Summer Ski Camps and Programs

Last Updated: 13.Apr.2017

"Skiers are made in the summer."

While perhaps cliche, this coaching adage still holds true. If you want to improve as a skier this coming winter, or are just looking for ways to stay active with your ski friends, we have a program - and likely a camp - for you.

Camps:
U14/U16 Summer Ski Camp - Saturday, July 1 - Monday, July 3, 2017
BKL Daycamp #1 - Monday June 26 - Friday, June 30, 2017
BKL Daycamp #2 - Monday, July 10 - Friday, July 14, 2017
Junior Summer Ski Camp - Monday, July 31 - Friday, August 4, 2017

This summer we'll be offering four camps for ages 8 to 19.

BKL (ages 8-13): The BKL camps are always some of the most memorable weeks of the year at Craftsbury, and this year will be no exception. We'll again host two day camps (Monday - Friday, 9am - 3pm) for kids ages 8-13. This first camp is scheduled for June 26th - June 30th; the second camp is scheduled for July 10th - July 14th. Camps are coached by Craftsbury's year-round ski coaching staff, including junior/BKL coaches Anna Schulz, Jake Barton, and Audrey Mangan, masters coach Ollie Burruss, biathlon coach Sam Dougherty, and by members of the Craftsbury Green Racing Project as well. The skiers will work hard and play even harder! There will be lots of fun games, a variety of ski workouts, tons of opportunities to learn or improve skills like roller skiing, shooting with a real biathlon rifle, sculling, and mountain biking, all capped by the traditional adventure race and pizza party at the end of the week. Read more.

U14/U16 (ages 12-15): Last year, we introduced a short overnight camp aimed at U14s and U16s to help bridge the gap between our beloved BKL camps and our more intense junior camp. It was a great success, so we're bringing it back for 2017! In many respects, the U14/U16 camp will mimic our junior camp, but will serve a slightly younger audience. Campers can expect to rollerski, do strength workouts, get out in the mountains, and spend time on the lake. They will also be introduced to fundamental training concepts, engage in technique work, and learn from members of the Craftsbury coaching staff (junior coaches Anna Schulz, Jake Barton, and Audrey Mangan and biathlon coach Sam Dougherty) and Craftsbury Green Racing Project team. Details.

Junior Summer Camp (Ages 14-19): Our junior summer camp for U16 - U20 skiers is five days (four nights) long and is packed with training and playing. Camps are coached by Craftsbury's year-round ski coaching staff, including junior coaches Anna Schulz, Jake Barton, and Audrey Mangan, masters coach Ollie Burruss, biathlon coach Sam Dougherty, and by members of the Craftsbury Green Racing Project as well. Skiers will be doing two workouts a day, including rollerskiing, running, weight and circuit training, technique work, biking, canoeing, kayaking, biathlon, and sculling. Junior camp participants are expected to be comfortable on rollerskis. This year's camp will likely include a time trial run up Elmore Mountain in Elmore State Park. In addition to the work will be play! Campers will have daily time to relax and unwind in between sessions, whether that's hanging out at the waterfront, lounging with a book, or picnicking and swimming in Lake Elmore after the run. Days close with relaxing activities like movies or campfires. Information.

Programming

In addition to the camps, we'll be offering ongoing programming for these age groups, plus Masters. Our sessions for younger kids focus primarily on being active, having fun, and working on fundamentals. As skiers move up through our programs, they embark on more focused training, including rollerskiing, running, strength, and more. Programs are generally organized by age, but final selection/placement will depend on participants' needs and coaches' discretion. You can find out the schedules, costs and all the details here.

Membership

Craftsbury Outdoor Center membership is required for kids to participate in our summer camps or programming. Membership, which is available at the individual or family level, provides a host of benefits, including year-round trail use and access to great opportunities like speakers, naturalist hikes, and cider pressing. Membership is also a prerequisite for registration in our regular summer dryland and winter skiing programs. Interested in joining the Craftsbury ski club as a regular part of one of our teams? Learn more about our summer training programs here.