2009 Mini-ski reunion
MiniSki XIX 

The last week in February 2009 provided the stage for the Class of '60s annual Rites of Almost Spring. We met on the ski slopes adjacent to Salt Lake City to honor the Snow Gods and hunt for snow snakes. The rite was again adequately marked by the gathering of several members of the Class eager to return to earlier skill levels and not suffer too many snow snake bites.

The group consisted of: Al Johnson (the boss), Howie Bronson, Earl & Pat VanInwegen, their son; Curt and daughter Kristen, her girlhood frind, Julie, from Golden, CO.,  Andi Biancur (Snow Bwana) and wife Carole, Greg Boyington (Chief Instructor) along with his son-in-law Jeff Lippa and grandson Reef, Ralph Lalime and sons Jay and Chris, George & Diana Pupich, Jerry DelaCruz, Bruce Mosier and daughter Debbie, Jim O'Rourke, Charlie Holman and wife Weese, son Charles, daughter Kyra and grandson Jack, Ron Yates and wife Connie.

Again this year we were joined by Gene Vosika,('59), along with Bruce Hinds ('61) and wife Pat, Pat Buckley ('61) and wife Marilyn, Bob Brickey ('61) and wife Jan, and Jim Gallagher('62) and wife Judy. On Thursday and Friday evenings, Roy and Barbara Jolly joined us for dinner.

As in the past, we were fortunate to have the second generation folks come along to pick up the pieces we "old pros" tended to deposit on the slopes. They claim to enjoy our company as much as we enjoy theirs. They do bring a lot to the party. All left with snow tans and a desire to return as often as their busy lives allow. We are now looking forward to 2010 and the twentieth edition of Miniski. It hardly seems that long ago since the ski concept was being kicked around at our 30th Class Reunion in 1990. This is fair warning that we expect a huge turn out to join in recognizing 20 years of communing with the Snow Gods.

The Marginally Magnificent Performance Award for 2009 has already been conferred on Gene Vosika for an innovative and novel attack on a mogul, seldom attempted and never really successfully completed.

Earl Van Inwegen photos

 

 

2008 Mini-ski reunion

Greg Boyington's photos

 

 

 

2005 Mini-ski reunion!

Check out more pictures!

 


Dear Classmate/Ski Bum:

30 December, 2004

Again this year, you are requested to attend MiniSki Xv, hosted by the Al Johnson Ski & Lawn Mower Repair School at Salt Lake City, Utah. At Al=s behest, and as approved by Deke, we will convene from 27 February, 2005 through 6 March, 2005. As most of you who have attended previously know, we will take to the slopes and ski as long as you would like and/or we are able, or until you wish to leave. Naturally, you may come for all or any part of however long it lasts.

We will follow a like format as in past years. We will go back to the Crystal Inn in Salt Lake City and ski several of the slopes along the Wasatch Front. We try to ski a variety of different areas (primarily Alta, Snowbird, Solitude, Brighton, Deer Valley, Park City, and The Canyons). We always have the option to ski Snow Basin, Powder Mountain, and Sundance. Each day we will decide where people want to go and head out. Of course, this never precludes any other personal preferences. And as is always the case, there is very enjoyable skiing for every skill level.

The Crystal Inn has offered us yet another Agood deal@ and provided assurance of good rates. If you wish to stay there, call Lynn Story or Julie Wilson in the Reservations Department at (888) 685-9300 and refer to USAFA >60 MiniSki. They will work beneficial arrangements with you. We have blocked 12 rooms (6 queens & 6 kings) and, hopefully, if we use those they can come up with others. If you wish other accommodations, I can recommend several other places near the Crystal Inn, equally as convenient and available. Much of the evening activities (like eating) will take place near The Crystal Inn, so it would be a good choice.

A new wrinkle this year is that the Crystal Inn has a deal with "Enterprise Rental Car", so if you wish, take the hotel transport to and from the airport and arrange car rentals from there (might save a day or two rental fees). If you don't want to rent a car, there will probably be enough transportation among us, and some of the hotels (including the Crystal Inn) do have a shuttle service. We have experienced no transportation problems in past meetings. The only thing you have to do is get to Salt Lake City. Salt Lake City is a Delta Airlines hub but is serviced by most other domestic airlines. If you don't have or don't want to bring skis, boots or poles I will help you rent equipment. All equipment can be had at reasonable rates from any one of many local outlets.

Here is the concept that has served us well in the past:

Make your own living accommodations.

Upon arrival either rent a car or call the hotel for transport to check in.

As soon as you can, let me know your location and I will update you on other attendees, their locations and the plans-of-the-day.

Breakfast is discretional (Crystal Inn does have a complimentary breakfast). We will either meet at a pre-arranged spot or meet at the ski area chosen for that day. Most area lifts open at approximately 9:15 am.


We will plan to ski each day, at the chosen area. Depending on individual desires, we do have day-to-day flexibility without any pre-investment. The local ski area lift tickets run $35.00-$70.00 per day (we'll get any discounts we can).

We plan to ski as groups/sub-groups returning to your hotel as you desire at the end of the day, usually around 4-4:30 PM.

Evening meals in small groups or one large group at one of several local restaurants - there is a wide variety of menus. Transport mostly by personal car. In the past we have generally dined as a large group and had a blast.

Depart Salt Lake City as you desire/ or whenever.

All the major car rental agencies are available at the airport but it is always a good idea to reserve a car in advance. A car would come in handy if you want to venture independently to outlying areas and Park City, The Canyons, or Deer Valley. (about 30-40 minutes drive from center Salt Lake City). Also Park City offers an excellent discount shopping mall and various tours if you want a change of pace. If you do, please let me know so I can help with the arrangements.

These are the essential actions you must take:

1. Make your own travel arrangements.

2. Make your own reservations directly with the hotel or call me. Be prepared to show your current military ID upon check in at the hotel for any military discounts. There is no group registration process so when you arrive let me know your location, room number, etc. and status so I can make sure to get the group together.

3. Let me know your plans as soon as you can particularly, if I can assist your planning or travel in any way.

You and anyone you would like to join us are warmly welcome. It doesn't matter how well you ski, we have easily accommodated all levels of skiers. We meet to have fun and enjoy one another. If you believe you might need any individual assistance or pointers from Al Johnson, or his lead instructor Greg, this is your chance. Al has assured me if he does have to raise his rates this year, it will be a nominal raise - which is still a bargain. Both Al and Greg will be available for consultation and/or private attention. If you have any logistical questions or concerns, I will do my best to respond, so give me as much warning as you can. I have moved to Colorado Springs so I will be in the Crystal Inn with you. My new phone numbers are (719) 488-4317 and FAX (719) 488-4317, (719) 460-0035 (cell); e-mail: 2biancurs@adelphia.net Please try to make it, because its really fun.

This letter is going out via e-mail to the skiers I am aware of so, if you know any classmate that may want to come but may not get this mailing, let me or them know and I will do my best to get the word out to them. (I will send regular mail to those I am aware of that don't have e-mail.)

See you in February/March.

Respectfully,

Andi Biancur (Snow Bwana)
13634 Paradise Villas Grove
Colorado Springs, CO. 80921
(719) 488-4317


2004 Mini-ski reunion!

Last year's pics, to show you what you're missing...

 



Subject: Pics from Miniski XIV

Date: 3/11/2004 8:40:02 AM














Again in 2004, we will meet in Salt lake City to worship the great gods of skiing and revelry. The routine will follow past years with skiing at various locations during the days and getting together for social intercourse in the evenings. I have sent all the skiers a letter with the details. Plan to join us for a fun time.

If there are any other classmates who wish to join us this year, let me know so I can get you on the mailing list.

We always want everyone to come - the more who come, the more fun we have. And besides, Al doesn't have to carry the whole load as entertainer.

Any questions, give me a call: 719-488-4317.

Andi

 



Click thumbnail to go to full size picture...

 

The AL JOHNSON SKI AND LAWN MOWER REPAIR SCHOOL will be in session
with head instructor Pappy Boyington conducting refresher training. "I'm AL", himself,
(spoken in reverential tones, please!), with able assistance from our class president and
resident Snow Bwana, Andi Biancur, will oversee activity at the (NOW ACCREDITED!)
institute. There should be no excuse you've "lost it" since school days!! Check out the
snapshots above to get a flavor for what you might be missing. Don't wimp out!!!!!! And
even if you don't ski, you'll be welcome! A wonderful time will be experienced by all so
packup your significant other, and your kids,and your grandkids, and head for the best
skiing in the world!


 

1999 Mini-ski reunion!

Where were you?

 



BACK The '99 group! Where's Pappy?



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