Hello snow lovers!
This update is packed full of goodies… just like the snack bags Shelly packs for our outdoor adventures.
Our club’s local Meet & Skis kicked off in December at Trollhaugen in Wisconsin. About 10 of us clubbers and friends met for great weather, short lift lines, and incredible snow. Thankfully we were able to mask up and warm our toes inside the chalet with well-distanced tables. In the true winter spirit, others chose to tailgate with their grill and folding chairs.
In January, Wednesday evening Meet & Skis at Welch Village in Minnesota allured about 6 skiers to brave the evening chill and “car chalet” each time. Best part of evening skiing… zero lift lines. It’s like having private slopes!
The last week of January, 33 of us clubbers masked up for our adventure to Whitefish. We traveled by planes, trains, and automobile to enjoy the sparsely populated resort town in northern Montana. The lodge, the resort, the town, and our amazing Club Trip Leaders and VP of Trips did an amazing job of keeping us and the locals protected during Covid Season. We enjoyed a full week enjoying the area (Glacier National Park, snowshoeing, town visits, watching for trains, etc). After 6 days on the beautiful Whitefish slopes, we all safely returned home. Thank you, Gary, Lorrie, and Ross!
Fun facts about Whitefish Mountain Resort: 1) It used to be called “Big Mountain”, but tourists often confused it with Big Sky; so Big Mountain rebranded. 2) On-piste visitors may discover Jesus overlooking Hellroaring Basin; word has it that services are held there every Sunday morning. 3) Loads of locals “skin up” the slopes every day.
In February, Bob introduced the club to a new event: Bearly Open Golf Event on White Bear Lake. Bob, Shelly, Cindy, and Jason donned their warmest ski gear and braved the arctic blast while hit tennis balls through the “golf course” on the frozen lake. Photo evidence shows them using old golf drivers and hockey sticks for the long shots and laying down on the “green” to put, billiards-style. Thanks, Bob, for the new adventure!
Then to celebrate surviving February’s arctic blast, about 12 of us gathered for the Heine House XC Ski Tour at Lake Elmo Park Reserve. About half decided to XC ski the rolling hills, while the other half hiked and made snow angels on this a perfect winter Saturday – bluebird sky, no wind, and perfect skiing and hiking temperatures. The gents capped off the event with s’mores around a bonfire. Thanks Rick and Jerry for a fun event!
Rounding out February, about 15 of us met at Welch Village on Saturday to ski on mashed potatoes and show off our club shirts! Weather was warm, which made outdoor lunch an easy choice. Picnic tables were widely available for those who ordered food from Madd Jaxx’s walk-up windows. Others decided to tailgate with mini-grills next to the snowy field with plenty of room for folding chairs. I heard loads of great compliments about our latest club shirts. Thanks, Bob, for arranging the shirts and this event!
The snowshoe event was great on the last Sunday in February, with bright blue skies and some fresh morning snow. Nine hikers strapped on snowshoes and followed our guide on uncharted trails. The snow was deeper than expected and surprisingly fluffy. We made our own way bushwhacking through trees and brush; we called it off-piste! Afterward we enjoyed a nice bonfire with s’mores made with cookie (genius), hot chocolate, and mulled wine. Great 1st annual 3M snowshoe at the Oakdale Preserve. Big thanks to Shelly!
Coming up in March 4-7, we are off to our Up North Meet & Ski at Lutsen Mountain. We have a group of 15 skiers ready to hit the slopes and enjoy a weekend getaway.
Please mark your calendars for Saturday, March 13, for what may be our last local Meet & Ski for the season at Welch Village. As always, for the latest club activity updates: visit hootline.com, check your inbox for emails from Ben G, and/or request to join “Hootline” group on Facebook.
In the meantime, we are also crossing our fingers we can get creative for a year-end banquet and/or celebration this year. If you know of an economical spot that might work, please alert us. We are always looking for creative options to consider.
Thanks to all of the Club Board Members, Trip Leaders, Social Activity hosts, and you the members for continuing to make this season active, creative, and showcasing our love of the outdoors!
Wishing you continued health and happiness during our looming meltdown season,
Joanne
2020-2021 President
3M Ski | Board | Social Club
