Non-Profit Volunteer Organization A Newsletter of the Clearwater/St. Pete Ski & Sports Club

President’s Message By: Polly Trautweiler We are two months into our new fiscal “SKI” year and still signing up participants for our 2010 trips. If you haven’t made your choice yet on where you want to ski this year, do so soon. We are participating in 3 FSC trips this year, Telluride, Taos and Three Valleys, France. These trips are always a little extra special as we ski and socialize with our

fellow Floridians and get to take part in extra activities planned by the FSC. Representatives from our board and FSC trip leaders will be going to Orlando in November to get the latest information on these trips from the FSC council and hope to bring back loads of information to make your trip more enjoyable. Our monthly social meetings start Oct. 13 at 7:00PM at the Thirsty Marlin in downtown Largo. Trip leaders will be there as well as our Outside Activities chairperson’s, Cyndee and Al. They continue to have a great lineup of monthly activities planned for us. We have moved the ski clothes SWAP to the November meeting just to give members more time to gather what they wish to sell. The Florida Skier magazine published by the FSC is out and will be available on the membership table at our social meetings. Be sure and pick up your copy. Hard to believe the Fall months are already here…..I can almost feel the snow!! Oh, forgot, I’m in Florida. But that doesn’t mean I’m not thinking about skiing and the great times we have and I’m sure some of you are doing the same. In fact, the great time always had with our club members has become more meaningful to me than the skiing. We just have the greatest group of people. And we can’t forget our group of volunteers that put their heart and sole into the support of this club. Come and become one of the volunteers.

Next Meeting

Oct. 13, 2009

Thirsty Marlin

Largo

7PM

www.snowshark.org 1983-2009 Our 26th Year Oct. 2009

Credit Cards

The Clearwater/St.Pete Ski Club now accepts these credit cards. Contact your trip leader for details.

Club Officers & Directors

President

Polly Trautweiler

(727) 367-1111

President@snowshark.org

Vice President

Helen Knox

(727) 772-8621

VicePresident@snowshark.org

Treasurer

Frances Parker

(727) 596-6587

Treasurer@snowshark.org

Secretary

Bill Handley

(813) 685-0337

Secretary@snowshark.org

___________________________

Web Master

Al Knox

(727) 772-8621

Webmaster@snowshark.org

Newsletter

Lou Sclafani

(727) 585-4790

Newsletter@snowshark.org

Trip Coordinator

Holly Wagner

(727) 480-8193

Trips@snowshark.org

Membership

Terry England

(727) 595-3267

Membership@snowshark.org

Outside Activities

Al Brown & Cyndee Boyvey

(630) 399-9453

Outsideactivities@snowshark.org

Tuesday Oct. 13 7PM Thirsty Marlin

351 West Bay Dr 727-586-3474

Just West of Missouri Ave

Your ski club loves to ski, but unfortunately that isn’t possible to do year round. As a result we have always planned “Outside Activities” for our members to enjoy and participate in. This year we have a new Outside Activities chairperson, or should we say Chairpersons. Al Brown and Cyndee Boyvey have agreed to chair this committee this year. And as you can see from the tentative list below, they have jumped right into it with all four feet. If you have any interest, ideas, comments or just need more info on any of these activities please feel free to contact Al and Cyndee at OutsideActivities@snowshark.org Look for updates of this list on our web site www.snowshark.org

• OCTOBER 13: Social Meeting at Thirsty Marlin

• OCTOBER 23: Oldies music in the Park with picnic dinner in Seminole Park, 6:30PM. Bring your own picnic dinner, BYOB, blanket or chairs.

• NOVEMBER 22: Lunch followed by “This Wonderful

Life” at American Stage Theatre in St. Pete. Cost: $34 per person in advance. Lunch at Noon at Café Alma in St. Pete. Theater performance at 2:00PM.

• DECEMBER: Holiday Light Ride. Date, Time and

Location TBA. • DECEMBER 10: Holiday Dinner Party at Bilmar

Beach Resort Treasure Island, 6:00PM. Cost: $25 per person. Cash bar.

• JANUARY 30: Wine tasting and Appetizers at Surf and Turf in Bellaire Bluffs, 7:30PM. Cost is $20 per person in advance. • FEBRUARY 27: Habitat for Humanity Work Day. Minimum 6 people, max 20. Bring your own lunch and BYOB. • MARCH 28: Lunch followed by “Cirque Dreams-Illuminations” at the TBPAC. Cost: $30. $15 deposit required with balance

due Sept. 15. • APRIL 21 “Hair” in the Park at Demen’s Landing performed by the American Stage Theatre, 6:30PM. Cost: $11 per person in

advance. Bring your own picnic dinner, BYOB, blanket or chair. • MAY: Kayak trip leaving Dunedin Causeway with lunch at the Tarpon Turtle on Lake Tarpon. Cost: $40 for a double kayak.

$30 for a single kayak in advance. • JUNE 6-12: Bike trip in Scotland lead by Bike Vermont tour guides. Cost: $300 deposit per person with sign up. Deadline for

sign up is December 1 Balance of $2,590 due March 1. • JULY: Rays Baseball game TBA

Social Meeting the second Tuesday of every month August to May. Our next monthly social meeting is at the Thirsty Marlin in Largo at 7:00PM.

Also, if you are interested in the management of the club or would like to participate more, your Board of Directors meets every month on the third Tuesday of the month at various locations at 6:30PM. Contact any officer or Board Member for location or more information. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to participate in your club.

SNOWSHARKS 2009-2010 OUTSIDE ACTIVITIES CALENDAR Mark these dates on your calendar NOW!

Clearwater/St. Pete Ski & Sports Club January 9-16, 2010

BEAVER CREEK, COLORADO

Joanne Wood

Imagine an alpine village with heated sidewalks, an out door ice rink, and escalators to bring you to the chair lift. You find yourself on a mountain with perfectly groomed runs and perfectly formed moguls. Our first trip of the year is sure to please the most discriminating traveler! A private motor coach will drive our group from the Eagle airport, with a stop for groceries directly to the Beaver Creek Landing Condominiums. Come and Play In Luxury LODGING: Beaver Creek Landing is a new luxurious mini-resort at the base of a high speed quad lift. All the condos have full kitchens, fireplaces, washer/dryer, and internet access. The resort has a full service concierge. Complementary village transportation, Complementary on-call ride service, plus Allegria Spa’s health club privileges. THE MOUNTAIN: Beaver Creek Mountain is known for its unique diversity, exceptional snow quality and an award-winning ski and snowboard school. The terrain is 19% beginner, 43% intermediate, and 38% expert. There is a total of 149 trails, 2 bowls, 17 chair lifts, with the longest run of 2 3/4 mile–Truly something for every skier and snowboarder to enjoy. The base is at 8,100 ft and the summit is 11,440 ft. GENERAL INFORMATION: Three distinct villages lie at the base of Beaver Creek Mountain. Beaver Creek Village the main and eastern-most village is truly the heart of the resort. It is full of quaint shops, art galleries, bars and restaurants. The others are Bachelor Gulch Village and Arrowhead Village. The two towns of Avalon and Edwards are located minutes from the Beaver Creek Resort and offer many dining options, shopping and entertainment venues. They are small enough to walk around and can be reached by free shuttle connections.

PRICE INCLUDES:

♦Pre trip get acquainted party & membership in the Clearwater/St. Pete Ski & Sports Club ♦Round trip transportation between Tampa and Eagle Airport ♦Ground transportation from Eagle Airport to The Condos at Beaver Creek Landing and back ♦Welcome/Get Acquainted wine & cheese party ♦1 Free dinner party & social activities ♦Discounts on the purchase of lift tickets and rentals ♦7 Nights lodging

Deposit: $300 per person with trip application Balance Due: November 1, 2009. Trip size is 22 so reserve early! Please make checks payable to:

Clearwater/St. Pete Ski Club and mail to: Joanne Wood

2501 West Bay Drive Largo, Fl 33770

For more information on booking this trip, go to www.snowshark.org or contact: Joanne Wood – Trip Leader: C-(727) 251-1254

Holly Wagner: C-(727) 480-8193 e-mail: BeaverCreek@snowshark.org

Not exactly roughing itNot exactly roughing itNot exactly roughing itNot exactly roughing it

Direct flight from Tampa to Eagle

Ski-In/Ski-Out Condos

Number of occupants 3 4 5 6

2 bed/2 bath condo $1,495 $1,299

3 bed/3 bath condo $1,440 $1,299

Clearwater/St. Pete Ski & Sports Club January 16-23, 2010

TELLURIDE, COLORADO

Mason Curran

Join long time Snow Shark Mason Curran as he leads a trip to Telluride Colorado. We have direct air from Tampa to Montrose, and will be staying at the Camel’s Garden Hotel. Rooms will either have 2 double beds or 1 king bed. Located in one of the most spectacular mountain settings anywhere, Telluride offers the perfect vacation for any season. And the Camel's Garden Hotel affords the highest level of comfort and personal service. With the Gondola and the Oak Street Ski Lift just outside your door, Camel's Garden is a true ski-in/ski-out hotel for all levels of skiers. These luxurious rooms come with balconies, fireplaces, custom-crafted furniture, Italian marble bathrooms and oversized tubs that provide a feeling of comfort and ultimate indulgence. Relax in their steam room or enjoy snow-capped peaks of the San Juan Mountains from their 25-foot outdoor hot tub. The Camel's Garden provides a luxurious base for your stay in Telluride. Every room is lavishly furnished with custom cherry and locally handmade furniture, 27" TV, CD player, VCR, clock radio, two-line phone with voice mail and high speed internet connection. The Italian marble bathrooms have oversized bathtubs, plush robes, and Aveda amenity products. There are spacious lounge areas featuring elegant natural light-filled architecture to relax in after skiing, plus a eucalyptus steam room, and a large outdoor hot tub with a breathtaking view of Ingram Falls. . The X Café brings you breakfast, lunch and the best après-ski location in town with its sunny patio. An all-natural menu of fast, fresh, Italian-inspired ingredients is ideal for families and casual dining. Unwind in the comforts of Atmosphere Spa, located on the lobby level of the Camel's Garden Hotel. Atmosphere blends art, luxurious spa treatments and massage, creating a memorable body/mind experience.

PRICE INCLUDES:

♦Pre trip get acquainted party & membership in the Clearwater/St. Pete Ski & Sports Club ♦Round trip transportation between Tampa and Montrose Airport ♦Ground transportation from Montrose Airport to The Camel’s Garden Hotel and back ♦Continental breakfast daily ♦ 3 Free dinner parties & all FSC social activities ♦Discounts on the purchase of lift tickets and rentals ♦7 Nights lodging

Deposit: $300 per person with trip application Balance Due: November 1, 2009. Trip size is 24 so reserve early! Please make checks payable to:

Clearwater/St. Pete Ski Club and mail to: Mason Curran

6580 Seminole Blvd, Lot 100 Seminole, FL 33772

For more information on booking this trip go to, www.snowshark.org or contact: Mason Curran – Trip Leader: (727) 323-0313

Holly Wagner: (727) 480-8193 e-mail: Telluride@snowshark.org

Camel’s Garden Hotel FSC Trip

Ski-In/Ski-Out

Number of occupants 1 2

Hotel Room $2,045 $1,460

Clearwater/St. Pete Ski & Sports Club February 20-27, 2010

TAOS, NEW MEXICO

Helen Knox

Ski with the Clearwater Snow Sharks and the Florida Ski Council at Taos Ski Valley in New Mexico. This trip starts at Tampa International Airport where your ski trip leader, Helen Knox, will be there to assist you. After arriving in Albuquerque, NM, a motor coach will transport our group to Taos from the airport with a stop for groceries. For those looking for adventure and some of the best powder out west, Taos is the trip for you. Taos is one of the world's most unique and picturesque ski resorts. Ski rental equipment and lift tickets will be offered at discounted FSC rates. In addition, Taos Ski Valley has a special rate of $125 for the ski week group lesson consisting of 2 hours of morning instructions every day. THE MOUNTAIN: Taos is one of the world's most unique and picturesque ski resorts. You can escape into the ancient cultures of the Southwest or explore an incredible mountain revered as one of the greatest ski destinations in the west. Taos is known for its outstanding expert terrain that consists of narrow steeps and chutes. The resort combines the warm ambiance of a small European-style village rich in history nestled at the base of a great mountain, and a superb ski school. ACCOMODATIONS: Snakedance is a premier slope side property, and has just completed a $3,500,000 renovation. The property is now made up of one, two and three bedroom suites. Each unit has a full kitchen with granite countertops, satellite TV, CD player, high speed internet access, and fireplaces. On-site amenities include a grocery, convenience store, award-winning restaurant and bar, spa, fitness and laundry facilities. Your room rate includes a full breakfast daily.

PRICE INCLUDES:

♦Pre trip get acquainted party & membership in the Clearwater/St. Pete Ski & Sports Club ♦Round trip transportation between Tampa and Albuquerque Airport ♦Ground transportation from Albuquerque Airport to The Snakedance Condominiums & Spa and back ♦Breakfast daily ♦3 Free dinner parties & all FSC social activities ♦Discounts on the purchase of lift tickets and rentals ♦7 Nights lodging

Deposit: $300 per person with trip application Balance Due: October 15, 2009. Trip size is 36 so reserve early! Please make checks payable to:

Clearwater/St. Pete Ski Club and mail to: Helen Knox

2474 Saddlewood Lane Palm Harbor, FL 34685

For more information on booking this trip go to, www.snowshark.org or contact: Helen Knox – Trip Leader: (727) 772-8621 or Holly Wagner: (727) 480-8193

e-mail: Taos@snowshark.org

Snakedance Condos & Spa

FSC Trip

Ski-In/Ski-Out Condos

Number of occupants 1 2 3 4 5 6

Snakedance -1 bed/1 bath condo $2,265 $1,499

Snakedance -2 bed/2 bath condo $1,755 $1,499 $1,395

Snakedance -3 bed/3 bath condo $1,655 $1,499

Clearwater/St. Pete Ski & Sports Club March 5-13, 2010 (Extension March 13-16)

TROIS VALLEES, FRANCE

Polly Trautweiler

The Snowsharks and Polly Trautweiler have created a FUN FSC trip to Three Valley’s France including side trips for the 2010 European Holiday. After an overseas flight and comfortable bus ride, we will be welcomed to the Hotel Amelie in Brides Les Bains. This beautiful three star hotel is located very close to the Gondola to Meribel, and we will enjoy many evenings of happy hours, food, fun and camaraderie for our group. Brides Les Bains is a traditional alpine resort situated in the valley below Meribel, with excellent access to the extensive skiing available in the world famous Three Valleys Ski area. Known also as the resort of “Elegant Women,” Brides Les Bains is France’s leading slimming spa resort. A 20 minute gondola ride will take you from Brides Les Bains to the heart of Meribel, the center of the largest ski area in the world. The variety of runs ensures superb skiing for all levels. There are special beginners’ areas in Meribel with over 50 gentle runs which are more than ample for any first timer. Intermediates will be in heaven as there are plenty of long blue and red runs totaling 600 kilometers of enough terrain to keep anyone amused. Experts will find some challenging off-piste, steep runs and moguls. Boarders are catered to a board park that has several jumps, a table top, and a half pipe. We will have most of our breakfasts and dinners at the Hotel which are included in the price. Of course, the hotel has a nice bar and lounge for après ski. After seven days in “ski heaven,” the lucky travelers going on the Paris trip will say good bye to those returning to the USA and board a bus for a short ride to Moutiers Train Station. From there, we will board the TGV (Bullet Train) for about a 3 hr. ride to Paris. On arrival in Paris, we’ll have a short orientation tour before going to the hotel. Our hotel in Paris for 3 nites is the 3 star Mercure Suffren Eiffel Hotel which is in the center, close to the famous Eiffel Tower and convenient to the Metro. Rooms have private baths and twin beds. Breakfast is served daily, and everyone is on their own for exploring and soaking up the atmosphere of Paris. Paris is a very old city, and has more museums and galleries than any city in Europe.

PRICE INCLUDES:

♦Pre trip get acquainted party & membership in the Clearwater/St. Pete Ski & Sports Club ♦Round trip transportation between Tampa airport and the Hotel ♦Ground transportation from the Airport to The Hotel Amelie in Brides Les Bains and back ♦Welcome/Get Acquainted party ♦Daily breakfasts and dinners at the ski area & all FSC social activities ♦Discounts on the purchase of lift tickets and rentals ♦7 Nights lodging (additional 3 for the Paris extension)

Deposit: $300 per person with trip application ($150 more for Paris extension) Balance Due: December 1, 2009. Trip size is 42 so reserve early! Please make checks payable to:

Clearwater/St. Pete Ski Club and mail to: Bill Handley

8914 Eagle Watch Drive Riverview, FL 33578

For more information on booking this trip go to, www.snowshark.org or contact: Bill Handley – Co-Leader: C-(813) 685-0337

Polly Trautweiler – Co-Leader: C-(727) 430-1757 or

e-mail: ThreeValleys@snowshark.org

Ski The Largest Ski Area

In The World.

And Visit Paris

After The Trip

Number of occupants 1 2

Hotel Room $1,964 $1,799

With Paris Extension $2,915 $2,498

Base price does not include US Departure, customs, and immigration tax and Airline Fuel Surcharges which are subject to change and currently total $345.00. Changes in the exchange rate may affect our prices.

Clearwater/St. Pete Ski & Sports Club March 27, 2010 – April 3, 2010

JACKSON HOLE, WYOMING

Lou Sclafani

Lou Sclafani and Waid Tribiano are back as your Spring Break trip leaders. This year the ‘Dynamic Duo’ are heading with their families to Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Put on your cowboy hat and join us. If you are looking for an economical and exciting place to bring the family this year, this is the trip. At $1,090 for 4 people in a two bedroom condo or 6 in a three bedroom condo, this trip is the best deal of the year! We have direct air scheduled from Tampa to Jackson Airport which is only 40 minutes from the resort base. Our condominiums are located at the base of the Jackson Hole Mountain only 12 miles from the town of Jackson Hole, Wyoming. While staying at these conveniently located condos, you will find yourself only minutes away from many fine restaurants, nightlife, shopping and activities in Teton Village. The entrance to Grand Teton National Park is only a couple minutes away. Price for lift tickets is only $320 for a 5 day adult ticket with the 6th day free. There are complimentary Mountain Tours daily that meet at 9:30 am and 1:00 pm in front of Walk Festival Hall. You must be an intermediate skier or better. No reservations required, just show up. Don’t ski? Don’t worry. The Saddlehorn Activity center is your HQ for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, dog sledding and telemark adventures. Tours are available into Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. We are planning a snowmobile tour, a visit to Yellowstone, Sleigh ride dinner and more! We just need YOU!

PRICE INCLUDES:

♦Pre trip get acquainted party & membership in the Clearwater/St. Pete Ski & Sports Club ♦Round trip transportation between Tampa and Jackson Airport ♦Ground transportation from Jackson Airport to The Condos in Teton Village and back ♦Welcome/Get Acquainted party ♦1 Free dinner party & social activities ♦Discounts on the purchase of lift tickets and rentals ♦7 Nights lodging

Deposit: $300 per person with trip application , 2nd deposit due November 15, 2009 Balance Due: January 15, 2009. Trip size is 40 so reserve early! Please make checks payable to:

Clearwater/St. Pete Ski Club and mail to: Louis Sclafani

12180 119 St N Largo, FL 33778

For more information on booking this trip, go to www.snowshark.org or contact: Louis Sclafani – Trip Leader: (727) 743-3108 or Waid Tribiano – Co-Leader: (727) 481-3912

e-mail: JacksonHole@snowshark.org

One, Two & Three Bedroom Condos– Teton Village

Direct Air to Jackson

Number of occupants 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

1 bed/1 bath condo $1,750 $1,240 $1,090 $999

2 bed/2 bath condo $1,205 $1,090 $999 $975

3 bed/3 bath condo $1,160 $1,090 $999 $975

Waid Tribbiano

** If under 18 years of age, deduct $20 **

Clearwater/St. Pete Ski & Sports Club April 3-10, 2010

VAIL, COLORADO

Helen Newcombe

Experienced trip leaders Helen Newcombe and Pat Weathers have planned a true fun trip to Vail Mountain, and combined it with condo to match, the Landmark Tower! Join us on this spectacular journey and enjoy the great skiing. Vail boasts three distinct areas of the mountain, each with their own features and fortes, including three terrain parks, seven bowls and 5,289 acres of free ride terrain. At seven miles wide, finding fresh tracks is as easy as finding elbow room. In fact, on an average day, there are only two skiers per acre, and on a busy day, only four! Landmark Tower Condominiums is one of Vail, Colorado's great condominium hotels. Nestled in Lionshead Village, it is located just 150 yards from the Vail Eagle-Bahn Gondola and children's ski school, making it an ideal choice for your family vacation in Vail. Each of the Landmark Tower condos has partial mountain views of Vail Mountain. Along with the beautiful Colorado view, every condominium comes equipped with a full kitchen, including microwave oven, cable TV, VCR., as well as, high-speed internet access, and gas fireplace. On-site amenities include an outdoor heated pool, two hot tubs, and morning coffee in the lobby. Guests of Landmark Tower Condominiums will also enjoy the convenient location of this condominium hotel. You can stroll to a variety of shops and restaurants in beautiful Lionshead Village, or catch the free in-town shuttle to Vail Village for even more shopping and dining pleasures. The only thing remaining is to have YOU on our trip! Join the fun-loving group of skiers already signed up for this trip. Whether you ski or just enjoy the ambience, shopping and sightseeing, you will surely have a great vacation. Lots of social events are included to keep your after-ski time filled with fun and activities.

PRICE INCLUDES:

♦Pre trip get acquainted party & membership in the Clearwater/St. Pete Ski & Sports Club ♦Round trip transportation between Tampa and Denver Airport ♦Ground transportation from Denver Airport to The Landmark Condos and back ♦Welcome/Get Acquainted party ♦1 Free dinner party & social activities ♦Discounts on the purchase of lift tickets and rentals ♦7 Nights lodging

Deposit: $300 per person with trip application Balance Due: January 15, 2009. Trip size is 32 so reserve early! Please make checks payable to:

Clearwater/St. Pete Ski Club and mail to: Helen Newcombe 37221 Price Drive

Zephyrhills, FL 33541 For more information on booking this trip go to, www.snowshark.org or contact:

Helen Newcombe – Co-Leader: 813-788-1680 Pat Weathers – Co-Leader: 727-418-6041

or e-mail: Vail@snowshark.org

Landmark Tower 2 Bedroom/2 bath Condos

Steps from the Vail Eagle-Bahn Gondola

Pat Weathers

Number of occupants 3 4 5 6

2 bed/2 bath condo $1,410 $1,260 $1,170 $1,110

** If under 18 years of age, deduct $20 **

Attention Travelers– If you decide to participate in a trip with us, or even if you are planning a big trip someplace on your own, there are two unforeseen things you should plan for and be aware of. Increases in price due to Fuel Surcharges or Government Taxes and the possibility of trip cancellation, delay or worse an injury on your trip.

Every traveler should know that price increases are possibility on each trip. The two main reasons for this possibility are surcharges added on by the airlines for fuel, luggage or peanuts and government taxes or fees. This is a fairly new phenomenon but it is out of our control. Airlines have the ability to add on fees and the government has the ability to charge new taxes until the time of departure. Everyone in the industry is dealing with this but please know that we are working with our trip suppliers to prevent this as much as possible. However if a fee is imposed on your trip it is still your responsibility to include this in your total trip price and your trip leader will keep you informed of any increases and your new total.

Worse than paying a little extra for your trip in taxes and fees is having your trip delayed, interrupted or cancelled. Even worse is experiencing an illness or injury on your trip requiring you to return home early or having to stay later. Our club does not require it’s travelers to purchase trip insurance but considering the investment in your trip, it might not be bad idea. Trip insurance is an option that you may want to consider for your trip. This is a personal decision you must make on your own. Every person, every trip, and every circumstance is different. Like any other type of insurance, there are many companies and types of policies. A good place to start looking for a policy that is right for you is at www.insuremytrip.com and www.travelprotectors.com. These sites will quote you prices from various companies and various policies. If you would like to speak to a live person, their numbers are 800-487-4722 and 877-515-9055. Hopefully you never need to use the insurance but it is there if needed.

FORECLOSURE PROCEEDINGS INITIATED AGAINST MONTANA SKI RESORT Big Sky, MT - It's been only two years since Lehman Brothers Commercial Bank infused Montana's Moonlight Basin ski resort and real estate development with a $100 million shot in the arm, but earlier this month the New York investment bank filed court papers seeking to foreclose on the property in Big Sky. The filing in Madison County court asks that the ski resort be sold to allow Lehman Brothers to recoup $78 million in principal and $8.3 million in interest. The bank also seeks permission of the court to bid on the property itself. Moonlight Basin principals insist that its lifts ascending the north side of Lone Peak, a mountain the ski resort shares with adjacent Big Sky Resort, will be spinning this winter despite the foreclosure proceedings. Moonlight Basin officials anticipated the court filing, indicating in a letter to homeowners this summer that Lehman Brothers had indicate its intention to foreclose on the property. Cash flow has been restricted since financial difficulties at Lehman Brothers put a crimp on the resort's liquidity in 2008. The foreclosure proceeding was filed after talks to renegotiate the loan repayment terms failed earlier this summer.

TELLURIDE IMPROVEMENTS

This season, Telluride is expanding ter-rain to offer more challenging, expert skiing by adding Gold Hill Chutes 2-5. This long-anticipated terrain comes on the heels of Gold Hill Chutes 6-10 open-ing in 2007-08, and Chute 1 opening in 2008-09. Chutes 2-5 offer wide-open, above treeline couloirs and chutes drop-ping 1,600 vertical feet. The resort added two WWII-era howitzers last sea-son to facilitate control of this terrain, which will open as conditions allow.

TAOS SKI VALLEY STAFFERS NAMED BEST OF THE BEST

Taos Ski Valley, NM - Taos Ski Valley has the best in New Mexico when it comes to ski patrollers and instructors, according to New Mexico's association of ski resorts, Ski New Mexico. Two Taos Ski Valley employees, Robert Scram and Christine Lowry, won the Best Ski Patroller and Best Ski Instructor categories respectively, in the prestigious annual "Best of the Best" competition. Scram and Lowry beat out more than 2,500 individuals from 10 New Mexican ski resorts by winning the coveted awards. “Robert and Christine are outstanding examples of the values we embrace at Taos Ski Valley,” said Adriana Blake, Taos Ski Val-ley’s vice president of marketing. “Their dedication to the sport, coupled with their commitment to ensuring that our guests have the best mountain experience possible, is what makes them the elite. It goes without saying that we’re extraordinarily proud of their ac-complishments.” Ski patrollers and instructors, in particular, make snow sports more rewarding for enthusiasts of all levels. Patrollers use their expert skills as well as their vast knowledge of the mountain to ensure visitors of all levels can enjoy their day, no matter if they are skiing on beginner runs, backcountry areas or terrain parks. Instructors like Lowry provide visitors with the personal attention they need to hone their skills, leading to more confident and enjoyable days on the mountain. Scram, a 12-year veteran of Taos’ ski patrol, is a member of Summer Mountain Crew and Patrol. He heads the avalauncher and accident investigation departments, and he was voted Ski Patroller of the Year by his fellow patrollers in the 2007-08 season. Lowry has been instructing at Taos Ski Valley’s adult ski school for 26 years. She has her level 3 certification and teaches alpine skiing, telemarking and snowboarding. During her summers Lowry is a rafting guide on the Rio Grande River.

INTRAWEST EMPHASIZES HELMET USE AT COMPANY'S SKI RESORTS Vancouver, Canada - Ski resort operator Intrawest announced on Oct. 1 that, beginning with the 2009-10 ski and snowboard season, the company will increase awareness of the importance of helmet use at all of its wholly-owned ski resorts in North America. Intrawest will recommend that all skiers and snowboarders visiting its resorts wear helmets and there will be mandatory helmet requirements for all children and youth participants in ski and snowboard school programs as well as all students partici-pating in freestyle terrain park programs, regardless of their age. Two years from now, Intrawest will require helmet use at all of its ski resorts. The new helmet use guidelines come six months after the high profile death of actress Natasha Richardson from a head injury sustained at the company's Tremblant Resort in Quebec. The company also operates Copper Mountain, Winter Park and Steam-boat Resort in Colorado, Mountain Creek in New Jersey, Vermont's Stratton Mountain, Snowshoe Resort in West Virginia, and Panorama Mountain Resort and its flagship Whistler Blackcomb, both in British Columbia. A helmet will be included with all children/youth ski and snowboard rental packages from all of Intrawest's equipment rental out-lets. The new guidelines will be supported with enhanced employee education sessions and common language highlighting the importance of helmet use will appear on resort websites and in all trail maps. Going forward, Intrawest will place an increased focus on using website images and advertising visuals that feature skiers and snowboarders wearing helmets and Intrawest will introduce new graphic standards that require all of its ski resorts to feature helmets predominantly. In the past at some resorts, a parent or guardian has had the ability to opt-out of having their children wear a helmet in certain on-mountain programs and activities. Beginning this season, Intrawest will remove the parent/guardian "opt-out clause" from all children's waivers for Ski and Snowboard School Programs and all freestyle terrain park student programs. Looking ahead to the 2010-11 winter season, Intrawest will require employees to wear a helmet at all times while skiing or snow-boarding on-duty in any freestyle terrain park at its resorts. Staff at Intrawest's Ski and Snowboard Schools will also be required to wear a helmet if they serve as a guide or an instructor for any program that requires mandatory helmet use by a resort guest. Several Intrawest resorts will begin to implement these new employee helmet use guidelines this winter and the remaining re-sorts will be fully compliant by the beginning of the 2010-11 winter season. "Intrawest is working in conjunction with the ski industry to establish important best practices on behalf of our resort guests and employees," said Bill Jensen, chief executive officer at Intrawest. "Together, we have established a new baseline for helmet use at our resorts that has received strong support from the NSAA (National Ski Areas Association) and CWSAA (Canada West Ski Areas Association). We will continue to work with all of the ski industry associations in the United States and Canada to raise awareness of this important initiative and the obligation of everyone to ski and ride in a controlled and responsible manner."

FIRST SNOW OF THE SEASON

Jackson Hole and the rest of the west welcomes winter!

The much anticipated first storm of the season touched down in Jackson Hole Sept 30th , blanketing upper elevations with upwards of six inches at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and as much as nine inches at Grand Targhee Ski Resort. Ski and snowboarders

alike are taking the early snowfall as a sign of what's to come: a powder-filled 09/10 winter season!

First run of the year down Grand Targhee.

Beaver Creeks first Dusting

SNOW CONTINUES TO ACCUMULATE AT WESTERN SKI RESORTS

Then the second early winter storm in less than a week pressed through the western U.S. over the weekend of Oct. 3-4 dropping

up to a foot of new snow in its wake and deepening pre-season snowpacks.

It may only be the first week of October but fresh early season snowfall has decorated ski slopes across the U.S. and Canada. Here's a few shots taken right after the first snowfall to feed the stoke for the ski and snowboard season ahead!.

Vail

Steamboat

Sun Valley’s First Foot

Be sure to check out www.snowshark.org for more details on all of our trips.

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID ST. PETERSBURG FL

PERMIT #2393

Clearwater/St. Petersburg Ski & Sports Club 12180 119 St North Largo, Florida 33778-2000 www.snowshark.org October 09

Next Meeting Location

Tuesday Oct. 13 7PM Thirsty Marlin

351 West Bay Dr 727-586-3474

Just West of Missouri Ave

Calendar of Events Oct. 13: Monthly Social- Thirsty Marlin Oct. 20: Board Meeting– Chili’s– Largo Nov. 10: Monthly Social– Thirsty Marlin Nov. 17: Board Meeting– Chili’s– Largo Dec. 5: Holiday Party– Bilmar Jan. 9: Beaver Creek Jan. 16: Telluride FSC Feb. 20: Taos FSC Mar. 5: Trois Vallees France FSC Mar. 27: Jackson Hole Apr. 3: Vail

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