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
How to Avoid Altitude Sickness
Do you feel nauseous, headachy, lethargic or lightheaded whenever you travel to the mountains? These symptoms indicate you may be susceptible to acute mountain sickness, aka altitude sickness. This has nothing to do with one's physical fitness but rather with your genetics. No one wants to get sick on vacation. Being as safe as possible on the slopes is key to having an enjoyable time. With the Vagabond ski season about to begin, here are some sensible tips for all skiers to follow:
Plan what you can: There are several ways to get ahead of acute mountain sickness. One approach is to plan it into your travel. If you are coming from sea level and you have the time to stop in a mid-altitude location, stay somewhere like Denver for a day or two before heading to the mountains. This will help ease you into the elevation.
Consume wisely: If you cannot alter your travel, there are still a few things you can do to prevent or reduce symptoms of acute mountain sickness. First, don’t overconsume caffeine. Avoid drinking alcohol and sugary drinks your first night and the night before travel. Next, you want to counteract the natural dehydration that happens when your body is receiving less oxygen. Drink a lot of water and add electrolytes before and during travel.
If you do become sick: There are several things you can do to treat your symptoms if you do feel unwell at altitude. For headaches, take over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. For lightheadedness and insomnia, oxygen cans offer instant relief, and oxygen machines can help you breathe while you sleep. If symptoms persist or become severe, seek medical attention.
– adapted from Wagner’s Wednesdays
Questions? Contact Trip Leader Joyce Szulc, 262-902-3248 or jszulc@wi.rr.com
Ski racing
The Vagabond Ski Team begins the race season Jan. 4, at Sunburst. Spectators are encouraged to come out and watch the team in action, along with the trophy presentation. Several people have joined the club after experiencing a race day. Contact Al Lemke at aklemke2993@gmail.com or (414) 688-2938 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
Vail Jan. 11–17 (Saturday-Friday) $2,115 (double occupancy)
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
2025 Western Ski Trip Coupon >>
Heavenly Feb. 9–15 (Sunday–Saturday) $1,815
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 >>
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.