Dear Friends;

                      Welcome to the 2009-10 Ski Season and Gateway Ski’s 23rd year!  As I indicated earlier, there are several changes made in the club operation and you should be aware of them.  First, we are not doing a December trip any longer.  We will offer the European trip in January and another trip in the spring to either a U.S. or Canadian destination.   What used to be reasonable for December and resorts that were barely open is no longer the case.  But, what we are offering is a pair of packages that are affordable.  And, thanks either to the fall of the Euro or the rise of the Dollar, our European trip this year in a top notch French ski area and an extension to Paris, but the cost is very close to that of last year.    We will remain with the reduced sizes of the trips.  The trips are more manageable and the feedback is that they are much more enjoyable with the smaller groups.  The domestic trip this year has 26 spaces each and the Europe trip has 45 spaces.  This year, we will travel to La Plagne, France in January with an optional 4 day layover in Paris.  The March trip will be to Lake Tahoe, California. Take a look inside for the full details of the trips. We will still try to provide a South American trip this summer to Chile or Argentina.  Those details will be provided later.     Finally, I want you all to know that I greatly appreciate your friendship, counsel and participation in our group activities in the past. I have always felt that  these trips and our non -ski functions are comparable to a “family reunion”.  Even if you cannot participate in one of the trips, I encourage you to  attend the Happy Hours, Parties and other group activities in the future.  I look forward to seeing each and every one of you at our club events and on the ski slopes.

 

     La Plagne, France

This year, we are going to return to one of the larger ski resorts in the world.  In my opinion, the French Alps offer the best skiing in the world and La Plagne is one of the largest ski areas in France.   It recently combined with the nearby ski area of Les Arcs and now offers a
complex of 6 high alpine resorts and 20 villages.  You can access 116 lifts that serve nearly 300 miles of ski runs along with  three peaks over 9,000 feet high and vertical descents of over 6,000 feet.  It means ski in a big way from the top of the glacier to the forest nearly 6,000 feet below! Within an hour you will be able to ski Val D’Isere or Meribel/Courchevel. Plenty of terrain to attack this year, but something for everyone.  Steep black runs to easy beginner slopes.....Click link below to read on...

 La Plagne with Chateau D'Oex and Paris

Lake Tahoe, CA

Lake Tahoe, California

All prices are subject to change

Trip Participation Policies

Please make sure you review and are aware of these policies!!   I want to avoid hurt feelings and confusion, so please review the following to avoid future potential issues.

1.      DEPOSIT PENALTIES and DATES FOR CANCELLATION:    Our cancellation policies are based on the cancellation policies of the resort and theairlines, as well as the travel brokers whose services we utilize.  Those penalty fees are assessed to us by the travel broker, resort and airline utilized.  If we hold seats or rooms past the cut-off dates, Gateway will end up paying money to cover seats not used.  In addition, we are  assessed a higher cost if we have fewer participants as a result of cancellations.   Please review the cancellation dates and penalties!!   The amount of the penalty reflects Gateway’s actual cost on cancellation.  These cancellation dates allow us to insure adequate trip planning for our participants and are very clearly set forth!  Please read them!  Finally, note when and how you will  receive your refund.  When you pay for your trip, that money is forwarded to the resort and the airline.  It is not kept in Gateway’s bank account.  I cannot control when they will give it back, if ever.  As a result, we will make any refunds only after all the trips have been completed.

2.     TIMELY TRIP ENROLLMENT :  For the same reasons stated above, and even more so today, “Count Me In!” will not hold a space for you!! Gateway will only  have a limited number of spaces that we believe we can fill.  We will not hold seats beyond any cancellation period.   It is very important that you follow the deposit schedule and must send in a payment form for each trip.    Don’t expect to just make a phone call and indicate you want to go.  Send in the form; send in the deposit!

3.    INCREASED TRIP COSTS:    The Europe trip costs are based on the Euro as it exists today.  Although it is now down considerably (about 1.20 as we write this).  But if it goes up, you will have an additional fee.  If it goes down, you will have a lower cost.   Please note that this year, our pricing INCLUDES the air taxes and/or fuel surcharges.  Hopefully, they will not increase, but until we actually buy the tickets and pay for the rooms, the cost may fluctuate.

4.   EUROPE PAY DATES:   Once again this year,  we are going to move the deposit and payment dates a bit ahead so that we don’t hit you up for so much money in December!   We have made good arrangements with the Hotels in Europe, but they want a significant payment on the room costs by mid-August.   So, please keep with the schedule and try to get your payments in on time!!.

    I believe that in most cases, these items are understood by most of our members.  However, I feel that it is best to explain to you why our
policies have changed, and explain fully our positions and the reasons for them.  I am sure Please that you will understand why we have done what we have.   If you have any questions or comments, let me know.

For further trip policies click this link.