News

The 28 members of the Chattanooga Ski Club just returned from Mammoth Mountain, California where the snow was good, the weather was great, and the comradery was fabulous.  25 members of our group flew out of ATL on a very early morning Southwest Airlines flight to Reno via Las Vegas.  We then boarded a bus, went to Walmart Super Center for groceries, and then enjoyed a 3.5-hour bus ride to Mammoth, finally arriving around 6p.  All flights and bus transfers both going out and returning were on time.  Three trip members flew into Bishop Airport, and met the rest of us at the Juniper Springs Resort. 

The Juniper Springs Resort is conveniently located right next to the Eagle Lodge and Eagle Express Lift, and also has 3 outdoor hot tubs, a heated pool and a small exercise gym.  On Sunday, the Resort provided us with a welcome breakfast, and gave us a general overview of the resort, and the mountain.  We then split up into small groups of about 8, and were given a very nice 4-hour skiing tour of the mountain. 

We had a decent base of 30+ inches of packed snow at the base.  Mid mountain and peaks had much higher snow totals, though some areas of the mountain had less snow due to the way the winds blow across the mountain.  We received new snow on Saturday night, and again on Tuesday night which helped with the overall ski conditions.  Unfortunately, three people had injuries while skiing.  Two were reasonably minor, while the third one will require patella knee surgery. 

On Tuesday night, the group went to The Mammoth Brewing Company BrewPub for beers, dinner and Trivia.  We were split into three different teams for trivia, and one of our teams took 3^rd place out of about 20 teams total!  It was a fun night for sure!  On Friday we held a potluck get-together in two different condo rooms.  Lots of good food and drinks were shared and enjoyed!

A number of people rode the gondola up to the top of the mountain for a 360 view of the mountain and surrounding valleys.  All-in-all, it was a very good trip!

Hey There, Hi there, Ho there,

Well, everyone, our next meeting will be at Flat Duck, yes Flat Duck with Hilda March 5^th, and make sure you mark your calendars, and we will see you there.

Let us try and make the next meeting special with everyone coming and making a big presence.

Remember, the meeting is at 5:30 with social hour and the regular meeting starts at 6:30.

See you there.

THE SAME OLD, SAME OLD……

After just getting back from Snowmass, and going on ski trips for over 30 years, I think that you can slot up and expect exactly what most weeklong ski trips will entail with all the events, hooks and crooks that will go along with the following itinerary which seems to run the same year after year:

Saturday: Everyone gets up early and drives to Atlanta or catches a shuttle to the airport at 4:00 am to catch 6:00 a.m. flight.   

This is the beginning of the physical shock to the body.

A three hour flight west, getting on another shuttle, getting groceries, and finally getting to the resort after, at the very least, a three to four hour drive from the airport. No one sleeps well at night due to the high altitude even though dead tired and after drinking to remove the day's burdens.

Sunday: Get your skis on and it is a little dicey for a while until you obtain your balance. Learn the nooks and crooks of the mountain from a ski map you cannot read and sit down for a $40.00 hamburger and fries with tip.

Couple of drinks and another sleepless night.

Monday: More comfortable on skis and more probable than not you will fall on the slope, or the ski lift this day. After falling you think how stupid you look, which is not half as uncomfortable as you feel. The shock to the body intensifies with another night of sleeplessness and feeling inferior to the altitude and snow conditions.

Tuesday: Get up late, ski hard enough for your legs shake all over at the end of the day. Go out to eat and know that you will have to take out a HELOC loan on your home just to pay for the food charges on your credit card this week. Sleep a little better but get up numerous times during the night to pee.

Wednesday: You take the day off to go and look at the town. Yes, it is pretty much the same as it was 10 years ago when you were there last, and you go to the resale shop and spend money on a coat that looks a lot like the one you bought at another resort five years ago that you have not worn since.

Sleep half the night, swear to wear the coat you bought on the way back home on the plane. You begin to  realize the nagging distresses your body has taken with the skiing, the lack of sleep, and drinking to date has worn you completely out and your total  night’s sleep will be perhaps four hours if you are lucky.

Thursday: Ski all day and curse the lifts for closing when they do.

Friday: Make sure you do not hurt yourself any more than you have during the week. Go in early, pack, and get ready to go home.

Saturday: Up early 3:00 or 4:00 am, take a long bus ride to the airport, longer flight home, and get in bed if you are lucky before 3:00 am on Sunday. It does feel good to be able to breathe again.

Also, before you go to bed you swear you will never do this again.

THEN IT HAPPENS,

You unpack and you look outside the back yard of your home and you visualize the sheer beauty of the mountains you skied on and all over the week before.

You realize while you were skiing you were able to transcend everything in your life that you feel bad about by making carved turns, pounding snow crud, and forgetting any of the difficult things of living day to day. Everyone that skis feel they are one with the mountain whether on a bunny slope, blue run, or black diamond.

You feel this elation for weeks after the trip and everyone you ski with feels this wonderful rush also. It is a blast and a high just like smoking crack cocaine (I know you know what I am talking about). And like a drug addiction, you understand you will never feel this high again unless you go back to the mountain and go through all the hassles that begin on a Saturday and end one week later going home. Most definitely a drug for the ages, this skiing thing.

Roxy Music said many year ago”… ah …. ah catch that buzz, LOVE is the drug I am thinking of….”

And if anybody has gone on a ski trip this year, hopefully, we will be cursed but remembering the beauty and the wonder of mountain snow will be the drug that we all think of for some time most certainly all during the steamy hot summer of 2024.

See you at the next meeting,

Ashley

Hey there, Hi there, Ho there,

Big news, no Ski Club meeting for February!!!!! With so many people being in Snowmass it is best to wait till March. Like myself, we will have to do the best we can.

THE GOOD STUFF

We all know the thrill of fresh powder, the exhilaration of a good turn, and the camaraderie of sharing the slopes with friends. But unfortunately, injuries are also a part of the lift ticket that we buy when we ski.

Mammoth was the great equalizer to some of us that went on the trip and if anyone is  currently sidelined with a knock or a break, this newsletter is for you.

First things first, with the short-range plan: Healing vibes your way! We know it's frustrating to be out of the action, but rest assured that your body will work hard to recover. Take this time to listen to your doctor, follow your rehab plan, and be kind to yourself. Remember, a full recovery is worth the wait.

Secondly, the long-range plan: go about getting in the best shape ever after you heal. Find a gym or join the YMCA and make yourself a new person. 2025 ski season is less than a year away.

While you're on the mend, there are plenty of ways to stay connected to the ski community and keep your ski jones/stoke alive. Here are a few ideas:

• Become a virtual cheerleader: Follow your favorite ski resorts and athletes on social media. Cheer them on from the sidelines and relive the epic moments of the season.
• Brush up on your skills: Watch instructional videos, read technique articles, and even take online courses to improve your knowledge for your next run.
• Plan your next adventure: Research new destinations, dream up powder lines, and get excited about hitting the slopes again. Definitely book a trip for next season!
• Connect with fellow injured skiers: Share your experiences, offer support, and find inspiration in online communities or forums dedicated to ski injuries. You're not alone in this!
• Focus on other activities: While you can't ski, you can still stay active. Cross-training exercises like swimming, biking, or yoga can help you maintain your fitness level and keep your spirits high.

Remember, an injury is just a temporary setback. Use this time to recharge, refocus, and come back stronger than ever. We'll be here waiting for you when you're ready to hit the slopes again!

In the meantime, this newsletter will be your one-stop shop for news, inspiration, and support for injured skiers.

In the meantime, take care and keep your spirits high.

Joke of the month:

Did you hear about the man who lost his left arm and leg in a skiing accident?

He ended up being all right !!!!!!!

See you soon,

Ashley

Hey There, Hi There, Ho There!

Fresh powder, crisp air, and endless runs - Winter Wonderland awaits!

Happy New Year, Chattanooga Ski Club family! As the snowflakes flurry and excitement builds, we're thrilled to kick off 2024 with our January newsletter, packed with news, upcoming events, and plenty of ski strokes.

Highlights:

• Gnarly Get-Together: Join us for our annual monthly meeting January 2^nd 2024. Gear up for the season, meet everybody before and after the meeting and enjoy everyone!

Here's the game plan for getting in shape for the ski season:

• Cardio Champs: Dust off your running shoes, hit the trails, or crank up the tunes for some indoor spinning. Building endurance is key to conquering those powder-hungry legs.
• Core Crusaders: Squats, lunges, planks – they're not just for the gym! A strong core keeps you balanced and stable on your skis, tackling moguls and steeps with confidence.
• Stretching Saviors: Don't underestimate the power of a good stretch! Keeping your muscles limber prevents injuries and lets you move with effortless grace on the slopes.

Buddy Up: Grab your fellow powderhounds and head for group workout sessions! Misery loves company, but motivation thrives on camaraderie. Remember:

• Start slow and steady: Don't jump into intense routines without warming up. Listen to your body and avoid overtraining.
• Find your fun: Mix it up! Hiking, biking, swimming – any activity that gets your heart pumping is a win.
• Fuel your engine: Eat healthy and stay hydrated. Your body needs the right fuel to build strength and resilience.
• Make it a lifestyle: Pre-season prep isn't just about a few weeks in December. Think of it as an ongoing commitment to keeping your body happy and ready for action.

Let's turn pre-season training into a blast! Organize group workouts, share your favorite healthy recipes, and challenge each other to keep the momentum going. As the snow starts to fall, we'll be a fit, focused, and stoked squad ready to unleash our inner shredders!

See you on the slopes,

Ashley

HEY THERE, HI THERE, HO THERE !!!!

Greetings from the snowy slopes of north Hamilton and Bradley County!

As the festive season approaches, we at the Chattanooga Ski Club  extend our warmest wishes to all our valued members. The year has been filled with exhilarating adventures on the slopes, and we are grateful for the camaraderie and shared passion that brings us together.

December News: We will not have a club meeting due to the Christmas Party. We will have our next meeting in January.

Looking Back on a Thrilling Season

This past ski season has been one for the books, with an abundance of snow and plenty of opportunities to carve fresh tracks. We witnessed our members conquer challenging trails, celebrate personal milestones, and forge lasting friendships. The slopes have been our playground, and we have cherished every moment spent gliding through the winter wonderland.

Upcoming Events and Activities

As the new ski season gears up, we are thrilled to announce the following exciting event for our members:

CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY CLUB PARTY: Join us for a festive gathering on December 12th at RED WOLVES STADIUM in EAST RIDGE for an evening of laughter, good cheer, and delicious food. It is the same place as last year, but we are adding all the things that will make it a special time for all. Sign up on the ski club web site now while we still have openings.

Season's Greetings and Gratitude

As we bid farewell to another remarkable year with the ski club, we express our heartfelt gratitude to our members for their unwavering support and enthusiasm. Your passion for skiing is the driving force behind our club, and we of the club Board are honored to be a part of your winter adventures.

On behalf of the Board of the club, we wish you all a joyous holiday season and a prosperous New Year. May the slopes be filled with laughter, camaraderie, and unforgettable moments.

Happy Holidays and Happy Dreams of Shredding!

Ashley

HEY THERE, HI THERE, HO THERE,

HALLOWEEN EVERYBODY!!!!!!!!

This is the time of year when the ghouls come out to play, and we of the ski club are no exception. Whatever plans you have, make sure you come to the Halloween party at the Flat Duck Farm with Hilda and Wilis Jones. Be there and let’s celebrate Halloween in style.

Make sure that you wear a costume. The most creative and original costume will not win a prize but will hopefully impress all who are there.

Do not worry, no pumpkin carving contest. Leave your knives and guns at home.

Of course, there will be candy, cookies, and drinks for everyone.

P.S. Remember, please be careful on your way home from the from the party. There may be witches and goblins lurking in the shadows.

P.P.S.If you see a talking jerk dressed up, don't be afraid to say hello. It will probably be me.

CHRISTMAS PARTY TOO!!!!!!!

Remember the Christmas Party is December 12^th. Sign up on the website and get ready for a great time. We are at the same Red Wolves stadium at East Ridge as last year, and we have tweaked the drinks and menu so everyone will be content.

SIGN UP NOW!!!!!

SNOW HUMOR

Please note the following as the highest of ski humor:

What do you call a snowman with a six-pack?

An abdominal snowman.

What do you call a snowman on rollerblades?

A snowmobile.

What's the difference between a ski instructor and a mutual fund?

Eventually the fund will mature and make a little money!

How do you get a snowboarder off your porch?

Pay him for the pizza.

All for now.

See you at the next meeting,

ASHLEY

HEY THERE, HI THERE, HO THERE,

Well, we feel it in the air -- we ski in four months.

Thank goodness the summer is over but thank goodness we had a great time at the SUP party on Saturday the 14^th.

We had over 20 people attend and Sunshine, who spoke at the club a month ago, brought SUP boards and gave lessons on how to use a Stand Up Paddle Board properly. Yours truly was the first to fall off his board and hit the water hard but as the old saying goes,” …you just flop down on top and kick your legs like can-can dancer, and, wow, you are right back on.." (that was either a Twain writing or something I read in Playboy years ago).

Next year, make sure you can attend. Nearly everybody got up on a board and one deranged individual could not stop singing Jimmy Buffett songs while standing and paddling (the derangement of the casual ski club member is greatly underestimated).

The SUP  party was fun but in October it is a HALLOWEEN PARTY AT HILDA’S. Man, it does not get any better than this. Yes, we will have music, food and more hoots and goblins than you can shake a stick at. Everyone dresses up, or comes ready to act up, so let’s enjoy the best of what the fall has to offer at Hilda’s wonderful barn at Flat Duck in Georgia. Miss Tenn. v. Alabama; miss the crowning of the King of England’s love child; or miss aliens wanting to take you on a ride around the block. But do not miss the HALLOWEEN PARTY.

AND NOW THE REAL STORY

Here are some of the latest trends and developments in snow skiing:

New ski technology: Ski manufacturers are constantly developing new technologies to improve the performance and durability of skis. Some of the latest innovations include:

ELECTRIC SKIS- Due the success of the electric bikes, expect to have electric skis on the slopes this winter. They will include ambient lights, Apple Pay, and in crashes, they say they are electrifying!!!

VAPING HELMETS- Not that skiing is enough to keep everyone engaged, new vaping helmets will aid the average bored skier by allowing him to vape and ski and enjoy the best of Colorado’s most fabled cash crop at the same time. Man, how impressive!

PORT-A-POTTY SKI SUITS- Yes,we are all getting older, boys and girls, and how many times had we had to go to the bathroom while we are midway up a lift with a bunch of snowboarders? No more embarrassment, you can both pee and poop in the new suits and still have a full day of skiing. However, the suit must be thrown away after each use, and you get to put them in the same diaper disposal as babies and small toddlers. Sort of seems to have the full circle thing going around with those ski suits. doesn’t it?

JAMES BOND SKI POLES- This year you will be able to have ski poles that can be used as swords in case of emergency and to store your favorite cocktail on the inside of the poles when you are ready for your après ski party.  Remember, the cocktails in the poles will be …”shaken not stirred…”

I’VE BEEN THERE DONE THAT SKI GOGGLES- Okay, everyone wants to do Corbet's Couloir at Jackson Hole, but nobody wants to drop 40 to 50 feet down a narrow passage and try to survive the rest of the way.  With these new googles it takes the information about your skiing done during the day on green slopes, and lets you wear them at night superimposed in your goggles going down the Couloir and making you feel  as if you are really skiing on a ski slope of death.  I think this is the very best thing going. And now that all the ski resorts are in it’s memory, this year they say they are going to try and get the movie …DEBBIE DOES DALLAS ... for next year as an optional app. Wow just Wow.

SEE YOU AT THE NEXT MEETING,

ASHLEY

HEY THERE, HI THERE, HO THERE,

Well, the dog days of summer are almost over, and you can almost taste the sweet smell of cooler weather in the air. I know as I write this, it will be in the area of 105 degrees Fahrenheit today, so a cool breeze cannot come soon enough.

A hardy shout-out to everyone who went down the Hiwassee the 12th of August and enjoyed the best of times and beauty of going down probably one of the most gorgeous rivers in the world. Make plans to go next year. It is such a good time. Also, no crocodiles or gators.

Also on the 25^th we are renting a VIP box at the Lookouts game. There are 55 people who signed up by the deadline and will be there Friday. Just another day to interact with ski club folks.

One more thing, we have a Stand Up Paddle Board Party on September 16th. Put it on your calendar and come to the regular meeting to find out more details or look at the event on the website. 

And now for other matters: 

The ski season is just around the corner, and early predictions are looking good. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is forecasting above-average snowfall for the western United States, including the Rocky Mountains and Sierra Nevada. This is good news as it means more powder days and better skiing conditions.

Can we all agree flat-land hillbillies should be happy with this news?

In addition to the favorable snowpack forecast, there are a few other factors that suggest that the 2023-2024 ski season will be a good one. First, the El Niño climate pattern is expected to continue, which usually brings above-average snowfall to the West Coast. Second, the winter temperatures are expected to be cooler than average, which will also help to boost the snowpack.

So, they just stopped skiing in Mammoth this month and we in no way should expect the same in 2024, but we are going to Mammoth this winter and we need to fill this trip up fast. Once there, we can hear all the locals talk about how great skiing was last year.

Also, the best town in the world is Jackson Hole. Please call Pat Caldwell and let him sell you on going there also with the club.

Here are some tips for thinking about your 2024 ski trip:

• Just DO It!!!!!!! Hey, we all are getting limited on our future good times, and we all need to take as many trips as we can before 2030;
• Start buying last year’s ski clothes and look sharp on the slopes;
• Be determined to ski more days this year than you have in the last 10 years (not total for 10 years, just for one year);
• Understand if the weather is bad, it sounds like happy hours will start a little early in the day and just make a go of it.

With a little planning, and an attitude redo, you can ensure that you will have a great time skiing this fall regardless of the weather.

JOKE OF THE MONTH

How many snowboarders does it take to screw in a light bulb????

Nine. One to do it and eight to say, 'nice turns.'

See you at the meeting,

Ashley

HEY THERE, HI THERE, HO THERE,

Yes, we are in the blazes of summer, but hopefully everyone is still buzzing about the recent Lake Party at Mike and Beth Rawlston’s home in beautiful Soddy Daisy.

The weather was good, (only a few showers) the food was excellent, and it was a great time for everyone to get together. Already looking forward to next year. Hilda Jones and Jinksie Harris did a wonderful job with many others, and all who helped with the party will get free passes to heaven when it comes their time, for setting up and tearing down for the party. Bill Hooton did a great job with music but some of his songs made me think that he might wish to go the other direction. More power to you, Bill.

Remember, we have the club trip down the Hiwassee River August 12, and the VIP night at the Lookouts Stadium Friday, August 25. Speak with Barbara Wise about the floating and Bob Trammel about the game. Both will be good times.

THE HEAT OF THE SUMMER

As I said earlier, and we all know, this has been a very hot and intense summer. If you do anything outside, it is just so hot it wears you out in no time flat.

Then comes the $64,000 question: “How am I going to make it through this heat.”

Well, here is something that I tried and maybe it will work for you.

After mowing the yard and wishing that all grass in my yard would die a very horrible death before the next week, I get a cold drink, close my eyes and I think about Telluride, Colorado. We went there with the club this past winter.

It was cold, but not that cold, and it was the first time that I had been skiing in three years due to COVID. Some things have changed but almost everything was the same.

It was so enjoyable, skiing with friends and feeling the cold air rush by our faces down the snow-covered hills. Even when I fell and could not stop sliding down steep terrain, it was just a blast knowing people, that I will never see again, would be looking at me with total disgust as I bumbled and fumbled down the slope waving at them going by.

Then, I remember skiing one morning with Tom DuBose and doing it in the bowls and blacks and stopping before lunch for coffee and beer at Gorrono’s looking at the most majestic mountains of Telluride that are etched on a Coors beer. Seeing that makes living the rest of the year enjoyable regardless of what may happen. I had forgotten skiing is not only a sport but also a wonderful drug that gives the most amazing highs. Highs you never forget and will not get you thrown in jail.

Writing this it is just about 90 degrees and I plan on mowing the yard again. I plan on thinking about Telluride the entire time while mowing and how great the next ski season will be. I might even put on a small jacket in the heat for a little while, just in case.

See if this works for you.

Dress warmly and see you at the next meeting,

Ashley

Twenty-seven brave souls departed Atlanta on March 16 for Kitzbuhel, Austria. We had a great trip over to Frankfurt, Germany. We had a transfer there that was wild (thanks to a screwy airport design). From there 25 CSC members departed, leaving two that were late to the plane. We arrived in Munich to meet our guide, Max. The other two joined us that evening after a pleasant train ride. We enjoyed a great hotel with fabulous food. We had fun that week either by skiing or doing side trips. The skiing was a little slushy due to warm conditions, but was still enjoyable. The side trips included going to an animal farm where the deer and other farm animals came up to you. We were there for a feeding of all of the animals. There was a pecking order too for who ate first. We also took sleigh rides, a trip to Zell Am See, a trip to Salzburg, and Swarovski world with a visit to a mountain restaurant where we made homemade apple strudel (same place Ina took us several years ago). We returned by way of Innsbruck by train.

Seven days later we departed for Munich to fly again by way of Frankfurt to arrive in Edinburgh. Another interesting connection – you would just have to be there to have had all the fun. We arrived in Edinburgh and met our guide, Joe Harrower. He was our guide three years ago. We enjoyed Edinburgh Castle, city tour, and spending the night in our five star hotel, The George. The next day we continued to St. Andrews, then to a city tour and night at Aberdeen. We also had a distillery tour, three nights in Inverness, a Culloden Battlefield tour, and a mountainside walk up to see the reindeer (some of us did not attempt the climb). We had the pleasure of going to a second distillery and continued up the scenic coast, going to the farthest point in Scotland. Some of us even walked on the beach there and waded in the 35-40 degree waters. The following day we headed toward Fort William and enjoyed a cruise of Loch Ness and had a live Clansman dress out show (featuring Janet Brooks and Buddy Jones). The following day we headed to Glasgow with stops on the way and had a scenic tour of the city. We had our spectacular final night dinner at the Corinthian Club and enjoyed a good night’s sleep (oh did I mention we departed at 3:30AM?). Our group departed again for Frankfurt for a transfer for Atlanta. And yes, we had a lot of issues again in Frankfurt due to plane trouble. We basically ran to the plane which should have already left. but when we arrived at the gate,we then had to stand on a transfer bus for 90 minutes. We will not transfer through Frankfurt again. Our fearless group arrived back in the states, and thank goodness, I am happy to report we had no injuries on the trip.