How to Choose a Ski Camp
You’re a new skier and you want to improve your skills. Or perhaps you have been skiing for a few years, and you find yourself stuck in an intermediate rut. You’ve been skiing for many years. Now you’d like to try racing. You’ve always thought that freestyle skiing might be fun. Maybe you’re a woman who feels uncomfortable about taking classes with men. There are ski camps for every type of skier.
Why Ski Camp?
Is attending a camp better than occasional one day lessons? While the answer may be different for each person, there are many benefits to attending ski camp.
� Camaraderie: Depending on the length of the camp, you will be with the same group for 3-7 days. The support system that develops amongst fellow skiers is helpful for improvement.
� Consistency: You will be with same instructor for the length of the camp.
� Cost: Most ski camps give discounts for lift tickets. Some even offer food and lodging discounts. Often, some of your meals may be included in the cost of the camp.
� Quality of Instruction: Most ski schools use their best instructors to teach at ski camps
� Common Goals: Since different camps focus on different types of skiers, you will be skiing with people who have the same goals.
How to Choose a Ski Camp
Many factors go into choosing a camp. Amongst them are:
� Cost
� Length of Camp
� Location
� Instructors
� Type of Camp
Cost, length and location are actually related. A camp may be priced well, but if lodging, airfare and airport transfers are expensive, it may become costly. If you only have a one week vacation, but the camp is one week long, consider the cost of taking vacation days without pay. A camp may advertise some well known instructors, but will they be teaching all levels, or only the most advanced skiers?
Perhaps the most important factor in choosing a ski camp is deciding what type of camp you are looking for. Even if a camp is a great deal with great instructors, you will not be satisfied if it does not suit your goals as a skier.
A Google search will bring up thousands of links to various ski camps. The ones I’ve featured in this article were chosen because they were somewhat different from the average clinic. The following list describes different types of ski camps, their location, and the type of skier they focus on. While I will include information about pricing for 2005, this will obviously change from year to year. Obviously, you’ll need to contact the camp prior to making a decision.
Camps for Serious Skiers of All Levels
Epicski Academy: Do you wistfully caress your skis throughout the summer? Do you wait with anticipation for every copy of Ski, Skiing and Powder to come to your mailbox? If so, the Epicski Academy is for you. The Academy, which is one of the best kept secrets in the ski industry, is a unique concept in ski instruction. The Epicski concept was developed on the Epicski.com forum, a message board consisting of close to 10,000 ski enthusiasts from all over the world. Additionally, some of the top instructors, boot fitters and ski fitness professionals are regular forum participants. These professionals instruct and conduct workshops at both the four- day event in the West and the two day event in the East. Past teaching staff has consisted of Eric Deslauriers, author of Ski the Whole Mountain, Weems Westfeldt, former ski school director of Aspen, Bob Barnes, author of The Complete Encyclopedia of Skiing and Stu Campbell, writer for Ski Magazine.
A distinct, unique benefit of the Epicski Academy is that upon its completion, you can stay in contact with your instructors through the message forum.
The four-day Western Academy takes place in various locations annually. In 2006, Snowbird/ Alta will be its venue, from January 29th -February 2nd. The $825 price includes lift tickets, instruction, video analysis, Welcome Party and Closing Banquet, after ski stretching exercises and evening presentations on various ski- related topics. A boot fitter will be available to ski with the participants, and discuss what adjustments they need to make on their equipment. Additionally, participants receive an extensive ski-fitness program by email. Discount lodging has been arranged at the Lodge at Snowbird. Rates run from $119-$139. The Extended Stay is about 36 minutes from the mountain. Rates are usually below $70 a night and include a kitchenette.
In the East, the two-day Eastern Tune-Up will take place at Stowe in Vermont. Dates and prices have not been finalized. Epicski events are for skiers of all levels. Group sizes are never bigger than six. For further information, contact academy@epicski.com.
Weems Westfeldt’s Diamond Ski Weeks: If you are not able to hook up with Weems at The Epicski Academy, you should try to catch his Diamond Ski Weeks at Aspen. To understand the value of this program, you should know a bit more about Weems.
Weems Westfeldt was born in Boulder Colorado. He began skiing at the age of six. Although his family usually skied at Winter Park and Arapahoe Basin, they often spent three or four days a season at Aspen. During his teenage years, he was involved in ski racing.
In the 1964-1965 winter seasons, Weems started teaching skiing to the Dartmouth Outing Ski Club. As a former ski racer, he was well aware of how optimal form promotes efficient technique.
After Graduation: After graduating from Dartmouth, Weems taught skiing at Sugarloaf in Maine, Steamboat, Colorado, Cornet Peak, New Zealand and Taos Ski Valley, NM.
In 1986, Weems moved to Aspen Colorado to become the Director of Ski School Operations. In 2004, he gave up that position to introduce his new program. The Sports Diamond TM is designed to help skiers surpass their learning plateau.
“Centering” is fundamental to Weems’ approach to ski instruction. Having worked closely with Tom Crum author of Journey to Center, he is well aware of how a centered skier is an efficient, fluid skier.
I asked Weems to comment on his creation of the Diamond Ski Weeks.
âÂ?¢ “Hi! I’m Weems Westfeldt-an ancient ski pro, plying my trade on the mountains of Aspen/Snowmass. In collaboration with the Ski & Snowboard Schools of Aspen and with Sports Diamond Partners, I’ve put together a concept of training that offers a new dimension in brilliance for skiers and snowboarders.
The Sports Diamond � shows you how to keep from ever sinking into the ugly horror of the Plain of Frustrations-that plateau of pain where each moment feels like your legs are made of lead, your mind is paralyzed with fear or self reproach, and your skiing makes my eyes bleed. In its place you will find the Universe of Endless Breakthrough where all your moments are brilliant moments of discovery and growth where you ski like a goddess or a god-with flair and finesse, dominating the terrain with the agility of a mountain goat and the courage of a lion.
WellâÂ?¦ maybe not. But here’s what it will help you do as you learn to use it.
� Design a better next lesson with your coach. When your next coach asks you what you want to learn, what you say you want will probably be consistent with what you need.
� Self-coach better in practice or free skiing. Always know where to go next when you begin to get stuck. This makes it self-coaching instead of self-beating.
� Use skiing to amp up other sports. Imagine becoming a better golfer from your ski lesson.
âÂ?¢ Make every day brilliant. I’ve had many days where I’ve skied badly (even very badly), but I’ve never had a bad day on skis.
The Diamond Sessions will show you a simple truth: There is no learning plateau. As a bonus, we’ll show you the joy, the jokes, and why we have dedicated our lives (and foregone our livelihoods) in pursuit of these sports.”
The image of the “diamond” symbolizes four aspects of sport competency.
� Power: The technical and biomechanical aspects of learning ski skills.
� Purpose: The tactics you use. What is the line and direction you choose when skiing down the hill? How well does your skill interface with your gear?
âÂ?¢ Touch: The skier’s physical, mental and spiritual relationship with the sport.
� Will: A stance and alignment that signifies commitment to the sport. Is the skier centered? How agile are they? Do they recover after sudden changes in conditions?
For Further Information, call 1-800-525-6200
Ski Camps for Vacationers
Ski Esprit: Whistler/Blackcomb: If you want to explore the best terrain suited to your abilities at Whistler/Blackcomb, then Ski Esprit is an excellent choice. The three or four day camps are less about technique than the Epicski Academy, and more about exploring the mountain. They describe their teaching concept as “Improve While You Move.” The Ski Esprit features video analysis, a ski race, AprÃ?¨s Ski snacks and a closing ceremony. In 2005, the prices for a three day clinic were $329 and $349 four days. A three day Supergroup, which guarantees class sizes no larger than three people, is $599. Prices do not include tax and lift tickets. For further information, call 800-766-0449.
Ski Camps for Advanced Skiers
North American Ski Training Center (NASTC): NASTC is a high-performance ski school for advanced and expert skiers. Their clinics are lead by Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA) demo team members and American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA) guides. Their goal is to teach skiers to ski in any terrain under any condition. They offer special courses in backcountry skiing and avalanche training. Additionally, they have a kid’s program for children age 6-12. Clinics are offered year-round, throughout North America, Europe and South America. Courses include instruction, lift tickets, some meals, video sessions and promotional items from their sponsors. Prices vary by location. For information, contact them at ski@skinastc.com
Ski Camps for Women:
Jeannie Thoren Ski Clinics: Jeannie Thoren has a few questions to ask female skiers.
� Do your ski tips wander or cross?
� Do your heels lift off the bottoms of your boots?
� Do your feet roll around in your boots?
� Do you tend to fall backwards?
� Do you feel unbalanced on your skis?
Have you been told to bend your knees or get more forward on your skis? Thoren believes that this is because your equipment is not adjusted to suit your female anatomy. At a Jeannie Thoren Clinic you will learn:
� What a properly fitted boot feels like
� What type and length of ski suits you best
� Where your bindings should be placed to give you more control
� Skills you can use to elevate your skiing to the next level
The clinics combine ski instruction with equipment demos. They are held at various locations throughout the US. For information, contact Jeannie at
jeanthoren@aol.com
Summer Ski Camps
Mount Hood Race Camps: While 80% of the campers are age 12-17, Mount Hood has hosted ski racing enthusiasts between ages 5-84. Your ski day begins at 6:00am. Campers train from 7:00am to 12:30 pm. After ski training, you return to the lodge for video analysis. At 3:30pm, campers engage in other activities such as trampoline, soccer, rock climbing, white water rafting, roller-blading, mountain biking, volleyball, windsurfing, hiking, paintball, softball, golf, challenge course and tennis. “Lights out” is at 9:45pm. Costs vary from $750 to $1150. For information, call 503-337-2230
Ski Camp for Cancer Survivors
Kristin Ulmer’s Ski to Live: Former extreme skier Kristin Ulmer’s Ski to Live workshop is a four day clinic for men, women, boys and girls of all abilities. Once a year, she holds a four-day workshop at Alta for cancer survivors and their families. The day begins with a yoga warm-up, followed by ski lessons and video analysis. The 2005 price was $1895, which included transportation to and from SLC International Airport, four nights lodging (double occupancy), all breakfasts and dinners, four day lift tickets, and the workshop. Scholarships are available. For information, call 801-733-5003.
How to Get the Most out of a Ski Clinic
Ask any number of people if they benefited from a ski clinic, and their opinions will vary. Sometimes, the experience has nothing to do with the clinic itself, but how well the person prepared for it. The following suggestions can help you get the most out of your ski camp experience.
Choose the Right Camp: This is such a no-brainer that it’s embarrassing to write about it. However, you’d be amazed at how many people end up in camps that are inappropriate for their needs, simply because a friend recommended it.
Be Honest about Your Skiing Level: It’s a whole lot easier on your ego to be bumped up a level than to be brought down. Keep in mind the terrain differences between your home mountain and the mountain where your clinic takes place. You may be a Level 8 on your tiny, icy mountain in the East. Travel west where you are faced with bigger mountains and lots of powder, you may be in over your head.
Don’t be Afraid to Give your Instructor Feedback: You’ve probably paid a considerable amount of money to attend this clinic. Your instructor would prefer you to give feedback on what’s not working for you, rather than have you go home and badmouth the entire clinic. If done in a non-confrontational way, the results can be positive for both parties.
Don’t Assume you can Ski Better than Your Instructor: If you can, why are you taking the clinic? Instructors tend to ignore participants who display too much ego. This is destructive to the learning process.
Ask to Switch Groups: If giving feedback isn’t helping, don’t be afraid to ask to switch groups.
Bring Your Own Equipment: While you may want to demo equipment while you’re at the camp, your instructor will have an easier time evaluating your technique if you bring your own equipment.
Take Notes: It’s truly amazing how much you can forget. If possible, carry a small notebook. During lunch, and at the end of the day, write down what you’ve learned.
Arrive a Few Days Early: This is especially important if you are traveling long distances by air. It’s even more important if you’re traveling from sea level to high altitude.
Prepare for Altitude: If possible, spend a few days at a lower altitude prior to your clinic. Drink lots of water. Avoid booze and excess caffeine.
Have Fun, but don’t Party Too Hard: If you were just going on a regular ski trip, staying out late and partying is no big deal. You can always sleep late. Ski camps often stat as early as 8:00am! Since you are paying extra to learn, showing up with a hangover is a waste of money.
Don’t be Afraid to Leave Early: While many clinics are scheduled to last until 4:00pm, if you are not used to skiing all day, it’s perfectly okay to leave early. Your instructor will not be offended.
Get in Shape! : Travel, different environments and longer ski days can take its toll on your body. If you’re not already participating in a good ski fitness program, you should start at least three months prior to your trip.
Have Fun! I mean this seriously! While you may be learning a lot, being too serious and intellectual takes the joy out of skiing.
Enjoy!
