by Armand Gutierrez, President  

In 2012 Curtis Otaguro and I went on the FWSA Chamonix trip (my first). We stayed at the Hotel Alpina, skied four of the ski resorts, skied the Vallée Blanche, and skied one day in Verbier (where I met my buddy). Well, here it is 2026 and I’m making a return trip to Chamonix, leaving on 26 Feb and skiing Chamonix from 1-6 March, then the extension week in Paris and Normandy (another first). The Hotel Alpina went through a major upgrade and is now the Hotel Alpina Eclectic.

In the past few seasons it seems like I always miss out on big snow dumps. Park City had poor snow conditions. That is, after we left it dumped 2’ of dry, powdery snowflakes. Then Tahoe got the big dump. Again, I missed out because of my upcoming trip to Chamonix. With all that snow in Tahoe I hope many of you will get up there for some great skiing.

Membership Report

Let’s welcome Katherine & Mel Young, Doug Higashi and Shari Fujii; returning members that joined in February and our total is now 113 members.

2027 NSC Ski Week

It was announced at the end of the Park City ski week that next year’s destination is Snowmass, CO, from 6-13 February. Look for details later in the year. Snowmass is on the Ikon pass and includes Snowmass, Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, and Buttermilk.

Questions: contact president@niseiskiclub.org

QotM: You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only option.

By Sally Shimada-Lee and Ski Buddies, NSC Members

From February 7–14, 2026, we had the pleasure of joining our first Nisei Ski Club trip to Park City.

I joined NSC one year ago and invited seven of my ski buddies to become members as well. We all enjoy skiing, playing pickleball and cards, and traveling—and eating—together, so this felt like the perfect opportunity to experience new adventures and meet new friends among the warm, welcoming members of the club.

Bringing together a group of 34 members takes a great deal of planning, organizing, and communication, and we truly appreciate the excellent job Armand did as trip leader.

Thanks to his hard work, the trip was a wonderful success, and we look forward to many more fun adventures with this active group in the future.

The locals even joked that we sunny Californians brought much-needed snow to Utah—and shortly after, our own Sierra Nevada received record-breaking snowfall as well. To all skiers: enjoy this fantastic season, and ski safely.

Tim Hadlock, New NSC Member

The February 2026 Ski trip to Park City/Canyons Ski Mountain in Utah seemed to go by so quickly.  During the week there the weather and conditions included everything from sunny Spring skiing conditions on Super Bowl Sunday to fog and thunder snow storms later in the week.   We all got in plenty of skiing and ended each day sore, tired, hungry, and happy.  The accommodations where we stayed, Snow Flower Condominiums, were conveniently located just next to the Park City Village.

This was my first trip with the club and I was impressed with how well organized everything was and how smooth the trip went.  Pretty much everyone was a new face to me; from our condo leader – Wes, to the others we skied with – David, Greg, Winnie, Wendy, Guy, Mary, and others.  Everyone got along well and we looked after each other on the slopes.  With some encouragement, I took on some new challenges to up my game on moguls and I made some progress. 

After long days of skiing some of us rested up in the heated pool/jacuzzi and then small groups would either go out for dinner or cook in the condos.  I felt lucky to have some good cooks in my group.  Even in an unfamiliar kitchen, they managed to cook healthy and tasty dinners for several nights (kudos to David, Greg, and Wes).  We ate out a couple of nights, one at a local Ramen restaurant which we walked and the other night we took the bus downtown to an Italian restaurant. The walls of the restaurant were covered in framed quotes about food.  One I liked was:

“Fish . . . to taste right must swim three times – in water, in butter, and in wine.

A Polish Proverb”

We had two nights during the trip where everyone got together. The first get together was to watch the Super Bowl and the other was “Pot Luck” night.  At the Super Bowl party there were lots of snacks and at the Pot Luck party every condo brought a main course and a dessert.  There was plenty of great food and everyone enjoyed the get together.

A big thanks to Armand, the condo leaders, and everyone else who helped make the trip a success!

Check out the slideshow….

by Sandy Kiyomura, NSC Member

In January, seven NSC adventurers set off for Crested Butte, joining nearly 150 skiers from every corner of the country for the Far West Ski Association’s annual ski week.

Crested Butte itself feels like it was plucked straight from a storybook — a tiny, gingerbread‑trimmed town tucked outside Gunnison, Colorado, where every storefront looks dusted with powdered sugar and the mountains rise like hand‑painted backdrops. Colorado never skimps on scenery, but Crested Butte has a charm all its own.

The cold was the kind that makes your breath sparkle — minus four degrees — yet somehow it didn’t bite the way you’d expect. A few of us kept warm the old‑fashioned way: skiing fast enough that the wind couldn’t catch us. With the low snowpack closing the double blacks runs, we carved long, easy arcs down the blues, cruising nearly 20,000 vertical feet a day.

At the welcome reception, the NSC crew gathered — Dan Lew, Kathy Fang, Carol Henri, Elaine Graves, Judy Bracken, and Sandy Kiyomura — with Jim Stewart somewhere just out of frame. Along the way we picked up a new friend, Sandra Mirones from LA, who slipped seamlessly into our group and spent the week skiing with us. There’s a great shot of her and Dan under a towering Christmas tree, glowing like ornaments themselves.

And if you ever find yourself in Crested Butte, promise me one thing: go to Secret Stash Pizz. Calling it “pizza” doesn’t do it justice — it’s an experience, the kind you remember long after the snow has melted. https://www.secretstash.com/

Check out the slideshow….

By Xiang Liao MD, NSC Member

Under a cloudy February sky
After the Magnolias have peaked their blooms
After the lovers exchanged their thousand kisses 
The chocolate strawberries have not melted 
Allured by the wilderness, the skiers glided into the rugged Mountains leaving their earthy life behind
Perhaps for a temporary escape
Black bird, Frog Lake, Castle Peak
Mother-nature, tight embrace 
All white, all white
Breathtaking, all encompassing 
All white, all white
They have turned into snow angels
Radiant, bright, beautiful, warm , kind
Snowflakes shivering 
Pine trees weeping 
Sisters hand in hand
Snow Angels sing.

by Jeanne Katsuro, Vice President

We have only 2 remaining seats on the trip!

Total capacity is 24 people and Everyone is part of Nisei Ski Club!

Join our adventure to Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Thailand

An Extraordinary price at $7149 for double occupancy for 19 days and 31 meals

With an Additional Pre-tour of 6 days and 4 nights in Singapore Starting Oct 24

And an Additional Post-tour of 4 days and 3 nights in Thailand Ending Nov 19

We always have a Great Time Exploring and Sharing Together.

Join us! It is so Much Fun!

Sign up: Fast!  This is a Very Popular Trip! https://groups.gocollette.com/en-US/link/1337636

by Karen Soo, Newsletter Editor

This 3-Ingredient Yogurt Cake is balanced between the creaminess of flan and the subtle tang of Basque cheesecake. No mixer, flour, butter or oil are required.

Just a few simple ingredients and you’re on your way to dessert bliss. Its light texture and wholesomeness makes it a guilt-free indulgence.

You can add fresh fruits or powdered sugar on top to give it a nice presentation.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups yogurt (plain or vanilla)
• 4 eggs
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, optional
• 5 tablespoons cornstarch

Preheat the oven to 350F (175C).

• In a bowl, add the yogurt and eggs. Whisk well.

• Add the pure vanilla extract and cornstarch. Whisk again until the batter is completely smooth.

• Pour it into a lined loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

• Let it cool and top with fresh berries, maple syrup, or honey! Enjoy.

• Note: This cake can be made with vanilla yogurt or any flavored yogurt like coconut. The cake will turn out sweeter if the yogurt is flavored. You can also add 1/4 cup of sugar to the plain yogurt if you don’t want a lower-sugar option.

by Karen Soo, Trip Director

Spring is almost here!  It’s time to buy delicious See’s Candies to show your support for the Far West Ski Foundation.  The deadline to make a purchase is: March 20, 2026. 

FWSA’s overarching objective is to sustain snowsports to ensure that the inspirational experiences of snowsports will remain for future generations. Visit our website at https://farwestskifoundation.org to learn about the athletes who have received scholarships, and non-profit organizations that have received grants under our four missions:

• Building for the Future – with its Athletic Scholarship Program for Far West Junior Racers in U.S. Ski and Snowboard.
• Rehabilitation and Renewal – with its support of adaptive and rehabilitative snowsports programs.
• Sustaining Snowsports – supporting snowsports industry initiatives, such as climate control, youth/family development, diversity, and for underdeveloped athletic programs.
• Preserving the Legacy – with research, preservation, education and publication of snowsports history.

Visit our shop to pick and choose your favorites and buy and ship your candy online.  It’s that easy!  Ship to your family and friends!  Our storefront is located at the following link:

https://www.yumraising.com/store/spring-2026-far-west-ski-foundation-8917/JanWyc5944

FWSF is an autonomous public benefit corporation, in compliance with law and regulations Under Section501(c)(3) of the IRS Code. For additional information please contact Trustees Jane Wyckoff, fwsajane@gmail.com, 949-933-9607 or Joe Harvis, harvisja@gmail.com, 973-964-0834.

           Happy shopping and thank you for your support!

The overarching objective of the Far West Ski Foundation is to sustain snowsports to ensure that the inspirational experiences of snowsports will remain for future generations.  FWSF missions are:

by Armand Gutierrez, President  

Last month I finally made it up to Tahoe on two weekends (well, going up on Sunday and skiing Monday and Tuesday). Although it hasn’t snowed since the New Years weekend, the snow was in good condition despite the warm temps. But it hasn’t snowed since that big storm on New Year’s weekend and that made for a dry January. And current predictions show nothing for the first two weeks of February. Looks like all the snow is hitting Canada and the big freeze and snow dumps on the east coast.

Membership Report

Let’s welcome Hong Wu, Winnie Fang, and Gary Ching as new members that joined in January and our total is now 109 members.

Happy Chinese New Year!

Welcome to the Chinese Year of the Horse! The Chinese New Year starts February 17^th kicking off the 16-day Spring Festival. The Horse gallops in with vibrant and fiery energy, symbolizing adventure, vitality, and momentum. People born on Horse Years (1954, 1966, 1978, etc,) are believed to be lively, charming and adventurous. Are you one of them? Do you know anyone with those traits? Check out Karen’s article on the outlook for Year of the Horse.

2026 NSC Ski Week to Park City, 7-14 February

The Park City team is off Park City for a week (7-14 Feb) of skiing, schussing, dining, and experiencing the slopes and glades in Utah.

 Bill Lee, our unofficial photographer, will return with his usual album of photographs chronicling our adventures.

Questions: contact president@niseiskiclub.org

QotM: Thinking is difficult, that’s why most people judge – Carl Jung

by Angela Ren, NSC Member

Twenty-five Nisei Ski Club members headed out on Collette’s France Magnifique trip for 12 days in late October.  We all had a fabulous time immersing ourselves in French culture, cuisine, and history as well as meeting and spending time with old and new friends.

Here are some of the highlights:

Versailles:

We were scheduled to have in the morning a guided tour of the private apartments of King Louis XIV in the Royal Palace.  Unfortunately, the Royal Palace had a power outage so our tour ultimately had to be cancelled.  Instead, our group spent the morning touring the palace’s expansive and grandiose formal gardens.  The gardens cover approximately 2,000 acres and contain 55 fountains and 155 statues.  Most of us only saw a very small portion of the gardens but there was the option to rent a golf cart which made it a little easier for those of us who wanted to cover a little more ground without wearing out our shoes on the very first day of the trip.  The power was restored around 2pm so some of us that were still in the area rushed back to the Palace entrance and had the opportunity to walk through some areas of the Royal Palace.

Giverny:

At Giverny, we visited Claude Monet’s countryside home and the colorful living work of art which is his garden where we saw the artist’s inspiration for his works, including the setting for his iconic Waterlilies.

Caen & Normandy:

In Caen, we explored the Caen Peace Memorial Museum which is dedicated to providing a comprehensive history of the D-Day landings and Europe’s post-war transition.  In Normandy, we strolled through the Normandy American Cemetery and Visitor Center.  Collette was very thoughtful in providing a flower arrangement for our group to pay our respects during the Taps Ceremony, which serves as a daily moving tribute to honor the sacrifices of the WWII Allied Forces.  Next, our group traveled to Omaha Beach where we all enjoyed beautiful views on a sunny day. 

Arromanches:

Our stop in this town was at a local apple orchard farm where we were treated to a brief tour of how their apple cider was made and of course, we were given samples of apple cider to taste.

Saint Malo:

We traveled to Le Mont St. Michel, an UNESCO site that is otherwise known as the “Wonder of the West” where our entire group was able to ascend the 350 steps up to the Abbey which dates back to the 11^th Century. We then strolled through its surrounding old village which is filled shops and restaurants. 

Chinon & Loire Valley:

In the medieval village of Chinon, we visited a Farmers Market where we saw a Vietnamese food booth and a small Chinese take-out restaurant that our group quickly descended upon for lunch after not having any rice for a week!  We then visited a local winery where we sampled some of their wines.  In Loire Valley, we spent the next 2 nights at a 15^th Century Chateau that was once a favorite retreat of Louis XIII. 

Paris:

Our last stop on this trip was in Paris where we took a scenic cruise gliding under the romantic bridges along the Seine River.  NSC treated our entire group for dinner and a dynamic champagne-flowing, can-can kicking, music-driven night at the cabaret.   The next day, our large group split up into 2 groups – one group took in Paris’ most iconic sites on a panoramic city tour.  The other group joined a local guide to the hilltop neighborhood of Montmartre and its iconic Sacre-Coeur Basilica.  Our last evening together celebrating the conclusion of our French voyage with an exclusive dinner at the Eiffel Tower.

We all said “Au Revoir” (Goodbye) to each other after the Eiffel Tower dinner since some group members were taking an early flight home the next morning while the rest of the group were staying longer in Paris or traveling to another location.  I would not hesitate taking another Collette trip with Nisei – we all shared some unique experiences and made some wonderful memories.  How can I say no to that?

Here’s a slideshow of our trip.

by Christie Tasaka Dews, New NSC Member

After meeting Jeanne while standing in line for the Nisei Matsuri Festival—what I consider a very fortuitous encounter—she invited me to the Nisei Ski Club Potluck. This gathering was my very first NSC event, and what a wonderful introduction to the club and its community. From the moment I arrived everyone was kind and welcoming, eager to include newcomers. There was an abundance of great food and I had the opportunity to learn how to play mahjong—many thanks to Greg and Judy for their patience—followed by a lively round of Mexican Train Dominos for good measure.

I was impressed by the variety of trips and events already planned, as well as those currently in the works. Hearing members share stories from past outings and talk excitedly about upcoming adventures made me eager to be part of future excursions. I am excited about the non-winter activities organized. I enjoy things that can be done in a single day—short attention span? Possibly!

Who knows–I might even convince some new friends to try an escape room! While I cannot promise I will be a master at escaping, I am 100% curious and can already imagine the mysteries to be solved. Either way, fun was definitely had by all. I truly enjoyed myself and look forward to continuing to have fun, meet new people, and make new friends while getting to know my new surroundings in the Bay Area.

I stayed longer than expected and left feeling grateful for that serendipitous encounter with Jeanne outside the SJBC Betsuin. I find myself inspired to buy a mahjong set like Judy’s so I can teach my girls to play, lucky to have discovered such a welcoming group and smiling as I wonder what is yet to come.

Yes—I am joining the NSC!

Happy New Year!

Here’s a slide show of the pot luck party.

by Sandy Kiyomura, NSC Member

The snow Gods and Goddesses blessed us in January. Some of us skied at Northstar and were fortunate to “TOST” the New Year with champagne or apple cider. Pictured here (left to right) were Dan Lew, Sandy Kiyomura, Alice Schroeder, Judy Bracken, Elaine Graves and Carol Henri. The next day stormed followed by powder. Skiing powder was fun, but traffic was not. Highway 80 closed down and Dan and I were fortunate Judy and Mark invited us to stay at her home in Tahoe Donner. Driving home with new snow was a little tricky, but glad to report I did not skid (or brake) all the way to Auburn.

by Jeanne Katsuro, Vice President

We have only 2 remaining seats on the trip!

Total capacity is 24 people and Everyone is part of Nisei Ski Club!

Join our adventure to Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Thailand

An Extraordinary price at $7149 for double occupancy for 19 days and 31 meals

With an Additional Pre-tour of 6 days and 4 nights in Singapore Starting Oct 24

And an Additional Post-tour of 4 days and 3 nights in Thailand Ending Nov 19

We always have a Great Time Exploring and Sharing Together.

Join us! It is so Much Fun!

Sign up: Fast!  This is a Very Popular Trip! https://groups.gocollette.com/en-US/link/1337636

by Karen Soo, Newsletter Editor

How many of you had come crossed a chocolate chip cookie that was too flawed? A cookie that is too sweet, too soft or made with too much chocolates. Here a cookie that’s made with a lot salted butter, the dough has just enough flour to hold it all together and right amount of light brown sugar to suggest a chocolate chip cookie.

Yield: 24 cookies

Ingredients

• 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons/ (2 1/4 sticks), cold (room temperature if you’re using a handheld mixer), cut into 1/2 pieces (see note)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 6 ounces semi-sweet or bittersweet dark chocolate, chopped (not too fine; you want chunks, not little shards)
• 1 large egg, beaten
• Demerara sugar, for rolling
• Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling

PREPARATIONS

1. Line two rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper. Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment or an electric hand mixer, beat the butter, both sugars and vanilla on medium-high till it’s super light and fluffy (3 to 5 minutes for a stand mixer; 6 to 8 for a hand mixer). Using a spatula, scrape down the sides of the bowl and, with the mixer on low, slowly add the flour, followed by the chocolate chunks, and mix just to blend. If necessary, knead the dough with your hands to make sure the flour is totally incorporated. At this point, the dough should be smooth and feel like Play-Doh with no pockets of flour.

2. Divide the dough in half, placing each half on a large piece of plastic wrap. Fold the plastic over so that it covers the dough to protect your hands from getting all sticky. Using your hands, form the dough into a log shape; rolling it on the counter will help you smooth it out, but don’t worry about getting it totally perfect. (Don’t be afraid to make them compact. Shortbread is supposed to be dense. That’s part of why it’s so good.) You can also do this using parchment paper, if you prefer, but plastic wrap is easier when it comes to shaping the log. Each half should form a 6-inch log, 2 to 2 1/4 inches in diameter. Chill until totally firm, about 2 hours.

3. Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Brush the outside of the logs with the beaten egg and roll them in the demerara sugar (this is for those really delicious, crisp edges).

4. Using a serrated knife, carefully slice each log into 1/2-inch-thick rounds (if you hit a chocolate chunk, slowly saw back and forth through the chocolate). If the cookies break or fall apart, just press them back together — the dough is very forgiving. Place them on the prepared baking sheets about 1 inch apart (they won’t spread much). Sprinkle with flaky salt. Bake until the edges are just beginning to brown, 12 to 15 minutes. Let cool slightly before eating them all.

TIPS

The cookie dough con be mode ahead end stored, tightly wrapped in plastic, up to 1 week in the refrigerator, or 1 month in the freezer. Cookies can be baked and stored in plastic wrap or on airtight container for 5 days.

by Karen Soo, Newsletter Editor

Happy New Year!!

The Chinese New Year in 2026 marks the Year of the Fire Horse, starting February 17, 2026, and ending February 5, 2027, bringing intense energy, freedom, and passion, as the Horse embodies speed, independence, and hard work, amplified by the Fire element for bold action and potential change.

People born in the Year of the Horse are said to be often confident, agreeable, hardworking, and independent, disliking being controlled.

Check out your horoscope in the Year of the Horse 2026.

http://raymond-lo.com/14556/year-of-the-dragon

by Karen Soo, Newsletter Editor

Happy Valentines Day!!

Just a friendly reminder Valentine’s Day is Saturday, February 14th. Don’t forget to get your sweetheart flowers, chocolates and a Valentine’s card. (Date It)

Here are some of my favorite “Love” tunes to get you into that romantic swinging mood.

by Karen Soo, Newsletter Editor

Nihonmachi Outreach Committee will present its 46th annual Day of Remembrance on Sunday, February 15, 2026, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The event commemorates Executive Order 9066 signed by President Franklin Roosevelt which led to the forced removal and incarceration of over 125,000 persons of Japanese descent during World War II.

This year’s theme “Neighbors Not Enemies” refers to the legislation that would repeal the outdated and discriminatory Alien Enemies Act of 1798. The Neighbors Not Enemies Coalition of San Jose Japantown was created in 2025 to support public education on the Alien Enemies Act, advocate for the Neighbors Not Enemies Act, and stand up for our neighbors who are currently being targeted by racist immigration policies and denials of their due process rights. Nihonmachi Outreach Committee and Asian Law Alliance are members of this large coalition.

Richard Konda, Executive Director of Asian Law Alliance, is the featured guest speaker. Richard was recently recognized by the Silicon Valley Council of Nonprofits (SVCN) with the 2025 Changemaker Award for his phenomenal career devoted to civil rights and social justice: “For decades, Richard has been a steadfast advocate for equity, fairness, and community empowerment, embodying the spirit of transformative leadership this award honors.” ​

The Day of Remembrance program includes community speakers, the traditional candle light ceremony honoring survivors of the camps, the candle light procession through San Jose Japantown, and a performance by ukulele artist Jake Shimada.

San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin is co-sponsoring the event which will be held at the Church’s Annex at 632 North Fifth Street, San Jose. Doors open at 5:00 pm and seating is limited.

Nihonmachi Outreach Committee is a voluntary organization dedicated to educating the public about the incarceration of immigrants and U.S. citizens of Japanese ancestry, including their children who were U.S. citizens by birth. While the forced removal and incarceration happened over 80 years ago, their effects reverberate today. We are committed to defending all communities on issues of civil and human rights, justice, equality, and peace.

This event is free of charge but donations are welcome.

Date
February 15, 2026

Time
5:30 pm to 7:30 pm

Location
San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin, 640 N. Fifth Street, San Jose, CA 95112

by Karen Soo, Newsletter Editor

The month of January has been super cold last week.

Oof, that’s real winter 🥶 8–15 degrees is the kind of cold that makes your face hurt just walking outside. At that point it’s not even fashion anymore—it’s full survival mode: down jacket zipped to the chin, hat pulled low, gloves permanently on.

Honestly, weeks like that make January feel twice as long. No wonder everyone starts daydreaming about somewhere warm by mid-month.

by Armand Gutierrez, President  

The rain and snow have finally arrived! Tahoe resorts are finally opening more lifts and terrain, and this is what I’ve been waiting for. If everything goes well then I’m planning on making two weekend trips to Tahoe and get some skiing in before the Park City ski week in February. Let the fun begin!

Membership Report

For the end of 2025 we had one returning member, Kathy Fang, and one new member, Hong Wu, and this brings our total to 107 members. That’s a pretty good headcount for the year, and there may be more to join at the upcoming NSC Potluck & Games event next month.

NSC Potluck & Games Event

Coming up on Saturday, 17 January, is the NSC Potluck & Games event at Miraido Village in San Jose Japantown. See the newsletter for details.

2026 NSC Ski Week to Park City, 7-14 February

Final arrangements for the Park City ski trip have been made and in less than a month we’ll be flying the friendly skies of Alaska to Salt Lake City and then a short bus ride to Park City.

Questions: contact president@niseiskiclub.org

QotM: Winter must be cold for those with no memories. – Deborah Kerr (An Affair to Remember)

by Jeanne Katsuro, Vice President

Nisei Ski Club Potluck

Save the Date!

Invite your Friends!

Saturday, January 17, 2026

Starts at 10:30am

Ends when the Fun Ends!

Miraido Village in San Jose Japantown

550 N 6th Street

Bring a Main Dish or Appetizer

We will take care of the salads, desserts & drinks

Let’s Play Mahjong, Card, Games and Let’s Talk Story!

Email: Subject Line “Potluck” ClassicRock570@aol.com

To let us know that you are coming! ~ Jeanne Katsuro

By Angela Ren, NSC Member

Vacation with Nisei Ski Club to the Painted Canyons of the West

April 19 – 27, 2026

Sign Up Now! Seat Reduction Date is Soon: October 19, 2025!

Only 16 seats left! Sign up at https://groups.gocollette.com/en-US/link/1337675

by Jeanne Katsuro, Vice President

Kingdoms of Southeast Asia Vacation

October 28 – November 15, 2026

Only 21 spaces left

Sign up: Fast!  This is a Very Popular Trip! https://groups.gocollette.com/en-US/link/1337636

by Armand Gutierrez, President  

As of this writing the only Tahoe ski resort open is Mt. Rose. The other Tahoe resorts said they were going to open on November 21^st, but that didn’t happen. One look at their webcams shows why they aren’t open (yet).  Next to Thanksgiving perhaps the Christmas season is my favorite time of the year. There’s nothing like listening to Christmas music (old standards and new versions), watching the neighbors put up Christmas lights and decorations, and everyone getting into that Christmas spirit that permeates the atmosphere. And then again, it also means that the ski season is starting and the white slopes of Tahoe will once again become my playground. This is when Mother Nature does some of her best work, laying down a carpet of endless snowflakes and transforming the hillsides and mountain vistas into a true Winter Wonderland.

2026 NSC Ski Week to Park City, 7-14 February

The Park City trip is fully booked with 34 Park City Warriors occupying nine condos. Now all we have to wait for is Mother Nature to provide the snowfall for the season.

Christmas Greetings

This has been another good year for NSC with the many events during the year- membership finally broke 100 members (currently 106), a non-ski event to France, the annual Luau/Membership Meeting picnic, the One Warm Coat Drive, and Mahjong and Pickleball events. On behalf of the NSC Board I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a safe and Happy New Year.

Questions: contact president@niseiskiclub.org

QotM: Don’t audit life. Show up and make the most of it.

.

by Curtis Otaguro, Board Member

What activity blends exercise, freedom, and exploration in a rewarding adventure?  Biking of course!  A small group of NSCers, Greg, Virginia, and Wes joined me on an enjoyable 24-mile bike ride in the East Bay, passing through Newark, Union City, Fremont, and Niles Canyon on Saturday, September 20^th.  We started from Coyote Hills Regional Park, then along Alameda Creek towards the East Bay Hills, then back, making a detour to Niles Canyon, then returning along Alameda Creek back to Coyote Hills.

We headed out before 10 am under mostly cloudy skies with temperatures in the 60’s.  Perfect weather for biking.  I led the group with Wes riding in the back as sweeper.  I’ve been on this ride many times, but this was a first for everyone else.  Though not having ridden her bike for a year, Virginia pushed me to ride at a faster pace.  Greg rode a more leisurely pace followed by Wes.  As this was a “no drop bike ride”, we had regroups along the way and allowed people to rest when they caught up.

As we rode out from Coyote Hills, we encountered a gentle climb then a downhill track to Alameda Creek Trail.  After a few miles, we encountered several hundred goats fenced in along the creek as part of vegetation mitigation or “targeted grazing” for clearing the flood channel.  Did you know that their digestive system destroys most seeds, preventing the regrowth of invasive and fire-prone plants?  They truly are a cost-effective and environmentally sustainable solution.  It was quite a sight to see!

The Quarry Lakes Regional Area came into view a few miles later.  This was followed by the BART line bridge crossing and then we finally reached the Niles Staging Area on Old Canyon Road.  After Greg and Wes arrived, I told the group that we would take a detour to visit the Niles Famer’s Market which is open every Saturday at the Niles Town Plaza.  So far, we had traveled just a little over 10 miles on our adventure.  The market was just over a mile away.

We doubled back along the trail, cut over Alameda Creek at Mission Blvd, rode up on Niles Blvd, and arrived at the farmer’s market.  It was a foodie’s delight with lots of fresh produce (regular as well as yellow and orange watermelons, peaches, pluots, and mushrooms) and baked goods (Kouign-amann from the Starter Bakery pop-up!).  After sampling some goodies and buying some baked goods, we headed back along the Alameda Creek trail to Coyote Hills.

After returning to the park, I quickly headed out to buy the Banh Mi sandwiches for lunch.  I wanted them fresh with a crispy baguette, so I didn’t buy them ahead of time.  Once I returned, we sat down for a nice lunch and enjoyed the pleasant weather.

This year’s ride was another perfect day on the saddle, shared by great company and scenic views.  We’d love for you to join the fun, so keep on eye on the NSC website for future rides and the our next event.