Over the Hill Ski Tour Feb/March 2009

MIX ‘N’ MATCH : You can choose 1, 2 or 3 week combinations

These Packages can be customised suiting to your needs.

Domestic Flights:Add NZ$150 return from Wellington and Christchurch.

Prices include:

• Return Airfares ex-Auckland or Sydney valid at 8 July (Airfare costs will increase as the cheaper seats eventually get sold first). Airline/Airport taxes not included, Ex AKL add NZ$85 & Ex SYD add AU$520 and are subject to change.
• All transfers by private coach include grocery stops and gratuities.
• Accommodation is based on comfortable mid range 1 bedroom kitchenette units twin share or double: see below for options and accommodation savings.
• Lift pass as indicated above
• Guided Tours by Tour Leaders & Mountain hosts. Every day you are in small guided groups, or you can do your own thing.
• Fun theme Night and Dinner is Included
• Casual lesson/Tips from tour leader Mike see below
• 6 Apres Ski evenings, nibbles and wine
• DVD Video/Photos of you skiing on your holiday.

Costs are subject to flight availability.
Please note: Airfares included in this package are limited. If you book late, you may have to purchase a more expensive airfare.

Over the Hill Ski Tour

For Skiers who enjoy sharing a “Senior Moment” with other Senior Skiers.

Minimum Qualifying standards:
You need at least 1 of the following attributes to join the “Over the Hill” ski tour

• Be over 45 yrs old, or at least look over 45
• No hair or at least one grey hair – will accept dye!!
• A sense of humour and an ability to enjoy the camaraderie of other enthusiastic and like minded skiers

Tour Itinerary

Saturday 21 Feb 2009 Option 1 & 2 Auckland or Sydney:  Direct non stop flight to Vancouver with connecting flights to Rockies International Airport, bus transfer to Fernie. (Approx. 20 hour door to door) - 6 guaranteed ski days - 7 nights in Ski In Ski Out Accommodation. Timeberline Lodges (Click on Pics to Zoom) Griz Inn (Click on Pics to Zoom) Fernie Accommodation Options: There are a number of different options at Fernie from basic hotel room to Mid range 1 & 2 bedroom or upgrades to superior Ski In Ski Out. See accommodation options below that can reduce your cost while staying at Fernie. Friday 27 Feb 2009 Option 3 (Red Mt & Sun Peaks Ex NZ ) Friday 27 Feb 2009: Auckland direct non stop flight to Vancouver: Overnight in Vancouver with time to get in some shopping or sightseeing. Saturday 28 Feb 2009 Option 3 (Red Mt & Sun Peaks Ex Australia ) Saturday 28 Feb 2008: Sydney direct non stop flight to Vancouver and meet up with the New Zealand members on the mid Morning Flight to Castlegar. Transfer to accommodation at Red, with grocery stop en route. Meet up with the rest of the group, arriving mid afternoon. Option 1 & 2 Private Coach transfer from Fernie to Red – sightseeing day with a few photo stops, plus lunch (not included), & a grocery stop in Salmo before arriving at Red mid afternoon. Option 1, 2 & 3 - 6 guaranteed ski days - 7 nights at the Premium Ski In Ski Out Location Silver Tip (Click on Pics to Zoom) Slalom Creek (Click on Pics to Zoom) Red Mountain new owners have completed a 5 year re-development of accommodation. Your accommodation is in a premium Ski In Ski Out Location in either Brand new Silvertip Lodges or 2 year old Slalom Creek. Saturday 7 Mar 2009 Option 2 (Fernie & Red Mt Only): Depart 1.10 PM for flight home. Arriving Mon Morning 9th March 2009(crossing dateline). Approx 20hrs door to door. Saturday 7 Mar 2009 Option 1 & 3 Private coach transfer to Sun Peaks, sight seeing day with few photo stops, plus lunch (not included in price) and Grocery stop en route, arrive Sun Peaks mid late afternoon. - 6 guaranteed ski days - 7 Nights Nancy Greene's Cahitly Lodge at Sun Peaks Saturday 14 Mar 2009 Option 1 & Option 3: Last Morning Skiing at Sun Peaks(1/2 day lift pass not included). Depart 3.45 PM for Flight Home Direct Non stop service to Auckland or Sydney: Crossing Dateline arriving home Monday Morning 16th March, 2009. (Crossing the dateline, Approx 20 hrs door to door.)

Why does our ‘OVER THE HILL SKI TOUR’ sell out each year?

We, (tour leaders) and the group make it so much fun both on and off the slopes.  Clients / friends return as often as they can and bring their mates.

Nearly 75% of tour members are repeat clients who have two or more tours under their skis.  It is not Clicky nor is it Hi di Hi, It’s great fun with a great bunch of like minded skiers who know how to enjoy life and skiing.

Cheaper Accommodation Saving Options for

• Singles

• Couples

• Couples happy to share with friends

It’s our goal at Dive Fish Snow Travel to accommodate you in whatever accommodation best suits your personal needs.

However the earlier you book the more accommodation options are available to you, as Dive Fish Snow Travel has a limited number of the best rooms on hold for the group and these will be allocated/booked out on a first deposit basis.

Accommodation options price guideline

Package prices listed above are based on a nice mid range one bedroom units with kitchen, in a good location at each resort.  (Red Mountain rooms are brand new or 2 years old).

Applicable for Singles Only

Our seniors who are traveling alone can share a room with another skier of the same gender.

Option 1.  Singles who want their own private hotel room without kitchen (often slightly lower grade.)

In general:  Costs are about the same as the share twin package price above. We will give you a firm quote on enquiry.

Option 2.  Singles who are happy to share in a 2 bedroom unit with kitchen.

Use twin share/double rate above: plus add on prices listed below.

Singles who multi share in a 2 bedroom unit with 1½ - 2 bathrooms with proper bed  full kitchen, and large dinning area. Most cases there will be only 3 skiers in a 2 bedroom unit but there could be 4.  Depending on final numbers/Gender.

The two bedroom units have one queen bed in the “master bedroom”. The 2nd bedroom will have 2 queen or 2 singles or 2 bunks, or a combination, however maximum of 2 guests in second room.

All bathrooms will be shared.

Lounge:  If we need to quad share the pull out sofa bed or Murphy bed in lounge will be used.

Singles Pricing

Add on to Package Price

1. To guarantee you have the master bedroom add $150 week (limited availability).
2. Staying in the 2nd bedroom add $75 pp per week to the package price.
3. If you are the last to book into that room i.e. the 4th guest you will be allocated the sofa pull out or murphy bed for that week/weeks.  Take off $150 per week.

Applicable for Couples Only

• Couples sharing with a friend.
• Singles sharing with a couple

1. Couples: Use above package rate you have your own 1 bedroom unit.
2. A couple and 1 friend sharing a 1 bedroom with kitchen:  Often this will save approx $125 to $145 pp per week off the above package price.
3. Four friends sharing 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms with full/larger kitchen, larger dinning and living area.
   We are happy to quote on this option, but it often works out slightly cheaper than the twin share rate, but you get a larger kitchen/dining area and the 2nd room often has 2 queen beds with own bathroom.

GOING TO FERNIE  It is important to read this

We have a very limited number of nice mid range one bedroom rooms at Timberline Lodge and will be allocated on a 1st deposit basis, they have good amenities, lounge, hot tub etc. We also have some cheaper hotel rooms and one bedrooms options at the Grizz Inn located in front of the main lift.

There are advantages and disadvantages.

Please choose carefully

The main package price listed above is based on staying at the nicer mid range one bedroom accommodation at The Timberline Lodge, however we only have a limited number of rooms.  The Timberline Lodge has “ok” ‘ski in’ access, but is a 5 to 7 min walk (flat to slightly up hill to the lifts) or you can take the free shuttle.

Timberline Lodge Hotel Room, Fernie : Save $500pp off the Package price

Newer style room with full use of hotel amenities, hot tub etc. but has only 2 queen beds, bathroom, No fridge, No tea/coffee, small room – take off $500 pp from above package price. Thus paying for your meals for a week.

Other accommodation options/Saving for Fernie only

Grizz Inn – older more basic lodging but prime ‘ski in ski out’ location next to lifts, close to restaurant, bar, day lodge.

Depending on what grade/type of room you would prefer you could move from The Timberline Lodge to Grizz Inn (2-3 min walk apart).

• Staying in A Griz Inn Hotel Room without kitchen Singles or Couples: (fridge/tea/coffee only supplied) 2 Queen Beds: Save $400 pp of above package price.
• Grizz Inn 1 Bedroom Couples only: Staying in a 1 bedroom with kitchen is the same price as Timberline. Older unit than Timblerline but closer to lifts, restaurant, bar.

Please don’t hesitate to ask for advice, as we are only too happy to help.

SINGLES:

Singles – we do our best to room you with someone we think you will be compatible with, of the same gender.

As so many of our clients are repeat they know the drill on shopping, cooking, dining out, and they will be happy to help you.

If this is your first tour sometimes we/you can change roommates during the course of the tour.

SINGLES TRAVELLING WITH A MATE (SAME GENDER)

You both can have the same options as the couples, use package price above.  The one bedroom units have full kitchen, room will still have a queen bed and double sofa bed. Upgraded room may have 2 Queen beds.

SINGLES wanting a room to themselves with kitchen.  You are able to pay a single supplement depending on room grade and resort. Just ask us we are happy to give you a quote.

TOUR LEADERS

Ron and Christine Blake : Directors of Dive Fish Snow Travel

Ron and Christine Blake, Directors of Dive Fish Snow Travel have earned the reputation of being hardworking tour leaders who go that extra mile to look after you and make everyone's trip fun and hassle free.

They love to see people joining the trip as strangers, and end the trip as close friends.

Each morning the group get together and Ron will go over the day's programme of events, including suggested meeting places for lunch and apres ski. With everyone skiing at different levels and on different runs, this allows a chance to catch up during the day.

All the tour leaders also have walkie talkies with them as a safety precaution and to provide good communication between everyone, so the group and couples skiing in different groups are able to meet up at the same time and place.

Christine's previous occupation was working as a registered nurse, and while this is one of her skills that you hopefully will not need to test, she is there to help you with any unexpected health problems you may have whilst travelling.

This is Ron & Christine's 11th Senior Tour they have put together.

Mike and Vicki Wiggins : Mike was a ski instructor

Mike and Vicki Wiggins have been skiing since 1972 and were involved as tour guides and instructors for over six years for tour groups from Auckland to Mt Ruapehu and have travelled and skied many of NZ’s ski-fields as well as many of the ski fields in the USA and Canada with smaller groups.

They have also toured Canada and the USA ski-fields in RV’s, delving into the delights of many of the smaller fields.

They have owned several well known ski businesses in Ohakune and Auckland and can be found skiing most weekends at Turoa ski fields.

Mike is a qualified ski instructor and a Life Member of the NZ Ski Instructors Alliance.

This is Mike and Vicki's 3rd time as tour leaders with Over the Hill Ski tour.

Paul Goldfinch : Passionate North American Skier

Paul Goldfinch has been Club captain, of the Havelock North Ski Club for 12 years with 20 trips to North America in the past 21 years. Paul has a love affair with North American Snow and enjoys sharing his passion with other like minded skiers no matter what your skiing ability. Keep an eye open for Paul at Whakapapa as he is one of the Snow Hosts happily guiding skiers at Mt Ruapehu.

This is Paul's 6th time as tour leader with Over the Hill Ski tour

Buzzy: Our Team Mascot

Buzzy has been our team mascot for 6 years. He or She (we are still not sure) likes to know all those special untold stories of the days / events (in confidence of course just for the record book). Buzzy does have a reputation for sleeping around!! and is looking forward to meeting you in person.

Buzzy has skied Lake Tahoe area, Big White, Silver Star, Sunpeaks, Lake Louise, Sunshine and looking forward to skiing Fernie and Red Mountain.

Such is the popularity of the “Over the Hill” ski tour that often the group size is between 30 – 40.
Ron and Christine, as Directors of Dive Fish Snow Travel, want to keep the personal touch to their tour.  But rather than turning away regular repeat clients just to keep the group at a more manageable size of 15 – 20 people, we have added 3 more passionate and committed tour leaders, Paul, Mike and Vicki. With Ron and Christine being directors of NZ's largest Ski Travel Agent you can be assured of great service plus, the Mountain Resorts and Hotel also go that extra mile to ensure everyone has a great time.

Having 5 tour leaders enables the group to be split into 5 smaller groups of 7 – 9 skiers, all with a similar level of skiing ability (see below). This way we can still offer the personal touches and the same high level of service, showing you around the mountains and getting the best runs and snow conditions. Plus there is more fun with a bigger group.

Tour leaders and services to you are all free and include:

• Casual ski instruction from Mike
• Checking out grooming and snow reports / conditions so you get the best of what the mountain has to offer that day.
• Organizing après ski
• Organizing special events
• Write the day’s programme, so everyone knows what, where and when plus what to bring.
• Book restaurants
• Arrange mountain snow hosts
• Make sure everything is to your liking.
  
• It's the attention to detail that goes on behind the scenes to make your ski holiday a happy and memorable one.

LEVEL OF SKIING ABILITY

Skiing with a group is loads more fun. You ski at a level you are comfortable with.

Skiing

Often first timers joining our group are pleasantly surprised by the camaraderie and friendship of like-minded skiers who welcome newcomers to our group.

Skiing Level – As there are 5 tour leaders, (Mike, Vicki, Paul, Christine and Ron) all skiing at 5 different levels and pace, from “gentle” to “steep and deep”, there is sure to be a group of fellow skiers/riders at the same level as yourself, and you are welcome to speed up or slow down to a group that suits on the day.

Couples skiing – no problem if you ski/ride at different levels, and go your separate ways as all the group leaders coordinate with one another and meet for lunch at the same time and place.  We also meet for a hot coco, morning tea break so you can catch up with your partner or friends.

In general, Ron and Christine will break the group into 5 different groups:
1. Go hard and fast (experts) 2. Blue + black run cruisers 3. green + blue run cruisers 4. Do your own thing. Often couples ski in different groups, but in the same area, and share the odd lift together.

1. Go hard and fast: Ron will guide you all the big runs and hidden gems. This group will ski at their own pace, as hard and fast as they choose!

2. Blue + black cruisers: Paul and Mike lead these 2 groups; they know the mountains intimately and ski at a more relaxed pace with 1 or 2 stops from top to bottom. Most focus is on the challenging blue and black runs with a bit of glade skiing, the Tour Leaders also know those special hide away places on the mountain.

3. Green + blue cruisers plus the odd groomed black runs : Christine/Vicki also know the mountains intimately and take their groups at a cruising pace with stops for photos and morning tea stops. If you are having a good day you might want to try a Groomed black run.

4. D.I.Y: Of course you are more than welcome to take off at any time and do your own thing, moving from group to group or skiing on your own as you choose.

Après Ski:
Ron and Christine make sure that 2 or 3 times a week there is a fun event; drinks & nibbles, a wander around town or dinner together etc. They will also make you aware of special events hosted by the mountain resorts. There is always something happening and most people are keen to join in, enjoying the camaraderie and fellowship of other group members.

Still not convinced ? Check out the Resort Pages we are visiting.

Ski Fernie

Ski Red

Ski Sun Peaks

Expression of Interest
This is not a definite commitment to join the tour. Once we receive your expression of interest form back from you, we will contact you to answer any questions you may have and to discuss the options. If you wish to book, we will put your bookings in place. Or we can “pencil you in” until you can make a definite decision.

Seniors 65+ years: We understand that due to health reasons you may not wish to make a commitment or pay a deposit until later in the year. The downside to this is that by the time you decide you can travel, the cheaper airfares are often sold out, and accommodation options may be limited.

So we can offer you 2 options:

1. Pay a refundable deposit of $500 per person and if you need to pull out due to ill health, we will refund your deposit, less a $75 administration fee. We can only offer this option until 31 October, as after this date we need to send deposits overseas, which are non refundable. So cancellation fees will apply if cancelling after this date.
2. We can pencil you in and keep you up to date with how the trip is selling

HELP US TO HELP YOU: AIRLINE SEATS are very hard to book later in the year particularly on the direct non stop services.
We would rather you book your flights now and we cancel them later if you are unable to travel, rather than leave it until later and not be able to get seats on the flights. No Cancellation Fees.

The Last Minute
The earlier you book and pay a deposit, the better your chances of getting what you want and the cheaper airfare, and get on the direct non stop services.

Airline taxes approx. NZ$85 or AU$495 are not included. All quotes are subject to reconfirmation at time of booking & are valid for 7 Days; call us after this time to check the quote is still valid.
- Airfares – the airfare used as part of your package is current at time of writing, until paid in full subject to airfare increases & additional taxes
- Your Snow Holiday is costed using today’s exchange rate and is subject to currency fluctuations until paid in full.

Express your Interest in our Over the Hill Ski Tour 2009 This is not a commitment
Name (1) :	65 Yrs + : Please Check if 65+ As per your Passport
Name (2) :	65 Yrs + : Please Check if 65+ As per your Passport
Address :
Phone (include your area code please)
Day Time :
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or Simply Just Give us a Call : Ph: NZ: 09-4792210 or AU Free Ph : 1800-042-195
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Thank you for your expression of interest. We will be in touch with you soon.