A Word From Gomez

Posted on March 17th, 2007 by abearc.
Categories: The Apres Ski Lounge.

gomez.jpg

Happy 2008!!!!
The Andean Snow Gods blessed us with an extraordinary 2007 South American ski and snowboard season. Both Chile and Argentina received plentiful storms throughout July, August and September.
Our inaugral Explore Patagonia tour was a huge success. Our alumni especially loved La Hoya.
Myself, Aaron Chan and Jeremy Thomas are working on the 2008 CASA website. The 2008 schedule is currently posted. The brochure download is on its way.
There will be 2 new destinations this 2008. “The End of the World Tour” based in Ushuaia in September and the High Andes Adventure which will feature cat skiing at Valle El Arpa in July and August. These tours will be posted when the brochure is finalized.
To check out more footage from the 2007 season you can check out our videos on You Tube and our photos on Flickr
The CASA Tours team wishes everyone many powder turns in 2008 and looks forward to sharing the Andes with you this season.
Buena Onda
Dave Johnson “Gomez”
“Global Powder to the People!”

Hola CASA compadres,

I want to introduce myself. My name is David Johnson, many of you in the ski and snowboard community know me as Gomez. I am proud to announce that I am assuming ownership of CASA Tours from my longtime friends Jeremy Thomas and Aaron Chan. I am looking forward to continuing their great tradition of “Saving the World one skier and snowboarder at a time” by building cultural bridges throughout the Americas and creating sustainable, environmentally responsible tourism.

My relationship with CASA started in the classroom at the University of Colorado-Boulder where Jeremy and I studied Environmental Science together. Our friendship grew over the years and I took my first CASA trip to Chile in 2002. I became hooked on the Andes, returned year after year and eventually began guiding for CASA full time. Since graduating from CU in 1995 I have guided and traveled throughout the Americas and lived the ultimate nomadic lifestyle. I spent 10 years leading luxury, mulitsport adventures before realizing that what I really wanted to do was to share my passion for South America and its incredible ski and snowboard opportunities.

I am very grateful to Aaron and Jeremy for introducing me to this mountain paradise and allowing me to keep CASA within the family. I am also excited that Aaron and Jeremy will continue to be involved in CASA Adventures, their support and expertise is invaluable. Also Sarah Weinberg, Director of sales and reservations; Mike Taylor, Director of South American Operations; Craig Ross, Director of Argentina Operations; and guides Aaron Bilotta and Alice Bremmer all are committed to the upcoming season.

What is new for CASA Tours in 2007

My vision for CASA is to continue to offer premier ski and snowboard adventures to Chile and Argentina. I hope you all enjoy the new layout for our website, much kudos to Aaron Chan for patiently giving us a new look. Our featured tour for 2007 is the Argentine Powder Triangle. CASA added an additional night to this package to take advantage of Bariloche’s fantastic culinary options and vibrant nightlife. In addition we are offering a new Argentine itinerary, Explore Patagonia, which visits Bariloche and south to Esquel and La Hoya ski area. This year CASA is offering unique trip extensions to further our guests’ experience. We look forward to offering wine excursions in Chile’s Colchagua Valley, heli ski/snowboard Saturdays with PowderSouth, and a cat-skiing adventure at Valle Arpa, truly one of the most unique ski/snowboard experiences available. Situated above the Aconcagua Valley, Valle Arpa spreads itself over 5,000 skiable acres and offers breathtaking vistas of South America’s tallest peak, Aconcaqua. CASA is also planning to organize private hosted trips to many North American ski destinations.


CASA’s pledge to become a more environmentally conscious company

As CASA grows so will our contributions to environmental organizations, which will help in our campaign to Save the Snow and fight against global warming. This year CASA pledged $500 and will contribute an additional 2% of our 2007 profits to the Conservacion Patagonica Organization. Founded by Doug Tompkins (founder of The North Face) and Kris Tompkins (former CEO of Patagonia), Conservacion Patagonica’s objective is to protect large stands of Patagonian temperate forests and ecosystems. We believe by protecting these great Patagonian forests we will reduce our carbon footprint. In the future CASA hopes to contribute to the local communities we visit by promoting alternative energy use. We realize the environmental issues we face today and in the future require a global effort and many small entities joining forces to create sustainable change.

CASA’s commitment to its Alunmi Travelers

CASA will continue to offer its alumni travelers 10% off on our departures and an additional 10% for each guest they refer to travel with us. We truly believe our alumni give CASA soul and greatly appreciate your support.

Please feel free to contact me with any suggestions or if you have any questions about our season.

Beat the Heat this summer, come enjoy the extraordinary beauty of the Andes and ride with CASA in 2007.

Buena Onda,

M. David Johnson
Owner and Lead Guide CASA Tours
www.casatours.com
gomez@casatours.com
888 311 2272
406 570 8292