Fourwinds held a drive-up trip to Devils Head and Cascade the weekend of February 19th to February 21st, 2021. Sheri with Gregg's help put together this trip and pulled it off even with the pandemic going on.
I believe there were 21 people in total that came up as part of the trip. Some just did their own thing which is fine. Those joining on the trip in one way or another were Marty, Ken, a few Kathy’s, Charlie, Gregg, Jim, Jeff, Sheri, Russ, Natalie, Kaley, Mary Jo and her guide, Melissa, Chane, Judy, Philip, Caroline and her young friend.
The majority of the members drove up the evening of Friday, February 19th and stayed at the Best Western Hotel in Portage, Wisconsin. The hotel was conveniently located about 20 minutes from Devils Head and about 10 minutes from Cascade. The hotel management was very easy to work with and the hotel was very nice. It also had a pool that was available for use as well and some took advantage of that option and a grab and go breakfast which was quite nice.
Most of those on the trip went to Devils Head on Saturday. Over multiple conversations it was determined that Cascade would be very busy on Saturday so the club switched to going to Cascade on Sunday. Devils Head did not require reservations so the club decided to go there on Saturday. Devils Head admittedly was quite crowded on Saturday. The skiing was quite good early and even into the early afternoon. The lift lines were a bit long though but overall, it was a wonderful day. We were told that Cascade was wide open on Saturday as they were limiting the number of skiers and the thinking was that perhaps those that could not obtain a ticket at Cascade then went to Devils Head.
On Saturday evening after a wonderful day of skiing Sheri put together a trip party. We had a large conference room where each group was able to sit at their own conference table. We chatted quite a bit and enjoyed some local pizza and some soda, water, and snacks. Sheri even included a goodie bag for everyone. It’s a Sheri thing.
On Sunday we all checked out of the Best Western and most of us headed to Cascade. Cascade was wide open due since they limit the number of skiers. The lift lines were very short and there was plenty of nearby parking. The skiing was great and once down you were quickly on the chairlift on your way up for the next run. After skiing for most of the day on Sunday we all then headed home.
Some takeaways from the trip are that everyone is trying to deal with this pandemic in their own way. Those that prefer a more controlled situation and more open skiing will prefer Casc
On another note, ABSF Mary Jo and 4W's Gregg ventured up to Tyrol Basin, Horeb Wis. on Friday February 19th afternoon before heading for Portage Wis to meet the others. It was the first time we had ever been to this ski resort which was part of the Wisconsin Ski Coupon Book. Mary Jo was able to get a 4 hour senior ski ticket for $30. Parking was a short walking distance to resort lodge where we carried our ski gear and put on outside with outdoor lockers for snacks & refreshments storage. Tyrol Basin had clean restrooms, restaurant and rental area. Staffers were very nice and helpful! The slopes very well groomed and not crowded at all which was a good thing for Mary Jo showing Gregg how to become a ABSF guide. It was a fun first day of skiing together in 2021!