FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – May 1, 2011

FAR WEST SKI ASSOCIATION NAMES 2011

SNOWSPORTS BUILDER AWARD RECIPIENTS

LOS ANGELES, CA:  The Far West Ski Association (FWSA) annually names persons from the snowsports community whom have made an indelible positive impact on skiing.  The Association will honor three pioneers of snowsports at its annual meeting and awards banquet June 11 at the Pacific Palms Hotel in Industry Hills.  The Snowsports Builder honorees for 2011 include

• Dave McCoy, the man who, from 1942, made Mammoth Mountain from scratch. Hundreds of thousands of skiers from the metro areas of Southern California learned to ski on Mammoth and it was and is a center for snowsports competition and training,

• Norbert Olberz, a German immigrant who started with a small ski shop in La Canada and built Sports Chalet into a multi-state, multi-sports retailing business with travel services as well, and

• Martha Perez, a travel professional who was hired initially in 1968 from volunteer status to manage the European charter flight programs and then the domestic travel programs of Far West Ski Association,  position she held for 10 years.  She continues to serve a 43-year loyal customer base with Ski.com.  Her career has spanned a number of travel agencies, including Sportours, and a 16-year partnership with Norbert Olberz, founder of Sports Chalet.

The 79^th Annual Far West Ski Association Convention is scheduled for June 9 - 12, 2011 at the Pacific Palms Hotel and Conference Center in Industry Hills, California, hosted by the Los Angeles Council of Ski Clubs and attendance from industry representatives and ski club delegates from the thirteen western states it covers.  Convention activity includes golf, a large silent auction of travel packages, music and dancing, educational panels and elections. Steve Bellamy, the founder of The Ski Channel will be the keynote luncheon speaker.  The film he recently wrote, produced and directed entitled “The Story” about a diverse group of people who have devoted their lives to the mountains, is garnering critical awards and is being pushed through the Academy Award nomination process. 

The Far West Ski Association, founded in 1930, is a volunteer non-profit organization representing 180 affiliated ski clubs located throughout eleven regional councils in the states of Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.  The Association conducts active programs in public affairs, skier safety, ski heritage, athletics, racing, communications, travel, council development, ski industry, and community outreach. For additional information regarding the Far West Ski Association, please visit www.fwsa.org.

Photos available upon request

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – April 18, 2010                                                      

FAR WEST SKI ASSOCIATION PLANS SECOND

NORTH AMERICAN SKI TRIP

INDUSTRY HILLS, CA:  The Far West Ski Association (FWSA) conducted its spring Board of Directors and Board of Trustees meetings April 15 - 17, 2011 at the Pacific Palms Hotel and Conference Center in Industry Hills, California. The Far West Ski Association, founded in 1930, is a volunteer non-profit organization representing 180 affiliated ski clubs located throughout eleven regional councils in the states of Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.  The Association conducts active programs in public affairs, skier safety, ski heritage, athletics, racing, communications, travel, council development, ski industry, and community outreach.

The association has given approval for a second North American ski trip. This trip will be designed as a lower cost, value driven trip for approximately 100 participants and will not conflict with the FWSA 2012 Ski Week at Jackson Hole, Wyoming January 28 - February 4, 2012.

The directors were also led through a generational communications session which is intended to assist in developing targeted communications and programs for young adults and expanding the families and youth programs.

The 79^th Annual Far West Ski Association Convention is scheduled for June 9 - 12, 2011 at the Pacific Palms Resort in Industry Hills, California, hosted by the Los Angeles Council of Ski Clubs.  For additional information regarding the Far West Ski Association, please visit www.fwsa.org .

Photos available upon request

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – February 14, 2011                                                              

FAR WEST SKI ASSOCIATION INSPECTS
JACKSON HOLE FOR 2012 SKI WEEK

  JACKSON, WY:  The Far West Ski Association (FWSA) conducted its site inspection of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and numerous lodging properties February 11^th to 13^th, 2011 in preparation for its 2012 Ski Week. Led Spencer Long, Sales Manager of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, and Mike Hibbard and Sara Clemons of Sports America, the FWSA travel staff and 9 ski council trip leaders toured the mountain, viewed lodging properties, and identified venues for its ski week events. FWSA plans on bringing 500+ participants to Jackson Hole Ski Week January 28^th to February 4^th, 2012.  

The Far West Ski Association, founded in 1930, is a volunteer non-profit organization representing 180 affiliated ski clubs located throughout eleven regional councils in the states of Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.  The Association conducts active programs in public affairs, skier safety, ski heritage, athletics, racing, communications, travel, council development, ski industry, and community outreach.

The 79^th Annual Far West Ski Association Convention is scheduled for June 9-12, 2011 at the Pacific Palms Resort in Industry Hills, California, hosted by the Los Angeles Council of Ski Clubs.  For additional information regarding the Far West Ski Association, please visit www.fwsa.org .

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – December 7, 2010                                                               

FAR WEST SKI ASSOCIATION DONATES $12,000

TO FIFTEEN USSA JUNIOR RACERS

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, CA:  The Far West Ski Association (FWSA) conducted its winter Board of Directors and Board of Trustees meetings December 3^rd to 5^th, 2010 at Harveys Lake Tahoe in Stateline, Nevada. The Far West Ski Association, founded in 1930, is a volunteer non-profit organization representing 180 affiliated ski clubs located throughout eleven regional councils in the states of Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.  The Association conducts active programs in public affairs, skier safety, ski heritage, athletics, racing, communications, travel, council development, ski industry, and community outreach.

The association, after analyzing many bids, has chosen the Grand Sierra Resort as the destination for its 81^st Annual Convention June 6^th to 9^th, 2013.

FWSA with assistance from the Far West Ski Foundation, a 501(c) 3 non-profit foundation, has donated $12,000 to fifteen deserving USSA junior ski racers. The FWSA Athletic Scholarship program continues to grow with sponsorship from Whitefish Mountain Resort, Grouse Mountain Lodge, Canadian Mountain Holidays, Far West Racing Association; and partnerships with Skiyente Ski Club, Mountain High Snowsports Club, Los Angeles Council of Ski Clubs, and San Diego Council of Ski Clubs.

The Far West Ski Association is appreciative of the many sponsors who were a big part of the success of the FWSA winter meeting. Sponsors included: Heavenly Lake Tahoe, Harveys Lake Tahoe, South Tahoe Express, and Aston Lakeland Village Resort.

The 79^th Annual Far West Ski Association Convention is scheduled for June 9-12, 2011 at the Pacific Palms Resort in Industry Hills, California, hosted by the Los Angeles Council of Ski Clubs.  For additional information regarding the Far West Ski Association, please visit www.fwsa.org .

Photos available upon request

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – October 23, 2010                                                 

FAR WEST SKI ASSOCIATION RECEIVES GRANT
FROM STATE OF CALIFORNIA

WILSONVILLE, OR:  The Far West Ski Association (FWSA) has received a grant from the California Skin Cancer Prevention Program to develop a program to inform young snow sports enthusiasts and their parents on the danger of skin cancer. The Slip, Slop, Slide & Slither program featuring informative brochures, decals, and a sunscreen partner is being developed and administered by Fran Long, Trustee and Youth & Family Involvement Chair. The program will be presented at the major ski shows in Los Angeles, San Jose, San Diego, and San Francisco this fall distributing informational brochures, decals and sunscreen samples. In addition, FWSA will distribute the materials at Mammoth Mountain and Lake Tahoe area during school holiday periods in order to reach more children and their families.

The Far West Ski Association, founded in 1930, is a volunteer, non-profit organization representing 180 affiliated ski clubs located throughout eleven regional councils in the states of Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, South Dakota, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.  The Association conducts active programs in public affairs, skier safety, ski heritage, athletics, racing, communications, travel, council development, ski industry and community outreach.

The 79^th Annual Far West Ski Association Convention is scheduled for June 9-12, 2011 at the Pacific Palms Resort in Industry Hills, California, hosted by the Los Angeles Council of Ski Clubs.  For additional information regarding the Far West Ski Association, please visit www.fwsa.org.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – September 21, 2010

NATIONAL SKI COUNCIL FEDERATION

HOLDS ANNUAL MEETING IN SNOWMASS VILLAGE, CO

ASPEN/SNOWMASS, CO:  The National Ski Council Federation (NCSF) has wrapped up its 12^th Annual Summit Meeting in Aspen/Snowmass, Colorado.  The meeting, which took place September 16-19, 2010, was hosted by the Aspen Skiing Company and Snowmass Tourism.  Meetings were held at The Crestwood Lodge, in Snowmass Village, Colorado, and were attended by over 70 representatives from snowsports councils and snowsports industry representatives.  The Federation, formed in 1998, consists of representatives of 30 snowsports councils located nationwide.  The Federation's mission is to strengthen councils, with industry participation, so they may better serve clubs through improved communication, education and benefits, and to influence issues relevant to snowsports and ski clubs.

The meeting included presentations on Social Technology for snowsports clubs by Sheri Parshall, Northwest Ski Club Council; Online Technology & Web Advances by Michelle Moskowitz, Florida Ski Council; IRS issues for clubs by Dawn Peterman-Harris, Federation treasurer; and Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month by Elaine Cobos, Ogden/Weber CBV.  Break-out sessions moderated by industry and council representatives discussed partnerships between resorts and tour operators, bid ethics, how to pick a tour operator, and how trip participation can affect trip pricing.  Attendees also visited several lodging properties in Snowmass Village.  Business items included welcoming the National Brotherhood of Skiers to the Federation.

Industry partners participating in this year’s summit included Aspen Skiing Company, Telluride Ski Resort, Snowtours, Sports America, Ski.com, Ogden/Weber CVB, PRW Group, Snowmass Tourism, Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort, Crested Butte Mountain Resort, Skigroup.net, Steamboat Ski & Resort, Steamboat Resorts, Winter Park Resort, Winter Ski & Sports, Copper Mountain, Vail Resorts, Skiset North America, Rentskis.com, and Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. 

 The Federation wishes to thank the sponsors who contributed to the success of this year’s summit, including Aspen Skiing Company, Snowmass Tourism, Crestwood Lodge, Destination Hotels and Resorts, Pokolodi Lodge, Top of the Village Condominiums, Stonebridge Inn, Tamarack Townhomes, Laurelwood, Interlude and Timberline Condominiums, Silvertree Hotel, Snowmass Mountain Chalet, Base Camp Bar & Grill, and Snowmass Hospitality.

The 13^th Annual Summit will be held September 15-18, 2011, at Mammoth Mountain Resort, Mammoth Mountain, California.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – July 27, 2010                                                        

 FAR WEST SKI ASSOCIATION CHOOSES JACKSON HOLE MOUNTAIN RESORT FOR 2012 SKI WEEK

RENO, NV:  The Far West Ski Association (FWSA) conducted its summer Board of Directors and Board of Trustees meetings July 23rd to July 25th, 2010 at the Grand Sierra Resort & Casino in Reno, Nevada. The Far West Ski Association, founded in 1930, is a volunteer non-profit organization representing 180 affiliated ski clubs located throughout eleven regional councils in the states of Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.  The Association conducts active programs in public affairs, skier safety, ski heritage, athletics, racing, communications, travel, council development, ski industry, and community outreach.

The association, after analyzing many bids, has chosen Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and Sports America Tours as the destination and tour operator for its 2012 North American Ski Week.

A program is being developed under the Public Affairs Safety Committee to inform children and parents of the dangers of skin cancer for Snowsports enthusiasts.

The Far West Ski Association is appreciative of the many sponsors who were a big part of the success of the FWSA summer meeting. Sponsors included: Grand Sierra Resort & Casino, Alpine Meadows, Homewood Mountain Resort, Northstar-At-Tahoe, and Sierra-At-Tahoe.

The 79^th Annual Far West Ski Association Convention is scheduled for June 9-12, 2011 at the Pacific Palms Resort in Industry Hills, California, hosted by the Los Angeles Council of Ski Clubs.  For additional information regarding the Far West Ski Association, please visit www.fwsa.org .

Randy   Lew, FWSA President and Kerri Countess representing the Grand Sierra Resort
Photos available upon request 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – June 15, 2010                                                

FAR WEST SKI ASSOCIATION RECOGNIZES DOUG PFEIFFER 

WITH THE SNOWSPORTS BUILDER AWARD  

INDIAN WELLS, CALIFORNIA:  The Far West Ski Association conducted its 78th Annual Convention and Meeting June 10-13, 2010 at the Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa in Indian Wells, California, hosted by the San Diego Council of Ski Clubs.  The Far West Ski Association, founded in 1930, is a volunteer, non-profit organization representing 180 affiliated ski clubs located throughout eleven regional councils in the states of Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, South Dakota, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.  The Association conducts active programs in public affairs, skier safety, ski heritage, athletics, racing, communications, travel, council development, ski industry and community outreach.  In addition to the 180 ski club delegates attending the annual meeting, about 100 ski and sports industry representatives participated in the weekend’s events.
 

The 25th Annual Silent Auction on Friday evening raised over $40,000 to support FWSA programs.  The highest bidders purchased ski trips, golf and adventure trips, and sports and recreational equipment.  Saturday morning’s Travel Expo enabled industry representatives to meet with travel decision makers from the Association’s clubs and councils.  The FWSA Athletic Scholarship Program raised over $2,000 due primarily to the generous donation of a Canadian Mountain Holidays Heli-Hike package. Saturday afternoon was dedicated to a presentation by Steve Reneker, who participated in a 1995 expedition to the summit of Mount Everest carrying FWSA banners to the top of the world. The key presenters in the Public Affairs panel were Doug Pfeiffer, skiing legend and former editor of Skiing Magazine; Chuck Morse, former Executive Director of Far West Division, USSA; Walt Roessing, ski journalist; and Austin McInerny, Senior Facilitator/Mediator & Natural Resource Land-Use Planner. Far West Race Association held their annual meeting and selected Alpine Meadows Ski Area as the site for the 2011 Championships on April 1-3.  Bids were presented to the FWSA Travel Committee for selection of the 2012 FWSA Ski Week with the result to be announced later in the summer.  The 2011 FWSA Ski Week January 22 – 29 will be held in Sun Valley, Idaho. 

Annual recognition awards were presented to members of the ski industry, media, volunteers, racing leagues, councils, and ski clubs.  Industry Awards were presented: (1) the FWSA Tommi Tyndall Award for Outstanding Ski Industry Contribution, to Mammoth Mountain (2) the FWSA Bill Mackey Award for Outstanding Ski Industry Employee, to Brian Flickinger of Vail Resorts, and (3) the FWSA Jimmie Heuga Award for Outstanding Humanitarian, to Linda Whittle (Boston, MA). The FWSA Bill Berry Awards were presented to Mckay Jenkins for Feature Article for his book “The Last Ridge”; to Sylas Wright, Sierra Sun Sports Editor for Hard News; and the FWSA Warren Miller Modern Media Award to Darin Talbot and Robert Frohlich for their video & audio “Around Tahoe – Skiing & Snowboarding Tour Guide”. The 3rd FWSA Snowsports Builder Award was presented to Doug Pfeiffer (Big Bear, CA), a teacher, author, innovator, and skiing legend.

Sigrid Noack (Los Angeles, CA) received the FWSA Hans Georg Award for long-term service to organized skiing.  Other volunteers receiving recognition awards included: (1) the FWSA Elizabeth “Schatzi” Wood Award as Woman of the Year, to Gloria Raminha of Central Council (Bakersfield, CA); (2) the FWSA J. Stanley Mullin Award as Man of the Year, to Dick Shawkey of Bay Area Snowsports Council (Arnold, CA); and (3) the FWSA Jordan-Reily Award for Outstanding Contribution to Public Affairs, to John Wentworth (Mammoth Lakes, CA). The FWSA Councils Man & Woman of the Year program sponsored by Big White/Silver Star recognized Helen Harris of San Diego Council of Ski Clubs and Jim Sommer of Sierra Council.  FWSA Presidents Awards were given to Jane Wyckoff of Los Angeles Council and Lindsey Vonn of the US Ski Team, the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Gold Medalist in Downhill and the Woman’s Overall World Cup Champion.

The Tollakson Award for the Outstanding Ski Club was presented to Mountain High Snowsports Club for Class AAA and North Island Snowdrifters for Class AA. The Wentworth Award for the Outstanding Publication was presented to Mountain High Snowsports Club (Class AAA), North Island Snowdrifters (Class AA) and to the Unrecables Ski Club (Class A).  The Outstanding Website Awards were given to: Apres Ski Club (Class AAA); North Island Snowdrifters (Class AA) and to Single Ski Club of Los Angeles (Class A).  The Outstanding Council Publication went to Northwest Ski Club Council and the Outstanding Council Website Award also went to Northwest Ski Club Council.The Club & Council History Recognition was accepted by Scott Knutson on behalf of the Fresno Ski Club and the Charity & Community Service Recognition went to Skiyente Ski Club of Northwest Ski Club Council.

Special presentations were made to Richard Rizk of the Northwest Ski Club Council with the FWSA Safety Person of the Year Award, sponsored by Aspen Skiing Company with lodging provided by The Gant and the Crestwood Resort Condominiums. The FWSA Western Ski Heritage Award sponsored by Steamboat Resorts was presented to Jane Jackson (Flagstaff, AZ) for historical research into the early days of skiing in Northern Arizona and the experiences of Jimmie Nunn and friends.

Elections were held at Sunday’s General Session.  FWSA Officers for 2010 – 2011 are:  President, Randy Lew (Wilsonville, OR); Past President, Mike Sanford (San Diego, CA); Secretary, Debbie Stewart (Visalia, CA); Treasurer, Cindy Krupp (Santa Monica, CA); Chairperson Board of Trustees, Linda Westlund (Scottsdale, AZ); VP Communications, Linda Scott (Cheyenne, WY); VP Council Services, Don Anderson (Pocatello, ID); VP Marketing, Debbi Kor (Vancouver, WA); VP Membership, David Krupp (Santa Monica, CA); VP Public Affairs, Scott Bowker (San Jose, CA); VP North American Travel, Gloria Raminha (Bakersfield, CA); VP International Travel, Norm Azevedo (Walnut Creek, CA); VP Racing, Bob Ellis (Truckee CA); Trustees, Steve Coxen (West Linn, OR); Fran Long (Paso Robles, CA); and Jane Wyckoff (Irvine, CA).

The Far West Ski Association is appreciative of the many sponsors who are a big part of the success of the FWSA Annual Convention.  Sponsors included:  Aspen / Snowmass; Big White Ski Resort & Silver Star Mountain Resort, BC Canada; Canadian Mountain Holidays, BC Canada; Grouse Mountain Lodge, MT; Mammoth Mountain; Mt Bachelor; Ogden Convention & Visitors Bureau; Reno-Sparks Convention & Visitors Authority; Ski Banff Lake Louise Sunshine; Ski Dazzle; Ski Oregon; Snowbasin, a Sun Valley Resort; Snowmass Tourism, Steamboat Ski & Resort Corp.; Sunriver Resort; Sun Valley Resort; Taos Ski Valley; Telluride Ski Resort; Vail Resorts - Heavenly, Vail, Breckenridge, Beaver Creek, Keystone; Whitefish Mountain Resort; and San Diego Council of Ski Clubs.

The 79^th Annual Far West Ski Association Convention is scheduled for June 9-12, 2011 at the Pacific Palms Resort in Industry Hills, California.  For additional information regarding the Far West Ski Association, please visit www.fwsa.org.