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Sports and Social events all year long for adult singles and couples.  We do a lot more than ski!!

 

Upcoming trips

    • January 05, 2025
    • 6:00 PM
    • January 07, 2025
    • 4:00 PM
    • Giant's Ridge Resort, Biwabik, MN




    NOTICE: REGISTRATION WILL CLOSE AT NOON DECEMBER 20TH.


    REGISTER SOON!


    Hey SkiHawks! Begin The New Year With "2025: A Ski Odyssey to Giant's Ridge" in Biwabik, MN. 


    The SkiHawk's return to Giants Ridge for a 2025 ski trip.

    Giant's Ridge is one of Minnesota's largest ski resorts. It boasts a 1,792 foot summit with 500-foot vertical drop. Its 35 trails offer some of the best cruising runs in the Midwest.

    In addition to downhill skiing and riding, Giants Ridge has a tubing and sledding area and over 74km of world-class trails to Nordic ski, snowshoe or fat tire bike.  Check it Out!

    This trip will be a three-day and two-night event with the ability to ski and stay longer.  If you wish, you can combine this trip to Giant's Ridge with the MSC's Winter Carnival for a full week of skiing & riding.

    Visit the Giant's Ridge website for additional details on one of Minnesota's premier resorts. 

    The Trip
    • 3 days, 2 nights (Sunday - Tuesday)
    • 2 days of skiing (Monday - Tuesday)
    • Sunday evening welcome event at Neighbors BBQ - self paid
    • Après Hot tub and swimming pool
    • Monday après ski gathering Wine & Cheese/Beer & Meat Stick in the Lodge lobby - BYO beverage. Dinner will follow next door at the Burnt Onion - self paid.

    Early Registration Bonus:

    Everyone who registers before midnight November 30th will be eligible for a special Welcome Reception drawing.  Prizes include:

    • $50 gift card to Neighbors BBQ
    • $25 gift certificate to the Burnt Onion restaurant

    The Mountain

    • Skiable acres - 165
    • Vertical drop - 500 ft.
    • Runs - 35
    • Lifts - 5
    • Terrain parks - 2
    • 100% snow making coverage.
    • Trail difficulty
      • 33% green
      • 50% blue
      • 17% most difficult
    • 74 km of cross-country trails
    • Winter Trail Map

    Lodging

    Overnight accommodations will be at the Lodge at Giant's Ridge which is located on site, at the base of the Sarajevo Express lift. It is ski-in, ski-out.  

    If interested, do not delay, as lodging will fill up fast. Contact the Lodge at Giant's Ridge to reserve your room by clicking Lodging.

    "Classic" units have a private bedroom with an adjacent common area with a foldout, futon or murphy bed. Other amenities include an induction cooktop, microwave/convection oven, cookware utensils & dishes. 

    Upgrades to larger, multi bedroom units or with more amenities can be reserved online when your room reservation is made. Upgrades will have an extra charge.  Private room options are also available for those that desire privacy.


    Onsite amenities at the Lodge include a large lobby for our Monday meet up, a pool, hot tub, exercise area and spa (by advance appointment). The Lodge also has a bar and restaurant with another bar and restaurant, Burnt Onion, located just a short walk away. 

    Important! Reservations are for the entire full room. Registrants are responsible to arrange for their own roommates. Coordination of roommates should be prior to making any reservations to avoid duplicate reservations, as room reservations cannot be cancelled. The SkiHawks will try to help with roommates, if needed, as best we can.

    Transportation

    This is a Meet & Ski. Transportation will be on your own. However, we will try to assist in forming carpools if needed. You should be sure of your transportation prior to registering to avoid cancellation fees.

    Discounted Lift Tickets

    Discounted group lift tickets are available to those who register and purchase from our website. Ticket prices include all taxes and service charges. Tickets will be purchased in bulk prior to the event and will be distributed on Sunday evening at Neighbors BBQ located in the Lodge.

       

        Group Lift Tickets: 1 day: $48.70, 2 days: $97.40

       

        Group Lift Tickets 62+: 1 day: $38.90, 2 days: $77.80                              

    Lift ticket prices quoted above include taxes and fees. Discounted tickets are not available for extended stays. However, additional lift tickets can be purchased online or on site.

    If you are interested in cross country skiing, Nordic tickets can be purchased separately, online or on site.  Visit the Giant's Ridge website for details. 

    Cancellation Fees

    Important! Cancellation fees for this trip are somewhat different than those in the SkiHawk Cancellation Policy used for our Western trips. 

    Lodging: Cancellations are subject to fees set by The Lodge at Giants Ridge. 

    • If you book online and redeem the 10%-off online booking discount, the full amount of the stay is immediately charged. The entire amount is non-refundable in the event of a cancellation.
    • In the event you need to cancel your reservation, regardless of how you booked it, you can move your stay to another date one time up to one year with no cancellation fee. Rate changes will be incurred if the rate is higher as a result of the move.

    Lift Tickets: 
    • Cancellations made prior to the SkiHawks' purchase of lift tickets are subject to a 3.50% service fee.
    • Cancellations after the SkiHawks' purchase of lift tickets are not refundable.
    • There are no refunds of unused lift tickets due to weather or other reasons.

    Eligibility

    You do not have to be a paid member for the MN SkiHawks or other MSC affiliated club to participate in this event.  It is open to all skiers and boarders.  Come join us to what the SkiHawks are all about. 

    If you want to join the You can join us by clicking Join Us.

    Trip Registration

    There are three steps to register. 

    1.  Coordinate with your roommate.
    2.  Reserve your room online at Giant's Ridge 
    3.  Come back to the SkiHawk web site to register and purchase your Group Lift Tickets. (Only online payments will be accepted.)

      Questions? 

      Contact Trip Leader Dave Scheer at (651) 332-3968 or click on his name to start an e-mail.  

        • January 09, 2025
        • January 12, 2025
        • Snowriver Mountain Resort, Wakefield, MI


        The  Winter Carnival is back for 2025 at the

        The Midwest Sport / Ski Council has announced that Winter Carnival is back for 2025.  It will be held January 9 - 12 at the Snowriver Mountain Resort in Wakefield Michigan. 

        When Winter Carnival was last held at Snowriver it was known as Big Snow Resort. Since then, it was purchased by the Midwest Family Resorts (Lutsen, Granite Peak) who have invested over $15MM in upgrades.  Upgrades include a new 6 passenger high speed lift and renovated lodging and restaurant facilities.

        This year's Winter Carnival offers the standard Friday - Sunday Weekend plus an optional Thursday - Sunday weekend.  See below for details.

        Winter Carnival Includes

        Standard Friday - Sunday Weekend

        • A two or three-night stay, depending on package chosen in a standard double occupancy room with amenities
        • Round trip coach bussing from the Twin Cities*
        • Friday evening Welcome Party at Dudley's Tavern
        • Saturday and Sunday Breakfast at Dudley's
        • MSC sponsored activities on Saturday
        • MSC Wine & Cheese Meet & Greet Saturday Afternoon
        • Saturday night group buffet dinner
        • Use of all Lodge amenities, including indoor pool, hot tub & Wi-Fi
        • Access to Dudley's Tavern & the Legacy restaurant
        • Box lunch for Sunday's return trip 
        * No discount for self-transports

          Optional Thursday - Sunday Weekend*

          • All of the above, plus
          • An extra night's stay in a standard double occupancy room
          • Friday motorcoach to Big Powderhorn Mountain
          • An extra day at Snowriver
          • Friday MSC Sponsored activities

          Event Pricing

          Base Pricing:
          • Friday - Sunday Weekend:  $455 per person, plus lifts
          • Thursday - Sunday Weekend:  $643 per person, plus lifts


            Lift Tickets: 

            Lift tickets must be purchased separately online. Links to purchase lift tickets are on the Winter Carnival registration page. See below.

            • Snowriver Mountain Resort
              • 1 Day:  $86.51
              • 2 Day:  $164.58
              • 3 Day:  $226.83
            • Big Powderhorn Mountain

            Pricing to be announced after 10/01/24


            Lodging

            Lodging will be in the newly renovated Jackson Creek Lodge and the Jackson Creek Studios (FKA and the Complex).  

            May not be representative of all rooms.

            Slopeside condos are not available for this trip. 

            Eligibility

            You must be a paid member for the MN SkiHawks or other MSC affiliated club to participate in this event.  Not a member and want to go? You can join us now at Join Us.

                  Event Registration

            Additional trip details and registration instructions in a flyer that you can access by clicking Winter Carnival 2025 Trip Flier. 

            Questions?

            Contact MSC Trip Leader Paul Benkufsky at (651) 260-6439 or click on his name to start an e-mail. 

            Ready to go?  Click on I'm ready to get redirected to the registration page on the MSC website. 

            Cancelation Policy:  Since this is an MSC Event, the MSC Cancelation policy is in effect.  View the cancelation policy here. 

            Stay Updated

            To stay updated with the latest Winter Carnival news, visit and like the MSC's Facebook page.

            Since this is not a SkiHawks' trip. All questions, registration and payments should be directed to MSC trip leader Paul Benkufsky.



            • January 25, 2025
            • February 01, 2025
            • Bend Oregon
            • 0
            Join waitlist



            Join the SkiHawks for our 2025 Destination Trip to Mount Bachelor in scenic Oregon.


            Oregon Department of Transportation, CC BY 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons - Cropped to fit


            Our 2025 trip to Mount Bachelor is officially Wait listed. However there still may be availability. If interested, join the waitlist and contact one of our trip leaders so that lodging and flight availability can be verified.

            Pat Cahoon   715-441-7205 

            Cari Zytkovicz  651-231-6907

            Final pricing will be dependent on availability.

            Join the SkiHawks on our 2025 Destination Trip to Oregon's Mount Bachelor. The trip will run from January 25th to February 1st, 2025.  Mount Bachelor, a dormant stratovolcano, is located about 25 miles from Bend Oregon in the Deschutes National Forest. Mt. Bachelor with its 4,300 skiable acres, is the 6th largest ski area in North America.  This unique mountain offers skiing over its 360-degree cone shape when conditions allow. Mt. Bachelor has so much to offer that it's hard to summarize it all here.  Checking out Mt. Bachelor's winter website is a must.  

            The Trip
            • 8 days, 7 nights (Saturday - Saturday)
            • 6 days of skiing (Sunday - Friday)
            • Round trip flights from Minneapolis to Redmond and return.
            • Private motor coach transfers between the airport and our lodging. Travel time is about 30 minutes, plus time taken for a grocery and beverage stop.
            • 7 nights lodging at the Riverhouse on the Deschutes
            • Daily full hot breakfast buffet at the Riverhouse.
            • Daily complimentary shuttle service to and from the Riverhouse.
            • Pre-trip introduction party.
            • Welcome reception the night of arrival at the Riverhouse.
            • Complimentary 2 1/2 hour guided mountain tour.
            • Après ski events. 
            • Trip capacity of 36.
            • Maximum air capacity is 36.
            • You must be a rostered member of the MN SkiHawks or another club to participate.

              Mountain Stats

              Mt. Bachelor is North America's 6th largest ski resort.  The link below will take you directly to the specific mountains for maps and additional detail.
              • Summit:  9,065 ft. with 3,365 ft. of vertical drop.
              • Skiable terrain: 4,323 acres 
              • Average Snowfall: 462 inches with 52% received by January.
              • Lifts:  15 including 8 high speed lifts.
              • Runs:  122
              • Difficulty: 19% green, 55% blue, 22% black & 3% double black 

              Lodging

              Mount Bachelor Ski Resort sits within the Deschutes National Forest, so there is no lodging on the mountain.  Trip accommodations will be at the Riverhouse on the Deschutes in nearby Bend OR.   

              Check out the Riverhouse website. Clicking the "more options" icon in the upper right of the website will all you to view room layouts and resort amenities.

              Our accommodations are double occupancy hotel rooms that have two queen beds and exterior views. A single occupancy option is available for those that desire more privacy.  The upcharge for the single option is $755.

              Rooms are equipped with a mini fridge and coffee maker. Some rooms have balconies. Free Wi-Fi is available on site.   

              Other hotel amenities include an indoor heated pool and hot tub, a 24-hour fitness center, and an onsite restaurant. A complimentary hot breakfast will be served buffet style.

              A complimentary Riverhouse shuttle will provide scheduled transportation to and from Mt. Bachelor. Shuttle services are available on request from the Riverhouse to other local Bend venues.  Uber and Lyft also serve the Bend area. 

              What is there to do in Bend?

              There's plenty to do in Bend besides skiing and riding. Bend has a compact and historic town the is plump full of boutiques and big-name as well and restaurants and music venues. Don't forget about the beer!  Bend boasts 13 craft and microbreweries.  A plus for Bend is its elevation. At 3600 feet, altitude is not an issue. To find out more, Visit Bend.  Request a Visitor's Guide.

              Trip Pricing*

              As of 11/26/24, pricing is dependent on lodging and flight availability.  Please check with our trip leaders to check on availability. 

                   *Fine Print
              • Lift tickets are not included in the above pricing.  See the lift ticket options below. 
              • The single occupancy option is available for an additional $781. 
              • The "Land Only" option is less $435. 
              • Pricing is based on a 30-person minimum and is subject to change if there are less than 30 participants, there are fuel or ground transportation surcharges, or unforeseen increases in taxes.
              • The SkiHawks' cancelation policy is in effect to this trip. Details can be found here.

              Payment Schedule

              • Initial Payment: $1,400 due at registration.
              • Final Payment: Remaining balance due by Dec. 1st, 2024


              Lift Tickets

              You can ski or ride for up to six days on this trip. Discounted group rates are available.

                 

                   Adult (<65):          3 days   4 days   5 days   6 days   

                                         $282        $364        $423        $495  

                   Senior (65+):        3 days   4 days   5 days   6 days   

                                           $219         $282       $330        $383 

                   Super Sr. (70+):        3 days    4 days   5 days   6 days   

                                          $188        $240       $278       $316 

                 

              Mount Bachelor is on the IKON Pass: You can purchase your pass directly from IKON or you can save some cash by purchasing your pass through our trip vendor Group Travel Simplicity (GTS).  GTS offers rebates up to $80 depending on the pass purchased. Visit the GTS web site for details and to purchase. Rebates will be issued after the trip.

              Uncertain about your lift tickets? Contact your trip leaders with questions.  Scroll down for their contact info.


              Flight Information

              We will be flying Alaska Airlines from Minneapolis to Redmond OR with a connecting flight in SeattleHere is the flight itinerary, effective 01/17/2024. 

                Saturday Jan. 25,2025: Minneapolis to Redmond

                   Depart MSP - SEA: Flight 387 at 8:00 AM. Arrive at 10:25 AM

                   Depart SEA - RMD: Flight 2059 at 11:42 AM. Arrive at 12:58 PM

                Saturday Feb. 1,2025: Redmond to Minneapolis

                   Depart RMD - SEA: Flight 2059 at 1:38 PM. Arrive at 2:51 PM

                   Depart SEA - MSP: Flight 386 at 6:36 PM. Arrive at 11:55 PM

              Important: If you choose to book your own flight but desire to utilize the SkiHawks' bus transportation, you must be sure that your flight arrives in RMD prior to 12:58 PM. Your return flight to MSP must depart after 1:38 PM. If you are not able to coordinate arrival and departure times, you would have to arrange your own shuttle services at your cost.   

              Alaska Airlines Baggage Policy.

              Travel Insurance

              Travel insurance is recommended, which can be purchased on your own.  If you have to cancel, the SkiHawk cancelation policy would be in effect. You can find the cancelation policy in the SkiHawk's Trip and Event Policies.

              Most travel insurance must be purchased within days of your deposit, so it's best to decide prior to registration. If you have questions, please contact your Trip Leaders.    

              The SkiHawks do not endorse any specific insurance provider.  Our Tour operator, Winter Ski & Sports suggests CSA Travel Pro with Agency Code 20181011.  Quotes for cancel for any reason coverage can be obtained by calling (800) 554-9839 using the same agency code.

              Other options for quotes are TravelInsurance.com and InsureMyTrip.


              Trip Leaders

              Your trip leaders will be Pat Cahoon and Ron and Cari Zytkovicz.  Pat has current SkiHawk board member and was the co-lead on our highly successful trip to Whistle in 2020 as well as hosted other events.  Ron and Cari are long time SkiHawks.  They have successfully hosted many SkiHawk events. Ron is also a SkiHawk board member and a forever veteran of SkiHawk Western trips. Don't hesitate to contact her with questions.

              You can contact them by by phone, text or email.  Click on either blue name to begin an email. 

              Pat Cahoon   715-441-7205 

              Ron Zytkovicz  

              Cari Zytkovicz  651-231-6907


              Trip Registration

                We are excited about this Destination Trip to Mt. Bachelor and hope that you can join us. 

                Don’t miss out. Register ASAP. Remember our 2023 trips were full by Kickoff!


                Questions? 

                Contact your Trip Leaders above.


                Click for a PDF Mt Bachelor Flyer.


                Ready to go? 

                Click on the "Register" button below. Once registered, you can make your deposit online via credit or debit card.


                You must be a rostered member of the MN SkiHawks or another  club to participate.  Not a member and want to go? Join the SkiHawks, Click on JOIN US.



                Only online registration and payment are accepted.


                IMPORTANT! 

                When you register and pay, be sure to follow the payment instructions shown at checkout.  For deposits and interim payments use the INVOICE ME option. To pay in full uses the PAY ONLINE option. In both instances card and transaction fees will be incurred.  Reversals will be less incurred fees which run 3.5% of the payment.  



                Register. 

                  • March 15, 2025
                  • March 20, 2025
                  • Whitefish MT
                  • 0
                  Join waitlist




                  Join the SkiHawks on our 2025 Value Trip to Whitefish Mountain in Whitefish Montana.




                  Do you want a mountain adventure at a great price? Plan on joining the SkiHawks on our 2025 Value Trip to Whitefish aka "Big Mountain." Check it Out! You will see that Montana has a road construction season also. 

                  This trip will be a Six-day and Five-night excursion with the ability to ski up to four days. 

                  Ski Magazine's 2023 Resort Guide rated Whitefish Mountain Resort No 6 overall in their "Top 30 Ski Resorts of the West" issue!  Check it out!  In a prior poll, Whitefish received a 2021 reader resort ranking of #3 in the West.  


                  We will be staying in condos at "The Lodge at Whitefish Lake" located on Whitefish Lake just a short 6-mile shuttle ride to Whitefish Mountain and a quick 1-mile trip to downtown Whitefish. Complementary shuttle service is provided to the mountain and downtown.  Check out "The Lodge" at Whitefish Lake's website for more details on this awesome resort. 

                  Whitefish Mountain aka "Big Mountain" is a skiing and snowboarding paradise with 111 named trails spanning roughly 3,000 acres of varied terrain across Big Mountain. With groomed runs, four terrain parks, a skier / snowboard course and vast expanses of bowls and glades that make for world renowned tree skiing.   Partially, located on the Flathead National Forest, the resort operates 11 chair lifts. The mountain is served by 3 high speed quad lifts, 2 quads and 6 triple chair lifts. They reach a summit elevation of 6,817 from the base of 4,464 for a total vertical descent of 2,353 feet. The longest run, an intermediate trail named Hell Fire stretches 2.52 miles. The six-seater express lift rises 2,224 vertical feet from the base area to the top of Inspiration Ridge.   Check it out!

                  The Trip
                  • 6 days, 5 nights (Saturday - Thursday)
                  • 4 days of skiing (Sunday - Wednesday)
                  • Round trip flight from MSP to Glacier Park International Airport FCA and return via Denver.
                  • Private motor coach transfers between FCA and The Lodge at Whitefish Lake. 
                  • Lodging in 2 and 3 BR condos located at The Lodge at Whitefish Lake. 
                  • Pre-trip introduction party.
                  • Welcome Reception. 
                  • Après ski events.
                  • Trip capacity of 32.
                  • You must be a rostered member of the MN SkiHawks or another club to participate.

                  Mountain Stats

                  • 3,000 acres of skiable terrain served by 11 chair lifts.
                  • The resort has a 2,353 ft. vertical drop from the summit elevation of 6,817 feet to its base at 4,464 feet.  
                  • Terrain is 12% beginner, 38% intermediate, 44% advanced and 6% expert.  Winter trail map.
                  • Average annual snowfall is 226 inches and on average has 61 annual snowfall days.

                  Lodging

                  Lodging accommodations will be condos at "The Lodge at Whitefish Lake" located on Whitefish Lake. 


                  Accommodations are two-bedroom, two bath condos that sleep four (with king and two twins per unit) and three-bedroom, three bath condos that sleep six (with king, queen and two twins per unit). Condos have fully equipped kitchen, dining room, living room, gas fireplace, HDTV and highspeed WIFI.

                  A private room option is available for those that desire privacy (within a shared condo). 

                  Amenities include an outdoor hot tub and in-door hot tub & pool, nightly outdoor S'mores (7-9pm), nightly refresher of sparkling wine in the lobby (5-6pm), access to heated ski storage, ski valet, and baggage handling. Weekly live music in the Boat Club bar. Snow shoeing, ice skating and yoga classes on the property.  Scheduled complementary ski shuttles to both the mountain and to downtown.   Check the amenities out here!   


                  Dining 

                  At the Lodge dining options include the Boat Club Bar & Restaurant which offers breakfast 7am - 11am, lunch starting at 11am, and dinner is served in the dining room starting at 5pm. The Coffee Dock Cafe opens at 7am serving a variety of house-made grab & go breakfast items and pastries. Daily Apre' ski specials in the Boat Club Bar include the famous Burger & Beer and more!   Check it out here!

                  Downtown Whitefish

                  Check out Downtown Whitefish here!        Check out dining choices here!


                  Trip Pricing*

                  Rostered SkiHawk members have registration priority until Sept. 10th, 2024.

                  A minimum deposit of $500 will reserve your spot.

                  • $1,579 "Early Bird Special" if deposit is received by Oct. 10th     
                  • $1,654 if deposit is received after Oct. 10th and by Nov. 15th.
                  • $1,729 if deposit is received after Nov. 16th.
                  Fine Print:

                  * Pricing is based on a 28-person minimum and is subject to change if there are less than 28 participants, there are fuel or ground transportation surcharges, or unforeseen increases in taxes.

                  * Pricing does not include lift tickets. See below for lift ticket options.

                  * A single occupancy option is available for a $627 upcharge.

                  Land Only" option is less $629. This would include using Amtrak on your own.

                  * Final trip pricing may be subject to fuel and bus surcharges.

                  • The $50 savings for prepayment is only available for Early Bird registrations. 

                  *The SkiHawks' cancellation policy will be in effect for this trip.  Check out the cancellation policy here!

                  Payment Schedule

                  • Initial Deposit: $500 due upon registration
                  • Second Payment: $500 due by Nov. 15th, 2024 ($1,000 total including the first deposit)
                  • Final Payment: Remaining balance due by Jan. 3rd, 2025


                  Lift Tickets

                  You can ski or ride up to four days on this tripThere are multiple options for lifts: 

                     

                  Group Lift Tickets are for 2 of 3 days, 3 of 5 days and 4 of 6 days

                      


                  Adults  (<65):         2 days      3 days       4 days


                                                         $172           $258             $343





                  Senior  (65+):          2 days     3 days       4 days


                                                        $147           $220            $293





                  Super Sr (70+):        2 days     3 days       4 days


                                                           $64             $96             $147





                                                  

                  Uncertain about your lift ticket?  Contact your trip leader with questions. Scroll down for their contact info.  


                  Flight Information

                  Important Change!

                  We were scheduled to fly United Airlines via Denver. Our tour vendor was able to rebook our group on Delta direct to Glacier Park International Airport in Kalispell MT which is just twelve miles from the town of Whitefish. (A ski bag and a boot bag count as one bag.)  A maximum of 25 seats are available. 

                  Here are the new Delta airlines flight details. (Subject to Change). 


                  Saturday Mar. 15, 2025:  MSP direct to FCA


                      Depart MSP: Flight DL #2575 at 11:50AM.  Arrive FCA at 1:59PM


                     


                  Thursday Mar. 20, 2025:  FCA direct to MSP


                       Depart FCA: Flight DL #2863 at 3:00PM. Arrive MSP at 6:51PM


                     



                  If you choose to book your own flight but desire to utilize the SkiHawks' bus transportation to and from The Lodge at Whitefish Lake, you must be sure that your flight arrives in FCA prior to 1:59 PM. Your return flight to MSP must depart after 3:00 PM. If you are not able to coordinate arrival and departure times, you would have to arrange your own shuttle services at your cost.   

                  Amtrak

                  Amtrak has a route from Minnesota to Whitefish that could be an option for some for travel to &/or from Whitefish.  The train stops in downtown Whitefish and The Lodge at Whitefish Lake offers transportation.  One way coach appears to be about $98.00. This would be on-your-own, and you would select the Amtrak option during registration. Check it out at Amtrak .  Participants can direct their travel by rail questions to trip leader Dave Scheer who has traveled to Whitefish 5 times by rail. 

                  Travel Insurance

                  Travel insurance is recommended, which can be purchased on your own.  The SkiHawks does not endorse any specific insurance provider.  If you have to cancel, the SkiHawks cancellation policy would be in effect.  If you have questions, please contact your Trip LeadersScroll down for Trip leader contact info.  Check out the cancellation policy here!

                  Other options for quotes are TravelInsurance.com and InsureMyTrip.

                   Trip Registration

                  We are excited about this trip to ski Whitefish Mountain and stay at The Lodge at Whitefish Lake. This is a new destination for the SkiHawks and it is expected that this trip will fill.  

                  Remember, rostered SkiHawk members have registration priority until Sept. 10th, 2024. On Sept. 11th registration is open to all.  


                  Questions? 

                  You can contact the trip leaders Pat or Dave using the following by phone, text or email. 


                  Trip Leaders

                  Pat Cahoon   715-441-7205 

                  Dave Scheer    651-332-3968

                  Click on a name to start an e-mail. 


                  The SkiHawks are absolutely thrilled to have these trip leaders for Whitefish. Pat Cahoon has led a Skihawks trip in the past and has been to Whitefish every year for the past ten-years. Her knowledge of the area is invaluable. Dave also has been skiing at Whitefish aka Big Mountain on five previous occasions, traveling by rail each time. Participants can direct their travel by rail questions to Dave. In addition, Dave has considerable knowledge concerning the planning this trip to Whitefish. We are confident that they will provide an exceptional experience to participants. 

                   

                  Don’t Wait too long to register. Remember our 2023 trips were filled by Kickoff!

                  Note: The number of requests for single rooms will impact the lodging spots available and thus reduce the available trip capacity as a result. 

                  You must be a paid and rostered member of the MN SkiHawks or another MSC affiliate club to go on this trip. 

                  To join the SkiHawks, Click on JOIN US.       

                        

                  For a Printable PDF 2 page Flyer click here. 

                  For a Printable Full detail summary click here.


                  Ready to go? 

                  Click on the "Register" button below. Once registered, make your deposit electronically online via credit or debit card.


                  IMPORTANT! 

                  When you register and pay, be sure to follow the payment instructions shown at checkout.  For deposits and interim payments use the INVOICE ME option. To pay in full use the PAY ONLINE option.  Reversals will be less incurred fees which run 3.5% of the payment.  


                   Register. 

                    • July 20, 2025
                    • July 25, 2025
                    • Merlin Oregon
                    • 10
                    Register




                    Join the Ski Hawks

                    White Water Rafting on the

                    Rogue River in Oregon


                    The SkiHawks' are going White Water Rafting on the infamous Rogue River in southwest Oregon July 20 - 25, 2025. We will be on the river rafting for 4 days and 3 nights.

                    Due to rafting permits this trip has a hard cap at 20 participants. 

                    Our river guides are from Arta River Trips. A non-profit organization providing river trips since 1963. Arta offers trips on 14 different rivers in five different states. They donate 100% of their profits to conservations groups who are working to protect rivers and wilderness. Arta trips are informal, congenial, spontaneous, and fun; like having dinner at the home of a good friend. We create a comfortable and inclusive environment that allows you to relax and enjoy everything that life on the river has to offer.

                    Arta is highly recommended by Willmar MN couple Fred & Kathy who have been taking rafting trips with them for 20 years.  The Rogue is also recommended ae one of his favorite rivers by veteran white water rafter Robert Scheibel of Santa Rosa California who has done "The Rogue" 4 times over the years. He comments that it is more scenic than the Grand Canyon with wonderful forest, diverse river basin, abundant wildlife. Indeed, it is as the Rogue River Basin is among the four most diverse temperate coniferous forests of this kind in the world, which contains 3,500 different plant species!

                    Testimonials - ARTA River Trips


                    The Rogue River is born on the slopes of the Klamath Mountains surrounding Crater Lake. It flows west past the towns of Medford and Grants Pass before carving a wild and remote canyon through the coastal range of the Siskiyou Mountains. It is here, in the beautiful, heavily forested, “Wild Rogue” canyon, that our trips take place.

                    The Rogue River is primarily a Class III river with two notable exceptions: Rainie Falls and Blossom Bar. The risks that these two rapids present are unusual and significant and the rewards they offer are minimal. Under most conditions, we will have everyone take a short, scenic hike around the rapids while our guides take the empty rafts through the most dangerous sections.

                    The canyon slopes are blanketed with stands of Douglas fir, Ponderosa pine, madrone, and numerous varieties of oak. Ferns, wildflowers, and blackberries flourish up the numerous side streams. Abundant wildlife inhabits the canyon and we commonly see deer, otter, osprey, bald eagles, and an occasional black bear. The river itself follows a diverse course, alternately crashing over abrupt ledges, flattening into shallow expanses, and squeezing between house-sized boulders or through narrow gorges. There are rapids every day with highlights at Mule Creek Canyon and Blossom Bar on day 3 or 4. Participants may experience a natural water slide during a short hike on Tate Creek. 

                    What is provided for rafting:

                    • Pre-trip meeting at Morrison’s Lodge
                    • Transportation from Morrison’s to the river and return to Morrison’s
                    • All meals from lunch on the first day through lunch on the last day
                    • Hot breakfast, deli style lunch, evening dinner
                    • All taxes and government access fees
                    • Waterproof bags, lifejackets, and other specialized river touring equipment for the trip
                    • Friendly, entertaining and professional guide service
                    • Sleeping pads (Paco pad style) for every guest
                    • Sleeping Bags (you may bring your own)
                    • Tents 

                    Types of boats: On the Rogue River we offer three types of boats in which to ride:

                    Oar rafts are 18 feet long, carry all of the overnight gear and up to 5 guests. They are rowed by a guide using oars attached to a metal frame. You ride in the front, hang on through the rapids and relax in the calm stretches.

                    Paddle rafts are 14 feet long and carry between 4 and 6 paddlers who actively paddle through the rapids and down the river. Everyone has a paddle, sits on the outer tube of the raft and follows the commands of the paddle guide who sits in the rear.

                    Inflatable kayaks are 10 – 12 feet long and are paddled by 1 or 2 people using double-bladed paddles. They are fairly stable, require no previous experience and allow you to feel the thrill of independently paddling the river.

                    Rogue River, Beautiful Family Rafting Fun in Oregon - ARTA Trips

                    Rogue River Trip Details - ARTA River Trips

                    Meals and drinks: The meals we serve are well-balanced and consist of quality foods with fresh meats, fruits, and vegetables. Guides double as camp chefs and the menu includes a wide variety of dishes. Lunches consist of hand-foods and are served picnic-style at riverside stops. Dinners and breakfasts are prepared by our guides and often include tasty Dutch Oven baked treats. If you have special dietary requirements or are celebrating a special event during the trip, please let us know in advance. If you would like soda, beer, wine, or liquor with your dinner, please bring your own, (beer and soda in cans; wine in boxes or bags; hard liquor in glass bottles).


                    Camping: Overnight camping will be done at riverside beaches with spectacular views of the river and canyon. There is usually a central kitchen and campfire area and guests pick out spots in the surrounding area to pitch their tents or lay out their sleeping bags. We will provide portable toilet facilities. Dinner is served in the evening and the campfire is often kept burning into the night for music and story-telling.

                    Weather: Southern Oregon’s summer weather is usually excellent with highs ranging from the 80’s to the 90’s and dropping into the 60’s at night. Very little rain falls on the Rogue during the summer months, however, overcast and cool days do occur and you should be prepared with fleece tops and good rainshells. The water temperature warms up into the high 60’s during the summer.



                    The Trip
                    • 6 days, 5 nights (Sunday - Friday)
                    • 4 days of rafting (Monday - Thursday)
                    • 3 nights of camping on the shores of the Rogue River
                    • Morrisons Rogue Wilderness Lodge Sunday & Thursday night accommodations. 
                    • Round trip connecting flight from MSP to MFR - Medford OR and return. 
                    • Private transfers between MFR and pre-trip & post-trip lodging. The trip out will have a beverage stop.
                    • Pre-trip introduction party.
                    • Trip capacity of 20.
                    • This event is open to all  club members.
                    • You must be a rostered member of the MN SkiHawks or another club to participate.

                    River Stats

                    • World class river rafting experience 
                    • Suitable for beginners to novices
                    • 37 miles of class II and Class III rapids
                    • The highest difficulty of two class IV rapids which may be circumvented. 
                    • One of original eight national wild and scenic rivers
                    • No other river has so much swimming available
                    • Average of 10 rapids per day
                    • Best known for wildlife and scenery
                    • 4.0-star rating for hiking
                    • 4.5-star rating for rapids
                    • 4.5- star rating for scenery
                    • 5.5-star rating for wildlife
                    • 5.5-star rating for swimming
                    • Signature rapid: Mule Creek Canyon


                    Lodging

                    Pre-rafting and post-rafting Lodging accommodations will be at the Morrisons Rogue Wilderness Lodge on both Sunday and Thursday evenings. Actual accommodations are subject to having quick and timely sign-up for the trip. Please sign up as soon as you decide to participate so lodging accommodations can be finalized.  

                    Morrison’s Rogue Wilderness Adventures & Lodge has been ranked #3 on the prestigious list of 100 Best “Fan-Favorite” Destinations in Oregon for 2024! 

                    While at Morrisons, Sunday evening, we will enjoy a gourmet four course meal. Monday morning a hot breakfast is served. Thursday evening after returning from the river we will enjoy another gourmet four course meal. Friday morning prior to departing for the airport we plan to have a hot breakfast. 

                    Fine Dining at Morrisons Rogue Wilderness Lodge

                    Morrisons Rogue Wilderness Lodge - Lodging, Fishing, Rafting and Hiking 

                    Morrison's will provide proper accommodations for the demographics of our group provided we book soon enough.  Possible accommodations is the Treetops House sleeping 12 guests and is perfect for family functions and friendly gatherings. The master bedroom has a king bed, and the master bathroom offers a luxurious oversized soaking tub. The additional bedroom includes 4 separate twins, and in the large loft there is 4 twin beds, and a twin size trundle bed set in the side living room sleeps another 2 guests. 

                    The Treetops House - Morrisons Rogue Wilderness Lodge

                    Taylor Creek - Morrisons Rogue Wilderness Lodge

                    Another possibility are the Taylor Creek units which are larger units, can accommodate 6 - 7 people and have plenty of space for everyone. These units are located on the creek side of the property with an incredible meadow view, and ramp/stair access. They also include multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, so everyone has enough room to stretch out and do their own thing. They sleep six to seven individuals with 4-5 twin beds and a king or queen depending on the unit. 


                    Trip Pricing*

                    Rostered SkiHawk members have registration priority until Nov 24th, 2024.  Because of the nature of this trip there is a hard cap of 20 participants. The Ski Hawks encourage sign-up A.S.A.P so that we can finalize holds for the lodging. Please contact the trip leader if considering joining with a later registration & deposit. 

                    A minimum deposit of $260 will reserve your spot.

                    • $2,122 "Early Bird Special" if deposit is received by Nov 30th
                    • $2,172 if deposit is received after Nov. 30th and by Dec. 15th.
                    • $2,222 if deposit is received after Dec. 15th and before Jan 15th.
                    •  Registrations will waitlist after Jan 15th and may be accepted only if lodging is available at Morrison's Lodge and rafting space is also available. 

                    * Pricing is based on a 10-person minimum and double occupancy tent camping on the river and stated lodging accommodations.  If less than 10 people sign-up, prices may be adjusted


                    *Participants agree to sign Arta River Trips waiver. 

                    * Air fare is not included in the above prices. See below for airfare.


                    * Limited single occupancy option may be available at Morrison's lodge. If desired contact trip leader to discuss. 


                    * Final trip pricing may be subject to lodging price changes & fuel surcharges.


                    Waitlist availability after Jan 15th is subject to rafting space on our launch with Arta River Trips.  


                    Payment Schedule

                    • Initial Deposit: $260 due upon registration
                    • Second Payment: $740 due by Jan. 15th, 2025 ($1,000 total including the first deposit)
                    • Third Payment: $ 910 due by Feb. 15th,2025  ($1,910 total including the first deposit) 
                    • Final Payment: Remaining balance due by April 1st, 2025
                    • If less than 10 participants, prices may be adjusted. 


                    Flight Information

                    Final arrangements subject to change.  A minimum of 10 seats are required to obtain the group rate and maximum of 20 seats are available. 

                    We are planning to fly Alaska Airlines with a connecting flight through Seattle WA and on to Medford OR.  

                          Airline Fights cost in addition to the base price

                          $744 price per person Group Rate. 

                    Here are the planned flight details. Subject to change. 


                         Sunday July 20, 2025:  MSP to SEA to MFR

                    Depart: Flight #AS387 at 8:00 AM.  Arrive SEA at 9:50 AM 

                    Depart: Flight #AS2052 at 1:40 P M.  Arrive at 3:00 PM


                    Friday July 25, 2025:  MFR to SEA to MSP

                    Depart: Flight #AS2052 at 3:40 PM.  Arrive SEA at 5:08 PM

                    Depart: Flight #AS386 at 6:35 PM.  Arrive MSP at 11:58 PM


                    If you do not book the same flights as the group and if you want to utilize the Ski Hawks' transportation, you must be sure that your flight arrives in MFR prior to group arrival. Your return flight to MSP must depart after group departure. If you are not able to coordinate arrival and departure times, you would have to arrange your own shuttle services at your cost.   

                    Travel Insurance

                    Travel insurance is recommended, which can be purchased on your own.  The SkiHawks does not endorse any specific insurance provider.  If you have to cancel, the SkiHawks cancellation policy would be in effect.  If you have questions, please contact your Trip LeadersScroll down for Trip leader contact info.  Check out the cancellation policy here!

                    Other options for quotes are TravelInsurance.com and InsureMyTrip.


                     Trip Registration


                    We are excited about this trip providing Ski Hawks a white-water rafting experience for beginners to novices. This trip offers an exceptional experience for participants. 


                    Our trip leader David Scheibel has experience rafting on the Snake River, Arkansas River, Flat Head River, Cataract Canyon of the Colorado River, Middle Fork of the American with infamous "Tunnel chute", and the South Fork of the American a total of ten rafting trips. In addition, he has considerable experience leading both large and small ski trip groups including a Ski Hawks ski trip to Aspen - Snowmass. 


                    The SkiHawks' cancellation policy will be in effect for this trip.  Check out the cancellation policy here!



                    Questions? 

                    Contact Trip Leader David Scheibel at (320) 579-0442. Click on his name to start an e-mail. 


                    You must be a paid and rostered member of the MN SkiHawks or another MSC affiliate club to go on this trip. 

                    To join the SkiHawks, Click on JOIN US.       

                    Click for a Printable PDF Flyer RAFTING ROGUE FLYER  2025.pdf



                    Ready to go? 

                    Click on the "Register" button below. Once registered, make your deposit electronically online via credit or debit card. Only online payments are accepted.


                    IMPORTANT! 

                    When you register and pay, be sure to follow the payment instructions shown at checkout.  For deposits and interim payments use the INVOICE ME option. To pay in full use the PAY ONLINE option.  Reversals will be less incurred fees which run 3.5% of the payment.  


                     Register. 

                     

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