Previous Trip Detail

Winter Park, Colorado

February 7 - 14, 2009

On February, 7, 2009, 34 members of the Dayton Ski and Board Club met in the Dayton Airport to begin our trip to Winter Park, Colorado, led by Bob Key and Heike Hudson.  We flew into Denver and met up with our charter bus for the last leg to Winter Park…via Apple Jacks, of course!  With the rustle of grocery bags from King Sooper (aka Kroger) and the melodic clinking of favored libations, we made the final push up the mountain.  Bob & Heike proved they could count (after several attempts) because no one was left behind when the bus pulled out.  Along the way, prairie dogs dotted the roadside; unwitting witnesses to the thousands of skiers that routinely make that pilgrimage up I70 to skiers’ Mecca; the Rocky Mountains.  One of our skiers had trouble spotting the prairie dogs….until someone pointed out that they aren’t really dogs.

At the Beaver Village Condos we were greeted with our 5 day lift tickets, discount coupons for local restaurants and shops, and nicely furnished 2 and 3 bedroom condos.  The first night our weary travelers crowded into the “guys” condo for a complimentary pizza party.  While, a few were feeling the effects of the altitude change everyone enjoyed the bash and looked forward to first tracks.

Sunday morning we caught the shuttle bus outside our doors for the short ride to the mountain.  A guided tour of the mountains was conducted by wonderful local mountain hosts and most skiers participated.  Many skiers enjoyed it so much, they went back for a second tour the next day.  The mountain had a 77 inch base of snow, and most of the runs were groomed daily.  Winter Park and Mary Jane mountains have a large variety of all types of runs from beginner to expert.  After the weekend, we relished in the short lift lines and uncrowded runs.

We had fresh powder almost every day and in some cases 7 to 10 inches.  Wednesday morning we woke to a big dose of real Colorado powder.  It was so light and fluffy it practically blew out of the way when you skied through it.   Most participants skied for the full five days and one group went cross-country skiing on their day off.  Hill bombing became the sport of the day by some of the DSBC skiers.  What is it?  Start at the top, ski to the bottom, full speed, no stopping.  Scenery?  We don't need no stinking scenery.  Last one to the chair lift is a rotten egg!

Vicki and Rose enjoyed apres ski at Starbucks.  One evening, Starbucks in hand, they were spotted by an alert bus driver as they sat at the slopeside shuttle stop chatting away.  Apparently all the buses had ended for the day but they were oblivious!  If he hadn't swung by and gave them a howdy do, they'd still be sitting there.

Thanks to Heike Hudson, Corinne Smith and several other group members, the trip was a social success. They planned meeting places for lunch and the Derailer became the favored spot.  We had a gathering most nights at one of the condos for happy hour or a local restaurant.  The group enjoyed every gathering and were very compatible whether skiing or partying. The potluck on the last night was more luck than pots because most of the guys didn't cook.  All they had leftover was some chips and beer.  Go figure.

Departure day, we celebrated Valentine’s day with chocolate hearts compliments of Corinne.  Once again, testing Bob & Heike’s counting skills, we got everyone on the bus and to the airport.  It would be so much easier if everyone would stay in their seats!  With only the usually confusion, everyone was checked in at the airport and settled in for an uneventful day of travel.  We arrived in Dayton late that evening, safe and sound.