MONTEREY SKI and SOCIAL CLUB

Trip 2 for Nisei skiers finds new friends on the snow-bus to Reno/Tahoe

  It takes an adventurous sort to make the commitment for spending a weekend on a loooonnnng bus ride… both ways over Donner Summit to the below-freezing enchantment of Lake Tahoe.  But, ahhhh, skiers have that destination-driven gene that makes them seek out the thrills of the hunt for perfect snow, steep trails, short lift lines, and good hot chocolate by the fireside at day’s end.

  And did we mention friendship and camaraderie?  Yes, the desire to share these moments with other kindred spirits — to explain the steeps and moguls and snowy spills in vivid detail to each other — far exceeds the strain and pain of tight-fitting ski boots, drafty snow goggles, bathroom stops in a one-piece ski suit, and early-morning wake-up calls after a night of partying. Yes, because sandwiched between those dark bus rides is the Oreo-like snow we so excitedly long to get our skis on.  

Long runs, blankets of snow, pent-up demand

  Like a shot out of the gate at Del Mar, we attacked them thar hills… kicking up snow dust in our wakes.  Saturday at Alpine Meadows started with a burst of early sunshine to bring out the SPF 70.  Later the snow started and dusted us all afternoon long, only slightly diminishing the enthusiasm for Sherwood and the upper bowls.  Even the first-time skiers got a quick start with their lessons and practice.  And with not-to-be-beaten discount rates and tickets delivered right to our hands by Nisei leaders (they were great), we found the shredding ever so more beautiful and rewarding.

  Nisei ski club members made the whole weekend a dream

  But we get ahead of ourselves… When was the last time you had a drink at the bar of an off-the-beaten-path Bowling Alley?  I ask because behind this San Jose bowling alley was the meet-up spot for the start of the bus ride.  And since many of us were early for the 6:30PM bus departure, we had the choice of bowling a few games ($3 for shoe rentals) or having a cold one.  Easy choice, though the strange out-of-the-fifties feel to the dimly lit area evoked a spooky vibe to the experience.  Turns out the bowling alley had a big rear parking area that was really perfect for our cars.

With welcoming smiles and fantastic -, Nisei trip leader Amy Lew greeted us and gave us the needed instructions about stowing our gear and skis.  We were in for a real treat, as we discovered, since our hot Asian-styled dinner and drinks were to be served after a stop in El Cerrito for the rest of the ski gang.  And a great dinner it was, with many Nisei helpers passing out the napkins and forks, drinks, and dinners.  It struck us all how selfless and loving those helping were to all the guests.

  13 Monterey Ski Clubbers make the trip, too

  With a fairly full complement of 39 ski-trippers on the bus, the talk turned to questions for the Monterey skiers and the friendly chatter continued for the whole ride.  Except for when the movie started and we were thrust into the underground London world of famed sleuth Sherlock Holmes.  But the real historic occasion was the coming together of skiers from the San Francisco Bay Area and the Monterey Bay Area, thanks to the Nisei offer for Monterey to join their ski trip.  Monterey gathered a worthy crowd of 13 skiers and winter adventurers for the trip, which included a sensational dinner at the Sands Casino and Hotel, our home for the weekend.  We had $5 off coupons for our dinner, 2 for 1 martinis, and a $10 credit at the slots, which bore $fruit for many of our players.  

And now for the finale’…

  Back to the mountains from our Reno overnight experiences, it turns out Sunday was the BIG day for skiing.  Many regard Northstar as a favorite at Tahoe, so with a quick gondola ride up to mid-mountain, we regrouped into our ski-buddy teams and criss-crossed Mt. Pluto from all angles.  Seven of us skiing together found inspiration in each others’ abilities, drawing on that energy within to keep the group (and ourselves) rapidly moving up and down the slopes.  The original day’s plan was to ski Sugar Bowl, but a big-rig accident on 80-west cut off our route to that destination.  Quick-thinking by David Jensen (he brought his computer for snow updates just in case) triggered the new plan to Northstar.  We all seconded his idea. And that’s how the story ends.

Well almost.  When Amy Lew mentioned snacks at the end of the ski day at the bus, we had no idea what to expect.  But as we came off the mountain and arrived at the bus for the trip home, gathered around the snack table was our legion of tired-but-happy skiers.  It was a veritable snack fest, including drinks and goodies and cheeses and chocolates and pate’ and fruit of all descriptions. 

Thank you Nisei volunteers and leaders for making this a memorable 2010 ski trip. Your yeoman efforts to make it special for us travelers will be as remembered as the skiing itself. 

Thank you all.

Trip #4: March 12-14 to Sugar Bowl  www.sugarbowl.com/ and Northstar - www.northstar.com

Details on these trips– and the sign up form– are at www.niseiskiclub.org.

As members of the Far West Ski Association and the San Francisco Bay Area Snow Sports Council, MSSC members are eligible to participate in their trips - always at a discount!

What an adventure!  New member Kay Lee and I opted for the Northstar trip, sponsored by the Nisei Ski Club - actively operating for over 150 years!

Greeted by about a dozen Nisei members in San Jose, we were welcomed immediately.  They remarked how much they enjoyed the previous MSSC members the previous week.  After picked up the next dozen Nisei members in El Cerrito, the food began to be served.  We were so impressed with the seemingly effortless flow - from the pick-up to the delivery, food, games, prizes, etc. 

We did encounter weather (wet snow) and an accident on I-80 so we didn’t arrive at the Sands in Reno until 3:00 AM.  Upon arrival, we were given discount coupons for food, drink, gaming, ski rentals, etc.  The rooms were well-appointed, clean and comfortable.  Although the Sands in a ’smoking’ casino, it wasn’t really horrible for a non-smoker.

I had breakfast at Mel’s Diner inside the hotel/casino (using my $5.00 off coupon) which was right out of the 50’s (I think, I’m far too young to know for certain).  Additionally, breakfast of handmade breakfast sanwiches, bananas, granola, coffee/tea were served on board the bus.
 All full day of skiing for most folks - I opted for a side trip with a good friend in Truckee. 

Pick-up was promptly at 4:30 and was preceded by oodles of beverages, snacks and conversation ‘tail-gate style’ in the parking lot.  Kay’s friend from Reno picked us up and gave us a tour of some darling little homes - much like any small town America - and dinner at the Claim Jumper.  Our return led us to playing a few games in the casino - they have penny slots - then up the next day for more skiing.

A sunny, clear day awaited the skiers. I opted for a spot by the skating rink, feet propped up by the fire pit and a good book. 

Returning to the bus about 4:00 PM, more tailgating, more food, more drinks before heading home.  Again, dinner served on the bus.  I must point out, the meals were prepared lovingly by Nisei members - Karen and Sherry.  No ’store-bought’  meals here.

Arriving back in SJ about 11:15 PM and a safe trip back to Monterey.  If you want a delightful weekend trip, I cannot imagine a better value.

CLUB MEETING is at Pierce Ranch Winery on Wednesday, March 10, 6:30 p.m.   $10 for Food and 5 tastings (2 whites and 3 reds)’  Another $5 will get you a glass of your favorite wine. Josh Pierce will say a few words about the wine.  The wines are very fairly priced, with the Temparanillo and Cab at $19.95 or $160 a case. 

Directions: Near /Cannery Row, Corner of McClellan and Wave in New Monterey, next to the Antique Mall.  Go through the tunnel going  toward Pacific Grove and take the first right–Foam Street. Go about 3-4 Blocks to McClellan and take a right. Go one block and it’s a little house on your right. Bring Quarters for the parking meter–or– Free parking (look west of Foam street up to Lighthouse).   

THANKS to Doug Weaver for setting this up!!