Ski, snowboard club offers once-in-a-lifetime trips

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Justin Weaver
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  The Aviano Ski Club is looking for skiing, snowboarding and cross country enthusiasts who share a passion for the slopes, want to meet new people and most of all, enjoy the snow-capped mountains throughout Europe.

"The ski club is great because it gives you the opportunity to meet people who share a common interest," said Dustin Drake, a 6-year member of the club who has been skiing for 22 years. "You end up making some great friends and share some incredible experiences. And it's convenient because on each trip someone will volunteer to be a trip captain and they make all the travel reservations for the trip, so it's hassle free."

The ski club offers weekend ski trips throughout Italy, Slovenia, Austria and on longer holiday breaks, to Switzerland and France. The main benefit of the Aviano Ski Club is just that: not worrying about your travel plans and hotel arrangements.

"There are some really good benefits to being part of the club," said club president Gina Cross. "Logistically, everything from the research and reservations to directions and driving tips are completed for you. Socially, you meet people who ski at the same level and ability as yourself, and if you're single, or don't want to drive by yourself, you can always carpool on the trips."

All trips are "U-drive" self-driven trips unless otherwise indicated. The ski club is open to all U.S. citizens and local nationals that are employed with the U.S. Government and their dependents.

"Trips usually include breakfast and dinner and a special treat - Wine, chocolates or round of drinks-- courtesy of the club," said Cross.

The first ski trip of the year will be Veteran's Day weekend to Hintertux, Austria, Nov. 9-12. Interested ski enthusiasts should contact trip captain Gina Cross at Gina.cross@eu.dode.edu, for more information. Additional upcoming trips include: Siegi's Ski School in St. Veit, Austria, Marmalada, Bad Moos and Lake Bled, Slovenia, just to mention a few.

Traveling all over Europe and visiting different countries with the club is one of the many reasons Drake enjoys being part of the ski club.

"Many of the members have been here for quite a while and have been skiing or snowboarding all over Europe, so that makes it a great information source for getting ideas on where you might want to take a trip in the local area or somewhere in Europe," he said. "What I like about Europe is the cultural diversity and the history. Whether by car, train or plane, it's all within a reasonable traveling distance."

Skiers, snowboarders and cross country enthusiasts interested in joining can contact any of the officers located on the Aviano Ski Club at: www.facebook.com/groups/avianoskiclub. Cost is $10 per person and $20 for family for a year-long membership. The next club meeting takes place Nov. 27 at 7 p.m. at the Aviano Inn in Aviano.