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Taupo Ski Club

October 2019

FIRST TRACKS WITH THE PRESIDENT
Welcome to the last newsletter of the ski season with Whakapapa and Turoa closing at Labour Weekend.  The season has been a wild ride with basically no snow until the end of July, a messy August, no snow again until right at the end of September which will hopefully see us through to Labour Weekend.   See the snow depth chart below.
Over the course of the season I have noticed that a lot of members (and not only the new ones) are not familiar with some of our procedures (and rules).  I am assuming that most of us have had a cursory look at our website/booklet etc but over time may have forgotten the pertinent points.  So, I appeal to you all to become familiar (with the rules/procedures) thus ensuring not only the smooth running of the Lodge and club but also everyone’s health, safety and enjoyment.
RAL’s season passes (and ancillary items) are now on sale.  A couple of things to note are the increase in price and the limited time for their early bird pricing.  This is valid until the end of October.
The Ruapehu Mountain Clubs Association (RMCA) is holding its AGM shortly and we will be represented by a couple of committee members.  There are a few issues that affect us and we will be lending our support to the RMCA for some action on the sewerage scheme upgrade, Bruce Road management and parking.
Other items of interest included in this newsletter:
We are offering Mates Rates for the remaining couple of mid-week stints (details below) and with the snow still in good condition we should get some good ‘spring’ skiing.
We have 3 Work Parties planned for the upcoming summer.  The first 2 in particular have a heavy work load with some reasonably substantial works to be completed.
We had a successful Club Champs a couple of weeks ago with some new category winners and some great spot prizes for those of us not lucky enough to take away a trophy.  Thanks to our major sponsor Gordons Outdoor Equipment.  
Following on from this was a club organised trip to Tukino skifield for a day of Cat Skiing.    We would like to be doing more of these sorts of things so if you have a good idea for an event (and better still, prepared to organise it) then give the committee a call.
The last couple of years we have had our AGM in March the following year.  We intend to do the same for the 2019 AGM.
So, make the most of the last 2 weeks of the season, book into a work party, make a summer booking and think about joining the Committee.


Until next month ....
SEASON EVENTS
OCTOBER    
28 Sept – 13   School Holidays
28   Photo Comp Closes
28   Whakapapa Closes
NOVEMBER    
9,10   Work Party
12   Photo Comp Winner Announced
MATES RATES
As we did last season we are offering Mates Rates for the last 2 weeks of the season. This will be for midweek bookings (Sunday – Thursday) starting Sunday 13th through to Thursday 17th October and Sunday 20th through to Thursday 24th October inclusive.  The deal is that non-members staying with a member can stay at member rates.  Usual booking procedure applies.
 
WORK PARTIES
We have 3 work parties planned over the coming season (November 2019, February 2020 and May 2020).  The first is only 4 weeks away on the weekend of 9/10 November.  This one will concentrate on the usual major spring clean, firewood stacking and replacing the dining room windows.  This will definitely be a full weekend work wise.
The second one in February (date to be confirmed) will be a painting weekend with all the window sills (and other bits and pieces) prepared and enamelled. We will be calling for volunteers here who know how to prepare and paint.  In addition we will be doing work draining and cleaning our water tanks.  This will be another very full weekend.
The May work party will be a stocking, cleaning, tidy up weekend with the carryover of anything uncompleted from either of the earlier work parties.
Bookings for these are through our normal booking process.  There is no cost to attending (other than maybe a few blisters).

 
CLUB CHAMPS
Club Champs Report – 21 September 2019
Snowbase – 264 cm
Weather – Brilliant all day
Snow – Firm first run, soft second run
Location – Bilbos race course
Racers – 44 (4yrs – 80 yrs)
Time – 11:00am
The course was set by RAL on the middle section of Bilbos (skiers left of the Valley T-Bar). Conditions during set up were firm with no wind. We had a hand timed course with about 12 gates finishing on the flat. At times it was interesting with another race course being set up right beside us. Thanks need to go to our starter (Club Captain) and the timers, Vicki, Matt and Harry.
The races were all over by 12:10pm with most racers completing 2 runs, some having a coke or two and all putting on some semblance of a smile for the camera. There were a couple of spectacular falls with David Veitch carrying his fine form from last year but the award went to Aaron Palmer who cartwheeled magnificently out of the start gate on his snowboard.
Lunch was held outside the old Knoll Ridge shelter with what was left of the coke, stories about courage, bravery, excuses, ribbing, bragging and so on. These of course were sorted out later in the day when the results came out.
After lunch most members could be found out west with some great spring skiing out wide. Most were back at the Lodge by 4:30pm for refreshments with prizegiving kicking off at 5:15pm.
This year we had 44 members race. All we need now is for the other 250 members to turn up. Trophies were presented by the Club Captain of which there were a couple of surprises.
Of note was the attendance of 2 members with 57 years of membership each (Rod MacFarlane and Bill Dawson). Both featured in the trophies.
This was followed by a large range of spot prizes presented on behalf of Gordons Outdoors by Hendon Gillies. The names were drawn out of a hat (actually a bowl) and included boot bags, helmet, goggle, boot dryers, T-shirts, toilet bags, gogglesoc, ski socks and so on (not forgetting the chocolate). As an aside their sponsorship is important to the club so please support them (especially if you need faster ski’s)
After the usual congratulations, commiserations and more refreshment, dinner was served for about 35 people (many of whom were up for the day or bunking down in other clubs). Thanks to the cooks involved.
The results will be published on the website later but category winners are below.

Ski     
Grommet Girls           Olive Gillies
Junior Girls                 Caoilin Grey
Intermediate Girls       Seana Grey
Senior Women            Carolina
Master Women            Erin Grey
Veteran Women          Trish Mau
Golden Oldies Women      Karen Williams
Handicap Womens      Karen Williams
Junior Boys                 Ivan Veitch
Intermediate Boys      Cole Scott
Senior Men                 Aaron Moss
Master Men                Hendon Gillies
Veteran Men               Anthony Moss
Handicap Mens          Greg Bennett
Golden Oldie Men      Harry Keys
One Foot in the Grave      Rod MacFarlane
Open Women             Seana Gray
Open Men                  Aaron Moss
    
Snowboarders     
Junior Girls       Anna Veitch
Junior Boys      Ivan Veitch
Open Men        Ian Cook
    
General     
Sue Strawbridge Award      Trish Mau
Novice                                 Emma Gillies
Captains Choice                  Bill Dawson

Finally, have a look at the
album available on Taupo Ski Clubs Facebook page. These are all of the photos taken and have not been edited so could include closed eyes, lettuce in teeth, people with more than one coke, mirror lenses, nervous looks and so on.
PHOTO COMPETITION
Only 2 weeks to go to be in to win up to 8 nights accommodation up at the Lodge. Due to popular demand we are bringing back our annual photo contest with 2 categories that you can enter.  This runs through until the 28th of October.  

DETAILS HERE
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
We have a tentative date for the 2019 AGM being Saturday 28th March 2020 in Taupo.  Details and confirmation of date, time and location will follow early next year.
SKI PATROL PHONE NUMBERS
Did you know that you can call the Ski Patrol directly if you come across, are in or (god forbid) cause an accident.  The numbers are:
Whakapapa    07 892 4000        extn 7880   or extn 7847
Turoa              06 385 8456        extn 5675   or extn 5621
COMMITTEE
The club is run by a committee consisting of members that are elected at each Annual General Meeting.  As with all volunteer committees we are always looking for new members.  It is important to the successful running of the club that we get a regular ‘supply’ of new members joining the committee.  
This year we have a couple of long serving members stepping down being the Secretary Maggie McCaughan and Simone MacFarlane.  Therefore we need to fill these spots so please give some thought to whether you or someone you know would be interested.  The main criteria are common sense and a bit of your time.
If being on the committee is not your thing there is also the opportunity to contribute to the club by offering to maintain the website, compile this newsletter, maintain our facebook page, organise the purchase of hoodies, offer your trade skills for a one off job, organise a club event (ie Tukino, MTB, fishing, quiz night, overseas ski trip, tramp etc) and the list goes on.  Just approach a committee member with your idea(s).
The success of our club revolves around our voluntary contribution so we look forward to you all stepping forward.   
CLUB COMMUNICATION
We just need to clarify that at present we have 3 main ways of communicating with members being the email based newsletter, our website and our Facebook page.  All 3 will be in various states due to timing and may or may not all contain the same content.  So check them regularly and if you know of anyone wanting the newsletter then get them to sign up (including members of your family).
CLUB TRIP – TUKINO 28 SEPTEMBER 
The road at 8:30am on Saturday morning was clear of snow and open to 4WD only (after being closed earlier in the week), although quite a few potholes in the lower section. Counted only 5 cars in the lower carpark and the top carpark peaked at about 20. Only one car off the road with what appeared to be chains wrapped around one of the front wheels.
Lifts were due to open at 9am but due to snow and wind over the previous couple of days both lifts were partially buried. With skifield staff numbers fairly limited the Taupo Ski Club provided 6 volunteers to man shovels to help dig the lower tow out. Approximately 80m of digging was required with a depth varying from knee depth through to chest deep at the bull wheel. This was a good warm up and allowed the snow to start releasing in the sheltered sunny spots lower down. Unfortunately the groomer had some hydraulic problems and didn’t get operational until approx. 12:30pm. However management did provide a discount on tickets for the work done.  The snow base here was 150cm.
Because of this there was not any grooming other than a cat track to the top. The cat made 5 trips in the course of the afternoon opening up some fantastic terrain. All ‘volunteers’ managed 3 runs for the afternoon in snow that varied from slick ice through to amazing pockets of windblown snow. It was however very windy at the top of the run.
Thanks to committee member Matt Ryder for organising this club trip to Tukino and the chance to have a go at Cat Skiing. We all recommend trying it out next year especially if you can time the weather and snow right.
REMINDERS
We have a few housekeeping items that we want to reiterate for all members.
KITCHEN – As a result of new guidelines this year (Food Act) we are introducing a change to how we operate the kitchen.  From now on you must wash your hands when preparing food, no phones in the kitchen, Fridge and cooked chickens must have their temperatures taken and we wish to ensure that young children do not enter.  In actual fact these are all common sense.
DAY TRIPPING – If you are day tripping please remember that you have to provide your own meals.  If you wish to have breakfast or dinner on the day then you need to book with the Booking Officer with Dinner being $10 per head and Breakfast for $10 per family.
FIREWOOD - Take it easy on the firewood please as we are running low.  We are looking at options to get more delivered in the coming month.
CARPARKING is at a premium again this season so arrive early (before 7am in the weekends if you want to park near the club) and if double parking in front of a club member then please leave your keys in the club in the usual place (the Hut Officer can tell you where if you have forgotten).  Don’t forget to put a card on your dash.  These are on the boot rack.
BOOKING - When making a booking please indicate an arrival time on the form.  This helps with meal planning and is another safety feature should something happen.  If there is a change in your arrival time then please advise the club as soon as practical.  Call 07 892 3847.
FOOD PICKUP - Ever wondered how the food gets up the mountain?  We need members who pass through or are from Taupo to check in with the catering officer (Marty Staines on 0800 347 482 ) to see whether there are any supplies that need to be taken up to the Lodge.  Without members taking up the regular consumables and fresh veges we will be relegated to tinned food.
DRYING ROOM – If you are not staying overnight then please do not leave your gear in the room.  As the weekends (especially) are full the drying room has been running at capacity.
DUTIES - As you are all aware we are assigned a duty when we spend a night up at the Lodge.  The duty is not onerous and as we are all ‘owners’ of the Lodge we have an obligation to keep it in good condition.  So, especially with the cleaning type jobs could you all ensure that you do a good job – there is a difference between a cursory wipe and a decent scrub – we want the club to be around for another 50 years.  In addition, how about adopting a 1+1 mentality – do something extra on top of your assigned duty (like wax the editors skis).
LOUNGE – We replaced our lounge suite a few years ago after many years of faithful service.  To ensure that we get many more please do not allow children to jump all over them (and other furniture).  Don’t forget that transporting your ski’s through the lounge is not allowed either.
HEALTH – You are no doubt all aware of the measles outbreak we are experiencing in NZ at present.   Please be cognisant of it and don’t come up to the Lodge if there is any chance you may have been in contact.  This is also a general reminder to please consider others if you have the flu, cold or anything else which can be passed on.  We have had a few people up recently who have managed to share their colds.
AVAILABILITY– Please look at the Availability Calendar before you make a booking.  This can save a lot of work for the Booking Officer.
SECURITY – Please ensure that the external doors are closed firmly behind you.  There are a lot of people walking around during the day.
LODGE – Children under the age of 14 are NOT allowed unsupervised in the Lodge at any time.

 
RUAPEHU ALPINE LIFTS MOUNTAIN UPDATE
Further info is available on their website
BUY / SELL / EXCHANGE
FOR SALE
Skis - Rossignol Experience 84 (166cm)
Excellent condition, bought at the end of last season ($1400ish)
Suit Intermediate to Advance Skier
$850 - Contact Trish Mau at the Lodge
We are running this facility every month so if you want to be included just email the details to the newsletter editor.  
HEALTH AND SAFETY
We need to bring to the attention of all members the impact of recent Health and Safety legislation.  It is up to all of us to be responsible and this is even more important in our Lodge with the risks of fire, storms and eruptions (amongst other things). To help facilitate this we are holding nightly club safety sessions (approx 5 mins) during the winter season.
In addition there are new food preparation regulations which we will be introducing over the coming weeks.  These are mostly common sense (like everyone in the kitchen washes their hands) and while not too onerous will require more discipline.
2019 COMMITTEE
Patron   Rod MacFarlane 
President   Greg Bennett 
Secretary   Maggie McCaughan 
Treasurer   Marion Fournier 
Bookings   Vicki Moss 
Catering   Marty Staines 
Works   Shaun Stock
Club Captain   Anthony Moss 
General   Thomas Schwarz 
    David Rankilor 
    Matt Ryder
    Simone MacFarlane
Past President   Marty Staines
COMMITTEE PROFILES
Continuing on from last month we are featuring our Treasurer Marion Fournier.  We will attempt to feature at least a couple in every newsletter as they come in.  Enjoy …
Marion Fournier - Treasurer/Lockers
When we first came to Taupo in 1987 we tried to join the club several times with no luck as membership was closed.  Finally in 2002 we became members and began to enjoy the friendly family atmosphere in the club as well as the convenience of being able to stay up the mountain in the weekends so our daughters could learn to ski through the ski programmes.  I joined the committee along with husband Greg who became works officer and I took over the lockers.  After a few years we left the committee then I rejoined as treasurer in 2010.
I have been skiing for 40 years and spent five years living and working in and around the Perisher Valley ski area in NSW.  When we returned to NZ we spent the winter in the South Island skiing all the commercial fields. We have also skied through France, Austria, Germany and Switzerland and last year had two weeks in at Cooper Mountain and Winter Park in Colorado.
While I am now a solar skier (only ski when the suns out) some on the best runs I’ve had have been in appalling conditions – windy, snow and ice. Favourite runs are the Valley, Knoll Ridge gut and West Ridge Chair.
NEWSLETTER SIGN UP
If there are other members of your family who want a copy of the newsletter (and other publications) emailed to them then get them to sign up here.
LAST RUN
Finally a reminder for everyone to remember what the club is all about.  We are striving for a family atmosphere which fosters everyone pitching in, a sense of ownership of the lodge, participation and involvement in events and above all respect for all fellow members, the facilities and the mountain in general.  Oh - did I mention to think about joining the Committee.
Until next month …
Copyright © 2019 Tauposki, All rights reserved.


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