March Newsletter (click here)

Piette’s Post

Our trip to Big White ended after last month’s Post was submitted.  Most of you know that I had to drop out of the trip at the last minute.  I would like to recognize and thank Heidi Janowski, Ron Quick and Kevin Klasen for providing great leadership for Big White.  The trip had significant challenges from the start.  Alaska Airlines altered the schedule for the Saturday group late in September.  The Friday flight was canceled 2 ½ days before departure.  Each of these changes created problems for our travelers.  Once people arrived, they were faced with poor weather throughout the week, with the exception of a bluebird day on Friday. 

I received a number of comments from people regarding the issues.  Most of people that shared their thoughts with me were complimentary of the leaders and the entire group for making the best of situations that could not be controlled.  Some people compared the conditions to those that occur closer to the coast.  Although Big White is much further from the coast, this unusual event had a significant impact.  If we choose to select a trip to this region in the future, it is likely that we would be hundreds of miles further north. 

I was also asked if we should have canceled the trip when airline issues arose.  The problem is that we sign contracts with the resorts well in advance of the trips.  For example, we signed a contract last summer to go to Beaver Creek March 1 to March 8, 2025.  The contracts include limited flexibility to drop condos and rooms based upon the number of days prior to the trip. It is also very difficult to find lodging for a group once we get within a year of the trip.

Prior to joining the ski club to participate in trips, I learned to enjoy the simplicity of choosing what trips to go on, packing and writing a check for less money than I could travel on my own.  I have been on a couple of trips where conditions were not ideal.  But I have had amazing experiences as well.  The powder days I experienced at Breckenridge (48 inches), Aspen (25 inches), and last year in Salt Lake (100 inches) include three of the best powder trips I have been able to enjoy.  I also enjoy going to places I would never have gone on my own.  Lake Tahoe, Sun Peaks, Whitefish, and Banff are on that list for me.  Consequently, I remain committed to continuing to help our club meet the wishes of our members for great ski trips.  

I do appreciate the feedback from everyone and the understanding of the situation by most of the people that reached out to me.  The Board is interested in your thoughts.  Please feel free to share your ideas by sending a note to me at President@gelandesprung.org.

Finally, the trip to Searchmont is March 22- 24. Although the trip signup period is past, you could call us to see if a hotel room is available if you want to go.

Tom Piette