Snow Ski in Summer: Sports Camp Offers Unique Alternative

OPHIR, CO -- Now is the time of year when many parents will make decisions as to where to send their kids for the summer. Locating a program for children and young adults can be a daunting task, considering all the choices that are currently available.

Brad Alire, owner and director of National Alpine Ski Camps (NASC) based in Ophir, Colorado, is hoping parents of would-be campers will take a closer look at his innovative ski racing camps that offer the opportunity to hit the slopes in summer.

“The ability for our campers to ski in the summertime really separates us from the other camp choices out there,” said Alire.

He also noted that his program offers a ski racing camp -- with a twist. Skiing is offered in the morning, followed by typical summer activities such as windsurfing, rock climbing, rafting, mountain biking and even go-cart racing. The summer location is on Mount Hood, Oregon, which makes the broad range of activities possible.

NASC offers six, ten-day sessions in the summer for children of all ages, with an average age of 14. Race training is the foundation for the camps, with an emphasis on free skiing and free skiing drills. Designated for intermediate and advanced skiers, campers must have basic ski skills to attend.

Based on recent statistics, NASC will have no shortage of prospects for its summer sessions. According to the National Camp Association, over 6 million children attend camp each summer, of which, 60% are sleep-away campers. With both day camp and sleep-away options, NASC hopes to tap into parents and prospective campers who are looking for a fresh alternative.

Ski activities in summer are made possible because the slopes sit atop a massive glacier, meaning the snow does not have an opportunity to melt. Additionally, according to NASC, salt is poured on the ski terrain, which freezes the snow and turns it into a safe training surface. The company claims last year, it dropped over 50,000 lbs. of salt on Mount Hood alone.

Cost for the camp ranges from $1,200 to $3,600 for the Mount Hood sessions and approximately $1,800 for a special fall session in Copper Mountain, Colorado.

National Alpine Ski Camps encourages early registration as sessions tend to fill up quickly.

For more information, visit http://www.skicamp.com or call 800-453-6272.

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Contact Information

Brad Alire

Director

National Alpine Ski Camps

Contact via E-mail