We are in the height of ski season as we continue grappling with pandemic restrictions. Read the articles below for some current information. As always, if you wish to submit an article or announcement, email me at newsletter@niseiskiclub.org

by Armand Gutierrez

Welcome to the Chinese Year of the Ox! Yes, the Chinese New Year starts
February 12th and celebrations culminate with the Lantern Festival on February 26th. People born in the year of the Ox (1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, etc.) are often considered to be trustworthy, calm and gentle, with low-key personalities. Definitely not type-A, and I’m positive we have a few Ox people in the club that are trustworthy and hard working like an Ox.

Tahoe is finally getting slammed with multiple dumps of snow and the Bay Area is getting drenched with rain. All this is good, for we need the rain and snow to avoid another drought season. I skied Northstar at the end of January and the snow was in great condition due to the low temps and consistent grooming, and the recent snowfall made for some excellent tree skiing. One thing I’ve learned is that you really have to consider skiing in adverse conditions, because since there is no indoor dining you have to brave the elements and have your lunch outside. Not a fun experience if it’s windy, snowing, cold, or all three.

Karen Soo, our resident chef, hosted a Thai Cooking demonstration via Zoom in December and is now planning on another cooking demonstration sometime in April. If you have any suggestions or requests you can contact her at tripdirector@niseiskiclub.org .

Our NSC Happy Hour in December was well attended and there are plans for hosting another in March.

QotM: To be what you’ve never been you must do what you’ve never done.

by Judy Bracken

Since last March when the pandemic shutdown occurred, many of us have hiked, biked, danced, walked, and/or swam outdoors to keep fit and healthy. Now it’s time for ski season, and some of us have headed up to the slopes for yet another form of outdoor exercise. No pandemic will keep us down!

Some things have changed and some have not. Here’s the lowdown:

HAS NOT CHANGED:

• The joy one feels when schussing through the snow
• The views!  Nothing like seeing the blue and beautiful Lake Tahoe while at 9000 feet
• The snow itself, although much was man made (not now with this weeks storm series)
• The hoar frost on the pine boughs sparkling in the sun
• Bluebird days and windy ridges 
• Whooping to a friend as you whiz past each other 
• Laughing on the chairlift

 HAS CHANGED:

• Lift lines are slightly longer since most chairs have just 2-3 people on them
• Lunchtime is outside or on the chairlift. You can go inside to get a small selection of hot and cold food, but then you must eat outside. We found a secret place to warm up, courtesy of Carol H, the ambassador of Northstar.
• Masks are worn in lines, shuttles and lodges. You can use your face/neck warmer, but it has to fully cover mouth and nose. The lift line managers remind those who are not in compliance. 
• No boots or bags can be left anywhere but inside a locker. So wear the ski boots out of the car.

As you can see, the best things about skiing are still the same. We just have to make a few adjustments to keep safe and healthy while enjoying our favorite sport. Hope to see you on the slopes!