Lift Lines
Joyce Szulc
Payment Options for all events (unless otherwise noted):
1. Online Registration with Credit Card payment
2. In person with completed Event Coupon and credit card or check
3. By mail, send completed Event Coupon with check to Event Leader
Reasons to Rent
Most of us own our own ski equipment, but there are advantages to renting:
• Costs for high-quality skis, boots, bindings and poles quickly add up. For those who ski only a few times per year, renting allows you access to top-quality gear without the upfront cost.
• Renting ski equipment provides convenience, especially when traveling. Transporting skis, boots and poles can be cumbersome and may incur additional airline fees. In addition, it eliminates the potential for damage during transit.
• Skiing technology continues to evolve with new models and improvements each year. Buying ski equipment means a commitment to gear that may become outdated or less effective. Renting gives you access to up-to-date ski equipment.
• Renting offers a high degree of customization and flexibility. Depending on the snow conditions, you may want to try different types of skis. Renting allows you to switch out equipment.
• Owning ski equipment means regular maintenance and storage. Skis need to be waxed, edges sharpened and bindings checked. This requires time, effort and cost.
• If you are considering purchasing, renting gives you a way to try before you buy. You can test different models and brands to find what works best for you. Some rental shops offer demo programs where you can apply the rental fees toward the purchase.
• Rental shops generally employ knowledgeable staff who can offer expert advice on equipment selection for your level of skiing.
• Renting ski equipment can be environmentally friendly. Renting reduces the demand for new product, and you contribute to a more sustainable approach to skiing. In addition, many rental shops recycle or repurpose older equipment.
Counting Down to Ski Season …
Both of our 2025 ski trips are full, and we are accepting waitlist registrations. You do not have to pay anything to be on the waitlist.
Ski Trips – travel changes
There have been airline travel changes to both the Vail trip in January and the Heavenly/Lake Tahoe trip in February.
See updates below:
Join the waitlist
Updated itinerary
• Saturday, Jan. 11 WN1715, MKE/DEN, 11:15 am – 1:00 pm
• Friday, Jan. 17 WN3744, DEN/MKE, 2:55 pm - 6:10 pm F Heavenly Feb. 9–15 (Sunday-Saturday) $1,815
Heavenly Feb. 9–15 (Sunday–Saturday) $1,815
Join the waitlist
Updated itinerary
• Sunday, Feb. 9 WN2383, MKE/DEN, 8 am - 9:50 am WN2779, DEN/RNO, 10:40 am - 12:05 pm
• Saturday, Feb. 15 WN2779, RNO/LAS, 1:35 pm - 2:55 pm WN2909, LAS/MKE, 4:45 pm - 10:10 pm
* Questions? Contact Trip Leader Joyce Szulc, 262-902-3248 or jszulc@wi.rr.com
2025 Western Ski Trip Coupon >>
We are looking for a woman to room with another woman on our February trip to Lake Tahoe.
Contact Trip Leader Joyce Szulc, 262-902-3248 or jszulc@wi.rr.com
2025 Western Ski Trip Coupon >>
Ski and Sightsee Japan
MARCH 7 – 22, 2025
TOKYO–HAKUBA–KYOTO
Trip for skiers and non-skiers
The Metropolitan Milwaukee Ski Council is hosting a trip to Japan. Departure date is March 7, with optional return dates. The tentative agenda includes three nights in Tokyo, seven nights in Hakuba and an optional three nights in Kyoto.
Download complete file with details, as shown below >>
Contact Mark Harris at harris_53051@yahoo.com or (414) 453-6914.
Ski racing
Your Vagabond Ski Team begins the race season Sunday, Jan. 5, at Sunburst. Spectators are encouraged to come out and watch the team in action, along with a trophy presentation after the race. Several people have joined our club after experiencing a race day.
Metropolitan Milwaukee Ski Council Senior Racing has 14 races scheduled over seven dates this winter. About 40 skiers compete in one of four non-gender classes based on skill level. Two different courses are run for each race, and the times are combined. Awards are presented in each class at each race. Awards are also given in each class at the end of the season. The Vagabonds will again compete against three other teams, with the fastest four men and two women counting for each team.
Prepare for next season by starting an exercise program focused on your legs. Make sure your equipment is up to date. Get your skis sharpened and your bindings checked. We always have room on the team for new people of any age or ability. Every year, skiers as young as 21 join the club to compete on the race team. It’s one way the club has maintained a sense of youthfulness.
For more information, contact MMSCSR Chairman Al Lemke at (414) 688-2938 or aklemke2993@gmail.com or visit MMSCSR.com
MMSC Senior Race Schedule
Jan. 4 – Sunburst (CMSC race)
Jan. 5 – Sunburst
Jan. 12 – Sunburst
Jan. 19 – Sunburst
Jan. 25 – Holy Hill
Feb. 1 – Holy Hill
Feb. 8 – Sunburst
Feb. 16 – Sunburst
Getting Into Ski Shape
You don’t want to call it quits early on your first day of skiing because your sore thighs and legs are screaming after just a few runs. A preseason ski conditioning workout can help you ski better, stay out longer and have more fun.
Here’s a quick, general overview of how to train for skiing:
• Boost muscle power. Strengthen the areas that get worked the most: your quads, glutes, hamstrings and hips.
• Focus on balance. Work your core and the muscles around your hips, which in turn helps provide stability to injury-prone areas such as the knees.
• Build endurance. Condition your body so you can easily ski run after run without packing it in before you’re ready.
• Bump up your cardio. Complement this exercise plan with cardio activity such as hiking, biking or interval training to get your lungs and heart pumping.
* Before beginning any training plan, check with your doctor or certified training professional.
Is there a star on your license?
If you are flying within the U.S. after May 7, 2025, you will need a “Real ID” as an added security measure. Wisconsin began issuing Real ID driver licenses several years ago, so you may have received one the last time you renewed; it would have a star in the upper right corner.
If you aren't sure if you have a Real ID, check trust.dot.state.wi.us/ecdl/home.do. Your license will still be valid without Real ID even after the deadline. But you would need to use a passport at the airport.
The Vagabond Ski & Social Club is associated with the following organizations which promote skiing and snowboarding:
* Chicago Metropolitan Ski Council (CMSC), skicms.org
* National Ski Council Federation, skifederation.org
* Milwaukee Metropolitan Ski Council (MMSC), skimilwaukee.org
Visit their websites to learn more about these groups.
We are always looking for great photos of our members enjoying activities and you are our best source!
Send your photos to Joyce Szulc, jszulc@wi.rr.com, to post on the Vag Facebook page.