by Judy Bracken, Newsletter Editor
As a delegate of Nisei Ski Club, I was able to attend this annual convention as I happened to be in the area. Far West Ski Association consists of nine councils with more than 150 clubs in California and other western states. The convention spanned four days from June 13 to 16, although I only went to the Friday night auction and Saturday meetings. I was curious to see what goes on at a ski club convention, besides lots of fun and merriment, as is usually the case with ski club members!
On Thursday and Friday, which I did not attend, there were opportunities to experience several spa, golf and adventure activities in the area. Friday night started with a silent auction, which had representatives from just about every ski area in the West. Walking through the booths, I found ski area maps and swag, as well as encouragement to visit their resort and reasons why it was the best place to go. There were ski trip and lodging auction items, and a few other things to bid upon.
Saturday was a little more business-like, with meetings on topics such as insurance coverage, trip planning tips, and membership recruiting. I learned a few things and briefed our board members upon my return. The meetings were broken up by a lunch gathering, in which we sat at tables with others in our own councils. Awards were given for Man of the Year, Woman of the Year, and a few other things. The luncheon had a great speaker, Dr. Jon Kedrowski, who told us in detail about his climbing and skiing experiences in the Rocky Mountains as well as Mt. Everest. He had climbed every “Fourteener” in Colorado (50 peaks surpassing 14,000 feet in elevation) and skied down many of them in the winter. He talked about his four trips up Mt. Everest, and how difficult it is every step of the way. He has four published books and is a sought-after lecturer. Only 40 years old and he has accomplished all of that!
There was also a big dance and dinner on Saturday night, and special elections on Sunday, which I did not attend. Next year, the convention will be held in Portland, Oregon at the end of May. Think about going!
