ay Camp Steepaway Camp
The annual Ski Racing roundup
of on-snow summer training
opportunities: Part 2*
The rest of the world may soon be stashing their skis until next November,
but for ski racers, time in the gates hardly stops when the calendar reads April.
There’s a blizzard of summer ski camps for every type of athlete, from budding
juniors to graying masters. After profiling several camps last issue, we return with
two more, plus some perspective from the coaches who run summer camps.
Phil McNichol oversees PointZero1, which he calls “a ski experience company.”
The former head coach of the U.S. men’s team has hired former World Cup-
pers Erik Schlopy and Bryon Friedman as well as collegiate standout Michael
Cremeno to create a camp that works for every skill level. Schlopy’s known for
pushing colleagues in training on the hill and in dryland training. And Friedman?
The ski racer and recording artist also helps provide critical off-the-hill fun with
music. “The more seriously wound-up you get doesn’t necessarily provide the
opportunity for improvement,” explains McNichol.
Legendary coach Erich Sailer also focuses on hiring top teachers for his long-
running camps at Mount Hood. This season, Sarah Schleper, Urs Pavlovcic and
Seppi Stiegler will be working with campers. “The coaches are the very best I
can hire,” says Sailer, “and they are prepared to work with all age groups and
skill levels.”
Whatever the camp, participants can leave most of their summertime paper-
backs at home — there’s time for fun, sports, socializing and (of course) ski-
ing, but not much time for lazing about in a hammock. “Good snow, good hill,
makes for an excellent training situation,” says Mike Annett of Mount Hood Ski
Camps, which has a clay tennis court, soccer field, volleyball court, trampolines
and skateboard ramps at the Palmer Glacier. “We pack so much into the week
you’ll continue to learn even as you get home.” — Hank McKee
SKICAMPSINC.COM
SkiRacing.com APRIL 7, 2011 | 47
