Sure, most skiers and snowboarders hang up their skis and snowboards come summer.
But, there’s no need to stop skiing and snowboarding.
You don’t even have to go to New Zealand or South America to keep going. At a pair of North American ski resorts—British Columbia’s Whistler-Blackcomb and Oregon’s Mt. Hood—keep sliding nearly all summer long.
Now: consider a perfect summer’s day.
The sun rises in a near-cloudless sky. A morning chill dissipates into humidity-free warmth. Perhaps a slight breeze kisses the air. It’s a perfect day to . . . snowboard?
If you’re at Mt. Hood, it is.
Mt. Hood, that charismatic volcano rising to 11,235 feet just an hour from downtown Portland, holds its abundant snow pack year-round. It’s the consummate spot for summertime snowsliding.
Hundreds of riders and skiers flock to Mt. Hood Summer Camp, one of a handful of North American ski/ride camps.
Not Just for Experts
Summer ski/ride camp participants needn’t be experts. Or, even kids. Mt. Hood, like most camps, caters to all abilities, including rank beginners.
Ten of their summer sessions offer a basic Learn to Snowboard Program. First-time ski racers and novice mogul skiers are welcome at their Alpine Race and Mogul Camps. Mt. Hood runs an adults-only camp just before Labor Day, but adult participation is welcome at all sessions.
Indeed, adults are expected to accompany children under age nine. "The younger kids participate on- and off-hill activities, but they lodge with their parents," camp head snowboard coach Mark Stegall explained via telephone. Parents may participate on-snow, or they can create their own vacation in the area.
Although novices are gladly accepted, campers seeking to conquer the big terrain parks, major moguls or advanced racing techniques predominate.
"Not all of our snowboarding is freestyle, but that’s what most of our campers want to improve - their park and halfpipe riding," said Stegall. "The facilities are fantastic. We use our own private terrain groomed to suit the needs of our campers."
It’s About the People
Still, the best facilities don’t make a great camp experience. It’s all about the people, coaches who have their priorities in order.
"These are people who are doing it for the benefit of the kids, not to further themselves as pro snowboarders. They’re dedicated pro coaches, whose chief interest is the kids’ progression," Stegall remarked.
Groups of skiers/riders are kept small in all disciplines to best promote personalized attention. Video analysis is also part of the equation. Coaches and campers review tapes to determine what to concentrate on next.
The overall result can be remarkable, even for those who expect advancement anyway. "We often see tremendous progress," explained Stegall. "Maybe the best way to put it is this: a summer session can be worth a winter season of riding."
Skiing, Snowboarding & More
Beyond snowsliding, Mt. Hood and its ilk offer alternative activities like:
- whitewater rafting
- rock climbing
- trampoline
- soccer
- hiking
- mountain biking
- volleyball
- windsurfing
- paintball
- unicycle
- challenge course
- and tennis.
When is summer snowsliding prime time? Said Stegall, "The best snow conditions are in June. The best weather conditions are in July. And August is still good."
Mt. Hood is one of several North American camps. Here’s a list:,
- Mt. Hood Summer Ski Camps, White River Glacier, Mt. Hood, Oregon, www.mthood.com; 503-337-2230
- Camp of Champions, Blackcomb Glacier, Whistler, B.C., www.campofchampions.com; 888-997-CAMP
- Dave Murray Whistler Summer Ski and Snowboard Camp, Blackcomb Glacier, Whistler, B.C., www.skiandsnowboard.com; 877-444-7669
- High North Ski Camp, Blackcomb Glacier, Whistler, B.C., www.highnorthskicamp.com; 604-905-0271
- Momentum Ski Camps, Blackcomb Glacier, Whistler, B.C., www.smscamps.com; 604-905-4421
- Michel Pratte's Fischer Race Camps, Whistler-Blackcomb, B.C. and Valle Nevado, Chile, www.pratteski.com; 866-333-6402
