| Snowmass,
CO
Florida Ski Council
January 21 – January 28, 2006
By Lisa Bratcher
Snowmass has
long been a favorite destination of the Jacksonville Ski Club, and
this January’s Florida Ski Council trip did not disappoint.
Known for its wide open cruisers, Snowmass had excellent ski conditions
during our week stay. Seventy-two travelers from Jacksonville, and
over 900 from Florida, descended on Snowmass for a week of fun on
the slopes.
As with all
Florida Ski Council trips, there were many pre-planned activities
open to all travelers. Upon arriving on Saturday the Crestwood hosted
a Welcome Party. Everyone enjoyed a spaghetti dinner with all the
trimmings. We received our lift tickets and lots of information
on the week’s activities. Monday night and Thursday nights
were group dinners, including great food, entertainment, a silent
auction, a raffle and awards. Tuesday was “Crazy Hats and
Boxer Shorts” day on the mountain for all Florida skiers and
snowboarders. Each club also gathered for an on-mountain lunch and
group photo. Non-skiers were provided foot passes so they could
partake. Although Jacksonville did not bring home any medals in
the NASTAR race, we had a strong showing and many participants raced
for the first time. Thanks to all who represented our club!
The Snowmass
lift ticket allows you to ski at three other mountains, which are
all just a short shuttle ride apart. While Snowmass itself is enough
to keep many busy for the week, some from Jacksonville also visited
Aspen (Ajax Mountain to the locals), Aspen Highlands, and Buttermilk.
Buttermilk is currently the home to the Winter X Games, which commenced
on Friday of our trip.
For the shoppers
(or window shoppers) on the trip, Aspen offers many exclusive shops
and boutiques. Twenty people from Jacksonville descended upon the
famed Crystal Palace in Aspen on Tuesday night for a hilarious and
entertaining dinner show. Several people said their face hurt afterwards
from laughing and smiling so much!
As our week
came to an end, JSC all gathered one last time for a Western Chili
Dinner and awards ceremony. Congratulations go out to Anna Zawisza
and Craig Smith, fastest female and male skier’s in Jacksonville.
Come to the May Social and join in the presentation of their trophies
This trip to
Snowmass had another unique and special event. Our club president,
Linda Walker, and member Hal Ringeisen were married on the top of
the Elk Camp lift a day after our arrival. This may be a first for
the Jacksonville Ski Club. Best wishes for a lifetime of happiness
to Linda and Hal.
Jacksonville
Ski Club
P.O. Box 551352 Jacksonville, Florida 32255-1352
email JaxSkiClub
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