Resort Check: Summer shreddingWe’ve all been there, that sinking feeling as the days draw out, the sun is up before us and the snow line gradually recedes along with the crowds. But just because winter is officially over upstairs, there’s a plethora of places to strap in this summer.
[Skip to the end for a round up of summer destinations and quick links]
Whether you want two weeks in the French sun or 10 weeks in the grips of a New Zealand winter, read on to discover some of the finest shred destinations from May to November
Summer snowboarding, be it glacial slush or two foot of fresh, is not a new concept. For years many a UK pro has found their first pinch in the limelight at one of the many glacier snowboard camps across Europe or Scandinavia, where the long days, soft training grounds and epic scenery provide a fine backdrop for toiling away at their craft. There is camaraderie during summer sessions as groups of like-minded snow worshippers prolong their winter - up with the dawn and down soon after noon to relax by the pool.
But it is actually possible to extend these summer sabbaticals to full-length seasons in many of the bigger resorts, working for the mountains or private snowboard camp companies. So whether you are shaping jumps, or scrubbing floors, living on rice and bread or haute cuisine, there is something for everyone.
And you needn’t feel restricted to the factor 50, shirtless days slapping the slush, instead delve downstairs to the southern hemisphere where epic winter conditions await in July, from the monstrous peaks of Chile and Argentina to the rolling hills of Australia or the mammoth parks of New Zealand. We take a look at six destinations across six countries.
60°00’N 6°20’E Folgefonna, Norway
The Folgefonna Snowboard camp takes place each summer on the Folgefonn Glacier in the north west of Norway. Just 90 minutes south of Bergen and situated near the fjord of Jondal, this freestyle heaven offers campers and shredders the opportunity to hone their skills on jumps, jibs and rails from 10am till 4pm daily. And if you’re not done after that then stay up for a midnight session under the ethereal Norwegian setting sun. Set in the backdrop of rolling mountains and thick forest, the road to Folgefonn glacier winds precariously to bring its cargo to the small and friendly ski area where, for a few precious weeks each year, you can ride the range of park features laid on for the Folgefonna Snowboard Camps. The camp takes on workers of all nationalities, with job options ranging from paid places for freestyle coaches or snowcat operators to unpaid stays for those that are shovel savvy.
Bowl up, live for free and shred every day, you will earn your dinner! If you are up for a challenge, don’t mind living at close quarters for three or four weeks and want to see some of the most beautiful scenery around this place could be for you...
What is it?
Three park lines including rails, jibs, transfers and jumps. Ranging from super easy ride on rails to mammoth 20m booters, the features will cater for every level of rider.
Where is it?
Folgefonn Glacier, Norway.
When is it?
21st June - 10th July 2010
How to do it...
Fly to Bergen or Oslo and then take a transfer bus to the camp near Jondal. Everything you could need to know is at www.folgefonna.no
45°00’N 6°07’E
Les Deux Alpes, France
If Norway just seems a little too far north or you really want to tuck into that southern European flavour of hot, hot days in the sun, early starts and lunchtime finishes, then Les 2 Alpes, in France, could be for you. The largest ski-able glacier in Europe at Les 2 Alpes 3600 is also the second oldest skiing and snowboarding resort in the country. Open from from 16th June to 28th August 2010.
It provides the perfect freestyle training ground for those of you who just can’t get enough in the winter. It has become so popular that a number of freestyle organisations run training camps there every year and you will be swinging in the bar with folk from Italy to Slovakia. Kommunity Freestyle Camps have been operating since 1995, and run by McNab Snowsports, the camps offer specific coaching from the UK’s finest snowboarders catering to every level of shred head.
What is it?
Les 2 Alpes houses one of the largest summer snowboard parks in Europe. A range of kickers, rails and half pipes and mellow pistes offer riders of all abilities the opportunity to fine tune their riding skills.
Where is it?
Just 75km from Grenoble, in the heart of the Southern Alps. Take the train (www.raileurope.co.uk) to Grenoble then a shuttle bus or www.vfd.fr) up to the resort.
When is it?
Les 2 Alpes Glacier:
16th June to 28th August 2010
How to do it
The team at the tourist office in Les 2 Alpes are really useful with work and accommodation requests, contact them through the website (www.2alpes.com) or on 0033 476 792200. For specific work requests try the local ANPE (www.anpe.fr) based, in Grenoble, on 0033 476 40 60 49. And for accommodation try the local Town Hall on 00 33 476 79 08 65. But if you want to keep it short and sweet check out the range of freestyle camps offered by McNab Snow Sports (www.mcnabsnowsports.com).
45°22’N 121°41’W
Mt Hood, Oregon, USA
Leaving Europe behind and heading out west to the States, Mt Hood in Oregon is home to a whopping 12 glaciers (the largest of which is nearly 110m deep). But despite six winter resorts on its flanks, for summer shred you will be heading to Timberline, a mecca for sunshine slashing. The resort is incredibly popular in the summer and Monday to Friday when the multitudes of different snowboard, ski and activity camps running are all inundated. The two largest freestyle snowboard camps are Windells and High Cascade, and both of them are notorious, attracting hundreds of campers each year with coaching for everyone and regular superstar sessions in attendance. Although places are limited, both camps hire staff in a number of capacities over the summer.
What is it?
A volcano in northern Oregon whose peak rises to nearly 3500m and is home to 12 glaciers, tickling one of which is Timberline Ski resort. The summer camps at Timberline are legendary and you will find perfect snowboard parks from intergalactic kickers to mellow jibs.
Where is it?
Timberline is located on the south face of Mt Hood, about 60 miles to the east of Portland.
Why go there?
This is the original summer camp with some of the best facilities in the world. Navigate the red tape for a piece of the action where international superstars will be coaching and then kick back in the environs of this technically active volcano.
How to do it
Check out Timberline Resort on the web (all links are below) and hit them up direct for work. Also try the camps that operate on the glacier for work or places. If you are a student and looking for a VISA, check out Bunac’s Work America program (www.bunac.org) – they may be able to find you a VISA to work in the States for a summer.
44°42’S 169°09’E
Wanaka, New Zealand
If you want to stay on the cold tip and prolong that winter season, dive head first to the southern hemisphere. Here you will find resorts spread across countries from Argentina to Australia. New Zealand crops up time and time again, from mammoth snow parks to heli-drops, it has it all and has produced world-class athletes over the years. With 12 commercial resorts (mainly on the South Island) and a handful of club fields, plus heli-ski operations,
The introduction of Snowpark Resort, a whole resort dedicated to perfect freestyle features, has made sure that New Zealand has registered with the mainstream consciousness in magazines the world over. A base of operations that has found consistent appreciation from the touring Brits seems to be Wanaka - smaller than its sister town Queenstown. Wanaka has been swelling over recent years as travelling shredders have called it home for the traditionally summer months of May to October, feeding intrepid explorers to the nearby resorts of Treble Cone, Cardrona Alpine Resort and Snow Park.
What is it?
A small resort town on the South Island of New Zealand. Wanaka is full of bubbly mountain-hardened people keen to get themselves up one of the local snowboard hills by day and kick back at night.
Where is it?
Situated on the shores of Lake Wanaka, the closest airport for international flights is Christchurch, 400km away.
When:
Peak season is June to October
How to do it
While it is possible to work in New Zealand, the favourable exchange rates lead many UK riders to take the option to save money first and blow it all on a summer down under. Should you need work though, there are a bunch of jobs available in Wanaka (or Queenstown) just make sure you have a VISA (www.immigration.govt.nz).
“Queenstown is quite a big town, so there are more jobs and accomodation available. If you're wanting to get work up the mountain then all hiring is done through www.nzski.com/jobs. Queenstown accesses two main ski fields; Coronet Peak and The Remarkables. Coronet Peak is known for its better runs whereas The Remarkables is known for its killer park, run and maintained by the Parklife Crew. The nightlife is pretty intense with most bars licensed until 5am.” Danny Crofts
33°18’S 70°14’
Farellones, Chile
Staying down south, the Andes offer more incredible mid-winter conditions in July. Gradually becoming a more and more prevalent choice by UK travellers and snowboarders, the variety of resorts in Argentina and Chile have hit the mainstream and you will even find tour operators offering holidays there. We caught up with Chris Higham who spent a summer in Chile,
“I did most of my season at the triple resort of El Colorado, Valle Nevado (the famous one from all the videos) and La Parva. Like most of the seasonaires I lived in Farellones, a small village at the base of El Colorado. There is a great bar with cheap beer at the base of El Colorado where everybody goes every single day. It’s the best place to meet people. The park is pretty decent there and Valle Nevado has a good pipe too. The season pass was quite pricey (around £500 at the time) and so was seasonal accommodation. I would recommend arranging accommodation in advance through the internet.”
Staying in Chile offers an amazing opportunity to shred big mountains, take trips to the polluted but incredible mega-city, Santiago, which is just an hour and a half away. Or you can dip into Argentina where accommodation, steaks and lift passes are much cheaper. You can find work in bars and restaurants but you will need a VISA, the pay is low compared with the UK, basic Spanish is a must and you need to get there in May or June to find a position.
Where is it?
Riding on the back of the world’s longest exposed mountain range (the Andes) the resorts of Chile and Argentina, are found over its sides.
When is it?
From May to October.
36°51’S 147°16’E
Falls Creek, Australia
So you went to Australia in search of the Gold Coast and epic barrels but some how got washed up in Victoria, you will be pleasantly surprised to find a bunch of resorts that offer snowboarding during our summer months. Whilst smaller than New Zealand and minor compared to Europe, the Australian mountains can provide a hell of a good shred, weather permitting.
The facilities are spread over a few resorts from the Snowy Mountains, where you’ll find Australia’s highest peak, Mt Kosciusko, and the resorts of Thredbo and Perisher - the latter of which annually hosts the Burton Australian open. Heading down to Victoria, the resorts of Mt Buller, Mt Hotham and Falls Creek offer a spread of freeride terrain, partying Melbourne weekenders and freetyle terrain parks.
What is it?
Upside down snowboard action in a land better known for barrels and beers.
Where is it?
The south east corner of Australia, check out resorts in New South Wales, Victoria and even on Tasmania.
When is it?
End of May to the middle of October.
How to do it
You’ll probably want to make this a stopover on part of a longer trip, and it is possible to work in OZ as a million and one Brits will testify, check out Visa requirements at www.immi.gov.au.
Some useful links:
Argentina
Barriloche
Catedral
Las Lenas
Austria
Dachstein
Hintertux
Kaunertal
Kitzsteinhorn
Mölltaler glaciers
Australia
Thredbo
Falls Creek
Perisher
The Snowy Mountains
Canada
Whistler
Camp of Champions
Chile
Valle Nevado
El Colorado
La Parva
Pucon
Termas de Chillan
France
Les 2 Alpes
Tignes
Italy
Val Senales
New Zealand
Cardrona
Coronet Peak
Mt Hutt
Mt Ruapehu
Snow Park
The Remarkables
Treble Cone
Wanaka
Norway
Folgefonna
Stryn
Sweden
Riksgransesn
Switzerland
Les Diablerets
Saas Fee
Zermatt
USA
High Cascade Snowboard Camp
Mt Hood
Timberline Resort
Windells Snowboard Camp
Posted by Online Editor - Wed, 28/04/2010 - 5:22pm
We’ve all been there, that sinking feeling as the days draw out, the sun is up before us and the snow line gradually recedes along with the crowds. But just because winter is officially over upstairs, there’s a plethora of places to strap in this summer.
[Skip to the end for a round up of summer destinations and quick links]
Whether you want two weeks in the French sun or 10 weeks in the grips of a New Zealand winter, read on to discover some of the finest shred destinations from May to November
Summer snowboarding, be it glacial slush or two foot of fresh, is not a new concept. For years many a UK pro has found their first pinch in the limelight at one of the many glacier snowboard camps across Europe or Scandinavia, where the long days, soft training grounds and epic scenery provide a fine backdrop for toiling away at their craft. There is camaraderie during summer sessions as groups of like-minded snow worshippers prolong their winter - up with the dawn and down soon after noon to relax by the pool.
But it is actually possible to extend these summer sabbaticals to full-length seasons in many of the bigger resorts, working for the mountains or private snowboard camp companies. So whether you are shaping jumps, or scrubbing floors, living on rice and bread or haute cuisine, there is something for everyone.
And you needn’t feel restricted to the factor 50, shirtless days slapping the slush, instead delve downstairs to the southern hemisphere where epic winter conditions await in July, from the monstrous peaks of Chile and Argentina to the rolling hills of Australia or the mammoth parks of New Zealand. We take a look at six destinations across six countries.
60°00’N 6°20’E Folgefonna, Norway
The Folgefonna Snowboard camp takes place each summer on the Folgefonn Glacier in the north west of Norway. Just 90 minutes south of Bergen and situated near the fjord of Jondal, this freestyle heaven offers campers and shredders the opportunity to hone their skills on jumps, jibs and rails from 10am till 4pm daily. And if you’re not done after that then stay up for a midnight session under the ethereal Norwegian setting sun. Set in the backdrop of rolling mountains and thick forest, the road to Folgefonn glacier winds precariously to bring its cargo to the small and friendly ski area where, for a few precious weeks each year, you can ride the range of park features laid on for the Folgefonna Snowboard Camps. The camp takes on workers of all nationalities, with job options ranging from paid places for freestyle coaches or snowcat operators to unpaid stays for those that are shovel savvy.
Bowl up, live for free and shred every day, you will earn your dinner! If you are up for a challenge, don’t mind living at close quarters for three or four weeks and want to see some of the most beautiful scenery around this place could be for you...
What is it?
Three park lines including rails, jibs, transfers and jumps. Ranging from super easy ride on rails to mammoth 20m booters, the features will cater for every level of rider.
Where is it?
Folgefonn Glacier, Norway.
When is it?
21st June - 10th July 2010
How to do it...
Fly to Bergen or Oslo and then take a transfer bus to the camp near Jondal. Everything you could need to know is at www.folgefonna.no
45°00’N 6°07’E
Les Deux Alpes, France
If Norway just seems a little too far north or you really want to tuck into that southern European flavour of hot, hot days in the sun, early starts and lunchtime finishes, then Les 2 Alpes, in France, could be for you. The largest ski-able glacier in Europe at Les 2 Alpes 3600 is also the second oldest skiing and snowboarding resort in the country. Open from from 16th June to 28th August 2010.
It provides the perfect freestyle training ground for those of you who just can’t get enough in the winter. It has become so popular that a number of freestyle organisations run training camps there every year and you will be swinging in the bar with folk from Italy to Slovakia. Kommunity Freestyle Camps have been operating since 1995, and run by McNab Snowsports, the camps offer specific coaching from the UK’s finest snowboarders catering to every level of shred head.
What is it?
Les 2 Alpes houses one of the largest summer snowboard parks in Europe. A range of kickers, rails and half pipes and mellow pistes offer riders of all abilities the opportunity to fine tune their riding skills.
Where is it?
Just 75km from Grenoble, in the heart of the Southern Alps. Take the train (www.raileurope.co.uk) to Grenoble then a shuttle bus or www.vfd.fr) up to the resort.
When is it?
Les 2 Alpes Glacier:
16th June to 28th August 2010
How to do it
The team at the tourist office in Les 2 Alpes are really useful with work and accommodation requests, contact them through the website (www.2alpes.com) or on 0033 476 792200. For specific work requests try the local ANPE (www.anpe.fr) based, in Grenoble, on 0033 476 40 60 49. And for accommodation try the local Town Hall on 00 33 476 79 08 65. But if you want to keep it short and sweet check out the range of freestyle camps offered by McNab Snow Sports (www.mcnabsnowsports.com).
45°22’N 121°41’W
Mt Hood, Oregon, USA
Leaving Europe behind and heading out west to the States, Mt Hood in Oregon is home to a whopping 12 glaciers (the largest of which is nearly 110m deep). But despite six winter resorts on its flanks, for summer shred you will be heading to Timberline, a mecca for sunshine slashing. The resort is incredibly popular in the summer and Monday to Friday when the multitudes of different snowboard, ski and activity camps running are all inundated. The two largest freestyle snowboard camps are Windells and High Cascade, and both of them are notorious, attracting hundreds of campers each year with coaching for everyone and regular superstar sessions in attendance. Although places are limited, both camps hire staff in a number of capacities over the summer.
What is it?
A volcano in northern Oregon whose peak rises to nearly 3500m and is home to 12 glaciers, tickling one of which is Timberline Ski resort. The summer camps at Timberline are legendary and you will find perfect snowboard parks from intergalactic kickers to mellow jibs.
Where is it?
Timberline is located on the south face of Mt Hood, about 60 miles to the east of Portland.
Why go there?
This is the original summer camp with some of the best facilities in the world. Navigate the red tape for a piece of the action where international superstars will be coaching and then kick back in the environs of this technically active volcano.
How to do it
Check out Timberline Resort on the web (all links are below) and hit them up direct for work. Also try the camps that operate on the glacier for work or places. If you are a student and looking for a VISA, check out Bunac’s Work America program (www.bunac.org) – they may be able to find you a VISA to work in the States for a summer.
44°42’S 169°09’E
Wanaka, New Zealand
If you want to stay on the cold tip and prolong that winter season, dive head first to the southern hemisphere. Here you will find resorts spread across countries from Argentina to Australia. New Zealand crops up time and time again, from mammoth snow parks to heli-drops, it has it all and has produced world-class athletes over the years. With 12 commercial resorts (mainly on the South Island) and a handful of club fields, plus heli-ski operations,
The introduction of Snowpark Resort, a whole resort dedicated to perfect freestyle features, has made sure that New Zealand has registered with the mainstream consciousness in magazines the world over. A base of operations that has found consistent appreciation from the touring Brits seems to be Wanaka - smaller than its sister town Queenstown. Wanaka has been swelling over recent years as travelling shredders have called it home for the traditionally summer months of May to October, feeding intrepid explorers to the nearby resorts of Treble Cone, Cardrona Alpine Resort and Snow Park.
What is it?
A small resort town on the South Island of New Zealand. Wanaka is full of bubbly mountain-hardened people keen to get themselves up one of the local snowboard hills by day and kick back at night.
Where is it?
Situated on the shores of Lake Wanaka, the closest airport for international flights is Christchurch, 400km away.
When:
Peak season is June to October
How to do it
While it is possible to work in New Zealand, the favourable exchange rates lead many UK riders to take the option to save money first and blow it all on a summer down under. Should you need work though, there are a bunch of jobs available in Wanaka (or Queenstown) just make sure you have a VISA (www.immigration.govt.nz).
“Queenstown is quite a big town, so there are more jobs and accomodation available. If you're wanting to get work up the mountain then all hiring is done through www.nzski.com/jobs. Queenstown accesses two main ski fields; Coronet Peak and The Remarkables. Coronet Peak is known for its better runs whereas The Remarkables is known for its killer park, run and maintained by the Parklife Crew. The nightlife is pretty intense with most bars licensed until 5am.” Danny Crofts
33°18’S 70°14’
Farellones, Chile
Staying down south, the Andes offer more incredible mid-winter conditions in July. Gradually becoming a more and more prevalent choice by UK travellers and snowboarders, the variety of resorts in Argentina and Chile have hit the mainstream and you will even find tour operators offering holidays there. We caught up with Chris Higham who spent a summer in Chile,
“I did most of my season at the triple resort of El Colorado, Valle Nevado (the famous one from all the videos) and La Parva. Like most of the seasonaires I lived in Farellones, a small village at the base of El Colorado. There is a great bar with cheap beer at the base of El Colorado where everybody goes every single day. It’s the best place to meet people. The park is pretty decent there and Valle Nevado has a good pipe too. The season pass was quite pricey (around £500 at the time) and so was seasonal accommodation. I would recommend arranging accommodation in advance through the internet.”
Staying in Chile offers an amazing opportunity to shred big mountains, take trips to the polluted but incredible mega-city, Santiago, which is just an hour and a half away. Or you can dip into Argentina where accommodation, steaks and lift passes are much cheaper. You can find work in bars and restaurants but you will need a VISA, the pay is low compared with the UK, basic Spanish is a must and you need to get there in May or June to find a position.
Where is it?
Riding on the back of the world’s longest exposed mountain range (the Andes) the resorts of Chile and Argentina, are found over its sides.
When is it?
From May to October.
36°51’S 147°16’E
Falls Creek, Australia
So you went to Australia in search of the Gold Coast and epic barrels but some how got washed up in Victoria, you will be pleasantly surprised to find a bunch of resorts that offer snowboarding during our summer months. Whilst smaller than New Zealand and minor compared to Europe, the Australian mountains can provide a hell of a good shred, weather permitting.
The facilities are spread over a few resorts from the Snowy Mountains, where you’ll find Australia’s highest peak, Mt Kosciusko, and the resorts of Thredbo and Perisher - the latter of which annually hosts the Burton Australian open. Heading down to Victoria, the resorts of Mt Buller, Mt Hotham and Falls Creek offer a spread of freeride terrain, partying Melbourne weekenders and freetyle terrain parks.
What is it?
Upside down snowboard action in a land better known for barrels and beers.
Where is it?
The south east corner of Australia, check out resorts in New South Wales, Victoria and even on Tasmania.
When is it?
End of May to the middle of October.
How to do it
You’ll probably want to make this a stopover on part of a longer trip, and it is possible to work in OZ as a million and one Brits will testify, check out Visa requirements at www.immi.gov.au.
Some useful links:
| Argentina | Barriloche |
| Catedral | |
| Las Lenas | |
| Austria | Dachstein |
| Hintertux | |
| Kaunertal | |
| Kitzsteinhorn | |
| Mölltaler glaciers | |
| Australia |
Thredbo
|
Falls Creek |
|
Perisher |
|
The Snowy Mountains |
|
| Canada | Whistler |
| Camp of Champions | |
| Chile | Valle Nevado |
| El Colorado | |
| La Parva | |
| Pucon | |
| Termas de Chillan | |
| France | Les 2 Alpes |
| Tignes | |
| Italy | Val Senales |
| New Zealand | Cardrona |
| Coronet Peak | |
| Mt Hutt | |
| Mt Ruapehu | |
| Snow Park | |
| The Remarkables | |
| Treble Cone | |
| Wanaka | |
| Norway | Folgefonna |
| Stryn | |
| Sweden | Riksgransesn |
| Switzerland | Les Diablerets |
| Saas Fee |
| Zermatt | |
| USA | High Cascade Snowboard Camp |
| Mt Hood | |
| Timberline Resort | |
| Windells Snowboard Camp | |