From women-only to backcountry, and everything in between, there’s an improvement program out there for everyone and every style of riding. Find your like-minded snow people and watch your skills skyrocket.
Upgrade your skills across the mountain
Feeling like your skills have plateaued? If you’re an intermediate to advanced rider then these all-mountain camps will take your off-piste and freeride technique to a whole new level.
It’s safe to say that New Zealand terrain can be described as a freeride haven, so it makes sense to improve your off-piste skills across the ditch. The Performance Camps and Rookie Ski Camps focus on elevating your technique on varied terrain. Both camps feature hand-picked coaches ready to offer invaluable technical feedback and coaching.
The Austrian crew at Sofa Ski Camps are back this season, this time based at Porters Alpine Resort. Trust us, your ski skills will go up a level and then some in the hands of some of the world’s best instructors.
Australia’s answer is Thredbo’s All-Mountain Camp. With a maximum of six riders per group, the guided four-day camp will arm you with the on and off-piste knowledge and skills to take on any mountain.
Conquer the Backcountry
From newbies who want to take their riding out of bounds to experts that want to level up their backcountry skills, NSW has two stellar programs catered just for you.
For the novice, Thredbo’s Introduction to Backcountry has your name all over it. Led by expert guides, you’ll learn everything from avalanche safety to touring basics while experiencing the raw beauty and untamed wilderness of the backcountry..
Already a keen out-of-bounder? Take your skills up a notch with Snowy Mountain Backcountry’s Introduction to Ski Mountaineering Intro Course. Designed for confident backcountry riders, this program covers steep skiing and boarding techniques, ice axe and crampon use, plus more.
Rainbow Skiers
Whether you’re a seasoned rider or complete newbie, the mountain will be your playground at Queenstown’s Winter Pride. The multi-day festival will have you hitting the slopes and improving your skills, all whilst letting your rainbow flag fly. August 25 – September 2
Or, for those looking to improve their partying skills, Thredbo’s Rainbow Mountain is where you want to be. The three-day inclusive festival is jam packed with on and off snow events, parties and a champagne lunch for ultimate winter wonderland vibes. August 10 – 12
Shred Like A Girl
Gather up the gals and improve your ski and board game amongst expert female riders. You’ll find female-only improvement clinics at almost every resort across Australia and New Zealand, but we’ve dialled down on some of the stand-outs.
It’s hard to beat Falls Creek’s renowned Mim’s Women’s Program. Learn to master the mountain with a dash of socialising, Mim’s Program will supercharge your skills and overcome fears in a fun and supportive environment. Three day and five day camp options in July and August and September.
Over at Thredbo, you can sign up to the We Rise: Rossignol Women’s Camp where you’ll spend five days shredding the slopes with world-class coaches and other bad-ass ladies. July 27 – 29.
Looking across the ditch, if you want to accelerate your freeride technique you can sign up for a three-day Women’s Performance Camp, hosted by both Coronet Peak and The Remarkables. Gain extra confidence on any type of terrain with skills sessions focusing on park, carving, bumps and powder. Camps run throughout the season.
For those who only have eyes for the backcountry, the Ladies BC Intro Clinic and Thredbo Women’s Introduction to Backcountry Tour, both in the NSW Alps, are a must try. Led by expert guides, you’ll learn the skills and knowledge to safely navigate untouched terrain and access some of the most breathtaking runs in Australia.
Adaptive Snow Lovers
For our adventurous adaptive snow lovers, look no further than the Disabled Winter Sports Australia (DWA) programs. Take your pick from introductory, recreation and experiential programs, all offered at each Australian Ski Resort. Whether it’s your first time hitting the slopes or a seasoned pro, DWA’s programs will make sure you improve your skills and have a memorable time up in the fresh air of the mountains.
Masters of the Mountain
Thinking about taking on the Thredbo Masters? Up the ante with the Thredbo Masters Race Camp. Aimed at advanced adult riders aged 30 years or older, the three-day camp will see you heading out with top race trainers for an intensive gates session where they will share tips and knowledge to have you carve up the course with confidence.
Grommets
There’s no shortage of improvement clinics for the mini shredder in your life.
Develop skills and maximise ride time at Cardrona’s Multi Day Programs, Thredbo’s Adventure Camps and Buller’s Snow Squad. Kids will learn everything they need to know to master the hill, guided by expert instructors. Packed full of fun, these multi-day programs will fast-track your groms on-snow skills.
For the budding freestyle athlete, NSW has even more on offer. New to 2023, sign the kids up to Project Shred: Powered by the Chumpy Pullin Foundation. Designed to pave the way in developing the next generation of superstar shredders, learn tricks and tips from the best skiers and boarders in Aus, followed by a workshop from top tier athletes about the ins and outs of becoming a pro.
Staying in NSW, let’s not forget about our next generation backcountry explorers. The Junior Alpinist Workshop is designed to build skills, awareness and safety tips out in the backcountry, with intermediate to advanced riders in mind. By the end of the workshop, your mini-me will be primed and ready to explore beyond the resort boundaries with you.
Learn from a Legend
Why get a lesson when you can ride with a legend? Staying in the southern hemisphere but this time over in Chile, improve your skills amongst legends of the industry for an on-snow experience like no other. The annual Superstar Ski Camp takes place at Ski Portillo in Chile.
Open to just 30 riders, the experience is hosted by some impressive legends of the industry including Chris Davenport, Cody Townsend and Wendy Fisher. Just to name a few. With daily personalised instruction, video analysis, and nightly presentations with the athletes, this is the improvement program of all improvement programs.
