FAQ

Golden Flight Level 2011  Frequently Asked Questions

Registration

What is the cost of the GFL?

$1275 US dollars.

What is included in the cost?

Payment of the GFL fees includes:

  • Lodging (based on 2 people per room)
  • Breakfast
  • 5 days of skiing
  • Races
  • Transportation to ski resorts (Northstar & Sierra-at-Tahoe)
  • GFL Parties and entertainment
  • Farewell dinner
  • Taxes/Gratuities

What is not included?

Evening meals

Transportation to and from Lake Tahoe

How do I register?

US Controllers, please see the “Team USA” tab on this web site.  ALL interested participants are asked NOT to register directly with the Organizing Committee.

I want to attend the GFL, how do I register to participate?

Registration is through your Team Captain.  If you do not know or do not have a Team Captain, contact the Organizing Committee at questions@gfl2011.com for assistance.

Is there a registration deadline?

Yes, the registration deadline is July 14, 2010. Late registration will be accepted after July 14th on a space available basis.  After July 14th the price is no longer guaranteed.  We do not anticipate any rate change, but after the deadline the hotel lodging rates could be slightly higher.

What is the payment schedule?

A deposit will be required at the time of registration in the amount of $500 USD of which $300 is non-refundable.  Additional payments will be due by September 15th and November 15th for the amount of $400 and $375.

Why is there a non-refundable deposit?

Once the registration deadline is complete the Organizing Committee will begin entering into contracts and paying vendors for their services.  Once this is done, a refund from the vendors (deposits for bands, transportation, etc.) will be non-refundable to the OC.

Can I pay all at once?

The making of payments is through your Team Captain.  They are responsible for maintaining the accounting of payments for the team.  Discuss this with your Team Captain.

What if I need to cancel?

You may withdraw from the event until December 31, 2010 by contacting GFLUSA Inc.

Your cancellation notice will be effective upon receipt by GFLUSA, Inc. and subject to individual cancellation fees in accordance with the following schedule:

Cancellation until October 15, 2010                      $300 USD

Cancellation until November 15, 2010                $500 USD

Cancellation until December 31, 2010                $750 USD

Cancellation after December 31, 2010                 No Refund

Hotel

Is it true that the entire GFL will be lodging in the same hotel?

We are holding approximately 400 rooms at the MontBleu resort. Planning 2 persons per room, we have space for approximately 800 participants.

What types of rooms do they have?

The hotel rooms are either 1 king size bed (maximum of 2 people in room) or 2 queen size beds (maximum 4 people per room).

Are the rooms smoking or non-smoking?

The majority of rooms are non-smoking.  There are approximately 57 hotel rooms which are designated as smoking.  Advise your Team Captain at time of registration if you prefer a smoking room.  These will be assigned on a first-come-first served basis. Smoking in a non-smoking room will result in a considerable cleaning fee.

Can we have a “roll-away” bed added to the room?

No. Fire regulations prohibit exceeding the maximum occupancy as stated above.

Is it true that all GFL functions will be located in the Hotel?

That is true. We have 4 excellent locations within the MontBleu including a large disco reserved for the exclusive use of the GFL.  The lone exception may be a Poker tournament which could be at a major casino across the street.

When we check-in, where do we go?

The check-in process will be like any other hotel.  You will proceed to the front desk in the lobby and check-in.  The hotel will require an ID and credit card. Although the room cost will have been paid, upon check-in you will post a credit card for charges to the room and any damage, if necessary. The hotel will have the room assignments as requested by your Team Captain.

Your Team Captain will be responsible for checking in your team with the GFL Organizing Committee, receiving lift tickets, and welcoming information.

Skiing/Boarding & Races

Which ski resorts will be using for the GFL?

We will be utilizing Heavenly, Northstar at Tahoe, and Sierra at Tahoe ski resorts.

Heavenly Ski Resort is walking distance from the MontBleu Hotel.

Northstar at Tahoe is located on the north shore of Lake Tahoe and will require approximately a 1 hour 15 minute bus ride.  The cross-country ski race will be held here.

Sierra at Tahoe is located southwest of Lake Tahoe and will require approximately a 30 minute bus ride.  The Snowboard race & Giant Slalom race will be conducted there on separate days.

All bus transportation to the ski resorts is included in the GFL package.

Why are only 5 days of skiing included in the package rather than the usual 6?

Because of the large number of ski resorts that may be of interest in the Lake Tahoe area, other activities such as snowmobiling, sightseeing and so on.  The committee has left a day open for each person to decide for themselves the activity they wish to explore, or just to take a rest day.  We plan to have vendors at the GFL hotel on Saturday/Sunday of registration weekend to provide the opportunity to show what is available and provide the opportunity to sign-up.

Equipment Rentals.

GFL discounts will be available for Ski Rental, Snowboards, and XC skis.  Further information will be available in the fall.

Transportation

What is the best way to get to Lake Tahoe?

The closest airport is Reno, Nevada (KRNO or RNO). The closest international airport is San Francisco (KSFO or SFO). See below reference San Francisco.

How do I get to Lake Tahoe from the Airport?

The organizing committee STRONGLY recommends that you travel via air to the Reno Airport. From the Reno Airport it is a 55 minute bus ride from the airport to the hotel.

Buses leave the Reno airport hourly, and some additional charters may be arranged based on demand.  The cost round trip is $42USD.

Arrival via San Francisco Airport is discouraged. SFO is also a 233 mile or 375 kilometer journey. SFO is also subject to weather such as fog that severely disrupts airline schedules.

It is suggested that you plan a change of planes at a US gateway airport and then continue on to Reno.  Those gateway airports would include Chicago (ORD), Denver (DEN), Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), Los Angeles (LAX), or San Francisco (SFO). All have direct flights to Reno.

If arriving at San Francisco airport, the committee recommends arriving a day or two early. International arrivals land early afternoon. Allowing for baggage claim, customs, traffic jams, and travel time even in good weather, you would most likely not arrive in Lake Tahoe in time for the opening Ceremony.

Reduced rate rental car agreements will be available; more information will be available soon.

Events

What are the events at the GFL?

The GFL will consist of traditional daily skiing and boarding activities, social gatherings on the ski slopes, and nightly parties. This year we will include a free day to relax or explore one of the many other ski resorts or activities surrounding Lake Tahoe.

There will be gambling tournaments in the MontBleu featuring blackjack, poker & slot machines.

The casino tournaments are voluntary and will include an additional fee to participate.

I am not that familiar with casino games, how can I learn?

The MontBleu casino will be providing free gaming lessons that you can sign-up for.

Other Questions

I’ve heard that the sale of alcohol beverages is restricted to certain hours in the USA?

In the state of Nevada where the MontBleu Hotel is located, there are no restrictions.  There are bars located in the MontBleu and other nearby casinos and establishments that are open 24 hours a day. There will be no scheduled closing time for GFL parties.

In the State of California, sales of alcoholic beverages are not permitted after 2am until 6am. You will find it hard to find an open bar in California before 11am.

In relationship to the hotel where is California?

The California state line is out the door of the MontBleu and to the left approximately 300 meters.  At the stop light next to Harrah’s and Harvey’s Casino Hotel you will see the sign “California State Line” All of the action is on the Nevada side…  However many good bars and restaurants do exist on the California side.

Can you carry alcoholic beverages outside?

In Nevada it is legal to take your drink out of the bar and walk down the street.  It is illegal in the state of California

Is there an age limit?

Yes, in Nevada and California the minimum drinking age limit is 21 years of age.  In Nevada, you must be at least 21 years of age to stop, play, or loiter in the Casino.  If you are under 21 you can only walk through the casino to reach another destination such as the restaurant, hotel exit, or lobby. Nevada law will require an ID check to enter all GFL functions where alcohol is being served.

Can I arrive early or stay later?

If you would like to stay additional days either before or after the GFL at the Montbleu resort and continue to enjoy more of Lake Tahoe, the GFL group rate is available for additional nights up to 7 days prior or 7 days after the GFL dates. Make sure your desired arrival/departure dates are known to your Team Captain so that he or she may notify the Organizing Committee on the registration form.

The GFL2011 arrival date is Saturday January 22nd and the departure date is Saturday January 29th.