SCSC kicked off the ski season with a FABULOUS start. Forty members along with seven children were fortunate to enjoy the annual Fall Roundup trip in Winter Park at Thanksgiving.

Our flight into Denver was pleasantly uneventful, with members getting acquainted and making new friends. We were greeted by light snow in Denver, which continued on a daily basis. When we arrived at The Vintage Resort Hotel, members made ski plans with each other while welcome packets, lift tickets, and TSC credentials were distributed.

On Wednesday morning, we awoke to spectacular views of the ski area and the Continental Divide. Fresh, powder snow was falling and we were all anxious to ski! At the complimentary breakfast, Craig Campbell, our Race Director, signed up 60 percent of the adults for racing. Afterwards, we either picked up our rental equipment or headed for the mountain. Some of the children signed up for a day of fun at the Winter Park ski camp while other first time skiers hit the bunny slope or took lessons. Later that evening, we met skiers from the other clubs at the TSC Welcome Party. A great time was had by all, as we compared the day’s experiences and socialized with one another.

Thanksgiving Day started out with more falling snow, which allowed the resort to open even more trails and lifts. After another great day of skiing, almost everyone from SCSC joined together for a fantastic Thanksgiving dinner. We took the gondola lift up to the Sunspot Restaurant and feasted on a delicious meal at an elevation of 10,700 feet. Not only was the food great in quality and quantity, but the view of the valley lights below was beautiful. It looked like a winter wonderland. Some of the group included Ross and Diane Baker with boys Matthew and Andrew; Michael and Lisa Solana-Carter with daughter Camille; Michael and Sheila Testa with daughter Madeleine; Kelly Cosby with daughter Katy; Jackie and Tom Walne with daughter and son-in-law Stephen and Stacy Reeves, and grandchildren John and Sarah Reeves. We were also joined by Stacy and JR Ronczy who drove in from Denver with Susan Blome.

On Friday morning, twenty-four members participated in the Texas Ski Cup Challenge Series races. Led by our race director Craig Campbell, our team included Diane and Ross Baker, Darlene and George Hirasaki, Barbara Della Longa, Bill Bomberger, Bob Olsen, Bob Wray, Brenda Soileau, Dale Allbritton, Evan Lowe, Gary Johnston, Jose Araujo, Keith Kirkman, Kelly Cosby, Larry Landers, Matt Sabo, Michael Testa, Pilar Gonzalez, Roger Holzman, Ron Brandow, Sharon Simandl and Tor Lileng. The race was exciting and a lot of fun even though many racers failed to realize NASTAR changed their handicap chart this year, making it harder for racers to earn medals. Nobody from SCSC won a gold or silver medal, however, eight skiers earned a bronze medal. Congratulations to Diane, George, Dale, Evan, Jose, Keith, Pilar, and Sharon.

The Individual Races were held in the afternoon and SCSC sent eight of their fastest racers to compete. The roster included Diane, George, Dale, Evan, Jose, Keith, Pilar and Sharon. In this race, Diane placed second in the Women’s Open Class, George placed second in the Men’s Super Senior Class, and Dale placed third in the Men’s Senior Division. Congratulations on your great  performances! For complete details on your race results, check out the NASTAR web site at www.nastar.com. (Click on “Check Race Results”, select “Winter Park Resort”, select the two results for 11/26/04.)

In the evening, SCSC had a private pizza party that could best be characterized by the contagious laughter coming from multiple tables. While the adults ate, several children chose to play in the video arcade and game room. When the pizza party ended, several groups congregated in rooms to continue partying. Tor also lead a group into town to continue the fun and thus started the infamous search for “The Bucket,” noted for where you can have a beer, do your laundry and catch a flick at the same time.

Saturday morning was very special because our hard-working TSC-VP Jerry Montgomery had made exclusive arrangements for everyone in TSC to experience “First Tracks”. About 15 members ventured out for this early event and were well rewarded. Matt described his first two runs as “AWESOME” while Bob said this was the “highlight of the trip”. Ross commented, “We should try to get “First Tracks” included on all our trips!“ Skiers simply raved about this experience!

The Awards Dinner/Dance party was a lot of fun and included a Silent Auction, music with a DJ, and dancing. As with all of the TSC functions, the food was superb. At the party, we learned SCSC racers had won Division 1. Our efforts had paid off! The competition was tough but we had garnered 659 points to Lone Star Club’s 560 and Austin Club’s 360. A big thanks to everyone who raced and helped our team win!

Highlights of the trip were many. Carmen Mikhail, Chau Nguyen, Larry Landers and Lisa Monroe spent a heavenly day at the Hot Sulphur Springs Resort & Spa. The 22 sulphur spring pools contained mineral water that was heated between 98º and 112º. While the pools were very soothing to strained ski muscles, it was the pampering from hot stone massages that had everyone talking of  going back again.

There was also the ongoing rivalries (in fun) between the die hard skiers “Cats” and “Big Dogs.” The "Cats” were lead by SCSC’s McKenzie who was nicknamed “Garfield.” “Garfield” and her kitty litter consisted of Carmen, Jose, Pilar, Roger Holzman, and sometimes Lisa, Barbara, Larry and Michael. The “Big Dogs” included Keith, Sharon, Bill, Diane, Ross, Dale, Bob, George and Darlene. Unfortunately, Lisa had been skiing with the “Cats” but got separated. She decided to make several runs with the “Big Dogs” but hit some bad snow and twisted her knee. Lisa later devised some “Words of Wisdom from a Rookie.” She advises that you should NEVER try to ski with the “Big Dogs.”

Do you ever notice that just when your goal is right there within your reach something happens to pull it just beyond your reach? Well, don’t tell Bob, but I am afraid that the ring may have been relocated just a few more seconds away from him.

You remember my article from the December issue. Bob built this huge ski ramp in the backyard. He was planning to use it to practice his race starts so that he can shave off those few seconds that he needed to be a real contender for the gold NASTAR medals. He actually built it and it is awesome. With this ramp, he can practice all summer long and is sure to shave off those critical seconds.

Well, you are not going to believe this, but NASTAR just completely revised its criteria. They made the time for all the medals about 7% faster. If this is not the biggest bummer that has hit our race fans, then I don’t know what is. That means that Bob will have to get 2.5 seconds faster instead of 1 second faster. This is a major bummer for me too, because in the past I was actually able to win a Bronze. I am afraid that my medal days are over, at least between now and when I hit 85 years old, and thank goodness that will be a while. As far as Bob is concerned, last weekend it snowed in Houston. The ramp (Ski Mountain Bob) was covered with fresh powder in the yard, beckoning him to come out and give it a few runs. The real bummer was that he actually had a snow-covered ski mountain right in his backyard and he did not use it. I am afraid the raising of the bar by the NASTAR people really got to him.

I am hoping that his new skis, the ski mountain and the next few ski trips will bring back his mojo. He will fly down the NASTAR course and shave off whatever more seconds he needs to win the Gold. He will show them that it does not matter howmuch they increase the criteria: he will get that Gold. Check out the NASTAR website (www.nastar.com) and read about their changes. I am planning to write a letter to them. I mean really, at least they could have given us a season’s notice and warned us.

Hello SCSCers. This is Marsha filling in for Lori (who is still the smiling face in the photo) while she is skiing the fabulous slopes of Snowmass – one of my favorites. We have had lots of interest in our trips this year. Unfortunately, these days, the resorts have stricter contract commitments/penalties that force us to cut the trip size to accommodate only those participants that have paid by the deadline. The good news is that Heavenly Valley has (as of January 7) a couple of spots open on the long and short trips. Whistler also has several spots available. So don't miss a chance to ski and party on the slopes with SCSC this season.

And remember those evaluations the TCs hand out after the trip – seriously think about where you'd like to ski next season and let us know. Also, it's not too early to start thinking about helping out next year as a TC or ATC. In fact, if you are considering doing so, watch the leaders while on your trip and ask them questions. They will be glad to share their experiences. Just don't do this during a hectic time - like at an airline ticket counter or while they are handing out credentials or lift tickets! Ha! It’s too late to say Happy Holidays - so Happy Skiing!