SilverStar Winter Sports Trip
Jan 21 – Jan 29 2023
The Club is heading back to SilverStar in 2023 to enjoy one of our very favourite winter destinations. SilverStar and neighbouring Sovereign Lake Nordic Centre, when combined, deliver the largest groomed trail network in Canada. Elite athletes and recreational skiers come from all over the world to train and enjoy over 100 kms of pristine, ‘groomed-daily’ mountain trails. The addition of the Schumman Gondola in the fall of 2018, from SilverStar Village to the summit, makes it that much easier for skiers to access the upper trails at SilverStar and Sovereign Lake.
This trip is ideal for intermediate and advanced x-c skiers. If you are a beginner, you may be limited in the trails you can access. However, if you combine beginner level skiing and snowshoeing, you will have ample activity. At SilverStar everyone also has access to ‘Mountain Hosts” who, at no charge, will guide you along the trails and give excellent trail and skiing advice.
From the village of SilverStar you will also have access to 16 kms of snowshoe trails located on the lower network of trails only. SilverStar has excellent downhill skiing opportunities and other activities including tubing, fat biking, skating, shopping and various day trips or excursions. Back country skiing is not permitted. Feel free to explore on-line: http://www.skisilverstar.com/activities-events
New this year is the optional ticket purchase. You can purchase the 7 day X-C ski or snowshoe package with the trip registration or purchase your own tickets for whatever combination of activities you desire. Note that Sovereign Lake tickets are no longer combined with SilverStar so you will need to purchase a ticket to ski there. Also, the X-C ski ticket no longer includes snowshoeing, separate tickets need to be purchased for each event.
The Club COVID guidelines apply to this trip plus regulations required by other governments and trip service providers. Please note that there may changes as regulations change. For this trip at least 2 vaccinations and masking within 6’ of other people are also required.
TRAVEL
On January 21, we will fly with Air Canada directly to Kelowna where a shuttle bus will take us to SilverStar. The bus will make a one hour stop in Vernon allowing you to purchase grocery supplies for your stay. On January 29, after seven days of wonderful skiing (travel days are excluded) we will again use a shuttle to transport the group back to the Kelowna airport and fly directly back to Pearson airport.
ACCOMMODATIONS
As in 2020, accommodation will be at the Vance Creek Hotel and Conference Centre located in the heart of the SilverStar village. There is a limit to the number of rooms we are able to book which is why registration is limited to 38 people initially, including the leaders. It is also the reason we do not allow any single room bookings on this trip. The rooms will typically be one-bedroom suites (with either 2 Queen beds for singles or a King for couples) a kitchen (all rooms have a kitchen). Breakfasts and two group dinners are planned to be at the Black Pine restaurant in the Vance Creek hotel and are included in the trip price (the Black Pine has replaced the previous 1609 restaurant).
TRIP COST
Based on double occupancy, the cost of the trip is $2,675. The optional cost for the 7 day X-C ski pass is $162, and the snowshoe pass is $135. We will use Teacher’s Travel Service for the travel and accommodation services. In order to keep this trip as affordable as possible your trip leaders have planned all other aspects of the trip on behalf of HOC. As a result two separate payments are necessary. A payment of $2,120 (add 3% if you wish to pay by credit card) will be made to Teachers Travel. The Halton Outdoor Club will be paid $555 plus the optional X-C ski or snowshoe passes if you choose. The payment of $555 to the Halton Outdoor Club will be required upon registration and $300 to Teacher’s Travel Service.
We have done our best to confirm the prices we can and estimate others based on previous trips to SilverStar. However, these are extremely unique times and prices may vary somewhat. We will do our best to ensure we deliver the best value to you. If there are any modification in the trip we will let you know as soon as possible.
INCLUDED in this price:
NOT INCLUDED in this price:
Inclement weather or unforeseen circumstances which result in travel delays and the necessity to seek alternate accommodation and meals, will be at your own expense.
REGISTRATION
Registration will open on May 21, 2022. There are two parts to your registration. Your spot is not confirmed until both parts are completed. In other words, the first deposit to Teacher’s Travel is due at the time of registration.
Teachers' Travel Service Ltd.
21 St. Claire Avenue East #1001
Toronto, ON M4T 1L9
If paying by credit card, there is a 3% surcharge. Please call Cathy Kinloch (Mon- Fri : 9:00 and 5:00) at 1 800 268 7229 or 1-416-922-2232 to provide your credit card information.
Final Payment of $1,820 is due October 15, 2022 for the remainder of the trip cost to Teacher’s Travel Services. The final cheque payable to Teachers Travel must be dated for October 15, 2022. If paying by credit card, contact Cathy Kinloch 1 800 268 7229.
We do not expect any change to the final pricing but will notify you if an adjustment is required. These are unique times and prices and services may vary.
CANCELLATION
Deposits are non-refundable. However, in the event that you need to cancel, the club will look for a suitable replacement from the club waiting list. If a replacement can be made without incurring costs to the club or the travel agency, then you may be refunded less the $25 club processing fee. If using a replacement incurs some costs, the cancelling party will be responsible and may only receive a partial refund. If a replacement cannot be found, the cancelling party will be responsible to cover all costs the club has incurred on your behalf up to the point of cancellation.
If the entire trip has to be cancelled by the club for any reason, you will receive a full refund.
INSURANCE
The Halton Outdoor Club strongly recommends you have adequate trip cancellation and out of province medical insurance. Coverage for your trip may be purchased through Teachers Travel or your own provider. Call Cathy at 1 800 268-7229.
Feel free to contact either Heather McClintock (adventurelife4212@gmail.com) or Ralph Gardave (gardave@sympatico.ca) if you have further questions.