Salt Lake City Ski Trip Dec. 14 - 18, 2000
(trip report submitted by Dale Shannon)
First Club Trip;...Utah Powder, Powder, Powder
Fourteen club members who "guessed right" and signed up for this early season Utah Powder trip were not disappointed. Boy, did we get what we all wished for. Over the four day trip, two winter storms blanketed an already substantial 60 inch base with that fluffy stuff we all hear about in the advertisements, but rarely get to personally experience. Yes, it caused a minimal amount of whining (to go along with the evening wining), but all in all everyone survived, and had a really great time thrashing around in the powder on their skis and snowboards. Just like Al planned!
Were there transportation difficulties? Of course; it has become traditional, and part of the fun on this trip. The very experienced trip leader (not to mention the great snow conditions) helped us get past it. There were moments when we were all staking out the couches in the bar at ALTA, in the unlikely event Al didn't come through.
Groups of Club members skied / boarded ALTA, SOLITUDE, PARK CITY, SNOWBIRD,
DEER VALLEY, AND BRIGHTON (uh...boarders were not accommodated at ALTA and
DEER VALLEY;...but they had a good time elsewhere)
Among the highlights were:
| 1. | Powder, first tracks, and sunshine at ALTA on Monday |
| 2. | Free snowboard lessons by Gene all week |
| 3. | Al Sapowiths' Deer Valley gourmet lunch, (which he had delivered to our table with pomp and circumstance);....hot dog with pickle relish and all the trimmings! |
| 4. | A powder "face plant contest" between Karl Cikste and Dale Shannon;...early on, Dale lead 2-0, however Karl made a come back, and played him to a draw on Monday. |
| 5. | Being pampered at Deer Valley with great service, and fresh powder. |
| 6. | Being pampered with wine and cheese every night, hosted by Al and Carolyn |
| 7. | No injuries! |
Many thanks to Al Sapowith and Carolyn Blumenthal who teamed to make this a
memorable trip.
For those Club members who thought of signing up but changed your minds;.....I'm
sorry!
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Response to above report (particularly to highlight #4)
Dale,
Great trip report!! However I do have a small bone to pick regarding the
powder "face plant contest". In keeping with the spirit of the time, I
DEMAND A RECOUNT!!!!!!!
After all, what is the true standard for a face plant? Certainly a dimpled
(i.e., partial) face plant should not be counted the same as a full blown (i.e.,
submerged) face plant ----- unless it can be determined if the skier truly intended the latter.
Thus, barring an adverse ruling by the Supreme Court,
I must concede victory to you (without regard to any entrapment issues).
Karl