Features

SUMMER CAMP CENTRAL

SBC’s Guide to the Best Summer of Your Life

Written and compiled by Jennifer Aouad

Ever wanted to hit the park, only to find yourself surrounded by riders throwing the easiest looking fives you’ve ever seen? Maybe it’s the skill factor, or maybe it’s the guy factor, but either way, it can all be pretty intimidating.

Stop wishing and sign up for summer snowboard camp. Learn from the top shreds in the industry and get the confidence you need surrounded by girls who love to ride. Can’t figure out which one to sign up for? Don’t sweat it, we found out just what each camp has to offer.

Camp of Champions

campofchampions.com
Location: Whistler, BC
Cost: $1,100 – $3,000+
Sessions: Sessions last from five to 29 days and run until July 20

If you want to go big but you’re scared of the consequences, Camp of Champions has the solution for you this summer. They’ve got the latest teaching tool to ensure you progress without fear of broken bones; it’s called the Bag Jump. Like a big air pillow, the Bag is your ultimate landing, catching you every time you hit a jump.

The COC park, designed by Steve Petrie and Arena Snowparks, is private and has everything for every level. Group sizes vary depending on ability, but as opposed to snow schools, the smaller more focused groups are for those who are less advanced. This means the riders who need the most help get it. This summer, you’ll be learning a bag full of new tricks in no time.

Glacier Camp/Pro-Ride Summer Camp

glaciersnowboardcamp.com
Location: Whistler, BC
Cost: $1,495 – $1,995/wk
Dates: Sessions run until July 18

Set on the Blackcomb glacier, this summer camp allows you to push your limits in its own private snow park. The camp is much smaller than most, which translates to a lower camper/coach ratio of 5:1. The size allows campers to feel comfortable and minimizes any intimidation by establishing a personal atmosphere.

“We get a lot of girls signing up for our camp and a lot of repeat business,” says owner and head snowboarding coach Ben Wainwright, “so even though we don't have a women’s specific camp, we must be dong something right.”

Half of the staff at Glacier Snowboard Camp is female and have featured Canadian National Team rider Katie Tsuyuki and BX competitor Maelle Ricker.

Whistler Summer Snowboard Camp/Dave Murray Ski & Snowboard Camp

whistlersnowboardcamps.com
Location: Whistler, BC
Cost: $1,025 – $2,095/wk
Dates: Sessions run until July 11

For the independent woman in all of us, Whistler Summer Snowboard Camp is the place to be. This summer, ride with one of Whistler’s top slopestyle and pipe riders, Star Quinn, at a camp that has one of the highest girl to guy ratios. You’ll have the freedom to choose how you want to spend your day with as little or as much participation as you’re willing to put in. You can ride with or without your coach, and get training when you feel you need it. If you’re the kind of rider who likes to hit the same thing all day till you get it dialled, there are coaches set at each individual feature to help you stomp that jump or nail that trick.

Many of the coaches here are successful female snowboarders who can inspire you to get to the next level, but only if you’re willing to go the distance. This camp is set up so there’s no pressure, so if you want to get ahead, it’s on you to get the help you need when you need it. Otherwise, it’s a class-free camp experience.

Mount Hood Summer Snowboard Camp

mthood.biz
Location: Mount Hood Meadows, Oregon
Cost: $875 – $1,225/wk
Dates: Sessions run until Aug. 23 for youth and Aug. 30 for adults

Megan Ginter speaks of Mount Hood the way any young adult reminisces about camp: the initial fear, great friendships and fun times. This year, the X Games competitor returns as a coach, after having spent the last four years at Mount Hood Snowboard Camp.

Park training takes place on lower Palmer and White River glaciers, loaded with rails, boxes and jumps for riders of every ability, including a 55-footer. “At camp I feel like all of the girls band together no matter their age or ability level and we all help each other in different ways,” Ginter says.

The strong number of girls signing up at MHSSC helps establish that level of positive interaction. “As a girl in our snowboard industry sometimes it can be intimidating to go into situations like this. I think it’s important to have some girls around to equal out the comfort zone.”

MGT Summer Snowboard Camp

mgtsnowboardcamp.com
Location: High Cascade @ Mt. Hood, Oregon/Argentina
Cost: $1,560 – $1,660/$2,950 – $3,800
Dates: High Cascade runs Aug. 7 to 14. South America Snow Session runs Aug. 8 to 24

Leanne Pelosi had us in mind when she designed More Good Times Summer Snowboard Camp. Currently gearing up for its sixth season, this is the only North American all-girls camp. New this summer, MGT offers female shredders the opportunity to ride in North and South America.

Two trips are scheduled for August, allowing campers to opt for Mount Hood (High Cascade) or Argentina with an all-star coaching staff including Alexis Waite, Dominique Vallee, Spencer O’Brien and many more. MGT is dedicated to helping women own the pipe and park no matter their riding level or jibbing abilities.

High Cascade Snowboard Camp

highcascade.com
Location: Mount Hood, Oregon
Cost: $1,660 – $2,060/wk
Dates: Sessions run until Aug. 14

Still haven’t decided which camp to attend? Better hurry—sessions are starting to fill up for this summer at High Cascade. With two private parks and 18 invited pro riders set to give signature coaching sessions, you don’t want to miss out. Located in the village of Government Camp, HCSC offers an activity filled campus complete with skate shop, demo center and savoury snacks. Whether you chose to ride, film, or photograph, High Cascade has a session for you.

Ladies, every week HCSC offers you an exclusive signature coaching sesh with big time riders Tora Bright, Hana Beaman Gretchen Bleiler, Erin Comstock, Alexis Waite, or Laura Hadar. All summer, you can choose from optional all-girl activities where you can learn from all the other lady shreds like you. Don’t miss Leanne Pelosi and the campers from MGT Summer Snowboard Camp as they combine during the sixth session for twice the crew and an exclusive women’s focus.

Windells

windells.com
Location: Mt Hood, Oregon
Cost: $1,398 – $1,850/wk
Dates: Sessions run until Aug. 11

Betty Rides has jumped onboard with Windells this summer to offer all you ladies out there a camp that’s tailored to your needs. The camp isn’t all-girls, but you still benefit from female shred coaches and counselors like Molly Aguire helping you improve your skills every session. Back at the private campsite, wind down after your long day in the Betty Rides women’s cabin designed and decorated just the way you like it, or participate in activities like T-shirt and jewelry design. If that’s not your style, the camp also offers BMX, paintball, and both indoor and outdoor skate parks.

Girlie Summer Camp

girliecamps.com
Location: Saas Fee, Switzerland
Cost: 950 Euros/wk
Dates: Choose from two sessions or extend your stay at the Girlie Base Camp

If you want to explore new turf, discover Switzerland during a weeklong stay at Saas Fee with Girlie Summer Camp. What makes this camp so special is the focus on each individual rider in a European setting. For women aged 16 and up, this is the ultimate tight knit instruction; groups do not exceed eight riders for one instructor. Girlie Summer Camp includes coaching sessions by sponsored Roxy and Nitro team riders and welcomes girls from across the world.