tampa bay ski club trips

Join us at Big Sky for a lifetime of unforgettable memories ! Your Trip Leader will organize a group Dinner and other activities and will notify you with the details. Big Sky Resort has four mountains connected by chair lifts providing family members and friends of different skiing abilities with a magnitude of intertwined terrain levels. Information about Big Sky is endless, come see for yourself! This trip will fill up fast, so don't hesitate, sign up for the fun today!

Big Sky is conveniently located directly between Bozeman-Yellowstone International Airport and Yellowstone National Park. Since there isn’t a major metropolitan city destination, there will be no traffic as you begin your journey into Big Sky. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, there are many other activities you'll enjoy, ranging from evening family activities, to dining and shopping, to visits to Yellowstone National Park.

HUNTLEY LODGE - This historic hotel is located right in the heart of Big Sky’s Mountain Village. The Huntley Lodge: Ski in / ski out on the slopes of Big Sky. Amenities include: complimentary breakfast buffet, ski storage, pools and hot tubs, fireplace in lodge, laundry, reception desk staffed 24 hours. The Explorer lift is located right out the back door for ski-in – ski-out convenience. Under the same roof are concierge, dining, shopping, ski storage, and the Solace Spa. The Huntley Lodge features Boyne Beds and has convenient access to the Huntley Outdoor Swimming Pool and Two Outdoor Hot Tubs, Fitness Center and Sauna. This seven story landmark is attached to the Huntley Lodge where dining and shopping are right outside the doors in the heart of Big Sky's Mountain Village.

Big Sky is known for pushing the limits of skiing. Whether it's providing 4,350 vertical feet of terrain from the top of Lone Peak, or installing North America's most technologically advanced chairlift we're always looking for new ways to create exceptional experiences for our guests. 300 degrees of skiing off of the towering Lone Peak, surrounded by three other mountains, spans 5,850 acres of terrain to explore. If you're just starting out on snow, 2,300 of those acres are beginner and intermediate terrain that's perfect for learning and improving your technique. For the experts, Big Sky provides lift-served access to some of the most aggressive in-bounds terrain in the world. Seamless accessibility is provided by the most advanced lift network in North America, boasting Ramcharger 8 as the first of its kind worldwide. With new infrastructure coming as part of our 2025 plan, including an upgrade to the Swift Current chairlift, you can experience Montana elements under the protection of a Big Sky Blue Bubble right out of the base area.Explore the growing hub of adventurism in Big Sky's Mountain Village. With slopeside lodging like the Huntley Lodge and Summit Hotel, both undergoing remodels in Summer 2021, shopping, and dining, Mountain Village is the heart of it all.

LODGING BEDDING & AMENITIES

Big Sky (Photo courtesy of Michel Tallichet)

Big Sky (Photo courtesy of Cody Whitmer)

Huntley Lodge (Photo courtesy of Big Sky Resort DMA)

Shoshone Condos (Photo courtesy of Big Sky Resort DMA)

Village Center Hotel (Photo courtesy of Village Center Hotel)

Minimum participation required. Prices are subject to any fuel surcharges, new fees or taxes imposed by airlines or governmental agencies.

Ski trip applications.

To contact the Trip Leader:

Cindy Dickerson (727) 420-4220 Email: [email protected]

For More Ski Trip Information Contact: Tampa Bay Ski Club Phone: (813) 710-4SKI (4754) Email: [email protected] Available 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (EST)

SNOWMASS VILLAGE  Consists of two separate mountain malls, an upper and a lower with the FREE “Skittles” gondola connecting the two so you will never have to hoof it uphill in the exhausting altitude. These malls boast countless shops and restaurants so you may never need to leave Snowmass!

ASPEN:  For those of you who want to do more than eat, sleep, ski, you can take the 20 minute shuttle ride down the mountain into Aspen. Historic Aspen is a unique Victorian Town with a style that you must experience for yourself. The nightspots and restaurants offer world class dining and entertainment. “Star Watching” is also popular here as many celebrities call Aspen home.

THE STONEBRIDGE INN  is the best ski club hotel in the United States. The Inn has daily maid service, an Olympic size pool, and two Jacuzzis. There is a grand lobby with a large fireplace, unique bar, and full service restaurant. Available in the restaurant every morning is a deluxe buffet breakfast. Here you can sit by the fire and meet up with your fellow travelers for breakfast. The breakfast has become very popular and is well worth the extra cost! TERRACE HOUSE CONDOS  will also be available for those who prefer to stay in a condominium. The beautiful Terrace House is only 75 yards from the slopes and right next door to the Stonebridge Inn. These spacious condos have two bedrooms, two baths, full kitchen, living room, fireplace, and can sleep up to six people. Both of these wonderful lodging properties are located on a small side lane that goes right to the main green run near the base of the mountain. You will be able to walk to the slopes and slap your skis or boards on and go!

• Slope side, a short walk to the slopes
• Ski lockers
• Overnight ski and snowboard tuning
• Complimentary Aspen airport shuttle
• Daily housekeeping
• Business services, including Internet access, faxing and copying
• Complimentary Wireless Internet access
• Award-winning dining at The Artisan restaurant
• Swimming pool and hot tubs
• Fitness room and sauna
• Cross-country skiing
• Available Option – daily hot buffet breakfast
• Massage, facials, aesthetics, yoga

LODGING BEDDING & AMENITIES

Minimum participation required. Prices are subject to any fuel surcharges, new fees or taxes imposed by airlines or governmental agencies.

Ski trip applications.

To contact the Trip Leader:

RUBY JOHNSON (727) 480-1434 EMAIL:  [email protected]

Back to trip schedule, next trip ››.

Join Us and Embark on New Adventures

Welcome to the new onyx ski & sports club of tampa bay website. we think you will find this site as your first source of information on the club, the nbs , the florida ski council and the ski industry in general..

Getting Started With Skiing/Snowboarding

NBS Eastern Region Summerfest 2024, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, AN ALL INCLUSIVE RESORT, July 25-30th. Regular Registration begins Jan 15th!

ANNUAL BEACH BASH! Coming in June. Stay tuned!

NBS Black Summit 2024, Feb 27 – Mar 2, Big Sky Montana. Contact Ray Campbell for details @ [email protected]!

Onyx Ski & Sports Club members represent all walks of life, but we are united by at least one thing — fun on the slopes.

Whether we are skiing or snowboarding experts who never miss a chance to plow through powder or novices just getting our feet — or skis – wet, all are welcome .

Snowmobiling

Annual Beach Bash

Snowboarding

Golf Tournaments

Why join us, a club of passionate individuals, networking & social activities, enjoy  travels around the globe, club information, member information, events information, board information, legal information.

© 2023 | Onyx Ski & Sports Club of Tampa Bay, Inc.  | All Rights Reserved.

Snowmass / Aspen

Snowmass activities, ski snowmass.

The Snowmass Ski School is staffed to offer every level of lesson in an amazing variety of languages and includes a crackerjack crew of snowboard instructors. Ski Snowmass and discover the seven high-speed quads and excellent restaurants sprinkled everywhere you want to take a break, including elegant table service at Gwynn’s High Alpine.

Rock Climbing

For an air-conditioned Florida adventure, check out Vertical Ventures, Tampa's indoor rock climbing adventure spot. Vertical Ventures

Tampa Bay Snow Skiers and Boarders Club puts together trips all over the U.S and the rest of the world. They offer great packages all throughout the ski season. Tampa Bay Snow Skiers and Boarders

The Tampa Bay Ski Club operates in conjunction with Bowen Travel to bring you great savings on ski adventures. Tampa Bay Ski Club

Mountain Biking

Swamp Club is the area mountain bike club that maintains and creates the trails at several regional parks. For info about where to ride or group rides visit their site. SWAMPCLUB

Think there is no hiking in Florida? If so you should check out the Florida Trail. The Florida Trail is a series of trails that can be connected for a thru hike of the entire state from the panhandle to the glades. Check out the site for backpacking info or spots for dayhikes. florida-trail.org

Hillsborough County also has a great variety of local trails to explore.

Hillsborough County Trails

Adventures here and Abroad

Tampa Adventure Group Hosting local day outings and expeditions all over the world. www.tampaadventuregroup.com

Canoe/ Kayak

Want to paddle a blackwater river filled with Cypress trees and wildlife within an easy drive of downtown Tampa? Then check out Canoe Escape. They offer self-guided canoe rentals and shuttles that allow you to paddle down the Hillsborough River. If you haven't paddled this river and you love outdoor adventure, you have been missing out! CANOEESCAPE

Brands You'll Find Here

Tampa Bay Snow Skiers & Boarders

Vail, December 2023

Trip Schedule for 2023-2024

Your Trip Committee has been working hard to bring you another wonderful schedule of trips. Dates and destinations are firm for all, with a very slight chance of some price or airline changes on a few trips. Use the links below to preview or register for one or more trips. We have a fantastic 2023-2024 schedule, and trips will fill up fast!

Note that the online sign up is not optimized for cell phones.

FSC = Florida Ski Council

• Vail, CO (EPIC)         Closed      Fri, 12/08/2023 – 12/15/2023       Trip Leader: Eric Foreman       Co-Trip Leader: Steven Bloom
• Banff, Canada (IKON)       Closed       Tue, 12/26/2023 – 01/02/2024       Trip Leader: Rick Cervis
• Snowbasin/Powder Mtn, UT       Closed       Thu, 01/11/2024 – 01/16/2024       Thur - Tue 4 Ski Days       Trip Leader: John Eberhardt       Co-Trip Leader: Mary Pulaski
• Snowmass, CO (IKON)       Closed       Sat, 01/13/2024 – 01/20/2024       Trip Leader: Roger Copp       Co-Trip Leader: Karen Ritter
• Breckenridge, CO FSC (EPIC)       Closed       Sat, 01/20/2024 – 01/27/2024       Trip Leader: Janica VanBrocklin       Co-Trip Leader: Pattie Housewright
• Big Sky, MT (IKON)       Closed       Sat, 01/27/2024 – 02/03/2024       Trip Leader: Dave Kesler       Co-Trip Leader: Ken Moody
• Sun Valley, ID (IKON)       Closed       Sat, 02/03/2024 – 02/10/2024       Trip Leader: Mike Pearson       Co-Trip Leader: Peter Doten
• Jackson Hole, WY (IKON)       Closed       Sat, 02/10/2024 – 02/17/2024       Trip Leader: Toufic Moumne       Co-Trip Leader: Gus Nouel
• Mt. Bachelor, OR FSC (IKON)       Closed       Sat, 02/24/2024 – 03/02/2024       Trip Leader: Karla McKenzie-Newan       Co-Trip Leader: Johnnie Alicandro
• Revelstoke, Canada (IKON)       Closed       Sat, 03/02/2024 – 03/09/2024       Smaller Trip for Adventure Seekers       Trip Leader: Terry Barton       Co-Trip Leader: Suzanne Huffman
• Sölden, Austria FSC       Closed       Fri, 03/08/2024 – 03/18/2024       Trip Leader: Peggie Gummoe       Co-Trip Leader: Leslie Foreman
• Northstar, CA (EPIC)       Closed       Sat, 03/09/2024 – 03/16/2024       Spring Break       Trip Leader: Mary Pulaski       Co-Trip Leader: Anastasia Bizzarri
• Steamboat (IKON)       Closed       Sat, 03/16/2024 – 03/23/2024       Trip Leader: John Eberhardt       Co-Trip Leader: Dave Kesler
• Telluride, CO (EPIC)       Closed       Sat, 03/23/2024 – 03/30/2024       Trip Leader: Nancy DelGatto       Co-Trip Leader: Rick Cervis
• Alyeska, Alaska (IKON)       Closed       Fri, 04/05/2024 – Mon, 04/15/2024       Trip Leader: Rob Livingston       Co-Trip Leader: Roxie Clements
• South African Safari       Wait List      05/04/2024 – 05/17/2024       Trip Leader: Mary Pulaski
• Bike & Barge Burgundy, France       Wait List       08/17/2024 – 08/28/2024       Trip Leader: Lynda Weaver
• Bike & Sail Tuscany, Italy       Wait List       09/10/2024 – 09/20/2024       Trip Leader: Karla Newan

Trip Preview and Registration Tutorial The link below will open a video tutorial to guide you through how to use our new online registration system. It tells you how to simply read all about a trip (preview it) without signing up, and how to sign up for the trip (register) when and if you're ready. The online system is quite easy and self-explanatory so it's not necessary to watch the video first. It's provided in case you would rather view it to see what you will encounter before you dive in. NOTE: The new online registration applies to all trips except Breckenridge and Sölden. TBSSB - online system.mp4

See below for Roommates Needed

Board Member Corner

Hello all adventure seekers! I am Karen Ritter, the Social Director for TBSSB. Aside from ski trips to many amazing destinations, the club plans a variety of get-togethers throughout the non-ski season. From bike and brew rides, bowling, tailgates, holiday parties, and happy hours, our club promotes fun, camaraderie, and staying active. Check us out on Facebook and Instagram.

Our trip schedule for 2024 -2025 is in the works! Keep checking our website for updated information. In the meantime, join us at an upcoming social event and learn more about the BEST Ski and Board Club around!

Karen Ritter

TBSSB Social Director

Florida Ski Council Member

Sign up for "The Sitzmark" , Our Email Newsletter

To read the TBSSB Bylaws or Rules, click the links below under Club Information.

Like us on FACEBOOK !

Reciprocity

Are you a current member of another FSC club? If so, ask your trip leader about RECIPROCITY !

TBSSB is a Proud Member of the FSC 2008 Recipient FSC President's Award 2008 NASTAR FSC Cup Champions (Heavenly Lake Tahoe) 2009 NASTAR FSC Cup Champions (Snowmass) 2010 NASTAR FSC Cup Champions (Telluride) 2013 NASTAR FSC Cup Champions (Heavenly Lake Tahoe)

Board Meetings

• Meeting Times – 7 - 8pm
• 06/28/23 Special Board - Virtual 6pm
• 07/12/23 Board In Person Mission BBQ 5602 W Waters Ave, Tampa, FL 33634
• 08/02/23 Board Virtual TL&ATL Virtual -->
• 09/06/23 Board In Person Panera Bread 2285 Ulmerton Rd, Clearwater, FL 33762
• 10/04/23 Board Virtual
• 11/01/23 Board In Person Bill Jackson's 9501 US Hwy 19 N, Pinellas Park
• 12/06/23 Board Virtual
• 01/03/24 Board In Person Mission BBQ 5602 W Waters Ave, Tampa, FL 33634
• 02/07/24 Board Virtual
• 03/06/24 Board Virtual
• 04/03/24 Virtual Nominating Meeting 6:30 pm
• 04/03/24 Board Virtual
• 04/08/21 Virtual meeting – email Peggy Gummoe at [email protected] for how to join the meeting

Party Dates

• Party Times – 6:30 - 8:30pm
• 08/18/23 – KICKOFF Party Hilton Carillon, St Pete 950 Lake Carillon Dr, St. Petersburg
• All others TBD
• 09/29/23 Tampa Joe's 9316 Anderson Rd, Tampa 33634 ph: (813) 901-9590
• 12/08/23 Christmas Party Bill Jackson's 9501 US Hwy 19 N, Pinellas Park
• 4/05/24 Traveler Appreciation & Election Party Tampa Joe's 9316 Anderson Rd, Tampa 33634 ph: (813) 901-9590
• 01/08/21 Ford Garage 10413 Sheldon Road, Tampa 33626

Club Information

• BYLAW RULES
• CALLING ALL TRIP LEADERS
• CLUB LEADERSHIP
• CLUB MEMBERSHIP DETAILS
• FREQUENT TRAVELER PROGRAM
• FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
• SITZMARK NEWSLETTER SIGNUP
• SUGGESTED PACKING LIST
• TRIP LEADER INFORMATION

• Life & Culture

What’s it like to dine on Tampa’s new riverboat cruise Craft? We took a ride.

• Helen Freund Times staff

TAMPA — We almost didn’t make the boat.

Traffic snarled through downtown Tampa and stretched onto the Lee Roy Selmon Expressway, delaying what would have been a 45-minute drive from St. Petersburg to nearly an hour and a half in stop-and-go congestion.

We had reservations for Craft, Tampa’s brand-new riverboat dinner cruise set to depart at 7:30 p.m. — and a friendly confirmation email reminding us that our purchase was nonrefundable. We’d been encouraged to arrive 45 minutes early, when we would have presumably been able to commence a leisurely boarding, river breeze in our hair, Champagne flute in hand.

Life had other plans. At 7:25 p.m., my dinner date and I swung our car into the Garrison Street parking lot, narrowly avoiding getting struck by an oncoming streetcar.

Following a quick security wand-down (the boat adheres to U.S. Coast Guard rules) and a $30 event-fueled parking fee (Tim McGraw was playing a show at nearby Amalie Arena), crew members greeted us with a quick photograph and a glass of bubbly before sending us on our way.

“Welcome to our maiden voyage!” they exclaimed as we rushed aboard.

Shortly after 7:30 p.m., we were off, out of the Ybor Turning Basin and into the sunset.

Described as a “culinary and cocktail river journey,” Craft debuted its inaugural dinner cruise on March 15. The multimillion-dollar project is the latest endeavor from Jill and Troy Manthey, who also run several other entertainment-on-the-water concepts, including Yacht StarShip, Pirate Water Taxi and the Bay Rocket.

Designed with European riverboats in mind, the 130-foot-long vessel boasts a sleek, white silhouette with less than 11 feet of vertical clearance — meaning it can comfortably drift beneath many of Tampa’s low-lying bridges. But this ship’s real appeal lies in the coupling of an elevated culinary program, contemporary aesthetic and craft cocktails.

A trip aboard Craft includes a two-hour cruise up and down the Hillsborough River and a three-course prix-fixe meal. To start, there are lunch, brunch and dinner trips on deck, but a happy hour option may soon be in the works.

Running any kind of marine operation comes with steep operating costs — including fuel, dock rental fees and staffing — and the experience here is priced accordingly. But it still comes with a good deal of sticker shock. For two people on a Friday evening, we paid $392.59 for the boat ride and the three-course dinner — not including gratuity or drinks.

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I love a fancy boat ride as much as the next person, but the pricing gave me pause.

Would the experience be worth it?

Things were a lot smoother once we got on board.

We entered through the front of the boat, or bow, and were shown to our seats inside a narrow dining room, flanked by windows overlooking the water. Wood paneling combined with slight nautical touches lent the space a warm, industrial-chic vibe.

Servers clad in white collared shirts and gray aprons whisked back and forth between the tables, balancing martini coupes and taking orders. In an attempt to let the crew develop their sea legs, the boat wasn’t fully booked that evening, but the dining room still felt abuzz with excitement and curiosity.

Clutching our Champagne, we glided through Sparkman Channel at dusk, glitzy Harbour Island homes glowing in the evening light as a Maggie Rogers track played softly in the background. We let out a collective exhale as the chaos of the day faded away.

Over the course of the roughly two-hour cruise, the boat steered up the Hillsborough River, passing Riverwalk landmarks including the Tampa Convention Center, Armature Works and Rick’s on the River, before turning around and heading back.

Guests were encouraged to explore the boat. The Bow and Stern bar, beautifully designed and fashioned out of a vintage 1914 cruiser, provided additional seating in the rear for those looking for more of an al fresco experience.

Throughout the evening, the crew moved back and forth between the dining room, the bar and the kitchen, sometimes stepping out on the deck to alert passengers when their meals had been delivered. Guests roamed the boat taking photographs, while patrons inside chatted up their neighbors, much of the voyage illuminated by the lights of downtown Tampa.

Craft’s strongest selling point is its culinary program, and the menu here is a far cry from the goblets of white wine and dry chicken associated with most dinner cruises.

Designed by chef Allison Beasman (formerly of Edison: Food + Drink Lab), the list of contemporary New American dishes runs the gamut from a black grouper served with Little Neck clams and Pernod cream to a Wagyu coulotte with kabocha caramel and a Korean barbecue octopus. As part of the prix-fixe deal, guests are able to pick an appetizer, entree and dessert from a menu of roughly 13 different dishes.

Part of what makes the vessel stand out is the addition of an open kitchen with gas stoves, and the concept’s design allows guests to get a peek of the action if they’re on their way to the bathroom or the bar.

When it came time to order dinner, our server patiently guided us through the menu, pointing out the additional dishes we could choose if we wished to add a little something extra onto our prepaid meal. We opted for the olive oil-marinated sheep and goat’s milk cheese ($18), which was just as tasty as our server touted. It arrived in a rich red pepper-packed pisto, drizzled with a healthy glug of olive oil and served with crusty bread for dipping.

Dishes are made to order and don’t necessarily arrive at the same time as other passengers’ meals. Our appetizers showed up roughly 45 minutes into the trip, a delightful baby kale salad lightly dressed in a white balsamic vinaigrette that was toothsome with chicory and shaved carrots and plumped up with fried baby potatoes and a healthy shaving of ricotta salata. Also good was the hearty tomato bisque with roasted bone marrow and blackened cipollini onions.

For our entrees, a seared duck breast arrived fanned out over silky whipped potatoes and a creamy goat cheese fondue, framed by Brussels sprouts and fat wedges of roasted golden beets. Though the duck was cooked a little past the requested temperature, it was still delicious. A plate of sweet and sour braised short ribs packed powerhouse flavors that paired beautifully together, all served over a sweet and sticky coconut rice sidling bok choy and juicy tangerine segments.

For dessert, we paired a perfect few scoops of pistachio ice cream with a chocolate espresso dacquoise, an intensely rich and sweet layer cake featuring a tart blackberry curd and creamy dark chocolate ganache.

The fine print

The water was calm that night and the entire service appeared well-rehearsed — absent of any major hiccups and even graceful at moments. As far as I could tell, there were no seasick passengers or man-overboard scenarios, which felt like some kind of success, though I did wonder what type of balance or physical dexterity would be required to maneuver trays of wobbling martini glasses over stormier seas.

Though tiered pricing exists for Craft — for different seats, times of day or days of the week — there’s no overlooking that a trip aboard the vessel isn’t cheap.

With neither drinks nor gratuity included in the booking price, if you’re looking to enjoy the evening with a couple of libations, it’s going to cost you. The add-ons can feel excessive, from a $50 king crab leg tray to the preboarding photograph crew members try to sell you at the end of the night. A suggested gratuity is presented on your bill, based on the total sales tallied for the table that evening, including the cost of the original reservation.

Some changes are bound to be expected as the company assesses guest interest and feedback. Even after the first week, it appears some prices have been slightly adjusted. Dinner for two people seated in the dining room with window seats now comes to $369.89 after taxes and marine fees, while weekend brunches for the same seats start at $89.95 per person.

It’s hard to imagine making dining here a regular occurrence, but for a special occasion, an evening aboard Craft can be a real delight.

Next time, though, I’ll remember to leave myself plenty of time to get there.

For Craft reservations and information, go to crafttampa.com/ . The riverboat departs from the dock at 603 Channelside Drive, Tampa.

Helen Freund is the food and dining critic, reporting on and reviewing restaurants throughout Tampa Bay. Reach her at [email protected].

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