Dear Members,

After many years of generosity, Stan and Cathy Jones are requesting compensation for winter recreational use of their Valley of the Eagles golf course. As an alternative to individual payments, the Haines XC Ski Club has negotiated at this time a single annual payment which will allow the course to stay open for skiers, snowshoers and walkers. In return the XC ski club will be allowed to create groomed trails and store equipment on site. We hope that this will be a simpler, but still fair solution. We suggest that those who plan to use the golf course this winter make a fair contribution through the ski club so we can forward a payment to Stan and Cathy. We hope to raise $500. At this time, trail layout and compaction has been started, and we plan to have a groomed ski trail set this weekend if the weather cooperates.

The Ski Club is now incorporated as a non-profit with the State which will allow us to participate in future grant applications to help with the cost of fuel, equipment maintenance, volunteer expenses, etc. In order to become a more organized and capable group that can plan for expanded multi-season trails, including remote overnight shelters, we are also asking for a voluntary membership fee of $20 per family.

We have a savings account at First National Bank of Haines. Donations can be made directly to: Haines Ski Club at the bank (ask Inez for a deposit slip) or mailed to H.S.C., PO Box 70, First National Bank. Donations can also be dropped off at the ski shop, Alaska Backcountry Outfitters, on 2nd Avenue. Please include your name and specify whether the donation is for ski club membership or for use of the golf course.

Contact Ray Staska if you would like to participate as a volunteer for trail grooming or maintenance. The ski club has avalanche beacons, probes, and a few pairs of snow shoes available for loan. Talk to Dan or Jeff at the Backcountry Outfitters ski shop if you are interested in using these items.

Happy New Year and New Snow!

Haines Ski and Hike Club

Bill Holton, President; Reuben Loewen, VP; Ray Staska, Trail Operations