You like snowboarding. You like snowboarding so much in fact that you want to do it all year long. Well, looks like you're in luck. Snowboard camps have evolved immensely over the past few years. With the insane level of progression, camps are providing more state of the art facilities than ever before with airbags, snow flex and tow ropes. Whether you're staying in the Northern Hemisphere, or heading south for some culture and travel, here's a rundown of snowboard camps around the globe.
Woodward at Copper
Woodward has been known for years on the skate and bmx front to provide some of the best facilities in the world for riders to progress. Now, Copper Mountain in Colorado has its own year round training complex designed exclusively for skiers and snowboarders. Ride the mountain during the day and practice jumping into the air bag; then hit the Barn in the evening to play on the snowflex and hit the rails. Choose from a variety of options from day to week long residential camps.
Getting There
Woodward is located in Summit County, approximately 75 miles from Denver. Campers will be picked up by Woodward staff if flying into DIA.
Barn Facilities:
- 6 Olympic grade Flybed trampolines – three that go into foam
- 2 Foam pits that are 22 ft. x 22 ft. x 7ft. deep
- Trampoline Harness System
- 18’ Tumble Track into Foam
- 54’ x 22’ Spring Floor
- Tons of different foam mats for safety and training
Snow Zone:
- 6,200 square feet of Snowflex
- 35 ft. tall Big Air drop-in with 3 different size jumps to foam pit landing
- 8 ft. Snowflex Cliff to foam pit
- Foam pit 48 ft. x 27 ft. x 7 ft. deep
- Snowflex Jib run with 10 ft. box and 15ft. flat-down rail
- Snowflex 10 ft. quarter pipe and 7 ft. quarter pipe with log stall
Rider to coach ratio: 8 to 1
Ages 8 and up
Dates and pricing: woodwardatcopper.com/site/summer/snow
For more info and to sign up visit: woodwardatcopper.com/site/index.html
Windells
For 12 years Windells has been cranking out the pro snowboarders of tomorrow. From the Aguirres & Louie Vito to that red-headed kid (can't remember his name) and many more; Windells prides itself on creating an environment that is productive and cutting edge, but most importantly, fun. The campus itself is a playground with dirt bmx jumps, skate bowls, cement and ledges, basketball courts, snowflex for practice off the hill, paintball zones and foam pits, skate ramps and rails in the B.O.B. (Barn Out Back). On hill at Timberline, experience a private area with tow ropes, a halfpipe, an airbag, and endless jumps and jibs. The fun literally doesn't stop at Windells.
Getting There
Windells is located in Brightwood, Oregon about 35 minutes from Portland. Campers fly into PDX and are picked up by Windells staff.
On-Hill Facilities:
- Only place in the US to ride on natural snow year round
- Longest private park on Hood – over a mile long of park features: Rails, Boxes, Dance floor, Wall Rides, Barrel Bonks, Quarter Pipe, Pole Jams, Rhythm Sections, Jumps, Rollers, Hips, Corrugated Pipes, Super Pipe, 100 Foot Rail, Snake Course, Mini Pipe and many more unique setups.
- Beginner/Intermediate/Advanced/Expert Terrain
- 2 Private rope tows – ZERO Lift Lines
- 22 ft. Half Pipe
- 100 ft. Rail
- Only camp with 2 BAGJUMP air bags – 1 on hill & 1 on campus
- Access to pro coaches and visiting pros
Rider to coach ratio: 7 to 1
Sessions and pricing: windells.com/dates_and_prices
For more info and to sign up please visit windells.com
High Cascade
High Cascade has remained a snowboarders only camp since day one. While other camps allow our two planked "frenemies," HCSC focuses on the "for snowboarders by snowboarders" mentality and continues to lead the way on the progressive circuit. High Cascade offers pro sessions where campers will learn from those who know best, the professionals who do it for a living. Sessions often sell out before summer so start saving or begging Mom and Dad today. Photo and video workshop camps are also available. The living facilities take over Government Camp, where campers can wander around the small town located just a short ride away from the mountain.
Getting There
High Cascade is located in Government Camp about an 50 minutes from Portland. Campers fly into PDX and are picked up by High Cascade staff.
Parks Info: highcascade.com/our_parks/lap-park.html
HCSC has also teamed up with the Burton Academy to design a park built for beginners making it easy to progress.
Dates and pricing: highcascade.com/dates-prices/dates-prices-2011
For more info and to sign up please visit highcascade.com
Camp of Champions
If size matters, Camp of Champs in Whistler is winning. Experience the biggest snowboard camp in North America, founded by Ken Achenbach, member of The Snowboard Hall of Fame. Hang in "The Dorm" with your new friends after a day on the hill, take in a movie, roam around the Whistler Village, ride bmx bikes or all of the above. With up to four people in a room, campers won't feel cramped. Not only will you get one of the most amazing camp experiences, you'll get more bang for your buck with lower rates this year. With more time on snow, endless jumps and jibs, an airbag and a coaching list that reads like the who's who of Canada's elite, you'll be dialing in new tricks and riding with more confidence in no time.
Getting There
COC is located in Whistler about two and a half hours from Vancouver International Airport. Day and overnight camper pricing includes transportation to Whistler Village.
Dates and Pricing: campofchampions.com/datesprices
Ages 6 and up
Coach to rider ratio: 1 to 4-8 depending on ability
For more info and to sign up please visit campofchampions.com.
South America Snow Sessions
Looking to experience another round of winter? Head to SASS where winter is in full swing during the States' summer months. South America Snow Sessions is part of a global/adventure travel group building trips that meet the needs of adventurers from around the globe. With an emphasis on the environment, SASS provides a one-of-a-kind experience unlike any other snowboard camp. If you're looking to shred powder, build jumps and better your backcountry experience, SASS will make it happen. Develop your riding while also earning school credit off hill in courses such as Spanish and photography with the SASS College Program. New for this season, campers will be staying at Soulmax slopeside lodge, steps away from the gondola.
Getting There
Located in Argentina, SASS is set up at Cerro Catedral Mountain, the largest resort in South America. Campers will fly into Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (AEP) in downtown Buenos Aires. Campers under 18 will be transported by a SASS staff member. Those 18 and up can choose the SASS transfer option, or one of the other taxi and bus services to the resort.
Dates and pricing: sasnow.com or sasglobaltravel.com
Ages 16 and up
Rider to coach ratio: 5 to 1
For more information and to book a session please visit sassglobaltravel.com
Evolve Chile
With four different mountains to choose from in Chile, Evolve Chile gives campers a number of environments to improve their skills whether it's big-mountain, park specific or freeride. Enjoy the fresh snow and hike for pow lines, or lap the park; the choice it up to you. All girls and adult sessions are available as well. After a day on the hill enjoy getting to know your fellow campers. A number of activities including a game room, basketball, volleyballl, movie theatre and pools are on site.
Getting There
There are four Evolve Chile locations- Valle Nevado, La Parva, El Colorado and Termas de Chillan. Choose the one that works for you and Evolve Chile will help with travel accordingly.
What's included:
- Pro Coaching with video and picture review
- Urban Rail jam and demo session on day 1
- 4 Star Mountainside lodging, breakfast and dinner
- Lift Tickets
- Ground transportation throughout
- Chile Daily activities, Spanish lessons & community service 3 days of surfing in Viñas del Mar with pro instruction
- Indoor surfing, wall climbing
- Free gear and swag from the sponsors
- Mountain bike city tour of Santiago
- Surprise activities
- Demo 2012 Product during summer 11'
- Guest pro coaches and team visits
Dates and pricing: evolvechile.com/dates-prices
Ages 13 and up
For more information and to book a session visit evolvechile.com