Here is our X/C Ski program for 1999-2000. We have 30 trips listed and we'll add more if the snow lasts. We have 2 meetings at Callahan's 8280 Mira Mesa Blvd. Tuesday nights Nov 9 and Dec 14, come for dinner at 6:30 PM or 7:30 PM for the meeting. In January, we switch to Thursday nights at A-16, 4620 Alvarado Canyon Road Jan 6, Feb 10 and Mar 9 at 7:00 PM.

Last season's La Nina was disappointing locally and record breaking in the northwest. Our only successful WSI was the leader training and beginner class in January. We had 6" of snow in the Laguna Mountains. None of the higher southern California mountains developed a snow pack. This coming season is predicted to be another La Nina, so try not to miss any of our local "WSI" trips, if there is snow.

Our trips further north were fine. In April, we stayed in a motel in Bridgeport and skied great corn snow in the Virginia Lakes area. It is definitely one of our choices for Easter week. We will try to offer two trips, a ski backpack tour and a motel trip with day tours.

Beginners are welcome on most winter trips and lessons are provided until spring. Jan 30th is a "Beginner-only" instructional trip. For those interested in becoming ski leaders, Jan 29th is a Ski Leader training outing. Jan.16 is a Telemark class for those who want to learn how to carve graceful turns.

Our Thanksgiving trip to Mammoth will use condos. The snow pack is usually modest, but the trip is inexpensive and the mountains are wonderful any time of year. Join us for all or part of the holiday.

Our New Year's trip is again to Bear Valley, one hour north of Yosemite. Beginners liked the extensive groomed tracks. Intermediate skiers enjoyed the back country. Advanced skiers tele'd the downhill resort and steep slopes. Everyone enjoyed the modern vacation homes (we've added two more this year) and the bargain prices.

We have added a midweek Mammoth trip in January to Tamarack Lodge. Two new trips added this year are Yosemite-Glacier Point Lodge and Lake Tahoe.

The Yosemite trip is ideal for beginner and intermediate skiers. The gentle terrain around Badger Pass is ideal and you also spend time in Yosemite Valley. We stay in motel units at Yosemite Lodge.

Jim Crouch has entered the Sequoia National Park Pear Lake Hut lottery again, before and after the Montecito Sequoia trip. Alvin Walter has scheduled two snow camps in February and April.

In March we go back to Montecito Lodge with tracks and back country skiing out the back door. They offer ski lesson for both cross country and Telemark skiing. Gourmet meals are offered family style and there is an active lodge program at night. Disco anyone?

Tioga Pass Winter Resort is our favorite "snowed-in" lodge. It combines the magic of winter isolation with full amenities (great food)! Outstanding Sierra Crest skiing is right out the door. This is not a trip for beginners. Usually we ski in 3-6 miles with daypacks and a snow cats haul in our gear - weather permitting.

The Shasta trip is a first for the ski section. The mountain has gentle lower slopes for intermediate skiers and much steeper slopes higher up. The motels in Shasta City are 14 miles from the snow.

I hope you will join us. Winter passes quickly and we love to share its treasures with you.

Mike Fry, X-C Ski Section Chair

1999-2000 Schedule

1999

• Nov 9, Tue. night, 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM, SKI SECTION MEETING at Callahan's Brewery and Pub: 8280 Mira Mesa Blvd., S.D.. Learn about ski equipment, clothes, past & future trips; share ski stories, come and ask questions; no host dinner at 6:30 PM, meeting at 7:30 PM. For information or directions call Barbara Domurad, (858) 271-0696.

• Nov 13-14, Sat-Sun, "PRE-SEASON" KELSO DUNES-MOJAVE NATIONAL PRESERVE: Beginner - advanced. Ever try skiing on sand dunes? It's fun and gentle on skis. Sand skis and boots provided. No fee. For reservations send SASE to Leader: Barbara Domurad, 10846 Parkdale Ave. S.D. 92126 or call (858) 271-0696.

• Nov 25-28, Thur.-Sun., MAMMOTH THANKSGIVING SKI WEEKEND: Beginner/advanced. We stay in condominiums in Mammoth Lakes with easy access to the downhill and cross country ski slopes. Daily ski outings or hikes will be planned based on snow conditions and the interest of the group. Snow (or no), join us in Mammoth for Thanksgiving. Cost $155. Car pool extra. For reservation send $25 non-refundable deposit to Coordinator: Barbara Domurad: 10846 Parkdale Ave. S.D. 92126 or call (858) 271-0696. Chapter fund raiser.

• Dec 14, Tue. night, 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM, SKI SECTION MEETING (See Nov 9 for details or call Barbara Domurad (858) 271-0696).

• Dec 4/5, 11/12, 18/19, Sat &/or Sun WSI -Where the Snow Is, Coordinator: Jim Crouch (619) 223-9084.

• Dec 29-Jan 2, Wed-Sun BEAR VALLEY NEW YEAR'S BUS TRIP. Come join us to bring in the millennium on the slopes at Bear Valley. We will be staying 4 nights in private homes in the Arnold area, and skiing both on tracks and in the back country. Ideal for skiers at all levels. Cost $265 ($280 for non-Sierra Club Members) covering bus transportation, lodging and ski instructions. For reservations, please send $25 non-refundable deposit plus 3 SASE to: Coordinator: Alice Fichandler, 4520 Greene St., San Diego, CA 92107 or call (619) 226-6083. Chapter fund raiser.

2000

Newsletter corrections are shown in RED.

• Jan 6, *Thur night, 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM, SKI SECTION MEETING Adventure 16 (A16), 4620 Alvarado Canyon Road. San Diego or call Barbara Domurad (858) 271-0696 for more information and directions. *Note: change of day and location.

• Jan 8/9, 15/16, 22/23, Sat &/or Sun WSI, Coordinator: Craig Denson (858) 270-3828.

• Jan 10-13, Mon-Thur. MAMMOTH, TAMMARACK LODGE. Novice - Intermediate. We take advantage of Tamarack's mid-week rates and stay at the lodge with skiing right outside the door. Price $280 for three nights lodging and breakfast each day. Car pool, ski passes and all other meals extra. For reservations, please send $25 non-refundable deposit plus 2 SASE to : Coordinator: Barbara Domurad 10846 Parkdale Ave. S.D. 92126 or call (858) 271-0696. Chapter fund raiser.

• Jan 15-17, Sat & Mon YOSEMITE-GLACIER POINT HUT. Intermediate/Advanced. Ten mile ski to the end of the Glacier Point Road with light packs. Two night bunk style lodging at Glacier Point hut, six meals included. Transportation by train/car pool extra. Price $165. For reservations send $25 non-refundable deposit and 2 SASE to Coordinator: Geoffrey Smith 11572 Alkaid Dr. S.D. 92126 or call (858) 566-9263. Chapter fund raiser.

• Jan 16, Sat, TELEMARK CLASS. Intermediate-Advanced. Improve your turning skills. Estimated cost $45 for lessons and lift ticket. Car pool extra. Leader: Alvin Walter. 8435 Jade Coast Road, S. D. 92126 or call (858) 586-1982.   DATE CLARIFICATION IS PENDING.

• Jan 29, Sat. LEADER TRAINING, WSI: Class includes ski instruction techniques, avalanche awareness, and equipment repair. No fee. Leader: Mike Fry, (858) 566-3851.

• Jan 30, Sun: BEGINNER CLASS, WSI: Ski lessons for beginners. Cost $15 plus car pool costs, ski rental. For information on location contact Leader: Craig Denson, send a SASE to 4259 Feather Ave., S.D. 92117 or call (858) 270-3828.

• Feb 5/6, 12/13, 26/27, Sat &/or Sun WSI, Coordinator: Dan Anderson, (858) 578-6914.

• Feb 10, *Thur night, 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM, SKI SECTION MEETING Adventure 16 (A16), 4620 Alvarado Canyon Road. San Diego or call Barbara Domurad (858) 271-0696 for more information and directions. *Note: change of day and location.

• Feb 17-21, Thur-Mon. YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK: Beginner-Advanced. Spend Presidents' day in Yosemite. Price includes 4 nights lodging (three at Yosemite Lodge) and bus transportation. Prices are $295 quadruple occupancy (shared beds), $325 triple occupancy (one shared and one separate bed), $380 double occupancy (two beds). Add $25 for non-Sierra Club members. Bus space is limited to 47.Send $25 non-refundable deposit and 3 SASE to Coordinator: Chuck Hansen, 4574 Adair Street, S.D. 92107 or call (619) 224-3086. Chapter fund raiser.

• Feb 22-25, Tue-Fri. LAKE TAHOE SKI MIDWEEK: Beginner-Advanced. We will stay in condos along the north shore of Lake Tahoe. Price includes 3 days lodging and one dinner. Transportation to Reno, other meals extra. Track and downhill suitable for beginners to advanced skiers. Estimated price is $250 two to a room. For more information or reservations call Coordinator: Raymond Hilbert (858) 565-0445.

• Feb 29-Mar 2 or Mar 6-8 (alternate date), Fri-Mon. PEAR LAKE HUT. Strong intermediate to advanced. Great high, back country skiing in classic setting. We will enter Sequoia National Park lottery for three nights reservation at Pear Lake Ski Hut with above dates as choices. If we win, we will car pool to the trail head and pack in 9 miles with food, fuel and sleeping bags. Contact leader for details and sign-up for lottery. Approximate cost $80 paid in advance. Coordinator: Jim Crouch (619) 223-9084. Trip limited to 10.   NOTE DATE CORRECTION.

• Feb 26-27, Sat - Sun. SAN GABRIEL SNOW CAMP. Strong intermediate to advanced. Car pool. Limited to 8. Leader: Alvin Walter, 8435 Jade Coast; San Diego, 92126 or call (858) 586-1982.

• Mar 3-5, Fri-Sun. MONTECITO SEQUOIA LODGE. Excellent track and back country skiing right outside our door. $288 ($315 non-Sierra Club members) includes 2 nights lodging and all meal from dinner on Fri. through breakfast on Sun. Car pool and optional motel lodging Thursday night extra. For reservations send non-refundable $35 and 3 SASE to Jackie Gray, 4259 Feather Ave. S.D. 92117 or call (858) 270-3828. Chapter fund raiser.   NOTE COST and PHONE NUMBER CORRECTIONS.

• Mar 9, *Thur night, 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM, SKI SECTION MEETING Adventure 16 (A16), 4620 Alvarado Canyon Road. San Diego or call Barbara Domurad (858) 271-0696 for more information and directions. *Note: change of day and location.

• Mar 4/5, 11/12 Sat&/or Sun. WSI: Mark Vogt, (619) 578-6914.

• Mar 30-Apr 2, Thur.-Sun.: TIOGA PASS WINTER RESORT. Intermediate - advanced. Ski in 6 miles to lodge. Excellent spring skiing. Two miles to Yosemite and Sierra Crest. Cost $400 for 3 nights lodging & 6 delicious meals; car pool extra. Trip limited to 12. Coordinator: Helen Gunn. 7154 Flower Meadow Dr. S.D. 92126 or call (858) 578-6914. Chapter fund raiser.

• Apr 7/8, 14/15, Sat &/or Sun WSI.: Mike Fry (858) 566-3851.

• Apr 8-9, Sat-Sun. SAN GORGONIO SNOW CAMP. Strong intermediate - advanced. Hike and ski with packs to the southernmost glacier cirques in the U.S. This is the premier southern California back country ski area. Car pool. Leader: Alvin Walter (858) 586-1982

• Apr 15-18, Sat-Tues. SIERRA NEVADA SPRING BREAK. Intermediate - Advanced. This is a four day car pool/trip to the best snow conditions in the Sierras. We will try to offer two trips: day tours with motel lodging and a ski backpack (snow camping). For more information contact Leader: Mike Fry (858) 566-3851.   NOTE DATE CORRECTION.

• May 5-8, Fri-Mon. MOUNT SHASTA. Intermediate-Advanced. Fly to Sacramento and car pool to Mount Shasta. Motel lodging in Shasta City. Approximate price will be $230. For reservation and more information contact Coordinator: Craig Denson 4259 Feather Ave. S.D. 92117 or call (858) 270-3828.   NOTE PHONE NUMBER CORRECTION.

• May 11, Thur. PLANNING MEETING. Pot luck dinner and planning meeting for the 2000-2001 season. All ideas welcome. Mike Fry's house, 12819 Selma Ct. Poway, 92064. (858) 566-3851.

Information

The Ski Trip schedule is above. Most of the trips accept beginners and ski lessons are provided.

Trip Coordinators & COL volunteers are needed. Discounts are available based on the number of participants and length of the trip. If you are interested in becoming an outing leader for ski trips our January 29th training outing augments the chapter's leader training program. For more information contact Mike Fry, (858) 566-3851.

DISCLAIMER: Skiing is an inherently dangerous activity. Although we attempt to minimize your risk, all our trips carry the risk of death or serious injury. Our leaders are experienced and trained volunteers. if you wish a higher level of safety, please employ a professional mountain guide or ski in a developed downhill or cross country resort.

We employ the services of transportation, lodging, food and ski resort providers. If any of these providers fails to meet our expectations, we will be just as disappointed as you are. We usually make the best of difficult situations, but failed services are the responsibility of the provider.

Trip Description Format

Trip format includes: date & days of trip; trip name; pricing information including deposit, full payment date and items included in price; skier level(s); trip description and coordinator name and contact information. Prices are estimates based on the best information at the time of publication and are subject to change.

WSI - "Where the Snow Is" - TRIPS. We go to the closest skiable snow. These trips are usually just for one day but occasionally we offer optional overnight stays. The leader usually knows if they have Sat. or Sun. free before we know what the snow conditions are. Transportation is usually by car. The only costs are car pool, ski rental, food or lodging. As a courtesy to WSI coordinators, please do not call more than 5 days in advance of the trip and call only between 6 PM and 9 PM.

• Novice = Never skied.
• Beginner = Still learning basic skills
• Advanced Beginner = Can ski 5-10 miles in gentle conditions, still working on snow plow turns.
• Intermediate = Able to ski up and down through easy wooded hills. Wedge turns are good in soft snow. Can ski 10-15 miles in good snow conditions. Most downhill skiers can ski intermediate X-C.
• Advanced = Can handle everything except extreme skiing.

Reservations

Make check(s) payable to the Sierra Club and send with a note including your name, address, phone number, ski experience and the name of the trip. Include two 4"x9" Self Addressed Stamped Envelopes (SASE). Deposits are non-refundable. Priorities, such as bus seating and room assignments, are based on the date your full payment is received. When calling a trip coordinator, please remember they are volunteers. Call between 6 PM and 9 PM, unless otherwise stated. Please sign-up early if you can. We have to make large deposits many months in advance for these trips. To avoid loss, we usually cancel unreserved lodging 30 days before the trip.

Refund Policy
Note that sickness or injury does not play a part in refunds. See "Trip Insurance".
Full Refund: 1. We cancel the trip. 2. The leader determines you shouldn't be on the trip or 3. You find your own replacement and they reimburse you.
Partial Refund: 1. We find your replacement and keep only your deposit. 2. We can't replace you, but we get a refund (or are not charged) by our providers because of your absence. You get back whatever we get back.
Trip Insurance: You may purchase trip insurance from any travel agent. They usually cover sickness, injury, family emergencies, lost luggage, etc.

Suggestions

Help us make the Ski Section better. Call:

• Mike Fry, Chairperson, (858) 566-3851;
• Eve Jones, Treasurer, (619) 224-6534;
• Barbara Domurad, Membership, (858) 271-0696;
• Dan Anderson, (858) 578-6914;
• or send in confidence to Barbara Domurad, 10846 Parkdale Ave. San Diego, CA 92126.

We look forward to sharing the ski season with you.

Ski Section Mailing List

If you would like to be on our mailing list (free), please send your name, address, phone number, and ski level to Barbara Domurad, 10846 Parkdale Ave, San Diego, CA 92126, (858) 271-0696 or E-mail to domurad@msn.com. Also let us know about name and address corrections.

* * * THINK SNOW * * *

San Diego Chapter Sierra Club Office, 3820 Ray Street, San Diego, CA 92104. Telephone (619) 299-1744, voice mail 299-1744, FAX 299-1742.
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http://www.sierraclub.org/chapters/sandiego/xcski9900.html; last updated February 25, 2001 by Brad Buffett (link corrections).