It is time for our Snow Sports trip to N.C.
We will plan to leave the church at 4:00 pm on Friday, Jan. 21, and return at approximately 10:30 p.m. on Sat., Jan. 22. Please recall that two years ago the weather was so bad on the Sat. that we planned to ski that we switched to a Sat. night departure with Sun. on the slopes so please leave both days open if you can.
If we have enough people going this year the cost this year will be $65.00 for those who ski and $72.00 for our boarders plus food money. If we do not get 15 participants the cost will be $84.00 for skiiers and $96.00 for boarders. We will stay at the church in Boone again so the cost is just for lift tickets and equipment with a small amount allocated for our group continental style breakfast on Sat. morning and gas.
All scouts and adults will need to have enough money for a meal on the trip up Friday night, Jan. 21, for lunch on the slope Sat., and for dinner on the road as we return Sat. evening. Friday night will be fast food fare. Sat evening we will stop for our usual all-you-can-eat pig out at the Golden Corral. Lunch on the slope is relatively expensive, with most folks spending $8.00 to $10.00. There is a group lunch ticket available for $7.00 for those who are willing to go for the selection of the day. It is usually a hamburger plate, spaghetti, or something similar. The buffet at the Golden Corral is about $10.00 if they haven't raised their prices.
For those who haven't skied before or who are interested in a refresher course, a group lesson is available for $10.00.
Adults, please also let me know if you will be willing to drive and the number of passengers that you can handle.
For gear, everyone should plan to be able to layer clothing for variable weather conditions but certain items are a real plus. You should plan to have some sort of waterproof or water resistant pants and jacket. A rain jacket and rain pants will do but it would be best to have or to borrow a ski bib (pants for the uninitiated) and ski jacket. The resort rents bibs and coats for $14.00 each or both for $20.00. You should definitely plan to have a pair of waterproof gloves and a hat of some kind. Sunglasses are advised as there can be a significant glare on the slope when the sun is on the snow. Ski goggles can be very handy when it is windy. As in all scout activities, being prepared for a variety of conditions is the way to go. Sun screen is essential, as you can fry quickly without realizing it in the relatively higher altitude when the sun is out.
For our sleeping arrangements, we will be camped out on the floor of the basement of the church with separate sleeping rooms for the heavy snorers in the group. A sleeping pad, mattress, or small, lightweight folding cot along with your sleeping bag is advised.
I would greatly appreciate a reply from those who plan to go with a description of whether you will want the group lunch ticket and/or a lesson so I can start to give the resort a head count.
As is the case with all Scout trips, we will travel in Class A’s in both directions. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call or e-mail me.
Don W