Winter Bash at/Near Snowshoe Mountain

OVERVIEW

In an ideal world, this trip fills up with a fantastic group of snow-sports enthusiasts, we rent at least 2 houses in the historic and scenic Cass State Park, and while en route we enjoy a safe and beautiful drive. Then the blizzard hits and rages all night. We wake to mugs of hot chocolate, freshly plowed roads, and a foot of fresh powder on the slopes!

Unfortunately, I can’t control the weather, but I can get us a couple of houses in Cass and give you my 99.9% certainty that there will be snow on the mountain and that you’ll have an awesome time!

Assuming enough people/drivers sign up, the plan is to rent 2 houses: a quiet house, and a not-so-quiet house. We drive out Friday eve, have a good ol’ time Friday night, tear into the slopes all day Saturday, have a good ol’ time Saturday night, tear into the slopes all day Sunday, then head on home.

Don’t downhill ski or snowboard but still want to come? You should! There are plenty of other activities to be had, including cross country skiing and snowshoeing (both of which the club has gear for), snow tubing (check out: http://www.snowshoemtn.com/events-and-activities/winter/coca-cola-tube-park.aspx), or just reading a good book next to a fire place in the resort or at the house in Cass. And then there are the festivities happening at the resort for their “Ballhooter Spring Break”. For more info check out: http://www.snowshoemtn.com/events-and-activities/events/2015/03/ballhooter-spring-break.aspx

For now I’m putting down $70 as the trip fee. This only covers the houses; you may have additional fees for food, lift tickets, gear rentals, etc. $70 is a worst case scenario estimation and could drop by as much as $30, depending on the number of people who sign up. I fronted the money for the house rentals so ask that checks be made out to me. The way this will work is that your name will get added to the waitlist upon joining, and then moved to the trip list after you have paid. There is limited space in this trip, but we can stretch the number of people the houses are meant to sleep by crashing on couches and sleeping pads; the first to pay will have dibs on their house of choice as well as the limited numbers of beds, and will ensure their spot on the trip. I will adjust the trip fee accordingly as the trip draws near and reimburse you, if appropriate, when we get to Cass.

To Pay:
Upon signing up, either send a check to me at 3595 Presidents Rd., Scottsville, VA 24590. Or, drop me a line to make arrangements to meet up; dclark@virginia.edu or 434-962-9737. Once I receive your payment I will move your name to the trip list.

*Cancellation Policy:
Cass State Park’s cancellation policy is that the deposit(s) will be forfeited if canceled within 30 days of check-in; since I put down a 50% deposit and have to pay the remaining amount 2 weeks prior to the trip, my cancellation policy is that if you cancel between 2/4 and 2/20, I will reimburse you 50% of your trip fee; if you cancel after the 20th (after I have fully paid for the houses and will lose my money if you bail) you will lose your trip fee (unless you can find someone to take your place).

For more info about Cass State Park and their houses, check out:
http://www.cassrailroad.com/

Back to the additional fees: The club covers our gas (up to $150/vehicle plus 30% tip, capped at $10) and $5/person/night for lodging. You need to provide your own food or bring money to buy your own (the houses have kitchens in them). If you need to purchase a lift ticket, check out the following website for info on Snowshoe’s lift rates:
http://www.snowshoemtn.com/tickets-and-passes/tickets-and-passes.aspx
If you need to rent gear check out:
http://www.snowshoemtn.com/plan-your-trip/ski–snowboard-rentals/rentals.aspx

The Club also provides: sleeping pads/bags and cross country skis and/or snowshoes (limited quantities and sizes)

You should bring: Your gear and apparel, lift pass if you have one, sleeping bag/pad if you have them, money, toiletries.