Ski Camp FAQs

Registration

When does registration open?
  • Registration will open October 8th.  As camp is so close to the holidays, booking your lodging important!

How do I register?

  • Stay tuned- we will post links here, and in emails sent to last year’s campers.

How much does camp cost?

  • $745 includes: 3 days of small group coaching; hot breakfasts; hot lunches; snacks; online content; access to ski demos; custom camp hat, etc.

Not included in the cost of camp:

  • $40 individual/ $70 family membership with Methow Valley Nordic – optional
  • A discounted $72 3-day ski pass may be purchased at time of registration.  Else, any valid ski pass (annual, 10-punch card, lifetime) obviously suffices. Ski passes are required, and will be checked each morning. If you do not have a ski pass, a full price option will be available for purchase at the camp.
  • Lodging

What is the cancellation policy:

  • Prior to November 23rd, full refund minus $50 and exclusive of SkiReg fees.
  • As always, if you’re sick, please stay home.
  • Trip insurance is available at the time of registration. We strongly suggest you purchase insurance.

Does camp sell out?

  • Yes! and sometimes within an hour of opening – so preview the page, mark your calendars, get set!
  • Remember, with COVID still circulating, and potential cancellations, a spot on the wait list could easily convert to a camp space.  Check your email often, and let me know if you no longer wish to be on the wait list. You’ll have 24 hours or less to confirm, at which point we will remove you or charge your credit card.
  • If you register for the wait list but make other plans, please remove yourself from the wait list.

Can I register for a friend?

  • Yes, as long as you register the name and information of the person who will be attending camp.  For legal reasons, waivers and registrations must be the same as the skiers in attendance.

If I can’t make it, can I let my friend/ partner/spouse have my spot?

  • Unfortunately, no. We maintain an extensive wait list and add people to camp in the order in which they join the wait list.

What are my options for a refund?

  • Prior to November 23rd, full refund minus $50, exclusive of SkiReg fees.
  • After Nov 23rd, there are no refunds, except for purchased trail passes.
  • Trip insurance is available at the time of registration. We strongly suggest you purchase insurance.
  • In the unlikely event we have to cancel camp for lack of snow, you will receive a full refund, exclusive of registration fees.

Can I transfer my registration to friend or family member?

  • Unfortunately, no. We maintain a wait list and add people in the order in which they join the wait list.

If I get on the wait list, am I guaranteed a spot in camp?

  • Not necessarily. However, we do have a number of changes in the wait list, so it is worth it to register for the wait list.
  • We contact people via email to fill the wait list spots, so please use- and check- a valid email. We will not spam or sell your email!

What does it cost to register for the wait list?

  • The wait list is free, and opens only once camp is full.  You may remove yourself from the wait list at any time for no charge, but once a position has opened, and you are moved into camp, all regular cancellation and refund policies apply. Your payment will be processed within 24 hours of acceptance into the camp, so be sure to give your proper contact info.

Logistics

What’s included in the cost for camp?

  • Awesome coaching
  • Online content
  • Breakfast, Lunch, midday snacks
  • Wax demo
  • Equipment demos from top vendors
  • Stocked wax room, exclusively for campers
  • Post-ski stretching (your body will thank you)
  • Fun and friendships available for just a little effort
  • and more!

Is Lodging Included?

  • No, but Sun Mountain Lodge offers great rates for campers- when you make your reservations (and they should be made by Nov 18th) just mention you’re with the camp.

Do we have to stay at Sun Mountain Lodge?

  • No, you may stay wherever you like during the camp. We do start early in the day, so you’ll want to give yourself time to make it to the lodge each morning.

Where is camp held?

I am flying into the Northwest- where should I go?

  • Spokane (~3.5 hours) and Seattle (~4.5 hours)  have the largest airports. There is also an airport in Wenatchee, which is closer still (2.5 hours).

Is there a shuttle service to the Valley?

When does camp begin?

  • On site registration will open at 6:00pm on Thursday- please bring your ski pass, if you have not purchased one with camp.
  • Waxing Clinic on Thursday evening at 7:00pm
  • Friday morning we break into groups and hit the snow.
  • Arriving late? No worries, see you Friday morning at SML for registration 6:30-7:30. Grab breakfast, and by 8:30 am, be dressed and ready to ski!
  • Schedules will be available at check-in on Thursday evening
  • Registration will be open again on Friday morning at 6:30 -7:30.  You must be dressed and ready to ski by 8:30.

What time does camp end on Sunday?

  • Sunday morning is our 5th session of small group learning, where you are grouped by technique, skill, and energy. Everyone will be back in time for checkout and lunch. We know many of you may want to get on the road.
  • Sunday afternoon, we mix it up. Want to ski with your friends and a coach? Go tour some different trails with a coach? We’ve got you covered!

Equipment

Do I need to bring my own skis?

Can I use the same gear for both techniques- classic and skate?

  • Not exactly. Some boots are “combo” and designed for both skate and classic, but poles are quite different lengths and skis are different altogether.

I have metal edge skis, are these ok?

  • Metal edge skis are not appropriate for this camp.

If I sign up to only Skate but decide to classic, can I still join a classic group?

  • Absolutely. We highly encourage everyone to try both techniques. It would help us tremendously to know this ahead of time.
  • It doesn’t matter if you’re an expert at classic and beginner at skate, we’ll have the right group and coach for you.
  • Please note, “Classic Only” isn’t an option.

What about waxing?

  •  There will be a stocked wax room at Sun Mountain Lodge
  • You should be prepared to wax your own skis
  • We will provide daily wax recommendations
  • We will have a waxing demo, and will have staff on hand occasionally to answer questions
  • Please have your skis in “ski ready” condition prior to camp- wax room will be open on Thursday evening and again Friday morning before breakfast. We will provide Wax of the Day recommendations.  If  you need a tune up/ grind/ hot box- check in with Nordic Ultratune  

Will there be any demo gear available?

  • Yes! The demo gear from Salomon, Fischer, Madshus, Rossignol, and Atomic, is designed to allow everyone to try new and different gear.
  • We highly suggest you secure your own private or rental equipment first, and enhance your weekend by trying some of the latest and greatest equipment.

What clothing do you recommend?

  • Nordic skiing tends to be aerobic,  so light layers and a light shell and vest are recommended.
  • Dry socks and gloves at lunch are a nice option.
  • If you tend to be cold, bring more layers.  You can always leave gear by the trail and pick it up on your way back.
  • A small waist pack with a water bottle and a snack is a good idea.
  • Sunglasses are also highly recommended- being on the snow is hard on the eyes, even if it isn’t sunny.

Etc…

Can you accommodate special diets?

  • Sun Mountain Lodge is able to accommodate gluten-free meal options, but does not maintain a gluten-free (or celiac appropriate) kitchen. Vegetarian meals are also on offer. For requests outside of this, please contact the Camp director prior to registration.

Do you provide babysitting or daycare options?

  • Unfortunately, no. You might inquire with Sun Mountain Lodge, but we are unable to make any arrangements in that department.

I have never been on snow before, is this camp appropriate for me?

  • Absolutely. We can accommodate brand new skiers to very experienced skiers, in either technique. You will always find a group appropriate for your level of experience and fitness.

Do I need to be in top shape for this camp?

  • Strength and fitness certainly helps- you will be outside, on your feet for two sessions a day.  But, you will also be grouped according to your ability and fitness.
  • We recommend doing taking a look at our SkiAdvent Calendar for things you can do each day to help prep your body.

What happens if camp is cancelled due to lack of snow?

  • In the unfortunate event there is not enough snow to host camp, campers will receive a full refund, exclusive of SkiReg fees and taxes.