4 reminders to get the most out of summer ski camp
Even the most seasoned ski travelers need reminders once in awhile. U21, U19 and U16 ski racers are no different. Here’s 4 reminders for summer ski camp, plus tips on what to do if these reminders didn’t get to you soon enough!
1. Make sure your ski boots fit and that all the parts are in working order
Don’t assume because your ski boots fit at the end of the season or for the first summer ski camp this year that they still fit now. Try them on at home in plenty of time to be able to replace them if need be – at least 2 weeks before you need to leave for camp. Also, make sure all buckles are fully functioning and any screws/bolts are tight – things break, usually at the most inopportune time. In the words of Ben Franklin, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”
- Need ‘last minute’ summer boot fitting, repairs or even new boots? Try The Start Haus in Truckee, CA, Pinewskis Ski Shop in Anoka, Minnesota (Hint: They’re having their Annual Sidewalk Sale July 21 – 23) or The Ski Company Ltd. in Rochester, Michigan (Hint: Their Annual Sidewalk Sale is July 14 – 16) for a great selection of ski boots and expert ski boot fitting and repairs – even in the summer.
2. Make sure your full side zip ski pants fit
You may have just worn them a few weeks ago, but try them on again. As a teenager your body is growing and changing by leaps and bounds. In the summer months you’re doing a lot more dryland training – your quads and glutes are growing. More than once I have seen a U19 boy who no longer fit into a pair of ski pants in just a few short weeks over the summer.
- Need a new pair of full side zip pants? Where are you going to find the size and color you need in the middle of summer? www.arctica.com of course! We’ve got the largest selection of ski pants and clothing for ski racers in stock year ’round. We ship within 24 hours and can expedite shipping if need be. Another viable alternative for full side zip ski pants in the summer is the Fuxi Flash 1 Stop Shop at Government Camp at Mt. Hood or for those of you across the pond – WAY across, that is, there’s The Racer’s Edge in Jindabyne, New South Wales, Australia. They just received their 2016-17 shipment from Arctica and are fully stocked.
3. Make sure your skis are tuned
Take your skis to camp fully tuned. Then be sure to keep up on them with daily maintenance once you are there for optimal performance.
- Need high quality race ski tuning done in the summer time? Look no further than the race ski tuning experts at Peak Performance Ski Shop in Killington, Vermont, The Race Place in Bend, Oregon, Sport Thoma in Lincoln, New Hampshire or Sports Den in Salt Lake City, Utah.
4. Carry your boots on the plane with you
Most likely as an older ski racer, your ski boots are canted and ground for optimal fit. Make sure you have a boot backpack that will enable you to carry your boots on the plane with you as carry on baggage, NOT checked baggage. This will prevent losing the boots that your boot fitter has worked so hard to perfectly match up to your foot size, position and stance.
Want some additional information to make your trip the best it can be? Whether you are going to Mt Hood for summer ski camp or not, read the ‘Coach’s Tips’ in 7 days of heaven: An expert guide to making the most of Mt. Hood from skiracing.com. It offers excellent advice to make the most of any summer ski camp experience.
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