| Downhill Ski Club Inc. | |
| Ruapehu | 0-7-892 3843 |
| National Park | 0-7-892 2601 |
| lizchris@ww.co.nz | |
| Web Page | www.iol.co.nz/dsc/ |
It's being said that this has been the worst season for over forty years. Let's hope that it's at least that long before we see anything like it again. There was skiing to be had, especially if you were lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time like our Club Captain. Natalie saw the best conditions of the season at Whakapapa with the Waterfall T, the Valley, and Knoll Ridge open. There was even good powder snow for several days. When Natalie returned to Auckland and reported on the conditions, we started writing a newsletter to spread the good news. However, before it was posted, the snow was washed away by warm rain and Whakapapa was forced to close for the season. So it is that I am writing the last newsletter of the year without having written one about anything to do with skiing or snow conditions.
The club finances are low but not critical. We have enough money in the bank to survive until the start of next season, although there is none for redecorating or non-essential maintenance. We are going to try to earn as much as possible by finding groups that need accommodation at National Park over the summer. There is a poster advertising this included with this newsletter. Please put this up on any notice boards you have access to, such as at work, sports clubs, church, and on community notice boards. Normally we only offer accommodation at the National Park lodge, but if a large group really want to get away from it all for three days or more, we would consider opening the mountain lodge.
The main purpose of his newsletter is to give notice of the Annual General Meeting. This will be held on Sunday November 15. See the Club Captain's report for details. Last year we just managed to achieve a quorum of twenty members. The coming year is likely to be a critical one in the history of the club, so please show your support by attending the AGM. However, with the lack of club activities this year, it seems possible that we won't get a quorum. Under the circumstances, if this does happen, I propose that we continue with the meeting and consider a smaller number as being appropriate for the total number of members we now have. Anyone who objects to this proposal can see me in person at the AGM.
If I don't see you at the AGM, best wishes for the summer and I'll see you on the snow next year.
Chris Fotherby.
President
This season has turned out to be the worst season on record. Whakapapa closed for skiing several weeks ago, following a patchy time in which RAL managed to get the Knoll Ridge T-Bar open for less than a week. The snow-line is currently at the top of the Knoll, with plenty of fresh snow on the glacier above The Gut.
Those members brave enough to have made the mission down to the mountain would have realised that the actual skiing wasn't all that bad. Contrary to popular belief, the skiing was in fact excellent. A small dump in early September provided some of the best powder the North Island has ever had. Currently, Turoa is still open. The skiing off the Bacardi-T is on wide runs, and the grooming crew are working non-stop to keep sufficient snow on it. Lift prices have also been reduced dramatically. It's still not too late.
Please make sure you sign the Visitors Book when you arrive. In addition to the enjoyment everyone gets from reading your witty comments, it helps to keep track of numbers staying in the hut in the event of an emergency.
On another whinging note, it has come to the committee's attention that far too many members are abusing the booking system. Payment of an annual subscription does not entitle you to stay for free for the rest of the season. All accommodation must be verified with the Booking Officer, and money sent in ASAP. Those of you who owe accommodation monies, now is the time to send it in. Believe me, we know who you are, and a refusal next season may offend.
The AGM is to be held on Sunday the 15th of November 1998. The meeting will be held from 4pm at the Meek's place, and will be followed by a BBQ down at Long Bay Beach.
The address is: 242 Glenvar Rd Torbay.
It's very easy to find, but give Natalie a call if you want directions. Due to the state of our finances, the club is not able to provide any food or drink this year, so bring some sausages or steak and a salad.
We are looking forward to seeing some new faces on next years committee. Also, now is the time to submit any remits.
On the business side of things, we are seeking nominations for various positions on the committee, including:
President
Club Captain
Secretary
Booking Officer
General Committee Members
Due to such a poor snow season, annual events such as Race Weekend were unable to be held. In light of this, we've decided to look at holding some other social events over the summer months to keep club spirit alive.
Currently I have three options in mind:
Sea-kayaking trip to Rangitoto/Browns Island.
Tongariro Crossing/Ngaruahoe weekend walk.
Sailing weekend around the Hauraki Gulf.
Dates will depend on numbers, so give me a call if you're interested and I will organise it.
If we don't see you at the AGM, then a very Merry Christmas to everyone, and we'll see you down at the mountain next season.
Natalie Meek
Club Captain
Downhill Ski Club Incorporated.
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