2020
Snowmass, Colorado
Aspen-Snowmass was the venue for the 42nd HFSC Ski Trip held Feb 4-9, 2020. With 18 participants on the trip, this was the largest group since the early 90’s. The HFSC welcomed three new members: Don Travers, Joe Rooyakkers, and Bruce Tannenholz.
Half Fasters found accommodations at the Stonebridge Condominiums in Snowmass. Stonebridge offered several amenities, including ski-In/ski out, on site ski rental, several large hot tubs, very nice changing room, and of course, a grill for Chris Reid’s world-famous ribs. Thanks to Mark Hammer for scheduling the Stonebridge.
The Stonebridge required a five-night minimum, so about half the group arrived on Tuesday and got in an extra day of skiing. On Wednesday night, Chris Reid and Peter Smith demonstrated song writing skills that rival Lennon and McCartney or even Elton John and Bernie Taupin by unveiling their collaboration on “The Ballad of the HFSC” sung to the tune of “American Pie” by Don McLean. Chris led the Half Fasters in singing a rousing rendition of “The Ballad of the HFSC.” The complete lyrics are attached here:
The Ballad of the HFSC
Sung along to “American Pie” music
A long, long time ago
I can still remember
How our neon suits
Used to make us glow….
And we knew we could make it stick
Get the company to pay our trip
And maybe we’d book some orders in a while…
December of Seventy-eight
The Founding Fathers right out the gate
Started Half Fast Skiing
Good times they were a’seeing
I can’t remember if I cried when I
Heard the legal team decried
And shut it down after “95
The day the skiing died…..
So lie, lie, while you look in their eye
With the dice in the cup you can let them go fly
Half Fast skiing will never die
Singin’ this’ll be the day that I lie
This’ll be the day that I lie
Did you roll around in the snow
And did you then very quickly go
Back to the tub with warmth I know
And do you believe what you should choose
When Lee says you almost cannot lose
Most Half Fast rookies, they won’t have a clue
Well you know you better hit the gym
Cause the Big Dogs’ll never save your skin
A thousand turns before you’re in
The vertical counted once all in!
I was a former liftee who knew the tricks
With files and waxes for your skis so slick
But the news hit us like a ton of bricks
The day the skiing died…
Once again, the renowned Half Fast All Star Band entertained after dinner each evening. The All Star Band is comprised of Jon Rottier on guitar and vocals, Kevin Bogle and Peter Smith on guitar and Rob Adams on keyboard. Chris Reid and Frank Rottier also contribute on vocals. The Band played so well, and so loud, that we had other condo guests coming in to listen and mingle. As a special treat, Joe Rooyakkers brought his acoustic guitar “on stage” and performed several folk songs and good ole get drunk and party country songs. Joe is a talented musician and a great entertainer.
As usual, there were many games of Liars Dice played during the trip. Gerry Sullivan, using unethical game theory higher mathematics, completely kicked ass. Bogle and Williams were reduced to sitting on the sofa, waiting for the next game. Frank still trusts Lee.
On Thursday night, Chris Reid made a PowerPoint presentation highlighting the 2019 trip to Kicking Horse, British Columbia and Lake Louise, Alberta. The 7+ hours of travel from Calgary to Kicking Horse really looked like fun! Chris’s presentation is included in the 2019 Kicking Horse Trip Notes.
On Friday night the group deviated from tradition by selecting the 2021 trip location after dinner at the condo. Typically, this spirited discussion and lobbying occurs during the Saturday night dinner at a fine dining restaurant. Given the size of our group, we were not able to secure a single table for the group which would significantly hinder the trip selection process. Old Dogs Frank Rottier and Don Bogle called the Friday night meeting to order. The first item of business was the announcement that Chris Reid and Lee Williams were officially designated as “Old Dogs” and would be joining Frank and Don as members of the Council of Old Dogs, fondly referred to as the CODs. As a newly elected COD, Lee was given the task of moderating the 2021 trip selection process. With Lee’s usual smooth meeting management skills (nothing like his snowboarding skills), the selection process went smoothly and quickly with Telluride being the top choice for 2021. Peter Smith will work with Mark Hammer to coordinate the Telluride trip.
The Half Fasters capped off the trip with a great meal at the Monarch Steak House followed by poker pool at a nearby pub where Chris Reid, once again, won all the money.
Postscript: The HFSC dodged the Covid bullet at Snowmass. About two weeks after our trip, Snowmass was closed for the season due to Covid. We were lucky!
This Year’s Crew
This year’s Half Fasters:
- Lee Williams
- Rob Adams
- Richard Corles
- Frank Rottier
- Jon Rottier
- Mark Hammer
- Bill Williams
- Chris Reid
- Peter Smith
- Don Bogle
- Kevin Bogle
- Rob Crain
- Lowell Middleton
- Ed Szkaradnik
- Gerry Sullivan
- Don Travers
- Joe Rooyakkers
- Bruce Tannenholz
Some of our favorite photos
More Annual Trips
Dive into one of our other trips if you're feeling Half Fast.