For most, the words “summer” and “snowboarding” will only find their way into vernacular as such, “Man, summer is such a drag. Screw this beach and F this sun, I wish I was snowboarding.” This phrase is likely uttered twice daily, at least, in the sweltering heat of summertime America. But at Woodward Copper—formerly Woodward at Copper— it’s snowboarding all day, every day. As one of the only places in North America to get your summer shred on, there are plenty of facts as to why this is the place to be instead of at a July barbecue or, heaven forbid, a lake. Here are Snowboard Magazine’s top 10 reasons why summer snowboard camp at Woodward Copper is totally awesome.
1. It’s snowboarding in the summer.
Fairly certain this has already been stated, but we’re saying it again for added emphasis. Winter is great for its powder dumps, vast expanse of ridable terrain, and most importantly hot cocoa. But it also has its issues. Such as, but not limited to: wearing long underwear, being unaware of your extremities, numb noses, ice. See what we’re getting at here? In the summer there are all the benefits of snowboarding AND summer. How could it be any better?
2. There is still a ton of snow.
Woodward Copper received in excess of 380″ of snow this season. That equals—carry the 80, divide by 2, take the derivative of that… over 31 FEET of snow. Needless to say, there is some leftover. Campers here enjoy a the benefit of cruising a full terrain park complete with a brand new bag jump for those wanting to huck themselves without the risk of severe bodily harm.
3. The new park surface lift.
Over the past few years campers have had to either hike up the park or ride in the back of a snowcat, much like cattle. Well Woodward Copper decided to put an end to the practice of herding weary snowboarders and install a poma lift for hot laps in the park, something that is guaranteed to maximize the chance of learning that elusive front 270 to boardslide.
4. The Barn.
No farm animals here. This is probably the coolest part of the whole Woodward Copper experience. Last year the camp took major financial steps to renovate the Barn, stripping out the unforgiving Snowflex material and replacing it with Skatelite, a wood surface that is rideable on everything from skateboards, to BMX, and even a scooter. What makes this setup so unique is how it was designed to accommodate all skill levels from über beginner to the kid trying to dial a double cork, all on wheeled parkboards specially designed by Burton. There are three foam pits, five fly-bed trampolines, a skatepark, a bowl, basically everything needed to progress. Add an experienced staff that genuinely cares about their campers, and the result is a facility that is built for insanely fun progression.
5. It is going to be pro central.
Riding with the top professional riders can do incredible things to a snowboarder’s motivation to learn. But when the list of confirmed pros extends to: Louif Paradis, Will Lavigne, Danimals, Justin Fronius, Jake OE, Joe Sexton, the Burton Knowbuddies, Pat Milbery, Chris Beresford, Tim Eddy, Gray Thompson, Jaeger Bailey and a ton more, it means campers will be learning from the most dedicated pros in snowboarding. Plus, it makes for absurd profile picture opportunities.
6. There will be tons of gear.
What more needs to be said? With brand presence from Never Summer, Rome, CAPiTA, Signal Snowboards, K2 and a ridiculous amount of others, there is more opportunity to test out fresh equipment than at a new car dealership, minus the sleezy salesmen of course.
7. Everybody is doing it.
Seriously, the sessions are filling up fast. Get on it!
8. Make it a family affair.
Being a parent doesn’t mean they can’t join in the fun too. During Session #3, Mom and Dad can go throw themselves into the foam pit alongside their groms and experience firsthand what the kids have been up to all week. But don’t be quick to fret, adults have their own separate coaches and activities that are catered to an older crowd, like adult beverage outings in the evening. We know parents love their kids (most of the time), but this is meant to be a full blown vacation as well.
9. It is more than just a summer snowboard camp.
The activities available to campers fall well being the realm of snowboarding. Between the go-cart track, skate tours, rock climbing, hiking, photo shoots, skateboarding, Mustache Mondays, autograph signings, bumper boats, there is literally something that every kid can enjoy.
10. At the end of the week you’re going to learn a lot about snowboarding.
The coaching staff at Woodward Copper knows how to get kids to stomp their tricks. By having campers get their tricks dialed in the Barn it prepares them to hit features with confidence when to take it to the snow. And that summer sun definitely helps soften up the landings as well.
