Frankfurt Ski Club by Gary Proffitt

FRANKFURT SKI, SNOWBOARD, SPORTS & SOCIAL CLUB E.V.

Frankfurt Ski, Snowboard, S p o r t s & S o c i a l C l u b e .V.

THE FRIENDLIEST WAY TO GET TO THE MOUNTAINS IN... AUSTRIA | ITALY | FRANCE || | RMANY | USA | SWITZERLAND

AUSTRIA ITALY

FRANCE GERMANY

SWITZERLAN

USA

N O S SEA E D I GU 11/12 WWW.FSCEV.ORG INFO@FSCEV.ORG FACEBOOK.COM/FSCEV

noBlemAn DeluXe.Com

Ski leSSon on Alpine SlopeS of winter reSort, DokumentAtionSBiBliothek

Your SkiBreAk. our Spirit. S i n C e

1 8 9 6

mAjeStiC AnD elegAnt, in the Centre of St. moritz, At the heArt of the SwiSS AlpS. thiS iS where You finD the BADrutt’S pAlACe hotel. legenDArY, unique AnD DiStinCtive! SinCe 1896 gueSt wiSheS hAve Been AntiCipAteD AnD fulfilleD, however greAt theY mAY hAve SeemeD. with uS You Are the gueSt AnD wArmlY welComeD.

Badrutt’s palace hotel, via Serlas 27, 7500 St. moritz, Switzerland, telephone: +41 (0)81 837 1000, fax: +41 (0)81 837 2999 reservations: +41 (0)81 837 1100, reservations@badruttspalace.com, www.badruttspalace.com

N O S SEA E D I GU 11/12 Frankfurt Ski, Snowboard, S p o r t s & S o c i a l C l u b e .V.

IMPRESSUM

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

2-3

Authors, Editors, Trip Text, Proof Reading, Help and Advice: Executive Board

FSC FACTS & THE BOARD

4-5

Advertising: Seda Oeztuerk, Elizabeth Walsh and Kelvin Trigg

FREERIDING TO PARADISE

6-9

TRIP SIGN-UP: HOW TO ABC’S!

10-11

Design: Gary Proffitt g.e.n.a.u. Visuelle Kommunikation design@genau-design.de

PROCEDURES

12-13

BUS RULES & BUS DEPARTURE

14-15

FSC e.V. is a private, non-profit membership organisation. Please address all general correspondence to: Frankfurt Ski, Snowboard, Sports & Social Club e.V. Kosel Str. 9 60318 Frankfurt am Main

Information regarding any aspect of the club may be obtained by telephoning any of the FSC e.V. Board members’ numbers on the contact page.

SOCIALS SCHEDULE

TRIPS SCHEDULE

TRIPS DIRECTOR‘S INTRODUCTION

20-21

RESORTS MAP & INFORMATION

22-23

TRIP DESCRIPTIONS

24-59

FUCOWEE 29 SKI BUM

WE CAN ALSO BE FOUND ON THE INTERNET: WWW.FSCEV.ORG

SLUGGO 42

AND ON FACEBOOK: WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/FSCEV

RACE FOR THE CURE

FIT FOR THE WINTER

SNOWSNAKE 48

INSURANCE 58 TRIP CAPTAINS

EQUIPMENT & PROTECTION

PARTY ON THE GO

IBC

SPONSORS Without our advertisers this Season Guide would not be possible. Please support them, and TELL them you saw their ad here. Badrutt’s Palace Inside Front Cover, Imagine Arthouse p.11, Dr. Pamela Fitzgerald p.15, Alpin Basis p.17, Scherer Tours p.19, Neuer Volkswirt p.30-31, Zaboos p.35, Autoglasdoktor – Norbert Biba p.40, SMS Jürgen Schreiter p.47 and Waxy‘s Back Cover

FSC E.V. 11/12 SEASON GUIDE 1

S ‘ T N E D I S E R P SSAGE ME

If he‘s not up to his neck in snow – he‘s up to his neck with beautiful ladies!

First let me take the opportunity to thank those of you who voted for me to become President this season. Not that you had much choice given that I was the only candidate, as is the usual scenario for FSCeV board positions. So let me also take the opportunity to ask you to consider volunteering for a board position, or to captain a trip. New energy and new ideas are vital to the life of the club. Ask any board member about what’s involved and about the perks that the positions carry.

To quote Pete Jones, last season’s President, the Frankfurt Ski, Snowboard, Sports and Social Club e.V “is a social club for winter sports fans in Frankfurt and the surrounding area who are interested in organised winter-sports trips to European resorts in a relaxed, Englishspeaking environment”. 2011-12 is the club’s 6th season. It stemmed from the Frankfurt International Ski Club, which ran under the auspices of the American government for 43 seasons, until 2006-07 when FISC no longer had enough American military/government members to maintain its status. FSCeV, like FISC, is a volunteer-run non-profit organisation, and has maintained the open, friendly international character of FISC. By the end of last season we had 321 members from 29 nations.

2 FSC E.V. 11/12 SEASON GUIDE

I have some requests of you: If you are new to the club and you arrive at a meeting without knowing anyone, bear with us. We do not always spot newcomers. Look for me, or for Pat at the Memberships desk, or a badge-wearing board member, or a “Friendly Volunteer”. On the other hand if you are already a member please keep an eye open for newbies and do your best to make them welcome. The doors really open once you have been on a trip or two. There have been three changes from last season’s board. Pete Jones stepped down from President after many seasons in various positions on the boards of both FISC and FSCeV. He has been Socials Director, VP Activities (Trip Director), Treasurer and President (the latter two in the same season, when the club was in dire need!). Pete was one of those most involved in the closing of FISC and opening of FSC e.V. – not trivial tasks by any means. We the members owe Pete a huge thank you. Simon Gutbrod has kindly volunteered

and been voted in as VP Activities, replacing myself. Please give Simon every support in this demanding position. It is already clear that he will make an enormous contribution. Dave Thomas felt he could no longer commit enough time to his role as Trips Assistant and stepped down. Many thanks for your involvement last season Dave. The remainder of the board keeps its status quo. Again, we owe much gratitude for the time and effort contributed by its members. Let me thank on your behalf first the elected positions – Ellen Mussler (VP Communications), Ray Morin (Treasurer), and Mila Ehrt (Secretary); and secondly the appointed board members – Pat Hutley (Memberships), Gary Proffitt (Publicity) and Seda Oeztuerk (Marketing). Ellen’s responsibilities include running socials and training Trip Captains – see her if you wish to volunteer. Ray has brought terrific energy to Treasury and to the club. Last season was Mila’s first

Kelvin spends so much time in his ski boots that he walks funny in normal shoes. But you have to give it to the “old dog” – he‘s good!

on the board and she has been a very welcome addition. Pat IS memberships and has been for many seasons – her contribution cannot be over-stated, her desk is a perfect starting point for new members. Gary produced this guide, the flyers and all of our other publicity material, and sends you the meeting reminder emails; being a professional in the field he has done so much to raise the image of the club. Seda recruits new advertisers and manages our current ones, and promotes the club. She also organised a FSC group to run in the “Race for the Cure”, a breast cancer research charity, in which over 40 members and associates took part. In addition to the individual donations the club also contributed 300 € on your behalf. I would also like to thank our non-board assistant, webmaster Matt Nethersell – see www.fscev.org to see what a great job he does (feel free to console him on Arsenal’s poor start to the soccer season) – and former president

Elizabeth Walsh (née Powell) for her ongoing support, particularly in marketing. And of course thanks are due to all of you invaluable Trip Captains. As for myself I started as a member of FISC in the 1991-2 season and have served the boards of FISC and FSC e.V. off-and-on in a variety of capacities, including one term as president of FISC in 2000-01. I very much look forward to some of the rest of you stepping forward so I can retire into my dotage. While I am in the mode of appreciating those who make the club tick let me not overlook John Schwartz of Scherer Tours who puts together the vast majority of the club’s trips – and is a great ski partner. Thanks are also due to Marika Von Christian of Imagine Arthouse who runs the club’s boutique (please take the opportunity to enhance your wardrobe), and Gabriela Dehmer for her expert accounting support. And I should not forget the advertisers who help fund our season guide – please

support them and make sure you identify yourself as a FSC e.V. member – nor should I forget those of you who volunteered to help out when required, in particular Yuko Tsuji, Charlie Austin and Bill Jasin. Furthermore I ask you to ski/board safely – not to endanger yourself or others. Familiarise yourself with the FIS rules, and if you are thinking of venturing off-piste check Gary’s excellent freeriding guidelines later in this book. I hope to see and ski with many of you on many trips this season and that the club brings you as much as pleasure as it has to me over many seasons. Finally I ask you to take a look at our sign-up and cancellation rules. If you understand them please explain them to me.

N O S A E S GUIDE Hals- und Beinbruch! Kelvin Trigg

FSC E.V. 11/12 SEASON GUIDE 3

FSC E.V.TS FAC The FRANKFURT SKI, SNOWBOARD, SPORTS & SOCIAL CLUB e.V. (FSC e.V.) is a private, non-profit membership organisation. Membership is open to any individual, regardless of age, gender, race, creed, nationality, mental or physical handicaps. FSC e.V. originated from the Frankfurt International Ski Club which ran under the auspices of the American Government (SOFA), and as such retains the operating language of English.

YOUR CLUB NEEDS YOU! Board. All members should read the Constitution and By-Laws, a copy of which is available at the membership table during scheduled FSC socials. Executive Board meetings are held regularly and are open to the general membership.

The PURPOSE of FSC e.V. is to promote sports and social activities, especially winter sports, and provide its members with an opportunity to enjoy them as often as possible. FSC e.V. also strives to promote cordial relations between its members and the Frankfurt and European skiing communities, via its sporting and social activities. Our MEMBERSHIP consists of a multitude of different nationalities reflecting the international flavour of Frankfurt. All members (including children) will be issued with a FSC e.V. membership card which should be presented when you sign-up for trips. FSC e.V. is governed by an EXECUTIVE BOARD composed of five elected officers and appointed committees (see below). We operate under a Constitution (Satzung) approved by the general membership, with FSC e.V. policies established by the Executive

SOCIALS are normally held every other Wednesday evening during the ski season (see schedule on page 16) beginning at 19:00. There will also be summer socials that will be advertised through our usual communications media. FSC e.V. socials feature membership and trip sign-ups, general socialising... and official FSC e.V. business where required. ACTIVITY TRIPS are offered throughout the ski season. The standard trip is a 2-day weekend, but the duration does vary from one day to one week (see trip schedule on page 18). In addition, FSC e.V. offers organised lessons or activity programs on most trips. TRIP SIGN-UP schedules are announced in advance; details are available on the website. Trips remain open for three consecutive socials unless otherwise stated (see â&#x20AC;&#x153;How do I sign-up?â&#x20AC;&#x153; on page 10). FSC e.V. makes every effort to return to Frankfurt by midnight on the last day of the trip, again unless otherwise stated.

F S C E .V . B O A R D 1 1 / 1 2 Ellen Mussler (Vice President Communications) socials@fscev.org 0177 213 4323 (Mob)

Kelvin Trigg (President) president@fscev.org 0170 285 4394 (Mob)

Mila Ehrt (Secretary) secretary@fscev.org 0172 235 8434 (Mob)

4 FSC E.V. 11/12 SEASON GUIDE

Simon Gutbrod (Vice President Activities) trips@fscev.org 0175 223 1619 (Mob)

Ray Morin (Treasurer) treasurer@fscev.org 0162 258 3355 (Mob)

FIS RULES FOR THE CONDUCT OF SKIERS AND SNOWBOARDERS (Wording 2002) 1. Respect for others A skier or snowboarder must behave in or moving upwards on the slopes must look up and down the such a way that he does not endanger or prejudice others. slopes that he can do so without endangering himself or others. 2. Control of speed and skiing or snowboarding A skier or snowboarder must move in control. He must adapt his speed and manner of skiing or snowboarding to his personal ability and to the prevailing conditions of terrain, snow and weather as well as to the density of traffic.

6. Stopping on the piste Unless absolutely necessary, a skier or snowboarder must avoid stopping on the piste in narrow places or where visibility is restricted. After a fall in such a place, a skier or snowboarder must move clear of the piste as soon as possible.

3. Choice of route A skier or snowboarder coming from 7. Climbing and descending on foot A skier or snowboarder behind must choose his route in such a way that he does not either climbing or descending on foot must keep to the endanger skiers or snowboarders ahead. side of the piste. 4. Overtaking A skier or snowboarder may overtake another skier or snowboarder above or below and to the right or to the left provided that he leaves enough space for the overtaken skier or snowboarder to make any voluntary or involuntary movement. 5. Entering, starting and moving upwards A skier or snowboarder entering a marked run, starting again after stopping TRANSPORTATION is via modern, fully equipped buses (reclining seats, toilet, and entertainment systems). There are also U-Drive/U-Fly trips during the season for which the individual must arrange their own transportation to the resort (FSC e.V. arranges the accommodation). Bus rules are shown on page 14.

8. Respect for signs and markings A skier or snowboarder must respect all signs and markings. 9. Assistance At accidents, every skier or snowboarder is duty bound to assist. 10. Identification Every skier or snowboarder and witness, whether a responsible party or not, must exchange names and addresses following an accident. Our FSC e.V. E-NEWS, consists of our bi-weekly E-mail and notices posted on our website are the official media for notifying the membership of any changes in our social or trip schedule, announcing new FSC e.V. policies or policy changes and general FSC e.V. business, so please ensure that we have a current, accurate E-mail and postal address and that you READ the newsletter.

KEEPING IN CONTACT There are several ways to keep in contact with FSC e.V.: p The World Wide Web: p E-mails: If you have an E-mail Point your browsers to www.fscev.org. address you can receive reminders p The Board: If you have any about socials, upcoming trips and problems or discussion themes the news-letter and be notified of you want the Executive Board to official FSC e. V. business. Your monitor or deal with, feel free to E-mail address will not be given to send an E-mail to this address: third parties. To subscribe, send an fscboard@fscev.org E-mail, visit our website or contact our Membershipsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Director.

APPOINTED BOARD ASSISTANTS Pat Hutley (Memberships Director) memberships@fscev.org 0151 5226 9824 (Mob)

p Facebook Group: You can also find us on facebook: www.facebook.com/fscev p General Enquiries: Info regarding the club: info@fscev.org.

NON BOARD ASSISTANT

N O S A E S GUIDE Matt Nethersell (Webmaster) webmaster@fscev.org 0170 227 9088 (Mob)

Gary Proffitt (Publicity Director) publicity@fscev.org 0172 656 1498 (Mob)

Seda Oeztuerk (Marketing) marketing@fscev.org 0175 591 0100 (Mob)

FSC E.V. 11/12 SEASON GUIDE 5

Freeride rule of thumb Avalanche Level 2 Avoid very steep slopes (over 39 degs) Avalanche Level 3 Avoid steep slopes (over 34 degs) No cornice-jumping & skiing areas where the cliffs show through Avalanche Level 4 & 5 Avoid off-piste areas & free-riding!

FT OR EP AER

Equipment and checklist

P Avalanche transceiver, shovel & probe Helmet Medical kit, food & water Checked avalanche report Checked warning signs Checked position Checked intended route

P P P P P P

Freeriding, the new term for off-piste, is a state of mind that unites skiers and snowboarders in appreciation of the freedom to glide off the beaten track and commune with the environment.

Tools that save lives. If you don‘t have them with you, you shouldn‘t be there! The freerider enjoys the unbelievable sensation of powder, the challenge of negotiating difficult terrain, the joy of making first tracks, escaping from crowded pistes, the beauties of nature, and perhaps above all, the camaraderie of like-minded souls. But of course this does not come without significant risks - most significantly the risk of avalanche and crevasses, the risk of getting into technically dangerous situations, and for those who venture further afield the risk of getting lost, or closed-in by a change of weather.

6 FSC E.V. 11/12 SEASON GUIDE

SO HOW CAN YOU REDUCE THE RISKS TO AN ACCEPTABLE LEVEL? You should of course be informed, be equipped, be adequately trained and sufficiently fit for the terrain, and ideally be accompanied by a guide who knows the local area and can gauge the terrain that suits your level. Avalanches are notoriously difficult to predict, as can sadly be attested by the number of mountain professionals who become victims of them – though they do of course spend a considerable

G N I D I R RADISE “Always with protection and – Big is better!”

Avalanche Websites General: www.avalanche-center.org Austria: www.lawine.at Switzerland: www.slf.com

Check the current avalanche/snow report

p What are the dangerous altitudes/orientations/

how severe is the warning level? #2

Check the warning signs

p Listen for “whoompf” sound of compacting snow layers underneath

when on slope.

p Look for cracks in the snow cover when entering slope – indicative of slab formation.

if old crust showing, where did the new snow go?

(continued on page 8)

p How steep is the slope? p What is the slope orientation? p New snow – how much? p Waves or dunes in the snowpack – indicative of

IN A BRAFE S

Care!

amount of time in prone areas. Slopes with a steep incline – above 30° – are susceptible to slides. North facing slopes (where of course you will find the best snow!) – are usually more dangerous. Weather conditions leading to poor bonding of snow layers can promote slides – particularly the situation when a substantial amount of fresh snow, especially when this snow is wet and heavy, falls on a layer of snow that had frozen into ice.

Check your position

with handle

lub rt Ski C FrankFu

er! owbrain it‘S a Sn

p Look for wet-through snow cover. p Look for signs of blasting and for avalanches in nearby or similar areas. p Look for ripples in the new snow surface – indicative of wind –

helmet! wear a ORG .FSCEV.

WWW wind-drifted snow leading to overloading p Amount of wind-drift (wind-accumulated snow in the lee of rocks/ridges etc.) p Are you in shadow where the snowpack may take longer to stabilise? p What are your get-out/run-out points? p Are you underneath a cornice or have you entered halfway down a slope? p Do you know where you are going to end up?

Check your logic

p Is the slope over 30 degrees? If yes, slides can occur. p Were there warnings about this area or slope in the avalanche report, or signs on entering the area?

p Who is with you – experienced skiers or beginner/intermediates?

And how many – could lead to slope overloading

p Is this a traditional slide area?

FSC E.V. 11/12 SEASON GUIDE 7

Emergency Numbers European Emergency Nr: 112 Alpine Emergency Numbers: Germany > 19222 Austria > 140 Switzerland > 1414

“Can you hear the volcano rumble?”

Italy > 118

What you need to do!

“Oh sorry. That was lunch!”

1 Evaluate the situation 2 Switch your beeper to search 3 Overview/search (EYES & EARS), organise search group 4 Rescue, apply first aid > If you have a telephone signal: call the emergency services What they need to know

Where has it happened? What has happened? How many are missing, require help?

What injuries have occurred? Wait to be called back...

Other useful websites: www.backcountryaccess.com www.mammut.ch www.pieps.com www.ortovox.de

Avalanche warning scale (Note: avalanches can occur at any time!!) LOW GERING

1 2

MODERATE MÄßIG

CONSIDERABLE ERHEBLICH HIGH GROß

Generally safe conditions. Avalanches only likely on fewer, much steeper slopes with large extra weight on the snowpack. Use caution. Groups skiing the orientations mentioned in the report can trigger slabs. Snow cohesion on high, steep slopes only moderate, a single skier can set off a slide. Large spontaneous avalanches not expected. Avoid 39 degree+ lines. Great caution required. Snow cohesion weak on steeper slopes. On these, slides can be easily triggered by only light pressure. Larger avalanches more frequent, remote-triggering & medium-size,occasionally larger spontaneous avalanches now possible. 70% of victims killed with this warning level, avoid 34 degree+ lines.

Extremely dangerous situation. Very weak snow cohesion widespread, slides can be triggered on moderate slopes with light pressure & can be very big. Remote triggering over longer distances likely. Medium-sized, sometimes larger spontaneous slides common. Freeriding anywhere extremely unwise.

Greatest level of danger. Large quantities of fresh snow mean spontaneous, large avalanches can occur anywhere, even on flatter slopes, & right down into the valleys. Stay in safe shelter, do not even think of skiing off-piste!

VERY HIGH SEHR GROß

8 FSC E.V. 11/12 SEASON GUIDE

Major rules!! q Be your own risk-manager – never over-estimate your abilities q Do not be pressured by others q You can never be 100% safe, but risks can be minimised q Check the avalanche report every day! Speak to locals q No beeper – no riding!

q q q q

Never alone or in too large groups Look above & below you Rocks & trees do NOT stabilise the snowpack – quite the opposite Slopes in shadow are more dangerous than sunny ones – they claim around 70% of all victims – the snowpack takes longer to bind than on slopes that get the sun

Basic facts q Avalanches, slabs & slides occur in slopes over 30 degrees steep q The steeper the slope, the more dangerous it is q Slopes with cliff rocks showing through are over 39 degrees q Slopes that accumulate the best & deepest powder are often the most dangerous q Wind-drifted snow often packs & releases as slabs more easily when weighted by skiers/boarders q Cornices forming above slopes are indicative of heavy wind-drift loading on the lee (sheltered) side q On the windward side, wind-drift builds up on the steeper slopes, below rocks & in gullies & couloirs q The first nice day after snowfall is the most dangerous – the snow layers have had less time to bond together Winds will increase the risk by blowing snow off the windward side, and depositing it, poorly bonded, on the lee (sheltered) side of the mountain. Please remember not to be concerned just for your group and yourself – do not risk starting a slide that could endanger people below you. Allow at least 50 metres between members of your group if you are crossing a suspect area – let’s keep the number of possible victims to a minimum and the number of rescuers to a maximum! Remove the ski pole straps from your wrists – better

to lose a pole than increase risk of injury. If you feel a slide start try to ski to the edge. Jettison equipment that could endanger you. Put your arms in front of your face to create an air pocket if being submerged. Those not in the slide should look hard to spot the latest sighting of victims and begin your search at this point. Crevasses (open cracks in glaciers) are very often impossible to see as they may be lightly covered with snow. They are particularly dangerous early season

Check out: www.whiterisk.org For ca. €16,00 (plus postage) you can order your own avalanche awareness DVD or download it for your computer. It is also available for iPhone. Language (CD): English, German & French

as the snow inside will not be at all packed. The only way to freeride a glacier with any degree of safety is with a guide. FSC recommends that anyone going off-piste to attend an avalanche awareness training session this season and consider signing up for ski patrol training – checkout: nspeurope.org for further information. In addition to learning how to provide essential first aid in an outdoor environment, important signs of problems developing in members of your group, and awareness of the risk factors, you will significantly improve your skiing or boarding skills and have the opportunity to participate in advanced avalanche rescue and ski touring courses. Not knowing the risks can easily turn a sublime day in the back-country into a tragedy, so be prepared, be aware and enjoy your freeriding this season!

FSC E.V. 11/12 SEASON GUIDE 9

SEASO GUIDE /

“H O W D O I S IG N -U P ?” .. .

A You must be a current member of FSC e.V. to go on a FSC e.V. sport activity trip. B To reserve your place on a trip you must pay either the minimum deposit, or preferably “in-full“, on any of the sign-up nights for that trip. Our discount policy encourages you to pay-in-full on one of the earlier sign-up nights. C Full payment must be made by 21:00 on the last sign-up night of your chosen trip to secure your place.

THE SMALL PRINT

These two pages contain vital information regarding FSC e.V. (FSC) trip sign-up procedures and policies. Read them carefully to avoid delays and confusion. MEMBERSHIP & TRIP SIGN-UPS: May be made at the following locations and times: p Regularly scheduled membership socials, between 19:00 and 21:00 (see trip schedule on page 18 for trip opening and closing dates) p Other meetings, locations and times as announced by the FSC e.V. Board. MEMBERSHIP: (all membership fees are non-refundable) p SINGLE MEMBERSHIP: _30 p FAMILY MEMBERSHIP: _45 for married couples (with or without children) or single parents with children under 18 years of age. p A current FSC member may additionally sign-up the following for a trip: a. All members of their family, provided they are part of the family membership. b. Other FSC members or FSC family memberships provided they have proxy authorisation to do so (see Proxy Authorisation page 11). On opening night of a trip this is limited to one other member or family membership. p Members under the age of 18 desiring to sign up for a FSC trip without at least one parent/guardian in attendance on the trip must have a sponsor 21 years of age or older on that trip. Written permission from the parent/guardian must be submitted to the Trip Captain (TC) by the announced closing date. Sponsors of members under 18 years of age must have medical power of attorney for this individual. Documents will be checked by the TC prior to boarding the bus. 10 FSC E.V. 11/12 SEASON GUIDE

SIGN-UP REQUIREMENTS: Simple: You must be a FSC member to go on a FSC trip. TRIP SIGN-UP LISTS: The TC is responsible for maintaining two lists per trip: p CONFIRMED LIST: For those members who have paid at least the minimum deposit for a trip space. Spaces are filled on a first come, first served basis. p WAIT LIST: a. If the confirmed list is full, a minimum deposit of _30 is required to be placed on the wait list. Certain trips require a higher deposit. You may wish to pay-in-full to qualify for a discount. b. Members are moved on to the confirmed list as others cancel up to the 21:00 deadline on the trip closing night, and it is the responsibility of the member to check their status with the TC. c. Members not moved to the confirmed list will receive a full refund, as will those who cancel from the wait list before being moved to the confirmed list. (see “Refunds/Rebates” on page 13) d. If on the wait list, be prepared to authorise payment in-full at the sign-up desk on the final sign-up night at 21:00, or have another member do this for you. PAYMENTS: General: p We no longer accept cash or cheque for payment of membership or activity trip fees. p Payments are to be made by direct debit (Einzugs ermächtigung/Lastschriftverfahren) and you will need a Euro account with this capability.

p You will need to provide your bank details on the

/12

membership application form and authorise the club to use this account for paying the membership fee. p If you do not have such an account, you will need someone who can sponsor you, i.e who is prepared to pay for you on your behalf. Activity Trip:

p Payment will be made by direct debit from the bank

account you provided when becoming a member.

p If your payment is to be made by another member,

you MUST include that member‘s number in the “Sponsor” box on the sign-up form. p A non-refundable minimum deposit of _30 per person is required to reserve each trip place. Note: Certain trips require a higher non-refundable deposit. p The price for the trip is the one which applies to the evening on which payment-in-full is completed. This also applies to those on the wait list. p Members, including those members moved from the wait list to the confirmed list, who have not authorised full payment prior to 21:00 on the final sign-up night will be removed from the confirmed list and considered as a cancellation. p Given cancellations: at 21:00 on final payment night people on the wait list will be elevated to the confirmed list (in order, according to space available) and will be expected to pay-in-full to retain their place. Proxy Authorisation: p If you are unable to attend a social meeting to sign up for a trip and have arranged for another member to do this for you, it is essential that you provide him/her with written authorisation to a) sign you up for the trip and b) authorise payment from your account. This should be printed out and brought to the meeting by your proxy. LESSONS: p Some trips offer lessons. Unless otherwise stated there will be a _20 fee for participating in these lessons, which will normally be added to the trip sign up payment. The fee will be refunded if the member cancels his participation by trip closing night or the club fails to provide the lesson. Cancellations after trip closing night will not be refunded.

SINGLE ROOMS: p Some trips offer single rooms for a supplementary price. Except where special payment conditions apply the member must pay the trip in full to secure the single room.

... WHAT IS INCLUDED? MOST FSC E.V. TRIPS INCLUDE:

p Return transport from Frankfurt to hotel p Picnic lunch pack on the journey down and 2 drink tokens p Organisational services of a volunteer Trip Captain (TC) p Accommodation p Transfers: hotel & resort area with FSC bus where necessary p Breakfast & Evening meal (unless otherwise indicated) Not included: (unless otherwise indicated) p Lift pass (your TC will collect money for lift passes on the bus journey down to resort and will usually be able to command a group discount on the full purchase price of the lift tickets) p Ski/board rental & lessons p Drinks & lunches at hotel or resort p Transfers: hotel & resort area using local transport p Personal insurance

FSC E.V. 11/12 SEASON GUIDE 11

O R P

D E C

SMILE, RELAX AND ENJOY LIFE.

S E UR “Stop biting his gnome – they’re getting too excited!”

DISCOUNTS: The earlier you pay for a trip, usually, the more money you can save. This encourages people to commit to a trip earlier, which facilitates hotel room reservations.

p If more single rooms are requested by members signing

BUS DEPARTURES: p Unless otherwise announced, buses depart from ErnstSchwendler-Straße (see map on page 15) at the exact time indicated by the Trip Captain. BUSES WILL DEPART ON TIME. Missing the bus is NOT cause for a refund. p Bus rules can be found on page 14.

CANCELLATION POLICY: We obviously want as many members to come on each trip as possible! We do, however, understand that some members who have signed up for a trip may not be able to attend due to circumstances beyond their control.

PRIORITIES: p On the first sign-up night a member may reserve only one place for themselves/their family and for one other member or family membership. On subsequent nights a member may sign-up as many members as desired and for whom they have proxy authorisation. p If a FSC member is unable to attend the opening sign-up of a new trip because they are on another FSC trip at the same time, they may reserve a place on the new trip through prior communication with the TC. This reservation is held until 21:00 on the second sign-up night for that trip, by which time the place must be paid-in-full (at the opening sign-up price) or secured by the minimum deposit. p Members who are not resident of Germany may reserve a place on opening night of a trip for themselves or themselves and family members through prior communication with the TC. The place(s) must be paid-in-full or secured by the minimum deposit. p All Board members, and TCs involved in trip sign-ups, may reserve a place on any trip opening that night. This reservation is held until 21:00 that evening, by which time the place must be paid-in-full or secured by the minimum deposit. 12 FSC E.V. 11/12 SEASON GUIDE

up on opening night than are assigned to the trip then those present at the meeting have priority over those not present.

In situations like this we try to return as much of the trip price to the member as possible without the club, which is a non-profit members’ organisation, being financially penalised. Before signing up for a trip, therefore, you should be aware of the following cancellation refund policy: p Members who wish to cancel from a trip MUST notify the Trip Captain immediately. MEMBERS MAY NOT SELL THEIR SPACE TO ANOTHER MEMBER. p Any member who cancels before the end of the final sign-up night loses the minimum deposit (for most trips this is _30). Note: any trip participant who has not paid in full by this time is considered cancelled from the trip, and loses the minimum deposit. p Any member who is a “no show” i.e. does not turn up at the bus, or cancels on day of departure generally loses the full trip price. p Any member who cancels after the final sign-up night and prior to trip departure loses a minimum of _60 plus a share of the fixed costs and any variable costs that the club has incurred on behalf of that member (e.g. hotel room, sandwich packs etc. that could not be cancelled in time) up to the full price of the trip.

Exceptions: p There is a wait list, and a wait-listed member replaces the person cancelling – Member cancelling loses _30 deposit – Replacement pays final sign-up night price (except where member already paid-in-full on joining the wait list) p There is no wait list and the member cancelling finds a replacement for himself – Member cancelling loses _30 deposit – Replacement pays trip price paid by cancelling member p The trip is one without a bus, i.e. “U-drive” or the member is not taking the bus – His share of the fixed costs is reduced by _30

REFUNDS/REBATES: p All deposits/payments will be refunded if a trip is cancelled by FSC. Members who cancel prior to an official FSC cancellation are subject to normal cancellation procedures/fees as stated above. p Children may be eligible for a discount/refund when residing in the same room with parents or two adults. See TC or Trips Director for child price information. p Refunds/rebates will be reimbursed following final closure of the trip by the Trips Director. p All refunds/rebates will be made by bank transfer.

INDIVIDUAL RESPONSIBILITIES: p Individuals are responsible for providing their own equipMembers who cancel from the wait list before being moved ment, paying for lift tickets (unless otherwise indicated), to the confirmed list will receive a full refund. and all other expenses or items not specifically included in the cost of the trip. Note: certain trips have a different payment schedule, and thereTrip participants are responsible for all proper border fore cancellation policy, and are dealt with on an individual basis. clearance documents and acquiring local currency. Members should ensure that they can pay any expenses Refunds will be made by the Treasurer after the trip reconciliation arising from any accidents that may occur. has been completed. p MEMBERS ARE STRONGLY URGED TO INSURE THEMSELVES ADEQUATELY (please see page 58 Queries regarding refunds should be addressed to Trips Recs. for more details) Any objections must be brought before the Board in writing p Individuals must adhere to the directives of the TC. (email is acceptable) for adjudication. The Board’s decision is final. This includes taking responsibility for the behaviour and conduct of themselves and their family members. CHANGES: Individuals acting in a rowdy or obnoxious manner p FSC ski trips are based on an anticipated minimum towards other trip participants (as observed by the TC) number of participants. If this minimum is not reached, may be removed from the bus and/or reported to the the price may be adjusted, the trip altered or cancelled. Executive Board for further action. p FSC reserves the right to alter or cancel trips and/or services as circumstances dictate.

SEASON UIDE

11/12 “Can someone bring us our slippers and coffee?”

FSC E.V. 11/12 SEASON GUIDE 13

Y B E ABIED BUS THULES! R

“I can taste a beer or two coming our way!”

The bus trip down to the resort is often the first chance for our new members to get to know their fellow FSCers and we DO want them to be enthusiastic about signing up for more trips. In order to please most of the people most of the time, please observe the following rules: LOVE THY NEIGHBOUR p Your first impression may be our last. Respect other people on the bus. TIME, and the bus, WAITS FOR NO MAN: p The Trip Captain is under no obligation to delay the bus departure for late-comers and probably won’t. p Allow for traffic and time to find a legitimate parking place and to load equipment, i.e. arrive at least 20 minutes before departure. p Be prompt getting back to the bus after breaks (remember what the bus looks like and where it’s parked). p It is customary for you to buy a round of drinks for the entire bus if you are late and the bus has waited for you.

Post Commandment: FSC bus drivers are subjected to strict drive time rules. (e.g. they must take a 45-minute break after 4.5 hours of driving) This makes for punctual departures and more importantly, getting us to our destination in good time. “One for the road anyone?”

TIDINESS IS NEXT TO GODLINESS: p Be sure to throw all rubbish into the bags provided and use rest-stop breaks to offload rubbish. p Do not be sick on the bus! If you are, you are liable for a _50 fine (payable to the driver) and responsible for cleaning it up! Drink judiciously! p The bus toilets only have a limited capacity, and generally the contents cannot be disposed of in other countries. Please use the rest stops to best advantage so that the toilets don’t fill up and have to be locked. (If the holding tank freezes up, the toilet will also be closed for use.) If you do use the bus toilet, guys are also expected to sit – let’s keep the toilet clean! COVET NOT THY NEIGHBOUR’S SEAT: p There are no set seat assignments. The earlier you arrive, the better your choice of seats. The seat you select is yours until the bus returns to Frankfurt (unless you negotiate a swap with someone else). p Since April 2004 it is compulsary to wear your seat belt when seated in a moving bus. No passenger may stand forward of the front seats. Passengers should also remain seated throughout the journey where possible. These rules are enforced at the discretion of the bus driver. THOU SHALT NOT LEAN SKIS/ SNOWBOARDS AGAINST or WEAR SKI BOOTS ON THE BUS: p Observe strictly, since German tour buses tend to cost as much as a small house and you don’t want to pay for a new paint job or carpet.

SEASON GUIDE

NO SMOKING: p Anywhere on the bus, at any time. Unless you are on fire.

14 FSC E.V. 11/12 SEASON GUIDE

ENTERTAINMENT FOR ALL:

p DVDs (PAL standard) are shown at the TC’s discretion. If you bring your own, remember that FSCers cover a wide range of ages and tastes, so choose appropriately. RESPECT AND OBEY YOUR TC: p Please cooperate! Your TCs are volunteers and are doing their best for our members. p The Trip Captain is in charge, is the only person who liaises with the Driver and their decisions are LAW throughout the trip. p Help load and unload skis and bags from the bus: at departure, at the hotel and upon return to Frankfurt. p If the bus stops for any reason, please stay on the bus until directed by the TC.

Stress, Anxiety, Depression, Relationship difficulties, Bereavement Assertiveness, Bullying, etc. Irish Psychologist, Dr. Pamela Fitzgerald MA, PhD researcher: Psychotherapy, Hypnotherapy, MIACT; UKCP; BPS. Strictly confidential service

THEY WHO DRINK AND DRIVE TODAY WILL NOT SKI ANOTHER DAY: p On the way home, if you drink, don’t drive. If you drive, don’t drink. We want you around to enjoy more FSC ski trips with us.

Private practice in the Beethoven Str. 18 in Frankfurt‘s Westend. Tel: 0173-7831034 Email: pfitz2002@eircom.net Also EAP services to companies via Insite Interventions.

GRATUITIES: p Most of our drivers are swell guys (and gals!) who usually endure FSC festivities with good humour and a smile. They almost always do their best for us, and it is customary to give a small gratuity at the end of the trip to show your appreciation. FSC PICK-UP POINT: ERNST-SCHWENDLER-STR.

tr.

left)

h/ usc rnb g Do chwe Am arba M U-Bahn U1, U2 & U3 Dornbusch

(Turn

re)

FIELD HOUSE

bJako ler-Str. Leis

P P

No Parking in Lot

Plieninger-Str.

P P

Hansaallee

Joachim-Becker-Str.

Ernst-Schwendler-Str.

BUNDESBANK

P = Parking P = NO Parking

Miquelallee

U-Bahn U1, U2 & U3 Miquel-/ Adickesallee

For security reasons parking availability may change without notice.

. str

It is requested that FSC members park where indicated and leave other areas for residents.

-Tu

ten

Wilhelm-Epstein-Str.

Pla

BUS PICK-UP POINT

Ernst-Schwendler-Straße. If entering Frankfurt on the A66 from Wiesbaden note that there is no left turn into Hansaallee. Take the Eschersheim exit from the A66 (there is a sign on the side to the Bundesbank). Take the next exit after approx. 300 metres and immediately get into the left lane signposted Bundesbank. Drive past the Bundesbank with it on your right. Take the first right into Ernst-Schwendler-Straße.

The BUS PICK-UP point is in

FSC E.V. 11/12 SEASON GUIDE 15

SOCIALS SCHEDULE “I love these Xmas Spirits – don’t you?” # Date

Event

Opening

11/12 Closing

1 28 Aug 2011 AGM & Season Opening BBQ Sölden 2 07 Sep 2011 First regular social night 3 21 Sep 2011 General Park City / Utah Sölden 4 05 Oct 2011 General Hintertux 5 19 Oct 2011 General 6 02 Nov 2011 Advertisers‘ Night Lech, Innsbruck Hintertux 7 16 Nov 2011 General Krippenstein / Dachstein West Park City / Utah 8 30 Nov 2011 General Andermatt Lech, Innsbruck 9 14 Dec 2011 General Wilder Kaiser Krippenstein / Dachstein West 10 04 Jan 2012 General Dolomites Andermatt 11 18 Jan 2012 2nd Advertisers‘ Night Schwarzwald Wilder Kaiser 12 01 Feb 2012 General Chamonix, Disentis Dolomites, Schwarzwald 13 15 Feb 2012 General Serfaus / Fiss / Ladis, Val Thorens / 3 Vallées, St. Moritz 14 29 Feb 2012 General Zermatt Chamonix, Disentis 15 14 Mar 2012 St. Patrick’s Day Ischgl Serfaus / Fiss / Ladis, Val Thorens / 3 Vallées, St. Moritz 16 28 Mar 2012 General Area 47 – Summer Activities Zermatt 17 11 Apr 2012 General Ischgl 18 25 Apr 2012 General Area 47 – Summer Activities 19 09 May 2012 Last regular social evening 20 -- Jun 2012 Summer Social (TBC) 21 -- Jul 2012 Summer Social (TBC) The venue may change at any time. Please refer to our website for the latest information: www.fscev.org

16 FSC E.V. 11/12 SEASON GUIDE

-ch ch Fa r rFa IhIh rr fü fü ft ft hä hä sc sc ge ge or or do do ut ut OO r Fach Ih ng ng üs üs r srsr fü Au Au fttutu hä sc ge or Outdo Ausrüstung

Outdoor- und Freizeitbekleidung · Wanderschuhe · Rucksäcke · Klettern · Ski alpin · Skitour · Freeride · Skilanglauf

OutdoorOutdoor-und undFreizeitbekleidung Freizeitbekleidung· ·Wanderschuhe Wanderschuhe· ·Rucksäcke Rucksäcke· ·Klettern Klettern· ·Ski Skialpin alpin· ·Skitour Skitour· ·Freeride Freeride· ·Skilanglauf Skilanglauf

Die Freiheit beginnt hier!

Outdoor- und Freizeitbekleidung · Wanderschuhe · Rucksäcke · Klettern · Ski alpin · Skitour · Freeride · Skilanglauf

Die Die Freiheit Freiheit beginnt beginnt hier! hier! Die Freiheit beginnt hier!

alpin basis – Ihr Fachgeschäft für Wandern, Reisen, Trekking, Skisport, Klettern. Größte Schuhauswahl im Rhein-Main-Gebiet – mit individuellem Passform-Service. Unser Team– –Ihr aus aktiven Outdoor-Sportlern berät SieTrekking, engagiert und kompetent. alpin alpinbasis basis IhrFachgeschäft Fachgeschäft für fürWandern, Wandern,Reisen, Reisen, Trekking, Skisport, Skisport, Klettern. Klettern. Größte GrößteSchuhauswahl SchuhauswahlimimRhein-Main-Gebiet Rhein-Main-Gebiet– –mit mitindividuellem individuellemPassform-Service. Passform-Service. Unser UnserTeam Teamaus ausaktiven aktivenOutdoor-Sportlern Outdoor-Sportlernberät berätSie Sieengagiert engagiertund undkompetent. kompetent. So finden uns – nur wenige Schritte vonReisen, der Konstablerwache/Zeil entfernt: alpin basis Sie – Ihr Fachgeschäft für Wandern, Trekking, Skisport, Klettern. Größte Schuhauswahl imwenige Rhein-Main-Gebiet –der mit individuellem Passform-Service. So finden Sie uns– –nur nur wenige Schritte Schrittevon vonder Konstablerwache/Zeil Konstablerwache/Zeil entfernt: entfernt: | Sofinden |Sieuns

Anschrift Große Friedberger Str. 16-20, 60313 Frankfurt

www.alpin-basis.de www.alpin-basis.de

FSC E.V. 11/12 SEASON GUIDE 17

TRIPS E SCH2EDUL 11/1 Good Snow + Good Weather + Good People = Good Party!

# Trip Name

Country

D ates

1 Sölden AT 07 Oct 2011 – 2 Hintertux AT 23 Nov 2011 – 3 Lech AT 16 Dec 2011 – 4 Innsbruck AT 28 Dec 2011 – 5 Krippenstein / AT 13 Jan 2012 – Dachstein West 6 Andermatt CH 20 Jan 2012 – 7 Wilder Kaiser AT 03 Feb 2012 – 8 Schwarzwald D 11 Feb 2012 9 Dolomites IT 17 Feb 2012 – 10 Park City /Utah US 25 Feb 2012 – 11 Chamonix FR 09 Mar 2012 – 12 Disentis CH 16 Mar 2012 – 13 Serfaus / CH 23 Mar 2012 – Fiss / Ladis 14 Val Thorens / FR 31 Mar 2012 – 3 Vallées 15 St. Moritz CH 05 Apr 2012 – 16 Zermatt CH 19 Apr 2012 – 17 Ischgl AT 27 Apr 2012 – 18 Area 47 AT 25 May 2012 –

Days Price in EUR*

Opens

Closes

Page

10 Oct 2011 3 27 Nov 2011 4 18 Dec 2011 2 01 Jan 2012 4 16 Jan 2012 3

265 355 / 365 / 375 (L) 255 / 265 / 275 (L) 470 / 480 / 490 265 / 275 / 285

28 Aug 2011 21 Sep 2011 24 05 Oct 2011 02 Nov 2011 25 02 Nov 2011 30 Nov 2011 26 02 Nov 2011 30 Nov 2011 27 16 Nov 2011 14 Dec 2011 28

22 Jan 2012 2 05 Feb 2012 2 11 Feb 2012 0 20 Feb 2012 3 03 Mar 2012 7 12 Mar 2012 3 18 Mar 2012 2 25 Mar 2012 2

**245 / 255 / 265 210 / 220 / 230 Contact TC 245 / 255 / 265 (L/G) **850 300 / 310 / 320 **280 / 290 / 300 (L/G) 260 / 270 / 280

30 Nov 2011 04 Jan 2012 33 14 Dec 2011 18 Jan 2012 34 04 Jan 2012 04 Jan 2012 35 04 Jan 2012 01 Feb 2012 37 21 Sep 2011 16 Nov 2011 38 01 Feb 2012 29 Feb 2012 43 01 Feb 2012 29 Feb 2012 44 15 Feb 2012 14 Mar 2012 45

07 Apr 2012 7

Contact TC

15 Feb 2012 14 Mar 2012 46

430 / 440 / 450 **335 / 345 / 355 350 / 360 / 370 200 / 210 / 220

15 Feb 2012 14 Mar 2012 49 29 Feb 2012 28 Mar 2012 50 14 Mar 2012 11 Apr 2012 52 25 Apr 2012 09 May 2012 54

09 Apr 2012 4 22 Apr 2012 3 01 May 2012 4 28 May 2012 3

SEASON GUIDE

P rices: All prices are expressed in Euro. * Prices increase by EUR 10 per sign-up night. ** Subject to exchange rate.

11/12

Last updated: 1st November 2011.

Subject to change. Please refer to our website for the latest information: www.fscev.org (L/G) This trip also offers Lessons/Guides on the first day for a modest 20 € fee, depending on demand. Trip 14 Val Thorens: Special-Pricing-System. Trip 10 is operated by Argus Tours. All other trips operated by Scherer Tours. Trips are based on an anticipated minimum number of participants. If this minimum is not reached, the price may be adjusted, the trip altered or cancelled. FSC e.V. reserves the right to alter or cancel trips and/or services as circumstances dictate.

HELPING

HANDS

18 FSC E.V. 11/12 SEASON GUIDE

Another special thanks goes to two of our longstanding members for their contributions and help with the clubs financial books. Charles Austin, Certified Public Accountant: get in contact with him for any American tax returns. (Tel.: 069-4908-6303 E-Mail CharlieAustin@t-online.de) And Gabriela Dehmer, Steuerberaterin, who has been particularly useful with the German side whilst dealing with the “Finanzamt”. (Tel.: 06052-900-425 E-Mail kanzlei@stb-dehmer.de)

Scherer Tours Bayernstraร e 72, 97204 Hรถchberg Tel: +49 (0) 931-40 90 46 Fax: +49 (0) 931-40 80 20 E-Mail: info@scherertours.de Check us out at: scherertours.de

FSC E.V. 11/12 SEASON GUIDE 19

TRIPS TOR‘S DIREC DUCTION INTRO “Do you have hot balls as well?”

“You do mean the wasabi snacks, don’t you?”

Simon just likes hot things ...

As VP Activities for season 2010/11 it was part of my duties to set up the trips schedule for this coming season - or the majority of it anyway. Simon Gutbrod very kindly volunteered for and was elected to the post for the coming season and has since set up our our week-long trip to Utah and is working on our summer trip. As you will see our schedule is based on tried and tested firm favourites spliced with some new delights. And as always we have kept a careful eye on value for money, and we have continued to arrange the vast majority of trips with our long term reliable partner Scherers Tours. In 2012 Easter will be two weeks earlier than in 2011, which has made it more difficult to persuade hoteliers to release beds to weekenders (Easter pretty well defines the end of the season for most skiers). For that reason we have not been able to get offers for every location we had hoped to include – in particular I regret that we will not be taking you to St. Anton this season. This season we also have to contend with a dramatic rise in value of the Swiss Franc, so we have been particularly selective as to which Swiss

11/12 TRIP INFORMATION All trips require a minimum E€30 deposit per person (non-refundable unless the trip is cancelled by FSC). On most trips the final price varies according to which sign-up evening the final payment is made – earlier sign-up evenings may 20 FSC E.V. 11/12 SEASON GUIDE

resorts to include. I believe we have priced at a realistic rate, but nevertheless it may be necessary to adjust the opening price – who knows, we may even be able to reduce it. The resorts that have survived our rigorous crashtest are Andermatt, Disentis, St. Moritz and Zermatt – all simply too good to be omitted. I am particularly delighted to be able to bring Disentis back into the programme in late season, the best time for this off-piste paradise. The season start mirrors exactly the very successful opening to last season – commencing with Scherer Tours’ ski test and season opening party at Sölden, enjoying American Thanksgiving at Hintertux and a pre-Christmas weekend at Lech, all Austrian resorts. I also very much look foward to our New Year trip to Innsbruck, with many surrounding ski areas to explore. Many seasons ago this was a very successful

carry a discount. The discount system encourages early sign-up to allow the club to commit to hotel reservations. Departure times, destinations, prices, and hotel accommodation are subject to change without prior notice. Passports and/or ID are required on all trips outside

venue for FISC – the American military ski club from whose loins FSC e.V. sprang. We are able to include two areas in the programme which are new to us: Wilder Kaiser with resorts such as Söll and Elmau, and Serfaus / Fiss / Ladis (an area we have been trying to get into for many seasons), both in Austria Moreover the fans of Austria – especially off-piste fans – will be delighted that we have extended our annual trip to Krippenstein / Dachstein West to three days, and that as always our last ski trip will be the end-of-season concert trip to Ischgl. For the francophiles we offer Chamonix – one of the very best ski areas in Europe – and a weeklong trip to Val Thorens (3 Vallées) which probably IS the best ski area in Europe. And those seeking some Italian flair can enjoy our return to the Dolomites. Over to you Simon ….

Germany. All trips include accommodation (except day trips), bus transportation (except U-Drives/Flys), and a meal on the bus. Unless otherwise explicitly noted in trip descriptions, the price does NOT include lift tickets, ski lessons, equipment rental, insurance or personal incidentals.

whether it‘s volcanos ...

... or BBQs!

After living in snow-free Singapore for nearly 1½ years, I look forward to skiing in Europe this season and supporting FSC on trips. I did however make the hop over to Japan to join in the FSC fun in Niseko last season. This season our overseas trip will take us to Utah, USA, where we will be staying in Park City. The lift pass also covers Deer Valley and The Canyons. This is a huge area suitable for all levels and the experts may also want to spend a day checking out Snowbird, Brighton, Solitude, Alta, Powder Mountain, Beaver Creek, Snow Basin and /or Sundance. See you at the social or on the slopes! Simon Gutbrod

Rooms are usually based on double occupancy with bath/shower and toilet. Half-board means breakfast and dinner included. FSC assumes no liability for accidents, injuries or loss of personal property that may occur during any trip, nor is FSC liable for refunding money

SEASON GUIDE

due to poor skiing conditions, accommodation, or other unforeseen events. FSC takes no responsibility for changes based on contract with third parties. FSC reserves the right to change or cancel trips as necessary should sign-ups not meet the minimum number.

In the following descriptions PIF means PAID-IN-FULL. € ppp means price-per-person.

11/12 FSC E.V. 11/12 SEASON GUIDE 21

S T OR

WITZERLAND AUSTRIA | S GERMANY | FRANCE ITALY | USA

S P E A R M

P I R T

AUSTRIA

SWITZERLAND

8 Schwarzwald

GERMANY

6 Andermatt 12 Disentis 15 St. Moritz 16 Zermatt

USA

ITALY

FRANCE 11 Chamonix 14 Val Thorens / 3 Vallées

9 Dolomities

10 Park Cty / Utah

Frankfurt Ski, Snowboard, S p o r t s & S o c i a l C l u b e .V .

1 Sölden 2 Hintertux/Zillertal 3 Lech 4 Innsbruck 5 Krippenstein/ Dachstein West 7 Wilder Kaiser 13 Serfaus / Fiss / Ladis 17 Ischgl 18 Area 47

Bottom Lift

Piste Length # Pistes Beginner Intermediate Expert

Cross Fun Half- Mtn Country Park pipe Rest

FSC E.V. 11/12 SEASON GUIDE 23

SEASON GUIDE

Top Vertical Gondola/ Lift Drop # Lifts Cable/Train Chair Drag

AT 1377 2675 3250 575 10 3 2 5 36 km 13 61% 39% 0% n/a Yes Yes 2 AT 1300 1500 3250 1950 20 5 6 9 125 km 17 27% 65% 8% 18 km Yes Yes 5 AT 1450 1450 2444 994 34 5 18 11 110 km 54 38% 38% 14% 19 km Yes Yes 4 AT (The Olympia Ski World pass covers 9 areas ranging from Nordpark, Stubai, Axamer Lizum, Kühtai & Igls – we’ll ski where the snow is!) AT 609 609 2100 1491 7 3 - 4 over 100 qm² of off-piste to play on! Yes - 10 AT (Gosau, Russbach & Annaberg = 67 9 12 46 130 km 10% 78% 12% 225 km 3 n/a n/a CH 1445 1445 2963 1518 12 2 4 6 56 km 17 29% 42% 29% 20 km Yes Yes 6 AT (Söll, Elmau, Scheffau, Going = 91 15 22 24 279 km 40% 45% 15% 83 km 2 No 23 DE 945 945 1450 505 26 0 1 25 57 km 23 70% 15% 15% n/a Yes Yes n/a IT 880 1200 2518 1318 83 10 45 27 175 km 57 30% 60% 10% 115 km Yes Yes 47 IT 880 961 2505 1444 10 1 7 2 42 km 21 17% 62% 21% 25 km Yes Yes 10 USA 609 2104 3048 945 14 14 100 18% 44% 38% n/a Yes Yes 3 FR 1035 1035 3843 2080 49 13 16 20 152 km 69 49% 39% 12% 43 km Yes Yes 12 CH 1150 1215 2903 1688 10 1 3 6 60 km 50% 34% 16% 35 km Yes n/a 4 AT 1200 1200 2820 1620 40 13 16 11 204 km 70 21% 60% 19% 138 km Yes No 22 FR 2300 1800 3230 1400 47 5 16 8 140 km 44% 44% 12% Yes Yes CH 1730 1730 3303 1573 56 11 18 27 350 km 88 35% 25% 40% 180 km Yes Yes 37 CH 1620 1620 3900 2280 60 21 18 21 394 km 60 33% 46% 21% 8 km Yes Yes 38 AT 1400 1400 2900 1500 42 5 19 18 230 km 52 21% 64% 15% 50 km Yes Yes 12 AT n/a

Resort Height

subject to change. Details for trip 10 are for Utah Park City only.

2 Hintertux 3 Lech 4 Innsbruck 5a Krippenstein 5b Dachstein West 6 Andermatt 7 Wilder Kaise 8 Schwarzwald 9a Val Gardena 9b Plose, Val Isarco 10 Park City / Utah 11 Chamonix 12 Disentis 13 Serfaus/Fiss/Ladis 14 Val Thorens/3 Vallées 15 St. Moritz 16 Zermatt 19 Ischgl 20 Area 47

1 Sölden

Trip # Trip Name Country

FSC RESORT INFORMATION A ROUGH GUIDE

TRIPS

“Time is flying by. You just put your skis away – then it’s time to wax them again.”

#01 SÖLDEN

Austria | Fri 07. – Mon 10. Oct. 2011 Time to scrape the rust off the skis, snowboards and ski legs and attack the connected glaciers at Sölden – the snow sure Rettenbach and Tiefenbach glaciers. Our tour operator Scherer

Tours offers us a welcome party with many free gifts. This trip will be shared with clubs in the American community in Germany. We bus daily to the glaciers.

Info: www.soelden.com

This is the opening weekend of the glaciers’ winter season, featuring : • Free ski and snowboard equipment test of all top brands • Live concert • Bagjump contest on the Tiefenbach Glacier • Party in Sölden‘s pubs and bars

p 3 nights / half-board p Fixed Price: €265 (€ ppp) p Single supplement: €40 p Includes free ski/board testing p Welcome party p Glacier skiing ¢ Bus departure: EARLY!! 15:45 24 FSC E.V. 11/12 SEASON GUIDE

We stay in the centrally located 3* Hotel Dominic www.dominic.at where your tired muscles can find relaxation in the wellness area „Zen garden“ with Finnish sauna, aroma steam bath, jacuzzi, infrared cabin and solarium. The town also boasts the multi-facetted Freizeit Arena wellness centre and even more spectacular is the nearby Aqua Dome.

Info: www.hintertuxergletscher.at

p 4 nights / half-board p Thanksgiving dinner p Price: 355 / 365 / 375 (€ ppp) p Single supplement: €50 p Glacier skiing p 1day, on first day for all levels* ç Bus departure: EARLY!! 17:00

Remember to leave some room for the turkey!

CHECK IT OUT

#02 HINTERTUX

Austria | Wed 23. – 27. Nov. 2011 | Thanksgiving On Thanksgiving 2011 we are back to Hintertux. This area is considered by many to be the best glacier skiing in Austria with lifts taking you up to 3250 m. It is an intermediate skier‘s paradise, with numerous fast, challenging pistes. At this time of year we have a great chance of excellent snow conditions and we will hopefully find ourselves playing in fresh powder. The advanced can try the black Sonnenhang run, and when conditions suit there will be a number of ski routes open – the descent down Lärmstange to the Sommerbergalm can be great. The often overlooked south-facing Shlegels glacier can

also have fantastic powder (especially when blown over from the north side) even when the Gefrorene Wand is tracked out. Free-skiers and those of you from the dark side can display your skills on the newly opened Betterpark. Lunch can be had at the Gletscherhütte or sitting outside at the sun trap that is the Tuxer Fernhaus. After the skiing comes the Sommerbergalm at the mid station, with its umbrella bars and pumping “Schlager” music, this is the epitome of Austrian après-ski! And the fun continues down in the valley... The Hohenhaus Tenne with its live music is a must and if you want to continue the party, Tux 1

and the Batzenkeller offer more until well after bedtime! This trip also offers a full day of lessons on the first day for all levels for a modest 20 € fee – a perfect way to brush up your form for the coming season. We will be staying in the 4* Lanersbacher Hof in the nearby town of Lanersbach, famous for its gourmet cuisine and wine cellar. They also have a very welcoming, cosy bar where you can exchange stories of the day‘s adventures . Enjoy the 18m long panorama pool, sauna, infra-red cabin, the sea salt steam room and solarium. Refresh yourself at the ice font or relax with a massage. We will be using our bus most of the time and the local bus also runs frequently to the ski lifts.

FSC E.V. 11/12 SEASON GUIDE 25

S P I R T Info: www.lech-zuers.at

p 2 nights / half-board p Price: 255 / 265 / 275 (€ ppp) p Single supplement: €30 p Lessons* (2 days) for beginners ç Bus departure: EARLY! 17:00

#03 LECH

Lech should give you something to have a nibble on.

Austria | Fri 16. – 18. Dec. 2011 We return to make our regular late December trip to the fairy-tale village of Lech am Arlberg – the Arlberg being deservedly the most renowned snowsure ski area in Austria. Here we can enjoy the mini Christmas market, ice sculptures and general ambiance – and maybe some last minute Christmas shopping in the luxurious Strolz store (where you can treat yourself to custom-made ski boots). But mainly we can enjoy the superb skiing that the Lech offers – especially in combination with the linked resort of Zürs. Skiing/boarding for all levels, a modern lift system (some with the 26 FSC E.V. 11/12 SEASON GUIDE

luxury of heated chairs), skiing up to 2450 m, accessible off-piste, excellent mountain restaurants – so many reasons to enjoy a visit here. Do not miss the legendary Weiße Ring of trails that encircles Lech and Zürs.

Our hotel, the friendly 3*** Lärchenhof, is in a quiet location just five minutes from the town centre. The well known Madloch run ends at the hotel doorstep. The hotel’s wellness area has a steam room and sauna.

And the Langlaufers will have a great time here too – the cross-country skiing Loipe start just outside our hotel.

Après-ski can be enjoyed at various indoor and outdoor locations including Haus Nr 8 and s’Pfefferkörndl – or the bar in Strolz. After dinner maybe a visit to the cigar bar at Fux? Or the Archiv Bar, Tannbergerhof or Side Step nightclub?

This season we are focussing on beginners among our membership, offering beginning skiing and snowboarding lessons on both days – for a modest € 20 fee.* The Christmas marktet is always great for a cuddly toy.

#04 INNSBRUCK

Austria | Wed 28. Dec. 2011 – 01. Jan. 2012 | New Year‘s Eve To welcome in the New Year we are delighted to be able to take you to Innsbruck, the capital of Tirol, surrounded by skiing, and twice host of the winter Olympics. The Olympia Ski World pass covers 9 areas ranging from Nordpark – with some of the steepest descents in the Alps, accessible by the Hungerbergbahn and cable car from the city centre – to the Stubaital Glacier with skiing up to 3340 m, one of Austria’s best glacier skiing areas.

Info: www.axamer-lizum.at/en/

p 4 nights / half-board p New Year’s Eve dinner p Price: 470 / 480 / 490 (€ ppp) p Single supplement: .105 ç Bus departure: EARLY! 16:30

A jewel in the crown is Axamer Lizum, which is the highest of the ski resorts around Innsbruck, the locals’ choice for off-piste, and accessible by local bus from Innsbruck. Another gem is Kühtai, Austria’s highest ski village, snow sure with skiing up to 2500 m. And of course Igls, just a tram ride from Innsbruck, where Franz Klammer won Olympic Gold on the Patscherkofel Mountain. Cross-country addicts will also find a choice of Langlauf Loipe, also at higher altitude, such as 2000m at Kühtai. Unfortunately in the short time we have we can only visit three or four areas. Our TC will create an itinerary taking into account current snow conditions and bearing in mind your rental needs. Our centrally located 4* Hotel Alpinpark is equipped with sauna and Jacuzzi. After your gala New Year’s Eve dinner wander down to the Altstadt to join the throng and enjoy the magnificent pyrotechnical display.

“Splendid time for a break!”

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“I‘m not sure why I have 3 beepers left in the bag, are we missing anybody?”

Info: www.krippenstein.at

p 3 nights / half-board p lessons or guiding (1 day*) for all levels p Price: 265 / 275 / 285 (€ ppp) p Single supplement: €35 p bus transfers to the ski areas ç Bus departure: EARLY!! 15:00

CHECK IT OUT

#05 KRIPPENSTEIN / DACHSTEIN WEST

Austria | Fri 13. – Mon. 16. Jan. 2012 | Freeriding / Skiing and Boarding This year we go back to Krippenstein for a 3 day “free-riders’ paradise” trip. After all we want to give people time to explore this fantastic Austrian resort of the Dachstein region southwest of Salzburg. At first sight the piste map does not look that impressive with only 3 cable cars, and a couple of runs are marked, but that is exactly what makes it so desirable. Huge, wild, untouched terrain – just what we are looking for! From the top of Krippenstein (2100 m), you can expect an 11 km-long run down for 1500 m of vertical, and 30 km of alternative off-piste routes... hence the long weekend. The terrain is demanding and you will probably feel every single muscle in your body, that’s the price to pay, don’t worry you can always jump in the sauna to relax your tired legs after an adventurous day. 28 FSC E.V. 11/12 SEASON GUIDE

Of course the non-freeriders are welcome too. The bus will take them to the nearby ski resort of Dachstein-West which covers an extensive area for beginners and intermediate skiers, with some 36 lifts and numerous blue, red (and black) runs over Gosau-RussbachZwieselalm, and even the opportunity to freeride between the pistes.

includes a sauna and a bar, also has a screen to watch pictures and movies from the day. Hopefully the table football will be working – I’m sure there’s an open match to be finished – just to give your arms a bit of a workout, the winner usually receive beers!

As in previous years, we will have 1 day with local guides in Krippenstein for expert freeriders as well as those looking for an introduction to off-piste skiing, or 1 day with instructors for those heading to Dachstein-West. Our accommodation is again in the valley at the BSFZ (Bundessport- und Freizeitzentrum) in Obertauern, which

“9½ inch – that makes all of us happy!”

TRIPS

WHEREDAFUCOWEE? “Nice Bling Liz, but With the technological developments of the past few years, these are the Killers it may well be that these diminutive creatures will soon lose not Snoop Dog.” the attribute that distinguishes them – notably, getting horribly lost, frequently and irrevocably.

The Fucowee tribe, indigenous to the savannah grasslands, consisted of tiny little individuals, constantly frustrated by having to leap up above grass level to find out exactly where they were. This jumping was always accompanied by the “Kate, shut up, wave characteristic identifying chant “Wheredafucowee?“. Aeons my flag or I‘ll send later, some of these little people got so terribly lost that they you on a trip to Paris!” You know actually found themselves (or rather didn’t find themselves) in you‘ve gone the European Alps, but experienced exactly the same probwrong when lems presented by the grasslands. Being such lightweights, you follow they often sank into snow drifts, slipped into gullies and Simon! crevasses and became so disorientated by the glare of the snow, that they wandered far from the beaten track, often breaking new ground in wooded areas, streams, back gardens, other villages and even different countries.

WHEREDA FUCOWEE?

Some of these little people thought that their predicament “What did the sign say?” would be solved with the advent of the mobile phone. However, they often found that the only folks they had “Hope you have plenty of numbers for were in the same lost group, that batteries failed wax for the green slope, at critical moments, or that questions like “It’s us, do you it‘s pretty slow going.” know where we are?” often got the unhelpful response of “Howda-fucoweetoknow!” Surely this navigational ineptitude will change once the little people get to grips with GPS! But that time has not yet arrived, and the Fucowee tribe, together with those geographically challenged skiers and boarders who still insist on following in their tracks, will no doubt keep up the tradition and continue to get lost on slopes, in bars & hotels “Damn it – I didn‘t and even in car parks. Trip captains are particularly pack my Scooby fond of recounting the exploits of these snacks Shaggy!” hapless souls and welcome your contributions to the lore of the lost. “I‘m off for a quick game of quiddich, if Voldemort asks.” “How many Asprins should I have had at breakfast?”

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NEUER VOLKSW IRT

»HERE, FSC MEMBERS EXCHANGE THEIR MOST AMAZING SKI STORIES«

COME IN AND JOIN OUR MUSIC EVENINGS Every 2nd Friday we have a DJ playing past and current hits. Starting at 9 pm. Every 4th Saturday we offer a Jazz evening with different live bands. Starting at 8 pm. For additional information please see our website. www.neuervolkswirt.de

Neuer Volkswirt (near the Alte Oper) Kleine Hochstr. 9 | 60313 Frankfurt am Main | Tel.: 0 69 - 21 99 83 93 Find us on facebook! Open: Mon - Fri 12:00 - 15:00 | 16:00 - 24:00 Sat & Sun 17:00 - 24:00

SK IB UM

RE EIR WINTER SPORTS MO SOME FSCERS TAKE TH PEOPLE D ATE DIC DE RS DO. SUCH SERIOUSLY THAN OTHE R REGIONS FRANKFURT (AND OTHE ARE KNOWN AROUND IBUMS”. OF THE WORLD) AS “SK

You too can become a SKIBUM. It’s quite simple, albeit a tad pricey. Anyone who participates in FSC trips totalling 20 days or more during the current season becomes a SKIBUM, receiving a certificate of recognition and a specially designed article of clothing (arguably the most expensive ‘freebie’ in the world). It’s our little way of thanking dedicated FSC members for the time (and money) they invest in their favourite pastime. Spot the SKIBUMs – those FSCers who: r Are on a first name basis with all FSC bus drivers r Know all the Autobahn service stations towards the Alps r Take multiple boards or pairs of skis on a weekend trip, so that they are prepared for all conditions r Have their name embroidered on ‘their’ bus seat r Can always tell you what the snow conditions are in all the major resorts, but wouldn’t have a clue about the week’s news stories r Have their own on-bus entertainment centres, but only one set of headphones r Can stand in the bus aisle during an emergency stop and not spill their drink r Know all lift operators on a first name basis

True Powder Ninjas! 32 FSC E.V. 11/12 SEASON GUIDE

r Never unpack, but instead take out the dirty clothes and immediately replace them with clean clothes so they’re always ready to go r Always carry their passport with them, ‘just in case’ r Are the most skilled at ‘active queuing’ in lift lines r Can’t remember what their apartment looks like, but can always find their way home r Endure all kinds of weather, terrain and conditions, and have, on numerous occasions, frozen various parts of their anatomy off in the pursuit of fresh powder r Are broke at the end of a good season

T R IP S

CHECK IT OUT Andermatt, the perfect place for the Posse to party and to audition for the Ploppstars.

#06 ANDERMATT

Switzerland | Fri 20. – 22. Jan. 2012 Andermatt – a tradition for FSC for many many seasons and guaranteed fun for all fans of individual resorts. Certainly a trip you don’t want to miss! The small village, located in the heart of the Gotthard region, is one of the closest freeride areas to Frankfurt and offers some of the best off-piste terrain in the Alps. Andermatt has numerous back-country routes from the top of Gemsstock, over Guspis or Felsental down to Hospental, but also on the opposite side with the famous „giraffe“down to Unteralp for the properly equipped. The famous “Russi run” offers steep slopes and untouched snow if you‘re lucky, and some hiking and walking to find those untouched lines if you’re more adventurous. The less adventurous will have the choice between the blue, red, and black runs of the Gemsstock side or those of the Gütsch/

Nätschen side. This is also a chance to discover the skiing areas of Sedrun and Oberalppass, where the Gotthard-Bahn (local mountain train) can take you to in less than 30 minutes and that offer a great range of skiing for the intermediate. As usual we’ll be staying in the village at hotel Badus, where all lifts and the trains are in walking distance. The village is small, but offers enough opportunities to relax after skiing, including a Sauna at the “3 Könige” and nice outdoor Après-Ski at the Spycher and Alte Apotheke. There is a very good chance to end the day dancing away in the local night pub ‘Pinte’. Andermatt is still pure and wild. But it‘s not only us falling in love with it; it’s getting more and more famous, and with the new developments going on at the moment, better enjoy it before it gets overcrowded!

Info: www.andermatt.ch

p 2 nights / half-board p Price: 245 / 255 / 265 (€ ppp) p Single supplement: €30 ç Bus departure: 17:30

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S P I R T

#07 WILDER KAISER (WÖRGL)

Austria | Fri 03. – 05. Feb. 2012

The Wilder Kaiser mountain range presents the most bizarre rock formations and imposing backdrop for this, our first visit for many seasons, to the winter wonderland of Skiwelt Wilder KaiserBrixental. The four inter-connected resorts of Söll, Scheffau, Ellmau and Going provide 279 km of ski slopes serviced by 91 cable-cars and ski lifts. This is Austria’s largest connected ski area and one of the safest and family friendliest of all, with numerous gentle slopes for beginners to black runs challenging the keenest of ‘profis’. Boarders and fun carvers can test their skills on the easyline and proline courses in the Intersport Kaiserpark.

The fun is not reserved for just alpine skiers and boarders. There are over 77 km. of Loipes for cross-country skiers, and at Scheffau the tracks are lit for night-owl Langlaufers. You can hire snow shoes (with or without guide) for a trek off the beaten tracks, go ice-skating at Going, hurtle down the 14.5 km of Rodelbahn (toboggan run) – 11 km of which are flood-lit until 10:30 pm or for a real adrenalin kick, try tubing down a fast and curvy track at Ellmau, with its special ‘Zauberband’ lift. There are also 13 Km of night-skiing slopes in Söll, the largest in Austria.

Though blessed with natural snow, over 1,000 snow machines can be used to provide man-made snow for 210 km of the slopes; 110 km can be covered with snow in just 3 days. So there is a guaranteed abundance of the white stuff! Nor will you lack for refreshments as the more than 70 lovely ski huts, mountain restaurants, sun terraces and snow bars average to one every 3.5 km! Our hotel is in the charming village of Wörgl, a 15 minute ride from Söll at the foot of the famous Hohe Salve mountain. As an extra bonus, Kitzbühel is also only 20 minutes away for anyone wanting to visit the famous Londoner Pub.

Info: www.skiwelt.at

p 2 nights / half-board p lessons or guiding (1 day*) for all levels p Price: 210 / 220 / 230 (€ ppp) p Single supplement: €30 ç Bus departure: EARLY!! 17:00 34 FSC E.V. 11/12 SEASON GUIDE

You can get wild with the Kaiser or the rest of us.

Info: www.hochschwarzwald.de

p Day trip p Price: 45 / 55 (€ ppp) BEGINNERS – mount up!

ç Bus departure: EARLY!! 06:30

#08 SCHWARZWALD Germany | Sat 11. Feb. 2012

One of the advantages of a day trip is that you don’t have to pack, so this is a perfect trip between ski weekends with a Sunday to catch up with the laundry. You’ll need to board the bus early so we can arrive at the slopes in time to get in several hours of skiing, boarding, sledding or snow-shoeing in an area you might never otherwise have thought of visiting during the winter. This is the ideal trip for the beginner to get a taste of the sport before investing in the whole paraphernalia and you will be able to employ the services of the excellent ski school which does a superb job of ensuring you are well fitted into boots and skis or boards while expertly nurturing your enthusiasm for the sport. Are you a skier tempted to try out boarding for a change? This is your chance. Or if you want an excuse to try cross-country skiing and have a real calorie-burning experience, this is an ideal opportunity as there are over 1,700 km of prepared ‘loipes’ in the Black Forest region. Similarly, you might want to try your hand (or feet) at snowshoeing and pause to take in the magical scenery while catching your breath!

Skiers and snow-boarders won’t be disappointed either as there are 27 ski lifts in the Feldberg and surrounding area with numerous prepared slopes varying from beginner to the challenging FIS World Cup run. Sunny slopes, lots of tree skiing, two kindergartens, a snowboard fun park, free-ride runs and a choice of restaurants make your day within the Feldberg ski lift network a memorable experience. Families will find plenty of sledding slopes for younger children – even the older folks can have tremendous fun scooting down the slopes on their bottoms (intentionally or unintentionally!) An additional plus of this trip is that we will be travelling through spectacular scenery during daylight hours and the Black Forest provides glorious views as we drive past lakes and through a pristine snowy forest landscape. And don’t forget, you’ll be able to sleep in, in your own bed, the next morning after all that physical exertion. OFFICIAL FSC TRIP CATERER!

FSC E.V. 11/12 SEASON GUIDE 35

“Seda do know the way?”

“It‘s a mystery to me!”

X-COUNTRY / POSSIBLE MYSTERY TRIP

Somewhere | Provisionally set for Sun. 29. Jan. 2012 | Depending on snow

Info: www.fscev.org

p Price: TBC (€ ppp) ç Bus departure: EARLY!!

36 FSC E.V. 11/12 SEASON GUIDE

TBC

Conditions permitting let us take you to the Vogelsberg, not far from Frankfurt, where you can enjoy wonderfully prepared Langlauf Loipen (x-country ski tracks) around the Hoherodeskopf and the excellent cuisine of the cosy Taufsteinhütte restaurant. There are Loipen both for classic and skating techniques. For those of you who are new to this we can arrange beginner lessons. It is possible to rent the skis and boots there. This is a very healthy and inexpensive activity – the equipment is relatively cheap and there is normally no skipass (some places do charge a small fee for using the Loipe).

Dress code: Normal ski wear will be too hot and heavy. Dress for a winter jog: thermal underwear; light breathable windproof layers on top; light gloves; hat; backpack with spare fleece/jacket in case you get cold when not moving. And of course do not forget suncream, sunglasses, and to carry water. Experience has taught us not to fix the date of this trip as conditions can be so variable. Let us know if you are interested, we will add you to an email list and keep you informed.

T R IP S ”si chiama Pietro e torna indietro!”

Info: www.valgardena.it/en/ www.plose.org

p 3 nights / half-board p Price: 245 / 255 / 265 (€ ppp) p Single supplement: €40 ç Bus departure: EARLY!! 15:00 These areas offer fun in abundance for skiers, boarders, freeriders, ski mountaineers and cross-country skiers.

#09 DOLOMITES

Italy | Fri 17. – Mon 20. Feb. 2012 This season we are again offering our marvelous trip to the Dolomiti in Italy. This part of the Alps, was declared a world heritage site, with its outstanding natural beauty and geological diversity with fascinating rock formations not seen in other alpine areas. What’s more it also offers fantastic skiing while you take in this scenery! The ski region is vast and made up of twelve interconnected ski areas, two of which we plan to visit during this trip: namely Val Gardena (Gröden) and Valle Isarco (Eisacktal). The majestic mountain setting of the 12 interconnected ski areas is an invitation to relish the magnificent beauty of the Dolomites, the 1200 km of sun-kissed slopes and the delicious dishes for which Italy is renowned.

The Val Gardena area offers access to the ski slopes from the three villages of Ortsei (St Ulrich), Santa Cristina and Selva Gardena (Wolkenstein) with skiing suitable for all levels. A highlight in this area is the Sella Ronda ski tour. This is a circular on-piste route around a central Massif without using the same lift twice. It can be done by anyone of intermediate level or higher, skier or snowboarder. You will however require a certain level of fitness as it is a whole day tour covering about 40 km. Weather conditions permitting this is an opportunity which should not be missed. Many consider it is best toured “clockwise” (marked orange as opposed to green).

The area of Valle Isarco incorporates the ski areas of Plose, Maranza and Valles. At Plose there is access to 40 km of skiing with something for all levels from beginner to expert and includes the fun park “Snow Island”. Plose is also home to the famous “Trametsch”, the longest prepared ski run in South Tyrol with a length of 9 km and a vertical drop of 1400 m. We will be staying at the three star hotel Egger in the village of Villanders, from where we will take the ski club bus or local buses. The accommodation is on a half-board basis with the hotel offering superb views of the Eisack valley and the surrounding Dolomites. The hotel also has a wellness area including sauna and solarium.

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T R IP S

“Right then Simon, just pin it and go past that tree.” Just remember when you go through the trees – not to look at them. Someone is bound to be there with a camera, just in case.

#10 PARK CITY / UTAH

USA | Sat 25. Feb. – Sat 3. Mar. 2012

Info: www.skiutah.com

p 7 nights / B&B p Price: 850 (€ ppp)p

Once-a-season the club leaves the Alps for an overseas adventure. We are returning to UTAH, known to have “The Greatest Snow on Earth®”, with an average of 500 inches of the lightest and driest powder annually. Words used to describe it include soft, sparkling, feathery, refreshing and fun.

Special payment schedule: € 450 deposit by 28. Oct. p Includes 6-day ski pass valid for 3 areas p Nightskiing (incl. in ski pass) p Transfer from/to Salt Lake City airport Our base camp will be in Park City Utah, uniquely situated 30 minutes “I’ll have some W U-FLY! from Salt Lake City. powder and some champagne to go!” We will be staying in the Yarrow Resort Hotel Park City for 7-nights including a 6-day ski-pass for 3 resorts, Park City Mountain (700 metres from the hotel), Deer Valley (3 km) and 38 FSC E.V. 11/12 SEASON GUIDE The Canyons (5.5 km).

We will focus on these 3 areas accessible by the complimentary shuttle – which between them offer the whole gamut from rugged powder-choked steeps to immaculately manicured slopes. There will also be possibilities for ski touring, cat skiing, and maybe even heli-skiing. You may wish to explore other resorts not that far away such as Brighton, Solitude, Snowbird and Alta. Or even better you may wish to add on some extra days and maybe even get as far as Powder Mountain. Believe it or not, Park City has even got a ski-in gastro- distillery producing 5 types of whiskey, certainly a must to try !

“Which tree would that be?”

“Looks like I’m gonna have to swim out!”

Don‘t forget to try to get to Snowbird or you‘ll miss the lovely bowl off Bookend Traverse on Toad Hill.

map c.o. skiutah.com

The Canyons: Top of Dream Peak, just a 10 min boot pack to drop into this. One of GP‘s favourite rides in Utah.

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MYSTERY TRIP

Somewhere | Around Feb. – Mar. 2012 | Whereever the snow is!

p Probably 2 nights / half-board p Price: Unknown p Single Supplement: Unknown ç Bus departure: Unknown

Let us surprise you and take you into the unknown …

… Expect us to announce a weekend trip about this time. Just make sure you have your passport ready and have some funds in your bank account …

KFZ-Verbundglasreparatur und Autoverglasung Arnsburger Straße 15 | 60385 Frankfurt

Norbert Biba | Autoglasdoktor Steinschlag?

Tel.: 069-446944 • Mob: 0160-96915375 • Mail: norbert.biba@rsc.de 40 FSC E.V. 11/12 SEASON GUIDE

design@genau-design.de

Info: www.fscev.org

T R IP S

Something to please everybody, mind and soul.

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“Just follow me Corby – it’s OK!”

Renowned for pushing people off rocks and doubious looking lips – it‘s best not to follow Gary!

O G G U SL Watch out for the “Gang Stars!”#

“Posse – mount up!”

“It’s time to get someone in trouble my friend.”

“Incoming!”

These two always MAKE you have a good time! You can tell they are planning something. 42 FSC E.V. 11/12 SEASON GUIDE

This is FSCs least coveted award. Should you manage to receive one you can be smug in the knowledge that you are an extreme menace to society and nobody likes you. Sluggos are those Italian driverstyle skiers and boarders who like to career out of control into anything living on the piste – man, woman, animal, or suckling child. They show no remorse for their actions – it was an accident and there was nothing they could do about it. The Trip Captain as a public service can confer one of these awards per trip (in an ideal world there wouldn’t be any, pray that it’s not a hard decision to pick just one person). Three strikes and you are out of the club. FSC members are duty bound to report all cut-ups, near misses and full on crash-andburns to the TC.

TRIPS

“I’ve got this. Errr – (1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8) – Err, vingtaine bière s’il-vous-plaît !”

#11 CHAMONIX

France | Fri 09. – 12. Mar. 2012

This season we will return to one of the most impressive and famous resorts of the world, overlooked by Mont Blanc! Chamonix – a paradise in the French Alps. We have three days to explore its three fantastic ski areas. Brévent / Flégère ideally suits intermediate skiers and boarders, Lognan/ Les Grands Montets is a mecca for freeriders and the advanced, and Le Tour/ Vallorcine has slopes for all standards. Even the less daring ones can try the glacial ‘Vallée Blanche’ from the top of Aiguille du Midi and discover its unique scenery – a guide is essential of course.

Oooohh La La!

We will be staying in the charming 3* family hotel Aiguille du Midi with spa and sauna, only 3 km from Chamonix centre. Check out the very traditional ‘Chambre 9’ for live music and pub atmosphere or the MBC (Micro Brewery de Chamonix) for the best homemade beer (they might have live music too....) For lunch you shouldn’t miss the Crémerie du Glacier on the descent from Les Grandes Montets as they have the best croûtes of the Alps! Après tout, you may also want to enjoy the French cuisine.

Info: www.chamonix.com

p 3 nights / half-board p Price: 300 / 310 / 320 (€ ppp) p Single supplement: k90 ç Bus departure: EARLY!! 16:00

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IPS

Info: www.disentis-sedrun.ch

p 2 nights/half-board p Price: **280 / 290 / 300 (€ ppp) p Single supplement: €20 p 1 day group lessons / guiding (all levels)

ç Bus departure: EARLY!! 17:00

#12 DISENTIS

Switzerland | Fri 16. – 18. Mar. 2012 Disentis/Mustér is a little Swiss gem lost in Graubünden, protected (so far…) from mass tourism. So not yet the most well-known resort in the Alps, but it certainly deserves recognition. It is now the 5th time the club is organising this trip with a repeated success – last time was again waitlisted! Additional rooms have been provided in a separate hotel but do not wait to sign up to be in the “main” hotel – 3* hotel Cucagna where we have stayed before. They know us, and we know them, and their pool :-).

** Subject to exchange rate. The area does not look that huge but it is mainly because it is underdeveloped (in a positive way, of course). On the first day, which includes lessons and guiding offered by the club like as

in previous years, the programme is the following: meeting at Caischavedra, (re-)arranging the groups and practising. As for the expert groups, just follow the guides (and listen to them) probably along the numerous off-piste routes in the val Pintga, val Gronda or val da Lag Serein… or maybe another gully we have not tried? A ski-touring group may be set up, depending on the demand. On Sunday, a short hike of the Péz Ault and more practice of freeriding for the most adventurous and those who still have legs. Other teams will continue practising on blue and red runs between Caischavedra, Lai Alv and Péz Strem. Everyone usually meets at the tipi in Gendulas for lunch or relaxing after skiing.

CHECK IT OUT

“I’ll do what ever you ask Martina.”

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#13 SERFAUS / FISS / LADIS Austria | Fri 23. – 25. Mar. 2012

This trip is a première for the club: this year we are offering you the opportunity to explore the diversified ski-slopes of Serfaus, Fiss and Ladis – the interconnected ski area of the three villages developed in the last years to a leading winter destination with nearly 190 km slopes serviced by 40 ski-lifts, so queuing should not spoil our days in the snow. The resort offers a wide variety of slopes for all skill levels and tastes – the extensive and sunny slopes at Serfaus coupled with the marvelous north-facing hillsides of Fiss should guarantee powder snow even at this time of the season. For the experienced skiers there are runs such as the Obere Scheid, or Pezid-extreme which descends 800 meters within 2.5 km. And for those of you who take it easier there are several beautiful intermediate runs starting at Schönjoch or Plansegg, and lets’s not forget the ski area of the Masner which is a huge snow bowl surrounded

by unspoiled hillsides with stunning views.

“Na then mi Ladi - wher’s tha wanna gu?” Fiss giving us the opportunity to start off in either direction. Our hotel Bergfrieden is in walking distance

The undoubted highlight of the area is the “Frommes “which starts at Schönjoch and runs down non-stop about 10 km to Fiss. Freeriders will enjoy this area as there are several excellent spots to go off-piste. Top spot is once more Pezid but also Masner or Obere Scheid is worth a try.

to the lifts (250 m) and offers a sauna and a steam bath in which to relax.

For your lunch break we can recommend the delicious wood oven pizza at Lazida, some real Tyrolean Knödels at Leithe-Wirt or of course Käs’ Spätzle at Sport Alm! Also a perfect spot for your break is the brand new Zirbenhütte at Schöngamp – one of the best spots for a drink in the sun! We will be staying right in the center of the ski area in the lovely village of

Info: www.serfaus-fiss-ladis.at

p 2 nights / half-board p Price: 260 / 270 / 280 (€ ppp) p Single supplement: €30 “Where the Fucowee?”

ç Bus departure:

EARLY!! 17:00

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TRIPS “DAD, it’s MUM! Did you pack her skis?”

#14 VAL THORENS / 3 VALLÉES

France | Sat 31. Mar. – Sat.7. Apr. 2012 By whatever standard you use, Val Thorens is the top resort in Europe, lying at 2300 m. This high elevation makes all the difference in the world for both the amount and quality of snow it gets. And, by this, we mean powder. That is why we call this trip “Ski Canada but without jet lag!” The numbers are only part of the story. There are over 554 km of marked runsabout the length of the Autobahn from

Info: www.val-thorens.com

p 7 nights/self catering p Special pricing system, please check

Frankfurt to Geneva. There are over 200 lifts-interconnected. Even more amazing, you can choose among over 20 different descents, each over 6 km in length. The list of superlatives goes on and on and on. Make sure your ski boots are comfortable. The lifts run from 09:00 to 17:00. And we meet every day for Après Ski at 17:00 at 3000 m to recount our ski adventures and relax as the sun slowly falls behind the mountains. Sometime around 18:00, we ski the last run-all to ourselves. And, because we have “summer time” in April, the Alps stay bright until well past 20:00!

with the TC or visit our website

p Single supplement: n/a 5 U-Drive! or ç Bus departure: TBC 46 FSC E.V. 11/12 SEASON GUIDE

Because we are skiing in April, we get the best of both worlds – great snow due to the high elevation and warm temperatures due to the angle of the sun. Sure it can get cold, but the odds are, you will

be skiing in garden gloves and a shell and not much more. In spite of the 554 km. of marked terrain, we do our best to avoid it. There is even more off-piste available. And, when you ski Val Thorens, we have a plan of attack to bring the best of the 3 Valleys to you in 6 days. Each day, a different ski safari is offered. Our gold standard, the 10,000 vertical meter day enables you to ski 10,000 vertical meters in one day, explore the entire dimension of the 3 Valleys Circuit, and neither ski the same run twice nor

SMS Frankfurt · Burgfriedenstrasse 17 · 60489 Frankfurt · Tel. 0 69- 95 90 9700 · www.der-event-manager.de

take the same lift twice. Snowboarders can make it as well, but it is tougher for them. Those who make it even receive a certificate. Even more challenging is the day we ski only black runs – officially 71 to choose from – including some descents that are frightfully steep. Another tour we offer is our “Off Piste” Special. The highlight of this day is the “Vallon du Lou” descent where you can actually “waterski“ across a semi frozen lake. Those who make it consider it the highlight of their week. Those who don‘t get totally wet.

snow shoeing, or cross country skiing if you prefer. There is also a huge indoor pool and sauna facility nearby. The apartments are relatively spacious and all offer Internet and TV. The only thing wrong with the trip – you have to wait till the end of the season for it.

Val Thorens also has a dynamic après-ski life, but if you are in your boots 10 hours a day like most of us, you may not even want to consider going out after midnight. But even breakdancing lessons are offered if you do. And, you can rent snowmobiles, go

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Houston – we have a problem!

SnowSnake

“I do hope that’s as soft as it looks”

E K A N

SERPENTUS ALBUS LINN. F = SERPENT DU NEIGE

D = SCHNEESCHLANGE

Or is it a new Ploppstar?

SNOW

I = SERPE DI NEVE

Identification: Sightings of this species are so rare that descriptions vary from coil-like form able to extend to triple resting length on provocation, to multi-tentacular creature with numerous distal gluey polyps able to produce an extremely sticky substance on contact. No matter what the appearance of this venomous beast, its presence is unmistakably indicated by the loud expletives from skiers and boarders alike, ensnared by disturbed specimens. “Damn that snake!”

48 FSC E.V. 11/12 SEASON GUIDE

Distribution: The snow snake is known to inhabit virtually any environment with snow cover that is also favoured by homo nonsapiens wearing plastic footwear attached to metal and polymer objects. It is surmised that the snakes actually feed on plastic and metal, though many would argue that it is carnivorous, with a taste for human flesh. Breeding Habits: Because of the difficulty of study of the snakes, the sexual habits have so far been undocumented, but they are known to rapidly reproduce, with whole families wreaking havoc and mayhem on crowded slopes.

Gareth is snapped at for the 2nd time by the Andermatt FSC, as an active partner in the world of scientific research, urges all its members to join the hunt for snake ... this particularly vicious animal. Any sightings or spectacular evidence of its presence should be meticulously recorded and recounted in graphic detail to TCs on return bus trips. Particularly favoured SnowSnake are accounts of victims being humiliated in front of friends and ski instructors, the latter apparently having developed immunity to the species. Especially ... that has a particular taste for impressive photographic records will be SnowSnake exposed on the FSC website. snowboarders. “Simon, “The snake was have you seen so close it’s left its this track?” skin on my skis!” “Gareth my darling, are you OK? Arghhhh..”

The Japanese variety seem to prefer skiers.

#15 ST. MORITZ

Switzerland | Thur 5. – Sun 9. Apr. 2012 | Easter trip How better to spend Easter than enjoying charming and beautiful scenery and an excellent selection of piste and off-piste runs while being warmed by the Engadine sun. With its snow-sure ski area and some of the most breathtaking views in the Alps, St. Moritz is a firm Club favourite that we are lucky enough to have again on the program. St. Moritz is one of the oldest and most exclusive ski resorts in the world and was twice Winter Olympic host. The local mountain has over 80 km of pistes to suit all abilities, and caters particularly well to intermediate and advanced skiers and boarders.

S P I R T

The neighbouring areas of Diavolezza and its popular 10 km downhill, Corvatsch and Pagalb offer snow-sure glacier skiing for all levels. This is also a resort that will appeal to cross country skiers, with over 180 km of Loipen, and those wishing to take a day off will still be exhausted after exploring the stylish and chic boutiques. The après-ski and nightlife is as varied as the mountain, with everything from

Info: www.stmoritz.ch

p 4 nights / half-board p Price: 430 / 440 / 450 (€ ppp) p Single Supplement: €60 ç Bus departure: EARLY!! 16:00 the English-style Bobby’s Pub and Muli Bar at the Hotel Schweitzer Hof and not to forget the exclusive King’s Club in the fabulous Badrutt’s Palace. Our hotel will be 4* Laudinella in St. Moritz Bad, with its sauna and steam-room and six restaurants, serving everything from traditional raclette and fondue to Thai food. After dinner, stroll into town or check the action at the Kellerbar. Simply enjoy St. Moritz by night.

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TRIPS #16 ZERMATT

Switzerland | Thur 19. Mar. – 22. Apr. 2012

Don’t be concerned that the trip to Zermatt is scheduled quite late in the season this year, rather consider it a bonus – more hours of daylight in which to marvel at the splendour of this magical Alpine paradise.

LOVE IT! JUST DO IT!

snow enthusiasts of all levels some of the most glorious scenery in all of the Alps. Zermatt is certainly one of those ‘must see before you die’ places, and if you’ve already seen the fabulous Matterhorn, you’ll understand why so many people return year after year.

Zermatt offers year-round skiing with the white stuff sticking around on the Zermatt Glacier area even in high summer. We will be staying in the 3* Plateau Rosa ideally situated only a few steps from the In April, however, we can expect most of Zermatt-Furi Seilbahn providing a choice the 350 km of pistes served by a total of 3 different ski areas – Schwarzsee, of 57 lifts to be available to us, providing Trockener Steg and on to the Klein Matterhorn, the Alp’s highest cable car Info: www.zermatt.com reaching 3883 m or using the relatively new Riffelberg Bahn opening up easy p 3 nights / half-board access to the huge Gornergrat region p Price: **320 / 330 / 340 (€ ppp) with its staggering views of a alarmingly (incl. train in Täsch) diminishing Gornergrat glacier. p Single supplement: €45 A handy lift (elevator-type this time) close ç Bus departure: EARLY! 14:00 to our hotel gives quick access to the battery-powered-bus terminus so you ** Subject to exchange rate. 50 FSC E.V. 11/12 SEASON GUIDE

can easily reach the other end of the town to explore the Sunnega ski area by taking the underground funicular or experience the spectacular ride up the cog railway to Gornergrat, a trip that should NOT be missed – and be sure to choose a seat on the right-hand side and have a camera ready! (or left side just before the top so you can check the landing off “The Rock”! – GP) Zermatt is a town steeped in mountaineering history, evidence of which is to be found in the modern Alpine museum, the splendid hotels built at the height of

CHECK IT OUT

“Give me the camera – I want to take a shot of that pointy mountain!”

‘Alpinismus’, the fountain commemorating Ulrich Inderbinen, the world’s oldest mountain guide retiring aged 95 after having climbed the Matterhorn over 370 times... and the graveyards. Those less inclined to hike up the slopes will be well served by lifts capable of transporting almost 53,500 people an hour – and that is just on the Swiss side! For you will also be able to ski or board into Italy on broad open slopes, and be sure to stop at the excellent Chalet Étoile for an unforgettable lunch. Don’t linger too long and miss the last cable car back over the Theodul pass into Switzerland, it’s a long hike back to Zermatt from Cervinia, and you will want to claim a place at the bar at the Hennustahl in Blatten for après ski, or the famous (or infamous) Papperla pub.

The night life in Zermatt won’t disappoint either, but if you are tempted to let your après-ski activities extend into the evening, be sure to let the hotel know you won’t be needing dinner, which is included in the trip price. If all this is not enough, there is a super-pipe and freestyle park, opportunities for parasailing and wonderful hiking trails and countless elegant shops and cafes for non-skiing/boarding partners. If you have never been to Zermatt, this is a trip you won’t want to miss. If you HAVE been to Zermatt, you won’t want to miss it either!

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TRIPS We had a Killer of a time last season!

Info: www.ischgl.com

p 4 nights / B&B p Price: 350 / 360 / 370 (€ ppp) p Single supplement: n/a ç Bus departure: EARLY!! TBC

#17 ISCHGL

Austria | Fri 27. Apr. – Tue 01. May 2012 | Top of the Mountain Concert This is your opportunity to enjoy one of Austria’s best ski areas AND Austria’s undoubted major après-ski location (locally known as the ‘Ibiza of the Alps’) AND a top name music performer in concert on the slopes. The Silvretta Arena is a huge interconnected ski area spanning Austria and Switzerland, with terrain of all types suitable for all levels of skier and boarder, though the late season conditions may not be optimum for beginners. The highly up-to-date lift system will transport us to over 200 km of pistes, 90% of which are over 2,000 m, rising to 2,872 m. 52 FSC E.V. 11/12 SEASON GUIDE

The location is critical as we choose the best areas to the get the best snow conditions for the time of day. Freeriders will certainly find some excellent off-piste opportunities – however do of course please heed avalanche warnings and take all necessary precautions. We have so often enjoyed outstanding skiing combined with wonderful sunny weather on this trip – where it is usually possible to ski back to the village. If you decide not to ski or board, there are plenty of other options to fill your time – hiking (we have one FSCer who hikes up to the concert each year), shopping (this is a great trip to pick up

end-of-season sale bargains), people watching (the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge joined the party to kick off their honeymoon – see page 29), spending a day at the spa or going straight to après-ski. The list of artistes seen here by ski club members is legendary and include Sting, Pink, Elton John, Kylie Minogue, and The Killers. We like to name drop – especially when on the journey back you bump into the artist and tour crew at the dinner break. The concert is held at the Idalp – the central cable car station at 2,300m – with the backdrop of Ischgl’s beautiful mountains. Throw

“OK Ischgl, this is how we do it in Frankfurt!”

We also have our own POP stars ... ... and with Body Guards!

yourself into the mosh pit, or join the group on the hill for a great view of the stage, a few drinks and some sliding between the local policeman’s legs. Or be more sedate, and bring your favourite clothes and fancy dress costume to blend in with many of the other concert-goers – take your pick from kilts, Lederhosen, bikinis, mankinis, Middle Earth Orks, teddy bears or Vikings – the list is endless and it’s even more fun if you’ve been out on the slopes in your costume first. There is no extra fee for the concert – that is covered by your lift ticket.

The whole village becomes one massive end-of-season party, particularly in the main square. Fire & Ice and Trofana Arena are among the must-visit venues – along with Mr. President’s favorite new bar, Pascha. Thursday evening tends to be a bit quieter (well, at least until our group gets there), but lots of fun can be had practicing your boxing skills in Fire & Ice – the results can be quite surprising! – and it’s good to get to know the bar staff so that you can beat the queues at the bar at the weekend.

We are again lucky enough to be staying at the 3* hotel Persura – so well located at the heart of the village, overlooking the main square in Ischgl, and close to some great restaurants (the short-cut across the slope to one of them is much fun in heels). Should we find a few spare moments, we can relax in their wellness centre with Finnish sauna, steam-room and whirlpool.

“Die Hände, zum Himmel und lass uns fröhlich sein...”

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Not just for watersports

“Larff – I wet mi pants!”

#18 AREA 47

Austria | Fri. 25. – Mon. 28. May 2012 | Summer Activities One of the most spectacular and innovative outdoor playgrounds in the alpine region opened its doors in May 2010. The 6.5 ha location combines nature and high-tech to give an extraordinary recreational experience, offering everything from outdoor adventure, water action and entertained dining to a stage for business incentives.

location, i.e. the coordinates of the 47th degree of latitude and the 11th degree of longitude. Located at the entrance to the Ötztal Valley between Haiming, Sautens and Roppen, AREA 47 is embedded in a beautiful natural landscape at the confluence of the Ötztaler Ache and Inn rivers.

SWIMMING AREA AREA 47: Outdoor fans in search of adventure and adrenaline are well advised to remember this name. The name for one of Tyrol’s most awaited tourism projects derives from its geographic

Info: www.area47.at

p 3 nights / half-board p Price: 200 / 210 / 220 p Single supplement: TBC p ACTITVITIES cost EXTRA ç Bus departure: TBC 54 FSC E.V. 11/12 SEASON GUIDE

p Swimming lake (7.000 sqm) with huge green lawn for 2,000 visitors

p Boulder Cave block p Lakeside Restaurant with big sun terrace for approx. 500 guests

p Deep Water Soloing boulder wall p Slackline course p Water trampoline & Waterslide Park (20 m high), catapult, diving platform (1-27 m high) p freestyle water ramps for skis, snowboards, BMX p Beach Volleyball, Beach Soccer, Basketball

OUTDOOR AREA p Rafting and Kayaking on the Ötztaler Ache and Inn rivers p Fixed Rope courses p Speed Climbing routes p Floating trips on river Inn p Climbing Wall for every ability (26 m high) p Canyoning tours through picturesque gorges p High Rope course (27 m high) p MTB course p Dirt Bike course p Caving trips in the Amberg tunnel system p Flying Fox, Mega Swing p Running course Accommodation is in wooden lodges, 4 per lodge, 2 bedrooms, WC and shower. Linen and towels included.

A BIG

THANKS! RACE FOR THE CURE Frankfurt | Sun. 30. Sept. 2012 | Charity Race

With 6623 runners and walkers the Race for the Cure in Frankfurt has reached in 2011 a record participation. KOMEN Deutschland e.V. is a non-profit organisation that works to support better breast cancer education and screening. The money donated and the enrolment fees for the KOMEN Race for the Cure® financing projects in the Rhein-Main area. We, FSC e.V., also reached a record participation with 46 runners and walkers. Members had added support by people joining from UK and Berlin! Thank you to all participants and all helpers, and to all who bought FSC e.V. caps. We were able to raise an extra 300,00 EUR to donate to KOMEN Race for the Cure® which was presented to Stefanie Rupp and Prof. Dr. Ute-Susann Albert by Seda, Pat and Kelvin at their press conference. Please save the date for next year 30.09.2012 and let‘s see if we can be an even bigger team!

FSC E.V. 11/12 SEASON GUIDE 55

FIT FOR

R E T N I W E TH

Y TO IS YOUR BODY READ

? TACKLE THE SLOPES

It‘s not just physical strength – you need mental stamina and edurance for a ski season. Adam knows the meaning of it now after the St. Anton trip!

We all know we should be doing it, but how many of us actually DO pre-snow season exercises? If your summer activities include hiking, climbing, cycling, water skiing and so on, you’re a long way to getting your body fit for the winter season. But if you want to top up with work-outs to build up your strength and flexibility for optimum enjoyment and safety on the slopes, here is a selection of exercises for both skiers and boarders, including warm-up and stretching routines you can use just before hitting the slopes.

Warm-up and stretching Start your routine by warming up your muscles as well as stretching them to allow for greater fluidity and reduce the possibility of muscle and tendon injury. Don’t stretch to the point of pain, but hold the position for 10-15 seconds when you feel a slight pull on the muscle, and breathe naturally. Warm up for 5-10 minutes in order to increase your heart rate, starting gradually and then speed up. 1. Knee Lifts: While lying down, slowly and smoothly, bend your knees up towards your chest. Hold the position for a few seconds. Return gently to the starting position and repeat the exercise. 2. Soleus muscle stretch: Stand with both feet flat on the floor, pointing forward, half a stride apart. Keeping your back straight, with your hands on your hips, exhale and lower yourself down, resting your bodyweight on the rear foot. Repeat with the other foot forward. 3. Normal leg stretch: Standing with feet shoulder-width apart, extend one foot half a step forward. Keeping the front leg straight, bend rear leg, resting both hands on the bent thigh. Slowly exhale, aiming to tilt both buttocks upward, keeping the front leg straight, and both feet flat on the floor, pointing forward. Inhale slowly, and relax from this stretching exercise. Repeat the stretch again, this time beginning with the toes of the front foot raised toward the ceiling, but keeping the heel on the floor. 4. Quadriceps Standing: Stand holding onto a secure object, or have one hand raised out to the side for balance. Raise one heel up toward your buttocks, and grasp hold of your foot, with one hand. Inhale, slowly pulling your 56 FSC E.V. 11/12 SEASON GUIDE

heel to your buttock while gradually pushing your pelvis forward. Aim to keep both knees together, having a slight bend in the supporting leg. Side Lunge: Stand upright, with both feet facing forward, double shoulder-width apart. Place your hands on your hips, in order to keep your back straight, slowly exhale, taking your bodyweight across to one side. Avoid leaning forward, or taking the knee of the bent leg over your toes. As you increase the stretch, the foot of the bent leg should point slightly outward. To increase the stretch, relax upward, slowly sliding your feet out a few inches to the sides. Elbows Back: Stand or sit up right, keeping your back straight, head looking forward. Place both hands on your lower back, fingers pointing downward, elbows out to your side. Slowly exhale while gently pulling the elbows towards each other behind your back. Upper Body Twist: Stand with both feet facing forward, double shoulder-width apart, with legs slightly bent. Use a broomstick or bar to keep your upper body straight, with elbows high, as you slowly twist around in each direction, avoiding forcing the stretch. Foetal Stretch: Lie on your back, keeping your head on the floor. Slowly pull both legs into your chest, with your hands behind your knees, making a tight ‘package’. Exhale, pulling down on your legs while gradually lifting your buttocks off the floor. Once in this position, stretch your neck by slowly tilting your chin to your chest. Leg Over: Lie on your back, extending your left arm out to the side, while taking your left leg over your right, bringing the knee in line with the hips. Keeping your right leg

“You guys need a drink to put some colour in your cheeks!” straight, use your right arm to push down on the knee of the left leg, exhaling slowly as you stretch. 10. Groin Stretch: Whilst sitting on the floor place your legs wide apart. Reach forward whilst pushing your knees apart and down towards the floor. Breathe and relax whilst holding for 20-30 seconds 11. Hamstring Stretch: Sit down on the floor with your legs straight and apart making a “V”. Reach towards one of your feet with both hands. Stretch until you feel the back of your upper leg tighten – keep your knee flat to the floor and let your back relax by breathing. Hold for 20-30 seconds and repeat on the other leg. Upper Body Strengthening Activities 1. Overhead Shoulder stretch: This focuses on keeping the shoulder flexible in overhead movements and stretches the large upper back muscles. This helps to keep your arms from being restricted by your muscles so you can adjust your arms for balance, particularly important for boarders. Whilst standing grab your right elbow with your left hand behind your head. Pull your right elbow behind your head and stretch until it feels tight. Hold for 20-30 seconds. Repeat on the other side. 2. Shoulder Stretch: This focuses on the rotator cuff and the back of the shoulder. Whilst standing grab the left wrist with your right hand. Pull your left wrist across your body and stretch your shoulder until it feels tight. Hold for 20-30 seconds. Repeat on the other side. 3. Push Ups: This is a great exercise for building shoulder, chest, triceps and wrist areas, all important to assist boarders getting up after a fall. Building up strong shoulders really makes the difference when you have those big falls. Also important for skiers tumbling in the powder when leg movement is restricted. You can do this exercise on the ground or to build stabilizing muscles try it on a balance board. Place your hands shoulder width apart.

“Who said SHORT WALK?!”

Whilst keeping a straight back, lower your chest to the ground and breathe in. Without touching the ground with your chest, push back to the starting position. Lower Body Strength Building Exercises 1. The Squat: Stand upright with the bar or broom stick behind your neck. Put your feet shoulder width apart. Whilst looking ahead, flex your knees until you make a 90 degree angle. Try to flex at your hips and knees as you squat. Start to rise back up whilst keeping your back in a relaxed (nonrounded) position. To add some more resistance tape a plastic bag containing a package of sugar or flour to either end of the bar. However it is more useful to increase the intensity rather than the weight – more reps instead of weight. 2. The Lunge: Start in an upright position with your feet together. Step forward with one leg (lunge) – keep the back knee off the floor and the front knee behind the toe. Return to the upright position and then repeat with the other leg. To increase difficulty add a backward lunge and/or a weight in each hand. 3. Wall sits: An old favourite with skiers. With a ball between your back and the wall roll down until your knees are at right angles. Make sure your shins stay vertical and hold for one minute. 4. Super G Jumps: Balance on one leg with hands on hips then spring diagonally across to land on the other leg. Try to land in a balanced and controlled position. There are scores of exercises you can add to these, some aimed at strengthening specific muscle groups and others for improving your balance, which we all know is crucial for skiers and boarders alike. And finally, bear in mind that while you may think that those après-ski exercises might be doing wonders for your arm muscles, any excess weight your body carries does no favours for your heart muscles!

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INSURANCE ARE … BE AW RASH! YOU C URN! YOU B Y! YOU PA

“Dave, NO dancing for you tonight!”

s, ountain in the m re ution a a u c o t er y d. Tha e d e e Whenev n s is alway nce. caution h insura it w rt ta s ld ered? v u o o sh am I c – lf e rs Ask you

In Europe, mountain rescue, both in-, and out-ofbounds is provided by professional rescue services and you WILL be expected to pay. What is more, due to the size of most resorts, rescue is often conducted by helicopter and can run to the price of a small Porsche. Therefore, we recommend that every FSC member give serious thought to ensuring that you are fully insured for your ski holidays. In particular, you should be aware of the need to cover third-party, rescue and medical expenses. If you are going skiing off-piste then your insurance should cover that as well. You may also want to get cover for loss or theft of your equipment. It is quite easy to get cover either for one trip, a few weeks or even the whole year. You may insure just yourself, or your entire family under one policy. Many resorts offer a very reasonable insurance option when you buy your ski pass. For example in France snow insurance “carre neige” can be purchased for approx. €2.50 per day and includes all essential coverage for that resort. Buying insurance to protect not only your investment in your equipment, but also yourself against the expenses of injury or an accident involving liability, is a wise investment.

The following is a general list of the type of coverage you may expect to receive from reputable insurance companies: p Protection against snowboard/ski damage or theft. p Accident insurance including ski patrol expenses ... evacuation from the slope can be VERY expensive. p Medical insurance, for illness or an accident if you become an in-patient, including return travel expenses if necessary. p Liability insurance for property damage or personal injury to others, or damage to someone else’s equipment. p Legal assistance associated with a court case resulting from an accident on the slopes. p Additional advantages of some policies include price reductions on lift passes and at resort lodges, hotels and restaurants. Policies vary from company to company, so it’s best to shop around. Be sure to check whether sports equipment, heli-rescue and European or worldwide cover is indicated. You should always get receipts for medical services, and you will need a police report if your equipment is stolen.

Some options are DSV & DAV: DSV (Deutscher Ski Verband) – comprehensive, affordable policies (*cost of basic winter cover _28,30) ski equipment insured against theft & damage www.ski-online.de * FSC takes no responsibility for the accuracy of information given in this section. All prices are based on minimum coverage available for single membership for one year. 58 FSC E.V. 11/12 SEASON GUIDE

DAV (Deutschen Alpenverein) – comprehensive policies including free Alpine courses, training, and discounted use of DAV huts. (*cost for membership including basic cover costs between _44,00 and _72,00 depending on which section is joined, plus _30,00 one-off admisions fee www.alpenverein.de www.alpenverein-frankfurtmain.de

I’m glad I DON’T have a photo of someone blowing that up! The Xmas give-aways can be somewhat entertaining. ;-)

OK, YOU HAVE DONE A FEW TRIPS - ASK NOT WHAT YOUR CLUB CAN NEXT DO FOR YOU, BUT WHAT YOU CAN DO FOR YOUR CLUB. THE ANSWER IS SIMPLE: OFFER YOUR SERVICES AS A “TRIP CAPTAIN” (TC). QUITE SIMPLY, WITHOUT A TRIP CAPTAIN, NO TRIP WOULD GO. Conventional package holidays have reps to look after their guests, and we do so too, but ours have a lot more work to do as they have to promote the trip, sign people up and then shepherd the whole flock there and back, all for negligible compensation (apart from the satisfaction of a job well done).

SO WHAT EXACTLY IS A TC THEN? They provide the information, organisation, energy and enthusiasm behind running each trip. They are the official FSC representatives in resort and have the final word when it comes to making decisions that affect the group. Please co-operate with the TC at all times.

“Welcome to Vanessa’s Boot Camp. Er, Board Camp I mean!” We pride ourselves on helpful TCs.

The TCs duties are divided into tasks that are accomplished before, during and after a trip: Before TC’s are responsible for selling the trip, manning the sign-up table at each social, taking signups, collecting payment details, answering questions about the trip and the area, maintaining a wait list if necessary, compiling a hotel room-list, and making sure the people going on the trip are fully informed of all pertinent information, such as departure times & locations, and if ski pass photos are needed, etc. During TCs are there to enforce the law and preserve the safety of decent citizens throughout the trip, ensure that any special wishes of the bus driver are known, co-ordinate rest stops with the bus driver & checkin at the hotel upon arrival, assign rooms and room mates, distribute keys, ensure everyone is aware of bus departure times to and from the lifts, times for breakfast and dinner, the time and place the bus departs on the last day, arrange for ski passes, and (optional, but traditional) arrange après-ski activities.

After TCs need to prepare and submit a detailed trip report (including a list of all participants, amounts paid, receipts and other applicable paperwork) to the Trips Director, a separate shorter trip report to Publicity (even just a paragraph is welcome), then hand everything into Trip Reconciliations. TCs should be the first to arrive and the last to leave. TCs can take pride in knowing that their trip, or any FSC trip for that matter, would not be possible – especially at our modest prices – without their help and time. If you’re interested in finding out what you can do for FSC, then ask a board member at a social meeting.

INFO FSCers are advised to take down their TC’s mobile number, in case of emergencies. This season’s TCs will be delighted to show you the ropes... and bars!

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T N E M P I U EQ ROTECTION & P MIGHT UIPMENT JUST THE RIGHT EQ LIFE. R U – IF NOT YO SAVE THE DAY

A good pair of goggles will not only stop snow-blindness and dangerous UV rays, but will also enhance contour definition on bad weather days. What do you mean, you didn‘t see that cliff?

A more time-efficient option is to rent before you leave on a trip from one of the ski shops around Frankfurt. Try our sponsor, Alpin Basis, so check them out first. Finally, whatever option you choose, make sure you can recognise your own equipment and remember where you left it! It’s easy to misplace skis and poles after a jovial après-ski session... Fran ha n d l e wi th C are!

Renting in resort has the advantage that you can change equipment you are not happy with, but it‘s almost always very time consuming thus making it harder to link up with fellow FSCers on the first morning, and leaving you less time on the slopes. Another problem can be if the trip involves bussing to different ski areas each morning. In this case returning equipment to where you rented it can be difficult and you must plan ahead for this eventuality.

Check the shop’s business hours to ensure that they are open when you come to return equipment on the last day, and do so in good time. Don’t forget, you will usually need ID and a credit card to rent. Ask your TC for advice.

all products c.o. individual brand

Those of you who do not already have your own skis or boards, don’t despair! There are opportunities to RENT snowboards, skis, poles, boots, and sometimes even clothing, both in Frankfurt before you leave, and of course, in resort.

kFur t Sk i Clu b

60 FSC E.V. 11/12 SEASON GUIDE

Children under wear a he 14 years of age are WWW l .FSC met! obliged to wear helmets EV.O RG in the Alps. Makes sense really. Imagine running and falling on your head. Now imagine travelling at 20-30 km/h and doing the same. Enough said! It‘s cool to be safe.

it‘S a

Protection is also a subject that is very important to us as a club. Nowadays the majority of members wear some form of added-protection, whether it be a helmet, padded shorts (great for boarders), wrist-guards, knee-braces, back shields or rucksacks. All are sensible and don‘t cramp your style.

Snow brai ner!

BRAIN SAFE

Y T O R G A P E

H T ON

UNTAINS IS ALL ABOUT THE JOURNEY TO THE MO ACQUAINTED WITH THE NG MEETING PEOPLE, GETTI E WEEKEND AND ... ACTIVITIES THAT START TH FACE! TO PUT A SMILE ON YOUR ... IS THE PERFECT WAY

Our TCs make sure you are all there...

…that the driver knows what he‘s doing… … and that you have enough to drink.

BUT IT IS NOT ALL WORK!

They will join in the fun and games …

…make sure you know the rules…

… and keep the Paparazzi at bay.

ONCE THERE, WE MAY HAVE TO USE OTHER MEANS OF TRANSPORT …

… like the local taxis …

… or the very early busses, so …

AT THE END OFF THE DAY – YOU MAY COME HOME HITCHED!

… make sure you‘ve had your fill.