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Trips Snowball With Infighting

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By MARCIA BIGGS

mbiggs@tampatrib.com

Published: October 12, 2008

Updated: 10/13/2008 10:33 am

While national political parties are on the firing line pointing fingers and slinging mud, here in the Tampa Bay area, the ski clubs are holding their own political fracas. Yes, things are none too cozy since the recent breakup of the area's largest ski club.

Five years ago, with great fanfare, it was announced that the two largest ski clubs in the area - Tampa Bay Snow Skiers and Boarders and Tampa Bay Ski Club (run by Bowen Travel) - had joined forces to become one superclub.

Claiming nearly 3,000 members, the united club - under the Tampa Bay Snow Skiers and Boarders banner - offered nearly two dozen annual ski trips to destinations around the world, as well as summer activities and social events.

Still, all was not champagne and roses. Both clubs had long histories and were led by longstanding members. Disagreements ensued, and the clubs split up.

Amid infighting and personality clashes, both ski clubs seem to be in a heated battle to fill their 2008-09 trips. The mudslinging includes accusations of stealing membership lists, trip leaders and volunteers; disagreements over the use and meaning of the words "club" and "nonprofit"; advertising trip prices with hidden costs; and on and on. Stern e-mails warned the public not to "be misled by imposter clubs led by inexperienced trip leaders" or clubs that are "for profit" parading as nonprofit.

A small disgruntled subgroup even split to form another club, the Tampa Bay Snow Sports club.

What does all this mean to the local skier? If you can ignore all the hubbub, it means the number of trips being offered this winter is astounding!

Tampa Bay Snow Skiers and Boarders is offering 25 trips, while the Tampa Bay Ski Club has 16 trips planned. Tampa Bay Snow Sports has six trips on the agenda. And then there is the Clearwater/St. Petersburg Ski and Sports Club with six trips planned.

There is certainly a destination for any kind of skier, including families. Look for plenty of action out West, as well as trips to Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Switzerland, Italy and even Japan.

But the reality, as one trip leader said, is one of supply and demand. Some of the trips won't fill by the cutoff dates and will be canceled.

Others might only be half full (40 is considered ideal), considering that there are six trips to Breckenridge, Colo., and four trips to both Snowmass and Winter Park, also in Colorado.

Since airlines will not hold large numbers of seats, and resorts won't hold blocks of rooms, it is essential that trips fill up early and deposits are made. Bottom line: If you are considering a winter ski vacation and want to join a club trip, do it soon. Many trips must be filled 60 to 90 days out. Some may already be canceled.

Don't pay attention to the hype. Each of these clubs is run by experienced trip leaders, and the costs and trip amenities are comparable. Be sure to read the small print on trip documents and be aware that some costs may not be included - for gas surcharges, for example - so the price can change.

Also, be aware that lodgings vary - some are hotel rooms; others are condos. Inquire of the group leader if this might be a family trip or a couples or singles trip. You may also want to know if there are alternative ski areas nearby and if the town has some nightlife or children's activities.

SKI ON OVER

For information on Tampa Bay area ski club offerings:

Tampa Bay Snow Skiers: www.tampabaysnow skiers.com, 1-888-768-7774

Tampa Bay Ski Club (Bowen Travel): www.tampa bayskiclub.com, (813) 289-8344

Tampa Bay Snow Sports: www.tampabaysnowsports .com

Clearwater/St. Petersburg Ski and Sports Club: www.snowshark.org

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