the Mountain each year; and many social activities) which allowed me to develop a good sense of the various subgroups of members that make up our fantastic club.
We really are only as strong as a club as the connections we make with each other! My desire when first elected as President was to ensure that our members continued to develop these friendships and as a result strengthen our club. However, during my term it has not been as conducive to achieving this goal as I would have liked, which is one of the reasons I would like to continue to be your President.
HPSC Volunteer Experience
- President (2020-22)
- SkiFit group leader (Fall 2018-21)
- Alpine Bus Captain (2017-2022)
- Alpine Daytrips team lead as Assistant Director of Alpine Daytrips (2019/20 season)
- W6 Killington trip – Trip Leader (February 2020)
- HPSC Volunteer of the Year – Gold (2019/20); Silver (2018/19); Bronze (2017/18)
- Alpine Daytrips – Bus Captain co-oridnator (2018/19)
- Re-wrote Alpine Bus Captain Training Manual (2018/19; 2020/21)
- Assisted Communications and Marketing teams by creating and editing a lot of the website content (2018/19)
- Assisted Social Director in planning and organizing social events (Fall 2018)
- Continuous member since 2007; pervious member 1987-1993
Profession and Education
- Professional public opinion/market researcher for more than 25 years
- MA, Public Policy and Administration
- Bachelor of Business Administration, Marketing major
Candidate for Director of Administration – Karen Snow
I grew up in Barrie and first learned to ski at Horseshoe. I used to go night skiing occasionally, but I didn’t really take up skiing until I moved to Toronto.
A friend of mine told me about High Park Ski Club in 2002 and I have been a member ever since. When I joined, I was still snowplowing my way down the hill. Participating in the lessons has greatly improved my skiing and my confidence. The HPSC instructors are well trained and really care about your progress. I still remember my first ski trip with the club to Quebec, what an experience! I look forward to many more trips. Not only does this club improve your skiing but it also enriches your social life.
Over the years I have volunteered on the Social Committee and as an Ambassador. In 2020, I decided to take on a larger role as Director of Administration to give back to a club that has given me so much.
Over the last two years, I guided the transition from a physical club house to our current virtual club house setup. As well, in my role of Director of Administration last fall I conducted the successful search for a new liability insurance policy after we (and all other ski industry clients) were dropped by our previous insurance broker.
[Incumbent Director of Administration 2020-22]
Candidate for Director of Communications – Suzanne de Grandpré
Having grown up in Alberta, I started skiing in Banff and Whistler during university. After a hiatus of a number of years, I moved to Toronto and wished to get back into skiing. I didn’t even know people skied in Ontario until I joined High Park Ski Club, of which I have been a continuous member since 1998.
My time in the club has consisted of everything from day trips, overnight bus trips and, of course, the charter trips which I eagerly anticipate every year! The club has given me the opportunity to ski in Europe and destinations in the U.S., both west and east. I have made many friends and gained many fond skiing memories over the years. The excellent instruction I received from our amazing instructors has taken my skiing to new levels.
As a volunteer, I have been Volunteer Coordinator, Social Director, co-trip leader and bus captain for many seasons.
When asked by the President to take over the position of Director of Communications, I was most honoured to join an extremely hardworking Board. My goal in continuing in this role is to provide members with clear and concise dissemination of information and to use our various platforms to enhance the club experience. I would like to thank my predecessor, Nemanja Davidovic, for his assistance as I transitioned into this role.
I look forward to continuing to serve the club as Director of Communications and working with this great team.
[Acting Director of Communication 2021-22]
Director of Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing – Heather Steel
I discovered the club in 2011 and haven’t looked back! I live outdoors in the summer and was looking for something to keep me active and having fun in the winter. I found the club online, and, having never cross country skied before, I took the plunge and joined.
The 2011 Scenic Caves New Year’s Eve trip was my first experience; I remember tons of snow and a very friendly welcome…and I was hooked! Since then, cross country skiing has become my primary winter activity, a sport I could not imagine living without, and the reason why winter is my favourite season.
In 2013, I became race director and in 2018, I passed my CANSI Level 1 and became an instructor. I also became the Director of Cross-Country in 2018. Joining the club has been an amazing experience in more ways than I could have imagined, with wonderful friendships formed and new skills developed (I can finally skate ski!). With everything the club has given me in the past 11 years, it’s important to me to give back and help us continue the amazing work we do.
I am particularly proud of the cross country side for developing a fun and supportive community of skiers. It’s my goal as Director to continue developing that community, working with the Board to introduce new people to cross country skiing and growing the volunteer ranks of our community. A project manager in my day job, I bring the leadership and organizational skills necessary for this type of role, combined with a tireless love (or, some might say, obsession) with cross country skiing. See you on the trails!
[Incumbent Director of Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing 2018-22]
Candidate for Director of Downhill Day Trips – Amy Lam
I love being active and being outdoors. In past winters, I casually went skiing with friends, but never took any lessons or joined a club. In 2018, I wanted to improve my skiing skills and meet other skiers. I googled “ski club” and found High Park Ski Club’s website.
Since being a member, I have been blown away with the quality of lessons and trips the club offers. My skiing has greatly improved since taking lessons with the awesome HPSC instructors. In my second year I started to volunteer as bus captain for Saturday alpine trips, which I also did this season. I have such a blast meeting members, and being part of such a positive, active and winter-loving community. In 2020 I decided to stand for the Director of Social Activities, since I love seeing the joy that social gatherings bring to members. While that has not been possible during the pandemic, I have learned a lot being part of the Board of Directors in how decisions are made and how the club runs.
When Erika Clark decided to not seek re-election as Director of Downhill Day Trips, I was very honoured to be asked by both the President and by Erika to consider running for Director of Day Trips.
I look forward to moving the club back to a more normal downhill season next year.
[Director of Social 2020-22]
Candidate for Downhill Skiing & Snowboarding Director (Snow School) – David Manning
When I joined HPSC in 2006 as a first-time skier, I thought I’d learn to ski and have a better winter. Little did I know that the club would change my life! High Park gave me the gift of skiing and snowboarding, training as an instructor, and an amazing circle of friends to share this gift with. My commitment to the club is to give an exceptional experience to the next generation of downhill skiers and riders. Backed by our talented snow school director and executive, I empower our snow school to successfully meet the needs of our learners. My qualifications include attaining CSIA level 3 partial (teaching), CSCF Entry Level, CASI-2 partial, ICP-2, and a master of education from Athabasca University.
[Incumbent Director of Snow School – 2020-22]
Candidate for Director of Finance – Clark Seadon
Skiing continues to be a huge source of adventure and excitement in my life. I started as a downhill skier, ski raced for my local club in Edmonton, then while living in Vancouver I threw in a little back-country skiing, and after that lots of family ski trips from Toronto. Now I get the most enjoyment and challenge out of XC skiing which is why I joined the Club three years ago. I have been absolutely delighted to find so many people who enjoy winter.
In terms of Finance, I am currently the Club’s Finance Director and am running for another year. Over the last two years we’ve implemented faster payment processes and I’m looking forward to refining and improving these. I find my career as a banker and being a CPA/CA has stood me in good stead. Overall, I continue to look forward to helping members enjoy skiing while ensuring the Club remains financially sound.
[Incumbent Director of Finance – 2020-22]
Candidate for Director of Information Technology – Alex Radulescu
My first time on the slopes was when I was around age 11, learning to ski at Glen Eden. By the time I was able to ski comfortably down blues, I decided to try snowboarding. Maybe I was overconfident, but I was going down greens on my first day! Although by the time I was in high school, I stopped all winter sports until after I finished my post secondary education. I now want to perfect both my snowboarding and skiing, so you’ll be seeing me switching every week.
I have been the Director of IT since 2018 and still excited to give back to the club. I’m volunteering to help maintain our platforms and try to provide easy to use solutions for both the volunteers and members to make it a more enjoyable experience! If you have any suggestions or want to help out please reach out.
[Incumbent Director of IT – 2018-2022]
Candidate for Director of Long Trips – Kim Wiebe
Long trips are my passion and after working as your acting Long Trips Director since last fall, I’m delighted to confirm my dedication to this position in an election. Being nominated by the prior Long Trips Director to take on his role, is a great show of confidence.
It’s a big portfolio but I have a solid record of achievement planning bus and charter trips for the past 15 years and have been the leader of the small team who plan and execute charters within the Long Trips Committee (LTC).
I have the support of the Long Trips Committee (LTC) to continue as their leader and have the support of the current HPSC Board and President to continue as Long Trips Director.
Being involved in negotiating charter and bus contracts is exciting but this role comes with a lot of detailed administration, people management, decision making and a major commitment of time. Although previous Director, Bill Bates, had been hoping to pass on the torch earlier, he waited until I retired from my full-time job (as an accountant) to start fully transitioning the role.
Planning successful trips for the club means evolving with change and keeping your finger on the pulse of where members want to go. Having personally skied at most of the destinations is a key factor in knowing what can work. Providing a variety of trips that will appeal to our long-term members, new members, Ikon pass holders, retirees and working members means planning for weekend, mid-week and week-long trips across a spectrum of price points.
Establishing relationships based on honesty, trust and integrity is critical in obtaining the best deals from our ski industry suppliers. Members deserve fairness and the knowledge that policies and pricing is being fairly applied to all members without special exceptions.
My pledge is to continue to offer the best trips, to the best destinations and best overall value for our members.
[Acting Director of Long Trips – 2021-22]
Candidate for Director of Marketing – Rocco Romeo
My first skiing experience happened when I was 21 years old. A college friend convinced myself and another friend that he could teach us to ski. That weekend we drove up to Horseshoe Valley. With rented skies standing on top of the top of the hill we waited for our first lesson from our experienced skier. He said “watch me” and began to ski down the hill. We watched him slowly disappear from sight and then we both turned to face each other. Dumb faced and after some deliberation we decide to give it a try. Sliding and purposely falling down to control our speed we managed to complete the run. Surprisingly that day didn’t make me stop going but helped me find the joy of skiing.
I joined HPSC in 2010 and was immediately impressed with the lessons I was getting from the ski instructors. I looked forward to the morning lessons and eating lunch together made it possible to develop friendships and ski together in the afternoon.
In 2012 I became a HPSC instructor. I find teaching and passing on knowledge to our members to help them achieve their goals very rewarding. Not only has the club enriched my life I have made many lifelong friends along the way.
Previously I have volunteered on the Social Committee. Now I feel it’s time to give back in a larger capacity that will allow me to use my skill set. I am a Digital Marketing Designer. A creative thinker with experience building brand awareness and launching new products. My goal as the new Marketing Director will be to ensure the club is visible and the target audience is engaged.
Candidate for Director of Membership and Volunteers – Jack Ran
I grew up in downtown Toronto and got to ski about once a year as a child. Our family didn’t have a car, so accessing ski resorts became a much-anticipated event for me to enjoy around Christmas time. Then, as life got busy and the demands of school, sport, and other activities got in the way, I didn’t get to go again for many years. Once I graduated university, I started looking for ways to access ski resorts as a non-driver – another consequence of growing up downtown. This was the moment I discovered HPSC.
Since joining, I’ve participated in many day trips, from skiing to snowshoeing, and have had the most incredible time learning from great instructors and making new friends. I have profound appreciation for all the HPSC volunteers who make these incredible winter experiences possible for those like me and hope to pay it forward through volunteering for the club.
I hope I can make new members feel as welcomed as I did when I first joined!
[Jack has been shadowing our current Membership Director Ruth Schefter since January]
Candidate for Director of Social – Jennifer Beatty
I grew up in Calgary, Alberta, and learned to downhill ski in Banff. I have skied several hills in Banff, as well as in Golden and Whistler, BC.
I moved to Toronto in October 2018 for a job in marketing and was looking for something to keep me active in the winter. That’s when I discovered the High Park Ski Club and it’s been the best thing I’ve done since moving to Toronto! Having never cross-country skied before joining the club, I advanced from Classic 1 to Classic 3. This past season, I went on a number of downhill trips with the club. I made some great friends and had tons of laughs along the way!
As a marketer in my day job, I was excited to use my skill set as Director of Marketing for the last two years. However, I’ve viewed social events as a critical strategy for attracting and retaining members and enhancing the overall value proposition of the club, keeping our club strong for years to come! As part of the Board, over the last two years, I have provided many ideas and suggestions on possible social events for the club (which unfortunately due to the pandemic we were not able to do).
When asked by the President to consider taking on the Director of Social role I was excited to put my name forward. I look forward to continuing to serve our members as part of the Board of Directors in this new role.
[Director of Marketing 2020-22]