Meet the Trip Leaders!
Tampa Bay Ski Club Trip Leaders
Welcome to the Trip Leaders Section of our Web Site! These hard working, fun loving people will be very important to you. If you have never been on one of our trips, this is what you can expect from your trip leader...
Before you go they are hard at work planning activities and social events for you to enjoy on the trip. Each has been to the resort before so you are getting first hand information. The leaders are available to you as a source for information about the resort, the lodging, the transportation and the special activities planned.
On the way to the resort, they assist with boarding, check in, bus transportation and general information about the trip schedule or events. At the resort they assist with check in, lift ticket distribution and rental equipment. Then the fun begins! There will be Welcome Receptions, Happy Hours, picnics, parties, even a full dinner on most trips! Each leader is different; each has their own knack for entertaining. But they are always looking out for their travelers and making sure they all have a good time. And then on the few occasions when “Murphy’s Law” is in effect, they are there to help.
A couple of things they are not are: baby sitters, nursemaids, bookkeepers, baggage handlers, dishwashers or ski instructors. All travelers are urged to work together to make the trip more fun for everyone. We are pleased to have such a dedicated, experienced group of leaders, look them over and join us for a great ski trip!
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Alan & Nancy Jackson - Floral City, FL
Alan – I moved from Pennsylvania to Florida when I was 12yrs old. When
growing up as a teenager I started skiing with my friends
in North Carolina, loved the sport, and knew I wanted to continue.
When I started going out west and Canada, where the snow was
light and fluffy, I haven’t looked back. I have lead travelers
on over 30 ski trips since 1986, and have been to over 50
different resorts, some twice. I love that I get to meet and
ski with new friends every year. The adventure of skiing and
leading groups is what I love to do and to have them enjoy
the adventure with me is priceless. You can’t get any better
than that.
Nancy- I am a Florida native and didn’t see snow until I
was an adult. My first experience of skiing was Garmisch-Partenkirchen,
Germany in 1988. I fell in love with it and didn’t want to
stop. I have never skied anywhere else except out West and
Canada. I have been to 40 different resorts, some twice. After
helping Alan on several of his trips since 2006, I started
leading my own trips since 2010. It has been my pleasure,
and I look forward to each year to meet and ski with new friends.
I can’t hardly wait for each ski season to come around to
join in the adventures with Alan.
WE LOVE TO SKI!!!!!!!!!
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Trip Leaders:
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Ann Worthington
I grew up in Cleveland, Ohio and began skiing on some of the smaller hills in that area starting at 14 years old. I graduated to the slopes of upstate New York and really got the ski bug in my early 20s. When I moved to Boston, after graduating college, I skied quite a bit in New Hampshire and Vermont. I did not know about the slopes out West. I was a happy camper.
When I moved to Florida after the blizzard of ’78 in Boston, I worked in the finance and accounting area. I was in public accounting and then was CFO of banks and insurance companies. When I first went on vacation skiing out West in the early 80s, I never had the desire to ski in the East again. The conditions and terrain in the West are terrific! I have skied in Europe, as well and find the skiing to be fun and different!
I love Big Sky, Keystone, Park City and all of the places in between. Actually, it is hard to think of a ski area in Utah, Montana or Colorado that I do not like. Canada also offers a large variety of exciting destinations. I usually team up with Ruby Johnson and I can tell you that we will ensure that everyone has a great time! I look forward to another wonderful ski season!!
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Trip Leader:
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Bonnie Ormerod - Niwot, CO I’m a Maryland/DC native and learned to ski in the northeast visiting
Smuggler’s, Stowe, Killington, Sugarbush (“Ice Mountains”).
I thought it was natural to ski in frigid temperatures and
on ice and to me it was the best in the world. Life hands
you opportunities, and I moved to FL years ago and missed
this passion of being in the snow and mountains.
Another door of opportunity knocked when I read the Tampa
Bay Ski Club ad in the paper several years ago announcing
their Kick-Off Party. I went out to the Rockies that year
and the rest is history. I have met wonderful people and created
a lot of new friendships in this ski club. Skiing is a passion
of mine and I am eager to share my energy and enthusiasm with
you. I came to love Colorado so much that I moved out here
a few years ago. Some of you may enjoy all the group activities
while others may want to kick back and just enjoy quite time
relaxing or pampering yourself in the spa. This is your trip
and your vacation, and I hope to make it special for all of
you. I’m looking forward to being your host providing you
with fantastic memories long after we return home.
Over the years I have skied various mountains including Heavenly,
Squaw, Kirkwood, Sierra, Park City, Deer Valley, Cannons,
Snowbasin, Brian Head, Key Stone, Steamboat, Breckenridge,
Winter Park, Snowmass, Copper and Vail.
"Dance for Snow"
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Chris Schmidt - Sarasota, FL
I am a general contractor in Sarasota, Florida but am originally
from Western, NY where I was a part time ski instructor. Growing
up, my family was always on the go which is where I found
my love for outdoor adventures. I have traveled the country
on countless adventures including skiing, river rafting, mountain
climbing, paddle boarding, rollerblading, mountain biking
& backpacking just to name a few.
Although I had been on countless ski trips, it was with the
Tampa Bay Ski Club where I took my epic ski vacation. After
experiencing a week long trip to a top resort with a group
led by a knowledgeable trip leader (Helen) I was inspired
to share in my knowledge and excitement for skiing as a trip
leader. I like being around others and enjoying all aspects
of the adventure whether it be the travel, discovery or letting
go of the troubles of daily life.
Join me for an adventure, "If you don't do it this year,
you will be one year older when you do." - Warren Miller
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Assistant Trip Leader:
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Edith Salter
Coming Soon
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Trip Leader:
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Helen Newcombe
Helen grew up in Colorado and started skiing at 12 years old. As a trip leader since 1998, she has lead one to three ski trips per year to many ski areas in the Rockies and Europe. Helen has met some great people on her many ski trips and has built up a large list of satisfied travelers. As a result of this experience, her trips usually fill up quickly. Helen looks forward every year to skiing her favorite mountains and meeting new friends. Helen has owned a dance studio in Zephyrhills for 33 years. She loves children and enjoys having them on her trips. Her other hobbies and interests include golfing, biking, kayaking and traveling.
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Jeff & Ilona Kenrick
Growing up in the desert of Arizona I got a late start skiing.
I enjoy it so much that I am doing my best to make up for
the lost time of my earlier years. We have a condo on Beech
Mountain, NC so I spend a lot of time tuning up for the bigger
mountains by skiing both Beech Mountain and Sugar Mountain.
I have run some great trips with my previous club both domestically
and internationally. Having the good fortune of meeting Helen
Newcombe on a trip to South Africa, she easily talked me in
to joining her on the wonderful trip to Croatia. That, and
two ski trips later with the Tampa Bay Ski Club, I felt inclined
to make the switch. This club has a great trip format and
the folks my wife Ilona (non-skier!) and I have met have been
friendly and fun. We spend a lot of time on Anna Maria Island
so it is a great fit for us.
I love to travel and have lived in many different countries
as an engineer with Schlumberger. That career was followed
by restaurant ownership and commercial real estate. Life has
taught me that people often have different expectations. I
work hard to meet the challenges of any reasonable expectations
when leading a trip.
There are no two ski destinations that are alike so my goal
is to ski as many of them as I can. If you join me on any
of these adventures in the future I am pretty confident that
you will not be sorry!
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Trip Leaders:
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Lance Penn - Lakeland, FL
Hello fellow skiers, my name is Lance Penn. I currently reside
in Lakeland, FL and after retiring from the U.S. Navy. Born
and raised in Lakeland, skiing was introduced to me later
in life and is now a passion. I love the experience and the
joy’s that skiing brings, and visiting some of the most beautiful
places like Banff, Canada.
Our trip last year to Telluride, CO was a great success and
everyone who went talked about how well organized the trip
was and that they had a great time. Between Tracy, myself
and another friend, we have over 25 years experience in Banff.
I enjoy leading and helping people to ensure they all have
a great trip and I can assure you that this trip will be no
different.
Please join Tracy and I for a great time this year in Banff
and If you have any questions at all, please don’t hesitate
to call me at (863)860-9166.
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Trip Leader:
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Meloni Yaeger
Hello. I was raised in a small mid-west town by parents involved
with the National Ski Patrol. Our family of six, had the opportunity
to travel throughout the Northeast on many ski adventures.
My parents would volunteer to patrol and we were “set free
to explore.” I think it opened a “can of worms”, because I’m
still exploring! After college, I taught in the Kent City
Schools and had the opportunity to run the ski club &
introduce students to this great sport. In 1982 we relocated
to Central Florida and while raising our children sporadically
experienced the thrill of skiing. As an empty nester, I was
introduced to the Florida Ski Clubs and felt like I discovered
nirvana! I’ve so enjoyed meeting new people with similar passions,
and have skied with them throughout the Rockies and in Europe.
I am grateful for this new leadership opportunity, and look
forward to memories that we’ll make together.
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Assistant Trip Leader:
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Mike Waller - Lakeland, FL
I grew up in a military family, moving every few years and
yet I still love to travel.! I am mostly
retired and my wife and I split time in the summer between
our homes in Lakeland , Fl (hot) and
Glenville, NC (cool).My wife and I have 3 adult children and
7 grandchildren that keep us busy.I
learned to ski when I was 10 in Garmisch, Germany. After a
25 year break from skiing my family
did a Christmas family reunion trip to Vail, Co. and I have
been hooked ever since. It has become
my passion. I love being outdoors and feeling the sun and
wind and snow on my face. I have led
ski trips all over north America for 16 years and have visited
most of the Rocky Mountain
Resorts. I love to share my enthusiasm for skiing with everyone.
Please join me this year for a trip
to one of my favorite resorts at Steamboat Springs, Co, Feb
5-12 2022.
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Trip Leader:
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Ruby Johnson
My ski passion began with my first trip with the ski club
in 1979 to Big Sky, Montana. Being in the travel business
afforded me the opportunity to lead trips and ski most of
the western resorts, and some of Europe.
Wonderful friendships have formed over the many years I have
been leading ski trips. Each season I look forward to making
new friends and seeing old ones.
After surviving Stage 3 breast cancer, I retired as a travel
professional and an Aetna wife and devoted my energies to
leisure activities as well as charity work. I have served
as chairperson for the Memorial Day Charity Tennis Tournament
held at East Lake Woodlands Country Club in Oldsmar, Florida
for the past 20 years having raised over $850,000 for Morton
Plant Mease Foundation, The Arthritis Foundation, Friedreich’s
Ataxia Research Alliance (FARA), and our current benefactor,
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay.
Having been a member of East Lake Woodlands Country Club for
25 years, I have served four terms on the Tennis Committee,
four times as Chairperson and one term on the ELW Board of
Governors.
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Trip Leaders:
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Tracy Kirkpatrick - Lakeland, FL
Hello everyone, I have lived in Lakeland since birth and
I’ve worked for the City of Lakeland for over 35 years. I
love the great outdoors and sports, so when a lifelong friend
invited me on my first ski trip in 2000, I jumped at the chance
since I was a true Floridian and had not experienced snow.
Since that first trip to Banff Canada, I have managed to average
2 trips a year to North America’s Winter Wonderlands. Although
I joined winter sports late in life, I’ve been skiing for
over 20 years and have lead and assisted on many trips both
private and for the club. I truly enjoy the people I’ve met
and helped on these trips, and will do whatever I can to ensure
you have a great time on your trip no matter what you want
to do. I’ve skied in the East, but I love being in the Western
mountains of the US and Canada and have skied most all the
big names
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Trip Leader:
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The Ski Department of Bowen Travelworld |
Donald Oneal Jr,
President |
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Chris Elam,
Ski Department Manager |
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Fitz Rawls,
Emeritus |
Tampa Bay Ski Club also does customized ski vacations for individuals,
families and small groups. Custom trips for large groups, clubs,
civic and business organizations are a specialty. Trip escorts and
on-site coordinators are also available. Great trips at great prices!
Bowen Travelworld is a full service travel agency, specializing in cruises, vacations and corporate travel.
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