Ski Trip - General Information
The Pentagon Ski Club runs its trips by using qualified tour operators who specialize in ski trips. Every spring we send out requests to these t.o.'s to get you the best deal we can. The proposals we accept are not based on price alone; we want the best value. We usually run 13-15 trips per year to the western US, Canada, and Europe. Every other year we go to South America or New Zealand in the summertime (their winter).Once we get our schedule and contracts in order, we assign tripleaders (some large trips will have assistant tripleaders as well). These are
club members with experience who are responsible for both selling the trip and leading the trip. The PSC prides itself in having dedicated and
experienced tripleaders; they will be your point of contact for any questions or details for the trip.
Our trips are complete packages
All transportation, transfers, and lodgings are included. For trips in the US and Canada, lift tickets are included and sometimes breakfasts as well. In Europe, lift tickets are not included (because so many options are available; the tripleader buys the lift ticket packages upon arrival, having been paid by the skiers right beforehand) but meal plans are. This is because we generally stay in smaller inns in Europe, which include great restaurants (it also saves money and allows for enjoyable dining). In the US, we can stay in either condos or hotels. The advantage of the former is more space and kitchen facilities for cooking; the advantage of the latter is more getting together for group activities. The choice generally comes down to the best location.
One principle rules when we go skiing: no one gets left alone. The PSC is a firm believer in both safety and companionship. Generally, people ski together the first day to find others they can ski with at the same level. Tripleaders want to ensure that you will have both a safe and social holiday.
What sort of people ski with the PSC?
Just about anyone! Most trips are about equally split between couples and singles. Ages range from 20's to 70's with most participants in their 30's to 60's. Men probably comprise 60% of participants on US or Canadian trips; in Europe, women often outnumber the men—not everyone skis! Some trips visit places that can be toured for a full week or more (recent examples would be Europe, Alaska, and New Zealand). What sort of people will you be skiing with? Even though we are called the Pentagon Ski Club, many of us were never in the military or even the government. You'll meet professional people from all walks of life; they do have one thing in common, though—they like to travel and make great companions. If you are single, we'll do our best to find you a roommate.
Your tripleaders will also arrange for group activities at the resort, especially an early group dinner that will enable you to get to know your fellow skiers (in Europe, that would happen most every night). The PSC also has pre-trip parties that will allow you to meet your roommates and make arrangements to carpool to the airports. Also, those meetings will answer any last-minute questions, such as rentals or senior discounts.
Our trips require deposits and periodic payments. The due dates are published in our newsletters, the trip flyers, and trip deatils on the trip list page. See Newsletters and Current Ski Trips for Trip Details and Trip Flyers.
Our main purpose is to give our customers a great vacation. We constantly try to improve both our trips and the selection of resorts. Come join us—let us know how we're doing!