You may remember my article before about 5 ways to shred during the summer but maybe you are one of those people that picks the option of ‘go to a summer camp’. If you are one of those people then I’m already insanely jealous of you but I’ll do my best to help you. The question is – which camp should you go to? And that’s where I come in!
1. Windells
This has to be at the top of everybody’s list of camps to go to. Everyone knows it, there are a shit load of pros that go there too and it covers snowboarding, skiing, skateboarding and BMX! It’s aimed more at the kid market than anyone over the age of 18 so remember this if you’re thinking about it.
“Windells Camp is rooted in the progression of snow sports. Snowboarding and freeskiing has evolved tremendously in the years since Tim Windell and four time World Champion, Craig Kelly, invited the best riders to Whistler, B.C., for some of the first competitions. The crew brought the sport to new heights. Tim eventually made the move to Mt. Hood, Oregon, where he brought his vision to life: a revolutionary action sports environment that centralizes in athletic development and most importantly, fun!”
2. SASS GLOBAL TRAVEL
These are the guys that make Argentina that cool place to go skiing or snowboarding. Argentina was never seen as a main destination for a trip, let alone a summer camp! If you’ve got the money to do it then this camp should definitely be on your list.
Comparing this camp to Windells, it’s clearly catering for the market of riders that may be used to the snow more and don’t still live with their parents because they can get a ride to school.
3. High Cascade
High Cascade is another camp that’s aimed more at kids than anything else – understandably – but they have an interesting back story. Read below.
“Once upon a time (in the fall of 1989) John Ingersoll co-founded High Cascade Snowboard Camp. After helping to build up camp and running it for an amazing decade, John (and his business partner also named John) sold HCSC to Vans footwear, yes, THE Vans (shoes, boots, etc.).
That following fall, Vans was purchased by Vanity Fair Corp, whose primary focus on footwear and apparel resulted in Vans having to sell High Cascade (here comes the good part). While searching for new owners for HCSC, it dawned on the young management crew that “Hey, we should own this place!”
The group called up John Ingersoll (who had founded camp in the first place) for advice – and it turned out that John wanted to be a part of the adventure as well. So the five scrapped together all that they had, borrowed from family and banks and made Vans an offer they couldn’t refuse.”
4. Camp of Champions
Camp of Champions is apparently the place to be if you want to become a pro. They’re quite proud of the fact that they’ve bred a lot of the current crop of top riders. Not literally bred but they’ve helped train them. That’s a pretty good selling point for kids!
They’re also one of the only camps leading a film school! We all know how important videos are becoming to our sports so this is a great move!
“The Camp of Champions in Whistler is celebrating its 25th year as the place to be to make your freeskiing/snowboarding dreams come true. The Camp of Champions is the official summer camp of the AFP Tour.
The pros know COC is where you progress your park skills while having more fun than you ever dreamed possible. How do the pros know? COC is where most of the pros got their start – as campers just like you. Big things await you. Come to The Camp of Champions and get your dreams started. Get Stoked.”
5. Girlie Camps
Yes! It’s a girls only camp! There really aren’t many out there so if you find a reputable one like Girlie Camps then it’s good to jump at the chance. Oh, and it’s snow, surf and skate!
“GirlieCamps offer surf, skate, snowboarding and skiing holidays for girls. Whether you are just learning or if you are already an experienced rider, GirlieCamps give you the perfect setting to improve your riding skills, experience the camp life style, have fun with other girls, learn more about your sport and also well-being.
We have over 10 years experience and always go to the best spots and ride with the leading riders, pro-riders and coaches.”
6. Momentum Ski Camp
Momentum Ski Camp is the only camp on our list that caters for skiing and nothing else. it might be pigeon-holing itself but that’s not a bad thing. If you can do it well then keep at it. They even give you 10 reasons of why you should go!
