Bus Policy | Cancellation Policy | Constitution
The Kaiserslautern-West Pfalz Ski Club is a non-profit organization authorized by the Kaiserslautern Military Community. Membership is open to any individual, regardless or race, creed, sex, nationality, physical or mental handicaps, or military or civilian rank.
The Purpose of the Kaiserslautern-West Pfalz Ski Club is to provide its members an opportunity to ski Europe as often as possible. The Kaiserslautern-West Pfalz Ski Club also strives to promote friendly relations between its members and the Kaiserslautern and European skiing community, via both skiing and social activities.
Membership consists of military and civilian people throughout the Kaiserslautern Military Community. Our multinational membership thus reflects the international flavor of the community.
The Kaiserslautern-West Pfalz Ski Club is governed by an Executive Board composed of volunteers. We operate under a Constitution and By-Laws approved by the general membership, with club policies established by the Executive Board. A copy of the Constitution is available at the Membership table during scheduled membership meetings.
Membership meetings are held the first and third Wednesday of the month during ski season (from September to May) with Executive Board meetings held throughout the year when required. Board meetings are open to the General membership.
Ski trips are offered throughout the ski season, normally two to three trips per month. Trip sign-ups open at the annual membership picnic in the fall and remain open throughout the season.
Transportation is via fully equipped buses with reclining seats, toilet, and normally a video system. We also have a couple of trips during the season that are U-drives where the member must arrange his/her own transportation. Bus rules can be found at Bus Policies.
Our club newsletter, The Lift Lines, is the official medium for notifying membership of any changes in our social or trip schedule. For short notice announcements, the internet or telephone may have to be used.
Bus Policy
BUS TEN COMMANDMENTS
I. THOU SHALT BE ON TIME. Bus schedules are firm! The bus WILL depart on time (as announced). Buses usually arrive 30 minutes prior to the trip departure, so plan on arriving at least 15-20 minutes early to load your skis and bags. YOU are responsible for ensuring YOUR stuff is on the bus. During the trip whenever the bus is used, be sure you are on time or you will be responsible for your own transportation.
II. THOU SHALT RELAX AND ENJOY YOURSELF. Find your seat, sit back, loosen up the belt (but not too much!) and leave the driving to us. Good company will supply the fun. Anticipate all that white ahead. Normal policy dictates that the seat you select is yours until the bus returns (unless you negotiate a swap with someone).
III. THOU SHALT BE GOOD TO YOU NEIGHBOR. Don’t forget that NOT everyone enjoys partying to the same degree. A little consideration goes a long way. Try not to be obnoxious. We are all here to have a good time and it only takes one to undo the friendly atmosphere.
IV. THOU SHALT RESTRAIN YOURSELF AFTER 2200 (10:00 PM for the non-military types). The front of the bus is usually quieter, while the party group can be found in the rear. After 2200 we lower the lights, turn down the music or video and hold the merry-making to a low roar.
V. THOU SHALT NOT SMOKE. Smoking is not allowed anywhere on the bus to include the toilet. Violators will be………….(you’ll just be sorry, OK?).
VI. THOU SHALT BE TIDY. Refreshments are available but please be careful no to spill, as the road may be bumpy. Be sure to throw all trash in the bags provided. Remember that the bus driver is responsible for the condition of the bus and the Ski Club WILL be held liable for damages even if done unintentionally. Please pick up after yourselves.
VII. THOU SHALT NOT LEAN SKIS AGAINST THE BUS OR WEAR SKI BOOTS ON THE BUS. The paint is expensive and boots ruin the carpet. Let’s keep the bus driver happy!
VIII. THOU SHALT NOT OVERDO. Don’t drink too much wine, beer, schnapps, or witches brew; or overindulge in the great food. Remember that even under the best of conditions, some of us can have a bit of tummy trouble. For those moments, zip lock baggies work extremely well. If the worst happens the Trip Captain is obligated to collect a 50 Euro cleaning fee (payable to the driver)…..and you are required to clean up the mess, listen to your neighbors harass you and sit by yourself.
IX. THOU SHALT NOT DRINK AND DRIVE. On the way home, if you drink, don’t’ drive. If you drive, don’t drink. We want you around to enjoy more ski trips with us.
X. Finally, Most Important, THOU SHALT HONOR, RESPECT, AND OBEY THE TRIP CAPTAIN. The Trip Captain is IN CHARGE. Ski trips are not an exercise in democracy. Please Cooperate. Please help unload the skis and bags from the bus and police your seating area.
Cancellation Policy
Unfortunately sometimes situations develop that require you to cancel your commitment to go on a ski trip that you have signed up for. When this happens follow these few simple rules to protect you and the Kaiserslautern-West Pfalz Ski Club from unnecessary financial hardship:
1. Members who cancel a trip MUST notify the Trip Captain immediately.
2. If a waiting list is in place you may not sell your seat to another member. Sometimes we book our trips through a tour agent and they may require a fee for a last minute name change.
3. Members may be considered cancelled if they fail to make all required "due date payments and are not fully paid by the closing date.
4. No-shows will be considered cancelled and subject to the maximum cancellation fee.
CANCELLATION FEES: It is not our goal to penalize you for canceling a trip. We will always try to work with you to protect you from loss, but as a non-profit club, we cannot reimburse you for monies which are not reimbursed to us by the hotel or bus company. Therefore cancellation fees may range from 25 Euro to the full amount of the trip.
