Hey NS!
I am looking into extending my season for a bit, like into the summer! Owning to the fact that I live near Mt. Hood, Oregon, a summer camp seems like a brilliant idea. I have also been discussing this with some friends, none of which have attended any of the camps on Mt. Hood, so I am asking for some info from you all to hear from more than just my friends.
First, some background about me and my skiing will be essential. This is going to be season four for me. I am not super advanced, more like intermediate and looking to build my skills and meet some chill people in the process. I have not taken my skiing in any one specific direction. As mentioned prior, I live within Oregon, so getting there is no sweat. I have not been summer skiing yet. I am in my mid/late teens.
From what I have learned so far, there are two camps up there:
-Windells
-Mt. Hood Summer Ski Camps (MHSSC)
Unless there is a third camp, the choice is between these two (let me know if there’s another one).
I have some questions for you all below. Assume that we are ignoring exact costs at the moment. Assume that any other camps are out of the question, for now.
1. What is the snow like up there in early summer? Is it actually legit skiable? Level of terrain?
2. What is the food like? What’s the schedule like around meals?
3. Sleeping arrangements: what are they like?
4. Whats the average age of the folks you met? Assuming that you’ve been, is it just a bunch of Oregon kids or are they from elsewhere too?
5. To what extent do they create ability-based groups? What if you are intermediate, ski all-mountain and have not really been in the park at all yet?
6. Which one is the best value overall for the price? Most Fun?
7. Is it awkward if your friend(s) can’t come with you and you go by yourself? Will you get lost in the crowd if you don’t bring a friend with you?
8. What is the coaching/instruction like?
That is mostly what I’m interested in. Please share something about your session at either one if you went, or things you feel that are important to know about either camp. I really appreciate the input! Thanks for reading this :)