Sundown Chestnut Dec 10, 2010 - Dec 12, 2010
Christmas Party 2010
Awards Banquet 2009-2010, April 23, 2010
Winter Park, Colorado Apr 3, 2010 - Apr 11, 2010
Red Mountain and Schweitzer Mountain Mar 6, 2010 - Mar 19, 2010
Paris, Venice, and Ski Salve Val Gardena Feb 25, 2010 - Mar 13, 2010
Wine Tasting at the Browns Feb 12, 2010
Breckenridge Jan 30 - Feb 6, 2010
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Sundown Chestnut Dec 10, 2010 - Dec 12, 2010 |
The first ski trip of the season is history. Friday morning a group of skiers met at 6:00 AM at the Jubilee Café to drive to Chestnut. After a large breakfast in Cordova, we arrived at the resort for a day of skiing. The temperature was 25 F and the skies were sunny. The snow conditions were great. They had 8” of snowfall early in the week and had been making it all week. Friday evening we met in the Holiday Inn’s lounge for dinner and drinks as usual. A few people went out for dinner in downtown Dubuque and met back at the lounge. Saturday morning was way different than the previous day, with the temperature at 34 F and sprinkling. After our breakfast at the hotel we were off to Sundown. The rain did not stop so we went out skiing, to our surprise the snow was descent. |
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The rain finally stopped around noon and turned into hard snowfall. We all got soaked by the end of the day but we all had a good day of skiing. Joining us for the day were Randy and Paul Senneff, and Dianna Anelli. Sunday morning after breakfast it was off to Chestnut for those who did not ski there on Friday. The temperature was 19 F and the wind was blowing. Thanks to everyone for making this a fun time. Gene and Dixie Snyder; Curt, Lynn and Catrina Hollaway, Christina Clark; Julie and Bryan Brown; Linda Brown; Keith Erickson; John McCabe, Vickie and Tim Geiger; Elijah Sansom and Jinjae Kim; Denny Powers; Ron Love; Rod and Janet Sleeth. |
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Christmas Party 2010 |
Great food, good company, charitable gifts, and white elephant laughs. Enjoy the holidays and have a Blessed 2011. |
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A special Thanks to Maida and John Huber for ‘hosting’ the ski club Christmas Party at the East Peoria Boat Club. |
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Winter Park, Colorado Apr 3, 2010 - Apr 11, 2010 |
Our ski trip had 29 ski clubbers who either drove, flew, or took the Amtrak. Most of us took the train on Saturday from Galesburg, IL. Some of us played Marathon Bridge in the observation car all the way out and back. Thanks to Kathy Preckshot, Curt Hollaway, Butch and I re-learned how to play and keep score. It was a great way to pass the time. When we got to Denver on Easter Sunday, some of the group got off the train and walked around for the hour while they were putting some more engines on to go up and over the Rocky Mountains. The train ride was so beautiful as it winds through the canyons and tunnels. After going through the Moffat tunnel we went by the Winter Park Resort before stopping at the Fraser, Colorado Depot. We stayed at the Winter Park Mountain Lodge. The staff was very accommodating as they put us all on the same floor and had a breakfast room set up for our morning meal. Then while a bunch of us were in the Moffat Brew-Pub in our hotel, Doc Shirley stopped by after skiing. She hated not being able to ski with us during the week we were at Winter Park. Monday most everyone went skiing. Cheryl Carr and Kathy Preckshot organized the group to purchase T-shirts with a silkscreen made up for the Peoria Ski Club. Several members bought the shirts. From Monday night, Tuesday all day until Wednesday morning Winter Park got 20 inches of new snow. | |
Then on Wednesday, Marilyn and Dan Morse organized a guided two hour snowmobile trip up to the Continental Divide. There were eight of us that went snowmobiling; three of us had never ridden before. It was so thrilling and I will never forget that experience. Wednesday night I organized 27 members to go to Hernando’s for our evening meal. Thursday and Friday were picture-perfect for Spring skiing conditions. Bruce Gould described it as a two-thumbs-up. Some skiers like Dennis Kennedy and Mark Cobble skied from the first chairlift (9:00) up to the last chairlift in the afternoon (4:00). They were definitely die-hards. Later, Friday night Dennis Kennedy had a room party to get rid of all our bottles before we took the train back. Some of the other highlights were après ski at the Derailer on the slope, the Cheeky Monk for tasting the Belgian Beers, and all the other really nice places to eat at Winter Park. I hadn’t been there for 20 years and it has really changed. This was Winter Park’s 70th year as Colorado’s first ski resort. Peoria Ski Club went there on the train 50 years ago and we came back on our 50th Anniversary year by train. We had really great ski conditions with all the snow. It was a perfect ending to our ski season. Thanks for the memories, Millie Peifer
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Red Mountain and Schweitzer Mountain Mar 6, 2010 - Mar 19, 2010 |
Yes, this was another great ski trip that had an early start. Eighteen of us departed from Kohl’s in East Peoria at 2:30 AM. We saw some car lights blinking in the Bloomington Menard’s parking lot. So we pulled off the interstate and picked up two more. Off we go to O’Hare. We signed up for United’s Premium Baggage Program. The check in went effortlessly. This program saved each of us around $90. Our flight to Denver was uneventful. Upon arrival, we scattered and ate lunch at various locations. We had gate changes, but we all found the correct one and away we went to Spokane. We arrived on time and our Deluxe Motor Coach was waiting. We made a grocery/beverage stop in Spokane, more beverages than food. Then we all set back to enjoy the ride and scenery. We arrived around 8:30 PM at Red Mountain after we drove through a gas station right outside of Rossland BC trying to find route signs. Then, thanks to poor signage, we missed our turn into Red. So we backed up and turned around. We all dined at Gypsy’s at Red, as it was the only restaurant open at this hour. We woke up Sunday morning to the sun shining on our groomed slopes. After a full day of skiing some went to their rooms to use their hot tubs. All of our rooms had their own individual hot tub…nice added bonus. With a beverage purchased in Spokane along with the hot tub, a lot a relaxation occurred prior to going out to dinner. A group of us went to the Flying Steamshovel Pub in Rossland. The Pub was only about a 10 minute cab ride from our condos. We had great conversation along with fine food and beverage. Monday was much different than our first day. We had clouds and new snow. The snow was a little wet and heavy. We still plowed, I mean skied through it. Of course we enjoyed ourselves. After a full day of skiing a large group met in the Attic Bar of the Day Lodge. They served appetizers and adult beverages. Stories abounded about our first two days of skiing. Among the stories told was the one about Roy taking a couple of falls on the same run down Old Main. Later several groups walked down to Gabriella’s Restaurant for some great Italian food. Then we had to return to our rooms to pack for our move to Schweitzer Mountain. Tuesday was moving day and a day of skiing at 49 Degrees North. They received some of the snow that moved through Red. It was all groomed for us. It was two lift tickets for the price of one, Tuesday. Great deal for about 5 hours of skiing. We did have one skier who struggled with the lift and the goofy ramp located just after boarding the chair. Ask Julie D. to show you the dent in her helmet. Around 2:30 we boarded our bus and headed for Schweitzer Mountain (SM). After check in, several of us went across the snow street to Thor’s Pizza. You guessed it, we had pizza and beer. Each morning at SM we started off with a complimentary continental breakfast.On our first day of skiing SM we had a guided tour of the mountain. Gwen, Schweitzer’s Group Sales Manager, guided one group and a person, who I don’t know his name, guided the “impatient group”. It was really helpful getting the lay of the land from somebody who really knew the mountain. We had another good day of groomed skiing. Two fellow skiers are now a little safer out on the slopes. Christine and I bought helmets today. I haven’t had to test mine. With my newfound confidence, I hope not to test it. Après skiing beverages were consumed at the Chimney Rock Bar & Restaurant in our lodge where we enjoyed Happy Hour discounts.
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During conversation at Happy Hour a new difficulty rating for runs was described. It is the “Blue my Ass!” designator. Thanks, Julie B. I think most of us dined at the Chimney Rock. They offered both a fine dining menu and a bar menu. Thursday offered us another day of groomed skiing. All of the mountains we skied suffered from below average snowfalls for the entire season. The good news is, we didn’t ski over a rock or treetop. I guess they just had enough to give us a good experience. Ask Dixie if she is afraid of ghosts? She had a run in with the unloading station ½ way up the Snow Ghost Lift. After another good day of skiing many of us celebrated it in Chimney’s with Happy Hour beverages. I celebrated with a friend of mine from the Air Force and his wife. They drove up from Pullman WA so we could tell lies about each other that happened many years ago. Then Steve was able to ski with a few others and me Friday morning. We had a great reunion. There is another story related to the Snow Ghost Lift. There was this guy who got on this lift. His plan was to get off at the midway station with the rest of his group. Before he gets to the ramp, the lift attendant comes out and asks if he wants the lift stopped for him. He feels good, can’t understand why the lifty is asking him if he wants the lift stopped and he didn’t think he looked that old that the lift needed to be stopped for him. So he said, “no thanks”. As soon as he gets off, down he falls. Picks himself up and is looking around for his other ski. He says, “Where’s my other ski?” The lifty replies, “About two chairs back”. It seems when he boarded at the bottom, one ski came off and he didn’t realize it. So Roy, how did you like your ride on the Snow Ghost Lift? Friday we woke up to several inches of new snow. WOW, what a great sight. It wasn’t the dry powder we were hoping for. It was good skiing until around lunchtime. Then it got chopped up. It was still a great day for our last day of skiing. I don’t know if you were paying attention, but there were SIX DAYS of skiing on this trip. Just another great service your club provided to those on the trip. Some of us took a short shuttle ride to St Bernard’s for dinner. Where did the time go? After dinner we went back to our hotel and started packing for the return trip. Saturday we had time for a leisurely breakfast and last minute packing. The bus was on time. So, more beautiful scenery on our way back to Spokane. Mike the driver that took us to Red and then to Schweitzer wasn’t available to take us back to Spokane. But, he called our driver to tell him how great we were and to take care of us. Flights were on time at both Spokane and Denver. As a result, we got our luggage and our bus loaded at O’Hare by midnight. Another late arrival back at home. We lost an hour of sleep because Daylight Savings Time kicked into gear. Just as we left Bloomington, I saw my cell phone jump from 2 AM to 3 AM. I would like to thank all of the below fellow skiers who were on time for everything. You made my life a little easier. I believe everybody on the trip enjoyed themselves. I didn’t hear any complaints of boredom. This was another great PSC ski trip that was enjoyed by all. Ask any of us for more details of this two country, three state, three mountain, six days of lift tickets trip. Skiers who participated in this great trip: Tom McCormack, Ken Eichorn, Tim Sefried, Lee Ryerson, Mickey & Roy Welch, Dixie & Gene Snyder, Janet & Rod Sleeth, Julie & Bryan Brown, Dave Hoover, Keith Erickson, Jon Gruebele, Julie & Dave Durdel, Christine Flores, Bob Easton and Amy Ryerson.
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Paris, Venice, and Ski Salve Val Gardena Feb 25, 2010 - Mar 13, 2010 |
The Paris, Venice, Selva Italy Ski Trip We arrived in Paris, at our hotel, across from the French Presidential Mansion, which became our home for the next four nights. With Jim Tomlin’s book on Paris and Rick Steagall’s prior experience we saw all the Paris tourist attractions including the Eifel Tower, the Louvre, and Versailles. We also sampled the wonderful French cuisine. WOW!! The weather was wonderful except for one day of rain. It was hard to believe that this was only the beginning of our trip. The next morning we flew to Venice, Italy. A water taxi took us to our hotel one block off the main Canal. While in Venice we rode the Gondolas, had wonderful food and toured Venice during our three night stay. We went to the Island of Murano Italy to watch Murano glass being made (of course we did purchase some). We then visited the Island of Bassano, known for its linens and tapestries, where several members of our party purchased Venetian masks and had the opportunity to have wonderful food with local residents. From there, we were bused to Val Gardena, Italy.
| | The Hotel Oswald was wonderful!!! Val Gardena’s ski weather was outstanding. Just cold enough with 6 to 8 inches of new powder on an already natural base. The locals informed us that we were very fortunate to have superb snow conditions. Val Gardenia’s Ski area is enormous. Some of us did the Sellaronda circle both ways. Chuck Bunch, a Chicagoan who skis there 2 or 3 times yearly, was our guide. We were able to enjoy the area without spending time reading maps or getting lost. There were enough green, blue, black, and double diamond black runs to keep everyone busy. NO INJURIES!!!!! Sixteen days built a strong lifetime bond between our trip participants: Reid & Sheila Hansen; Diane Fox & Rick Steagall; Barb Soldwedel & Jim Tomlin; Chuck Bunch; Brenda & Blair Gambill. Thank you! The McGinty’s were unable to attend due to a family emergency. They were greatly missed . Our hearts and prayers are with them. Blair Gambill
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Wine Tasting at the Browns Feb 12, 2010 |
A good crowd enjoyed tasting several bottles of wine, good food, and the Opening Ceremony for the Olympics. Several members were excited to see Canada’s Female Athlete of the 20th century, former Olympic Skier Nancy Greene, carry one of the torches. We stayed at her lodge and skied with her at Sun Peaks two years ago. |
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Breckenridge Jan 30 - Feb 6, 2010 |
| Someone asked: What’s the Ski Kouncil of Illinois been up to? The short answer is about
9,600 ft. above sea level: the elevation we slept at in Breckenridge, Colorado. The week
began with a Saturday evening welcome reception featuring wine, beer, hors d'oeuvres
and information. The hotel location and facilities were very fitting for the activities both on
and off the slope. Our lift pass enabled us to ski Breckenridge, Keystone, A Basin, and
Vail. Along with the skiing we scheduled a couple of events. As a first for the Kouncil, we
held a ski race with four member teams called Splash and Dash. The main task was to
carry and transfer cups of water while skiing without spilling. There was great participation
with thirteen teams racing. | |
Roy Welch, Linda Brown, Al Sondag, and Roger Schnelton
(Springfield) were on the winning team. These skillful skiers took home a nice Brecken-
ridge jacket. Second and third place teams were rewarded with dinner vouchers and ski
socks. On Wednesday night, the group gathered in a large banquet room. Ski.com and Vail
Resorts presented a proposal with financial incentives to ski South Lake Tahoe next year.
After that we played ski trivia and won more prizes!
Fortunately, there were no injuries other than a few bumps and scrapes, however, some
members required oxygen during the week. It appears that the eighty six members who
went on this trip enjoyed the joint venture Kouncil trip. Many are already looking forward
to next year’s trip.
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PEORIA SKI CLUB P. O. BOX 3255 NORTH UNIVERSITY STATION PEORIA, IL 61612-3255