Is there any interest in an OFC gathering over the winter at a destination ski resort, to include skiing during the day and jamming in the evening? This is something that I was part of with another organization for a number of years and it was always one of the highlights of my year. When Mark-in-Boise dropped by some months ago to visit the man cave for a few hours, we had a brief discussion about the possibility of an OFC winter gathering. Of course, its too early for commitments of any sort, but is there sufficient interest in the idea to at least invest some energy in creating a possible plan and cost estimate, possibly for 2013?

Some initial thoughts would be to make it a long weekend, maybe four or five days with Wednesday and Sunday serving as travel days, possibly scheduled in late January or early February during the "value" season when lodging, lift tickets and gear rental is discounted, and when the slopes still have excellent snow, but excluding the MLK and President’s Day holiday weekends when lodging costs skyrocket. We just so happen to have some pretty nice destination areas here in Colorado. We might even schedule it immediately after the NAMM show in case somebody wanted to stop in Colorado on their way home. Mark suggested a few others in Idaho and I’m sure there are other locations as well.

Another idea might be to rent as many ski-in/out condos in a single block as it would take to accommodate the group, teaming up on the rooms, then designate one condo (typically the largest) for group meals, i.e., breakfast and dinner each day prepped by either members of the group or by a contract chef (I have contacts). We could also look for a unit that would be willing to provide a secure conference room for evening jams and an open mic, and they all have hot tubs. Evenings on the town are also a possibility. Day skiers would be responsible for their own lift tickets and equipment (rental gear is always readily available), although we could likely obtain some very good discounts. If we’re not too extravagant, and not having investigated next year’s costs, I believe we could keep the cost close to $100/night per person for beds and meals, assuming multiple unit occupancy, maybe even less. Transportation would be on your own, and shuttles and rental cars are readily available. Some destination areas have local regional airports. These areas also provide lots of alternative day activities for non-skiers.

Is there any interest? As a participant? In event planning? Organizing and assisting during the event? Anybody have any other ideas for something like this?  Just brainstorming.