| Trip sign up night on Sept 26 was a great success! Almost all members were able to sign up for a spot on the trip of their choice. HPSC is the premier destination ski club with more spots to the ski areas that you want to go to. One of the ski destinations that you may not know about is Lake Placid, New York. We will stay in the newly renovated Grand Adirondack Lodge on the main street of the lovely town of Lake Placid. Downhill skiers will ski at Whiteface Mountain located in the beautiful Adirondack mountain range. It has a vertical of 3,430 feet, making it the highest in the eastern USA. Cross-country skiers will ski the Olympic XC trails at Mount Van Hoevenberg which has recently built a new spacious lodge. Transportation to both sites will be provided by our HPSC luxury coach. Downhillers can also take the town shuttle if they wish to get up later or return earlier. This is a 4 night trip with 4 full buffet breakfasts. Add on three days of downhill or cross-country skiing in peak snow season, February 23-27, 2025 and you have the makings of a great HPSC vacation trip! Please see the details on the website and note that this trip is available for sign up now. Finally, a reminder that our overnight bus trips to Mont Tremblant and the Eastern Townships will go on sale on Thursday, October 24 at 8pm sharp! Details on the website. |
President’s Message – Happy Thanksgiving!!!
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 27th, 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 20th – 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 31st. As of November 1st 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
Long Trips Sign-up
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It’s almost here! Sign-up will open at 8pm sharp on Thursday, September 26 for the following trips: Sun Peaks 1 & 2, Banff 1 & 2, Jasper, Lake Placid Combo trip and Killington. Sign-up for the 4 Mont Tremblant trips and the Family Day Eastern Townships Downhill trip will open at 8pm on Thursday, October 24. We’ve worked hard to put together another interesting line up of trips with more spaces on HPSC’s favourite Ikon pass destinations, like Sun Peaks, Banff and Mont Tremblant but also return to other HPSC favourites, like Lake Placid and Eastern Townships.
If you are signing up for yourself and a roommate, be sure to complete both parts of Stage 1 on sign-up night to indicate that you are signing up for a double room with a roommate and that you are paying the $100 deposit x 2 for both you and your roommate. Some members did not complete both questions and unfortunately only registered themselves and we want to help you avoid this mistake. Note that it will be up to you to settle up with your roommate for their initial $100 deposit. You will provide your roommate’s name by email to the trip leader, after you have finished the registration. Alternatively, you can each register and pay separately, but there is no guarantee using this process that you will both be successful in getting onto the trip.
It’s a great time to review the list of helpful tips for roommates before signing up for a trip.
Helpful Tips for Roommates
If possible, HPSC trip leaders will try to match you with someone who is in your age group, ski level, early riser, or nighthawk. On some trips, this is not possible if there are only a few singles to be matched. However, respectful communication and common courtesy will ensure that both parties will have a great ski trip, and may even form a long and lasting friendship.
Here are a few tips to help you.
1. Recommended quiet hours and lights out for a ski trip would be between 10 pm and 7am. You and your roommate can mutually agree to modify these hours which may also have to change on travel days. To be clear, this means no lights or sounds from mobile devices or computers. If you need to use these, please go to the lobby or find another spot in the hotel so that you do not disturb your roommate.
2. Beds / Storage – Agree on which beds you will take. Allocate separate and equal areas within the room to keep your bags stored, and split the closet and drawer space evenly.
3. Temperature – Leave the standard settings unless you and your roommate agree to a change.
4. Towels – Allocate the standard towels provided in the room evenly. If you need more, order more for yourself, but use only your assigned towels. Agree on where you will each hang them.
Note that if you have been identified as a loud snorer, require a CPAP or white noise machine, you need to sign up for a single room, or sign up with a roommate who is aware of them in advance and has agreed to room with you despite these conditions.
President’s Message – And Away We Go!!
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 26th (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 24th. 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 75th 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
Ikon Group Sale Pass continues…but not for long!!
Our Group Sale for Ikon Passes will be coming to an end on September 6 at 5pm. Lots of info here.
We have had a great response, and are poised to award a refund equivalent to an Ikon Base Pass to SIX lucky members!
The Ikon Pass can be used for unlimited skiing at Blue Mountain and Tremblant, with no blackouts.
If you have already purchased a 5×7 Pass for Blue, but are thinking maybe you would have been better off getting the Ikon Pass, note that you can get a full refund for the 5×7 by telling Blue the order number for your Ikon Pass. It’s easy!
The pass can be used on our trips as follows:
Blue Mountain Ikon Base Pass (unlimited)
save $69-$159 per day
Tremblant Ikon Base Pass (unlimited)
save $170-$365*
Killington Ikon Base Pass (5 days), Ikon Pass (7 days)
save $270**
Panorama Ikon Base Pass (5 days), Ikon Pass (7 days)
save $405
Japan Ikon Base Pass (5 days), Ikon Pass (7 days)
save $455
Val Gardena Ikon Base Pass (5 days), Ikon Pass (7 days)
save $680
Sun Valley Ikon Base PLUS (5 days), Ikon Pass (7 days)
save $925***
Sun Peaks 1 Ikon Base Pass (5 days), Ikon Pass (7 days)
save $500
Sun Peaks 2 Ikon Base Pass (5 days), Ikon Pass (7 days)
save $455
Banff 1 Ikon Base Pass (5 days), Ikon Pass (7 days)
save $485
Banff 2 Ikon Base Pass (5 days), Ikon Pass (7 days)
save $515
*Tremblant prices are not yet published. Savings shown are from last season.
**Killington prices are not yet published. Savings shown are from last season.
***The Ikon Base Pass is not accepted at Sun Valley. You can purchase the Ikon Base Pass through our Group Sale, and then upgrade to the Ikon Base Plus through your Ikon Pass online account. Or, you can buy the full Ikon Pass through our Group Sale.
Contact me with any questions
Russ Harding
Long Trips News
We were all heartbroken to see such devastation to such a beloved and iconic destination as Jasper, Alberta. Although many residents very sadly lost their homes, our tour operator has confirmed that there was no damage to the Crimson Hotel or the Marmot Basin ski resort. We firmly believe that it will help the town recover if tourism continues, and at this point plan to do our part by continuing with our trip to Jasper in March 2025.
Spots have been added on the Panorama early start trip and optional Ski With the Pros course. Sign-up for the added spots and the rest of our Western Canada trips will be held on Thursday, September 26 at 8 pm sharp. Sign up for overnight bus trips on Thursday, October 24, also at 8 pm sharp. Check out our website for more information. Full details available later in the summer. You can’t beat the wide variety of HPSC trips. There truly is something for everyone!
President’s Message – The Excitement Builds!
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 75th 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 28th 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
Call for Instructors!
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| Hi everyone! Our Downhill Snow School is looking for enthusiastic snowboard and ski instructors for next season. You will make friends for life, have a chance to help other members of the club to improve, and get access to a whole new world of development. Volunteer instructors also get some perks that help defray the cost of teaching, including: Lift ticket or pass reimbursementTransportation to/from the hill Cost offset on long trips when you teach/guide Access to our great afternoon sessions, Tremblant training with level 4s, and instructor training reimbursement Small stipend ….plus, we have a TON of fun on snow and off snow! Qualifications to teach with us include one of the following: CSIA level 2+, OR CSIA level 1 + HPSC Instructor Training, OR CASI level 1+. If you are keen to help your fellow members, have a good attitude, and have met these requirements, please reach out to me at downhillsnowschool@hpsc.ca to express interest and to get access to our application form. We are recruiting until August 30, 2024. Christine Bellerose Director, Skiing and Snowboarding |
Long Trips Update
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| We were blown away by the response to our early sign-up for five of our long trips on June 20 with several trips selling out within minutes and waitlists forming. We’ve been able to extend the deadline to sign up for Japan until July 15. For Japan, we have a terrific trip leader who has travelled to Japan numerous times. Don’t miss this unforgettable opportunity to travel to this bucket list destination and experience the legendary Japow snow! We were also able to add space on the Panorama early start trip and optional Ski WithThe Pros course. Unfortunately the Val Gardena, Club Med France, and Newfoundland trips are full and no further spots can be added. Sign up nights for the rest of our amazing trips will be held on Thursday, September 26 for charters and Thursday, October 24 for overnight bus trips. Again this year, there will be two trips to HPSC favourites Sun Peaks (both to the popular Sun Peaks Grand Hotel), and two to the Banff Aspen Lodge, along with a March break trip to Jasper, Alberta. Also not to be missed are four trips to our most popular destination, Mont Tremblant. Along with the usual December and March weekend Tremblant trips, there are two mid-week trips, one in February and one in March. HPSC returns this year to the Eastern Townships, Quebec Family Day, Lake Placid Combo trip (cross country / downhill) and the always popular Killington, Vermont. Check out our website for more information, full details available later in the summer. You can’t beat the wide variety of HPSC trips across a spectrum of price points. There truly is something for everyone! |
President’s Message – Less than 40 days
Dear friends,
Hope you are all having a fantastic summer so far!
In less than 40 days your membership renewals will be sent out – it seems just like yesterday that we were celebrating the end of last season.
However, since then we have opened up most of next season’s charter trips for registration (the remaining charters will open in September) and have been running our successful Ikon pass group sales program (which closes around the end of August), which has resulted in at least 6 pass refunds which we will draw for at the AGM in September (date is TBD). As well, we are working on plans for our special 75th anniversary season.
One thing that I can confirm right now is that we will once again have a booth at this year’s Toronto Ski & Snowboard Show. I am happy to report that the show has returned to the far more accessible Exhibition grounds. It will be in the Better Living Building, October 25 to 27. Plan to attend.
We are currently working on a survey that will go out to all members in the next couple of weeks – please take a few minutes to participate. The results will guide development of plans for next season
SnoBiz is our primary communications vehicle regarding club activities. I encourage you to read all of the articles in each edition to learn about what is going on in the club and important upcoming events.
Cheers!
Justin Graham
President, High Park Ski Club