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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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High Park Ski Club in Social Media

Do you know that we have LinkedIn profile? Connect with us to share our love for winter. Volunteering for the club is also a great way to contribute, to learn and to grow. Linkedin has a special section in personal profiles for volunteering – this is where you can connect with the club’s profile. We’ll be looking for new volunteers for the Board’s position for the next election terms. Election night is planned for April 30. Join us also on Facebook, if you are not part of the group yet – for live updates, content sharing and  connection with other members. Follow us on Instagram as well.  

https://www.linkedin.com/company/high-park-ski-club/about

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Race Line

Welcome to another season of racing at High Park Ski Club. The club races are open to all club members (skiers and snowboarders) and are a fun way to challenge yourself and your friends. Racers participate in different categories based on skill level so everyone has a chance to win.

Continue reading “Race Line”
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New Years resolution – celebrate!

Let’s make a commitment and a goal to stay active for the entire winter and to finish the season strong! Join me and others for Members Appreciation Crossover day on January 25! I will be leading a group of downhill guests/ snowshoers.

Last year at Tremblant in March one of our members – snowboarder (a regular race winner) has challenged me to try snowboarding, as I’ve tried all club’s sports except snowboarding. I have promised in Snobiz that I will give it to try at our Double Double day. As Double Double lessons day was approaching I had to evaluate my promise before my registration for the day trip. Even though I found a perfect board with high hills in Jasper, in the spirit of New Year’s resolutions I have to stay true to myself… As I am in the big life challenge and change phase already right now – looking for the new job opportunities, I will stick to skiing and snowshoeing to keep the stress and risk levels under control.

I will continue to promote snowboarding with all available to me methods. We had 6! snowboarders in Jasper and we have higher than usual number of snowboarders signed up for Tremblant 3 trip. Ski or ride – let’s enjoy what we love doing, all together!

And Double Double day trip was cancelled due to the freezing rain – double confirmation of my intuition. The safety and positive experience of our members are the most important! Now we ask all members for help… please do the snow dance!

Stella, HPSC Volunteer President

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New member snowboarder – from rookie to rockstar in one season

Ani is riding Marmot Basin mountain in Jasper, just one year after the step 0 lesson with HPSC

Ani has joined our club last year at the members appreciation event with double double lessons of ground zero snowboarding. A year later at the same time Ani is sharing photos and videos of his accomplishments on the black diamonds in Jasper. Experts snowboarders, who are mastering the skills for years and took many big mountain trips over the years, are impressed. Ani has expressed the gratitude to HPSC instructors for spending time with him at MSLM , teaching him new skills, helping to do the drills and mastering the moves. Ani now has higher mountain dreams – Japan, Europe, more places in the West, maybe even moving closer to the mountains, if “working from home” can be stretched that far.

I’ve asked Ani: “How did you achieve such an amazing progress in the short period of time? ” Ani was very sincere and emotional: “I was there every single Saturday, man!” Ani means it, when we hit the dance floor on New Years eve – Ani was first to dance, when we share the notes of the day – Ani is fully engaged. Living life to the fullest, eh?

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“Crossover Day” is back!

HPSC’s marketing and communications directors – both downhill skiers – tried their hand at cross-country last year! Photo cred: Heather Steel

It’s our annual tradition of introducing downhillers to the pain and joy of a sport that gives you an actual work out 😉 It’s Crossover Day!

Late return means beautiful light at the end of the day! This is why we ski! Photo cred: Heather Steel

We head to Scenic Caves where we’ll have plenty of opportunities for beginner lessons, guided snowshoeing, and a lovely wine and cheese party at the end of the day in the log cabin.

Scenic Caves is located in Collingwood and has a lovely set of ski and snowshoe trails along the escarpment. Beautiful views of Georgian Bay await, and take the opportunity to walk to the impressive Suspension Bridge!

Don’t miss it! While the trip is full, we’re hoping to make this a two bus party. Get yourself on the waitlist. If there’s enough people and conditions are good, we’ll send you all up!

Surprise – there’s wine and cheese!
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Long Trips Second Bus to Tremblant

The interest in our March trip to Tremblant has been very strong. To accommodate the lengthy waitlist, we added a 2nd bus. Waitlisted members were given priority to sign up last week so now there are just 18 open seats left on bus #2. Yahoo, what a party! Over 100 keen HPSC skiers giving Tremblant a go. But don’t overlook the many seats still open to other resorts. Our trips are lots of fun and a chance to get away for a holiday at a big mountain resort. Here’s what is available:

Holiday Valley-1, 1 seat,

Holiday Valley-2, 12 seats,

Mt Ste Anne, 5 seats,

Lake Placid, 21 seats,

Tremblant March, 18 seats

Silver Star, 1 seat

For details and to register, go to the website homepage and login. Cancellations happen from time to time so be sure to check the status on the homepage. Where you see, “On Sale”, there will be at least one seat open.