Snow has fallen early and with the on and off starts of the Aussie ski season for the last two years, it finally feels like things are getting back to normal. But is it just us, or are you too anxious about your lapsed skill set?
For those feeling slightly daunted from lack of on-snow time, maybe 2022 is the year to commit to an improvement camp so you (or your kids) can shine on the slopes as if no time has passed at all.
Whether you’re looking to wow in the park, race down groomers, train like a Winter Olympian or improve skills with a bit of female-only camaraderie, there’s an improvement camp to suit everyone.
We’ve curated the best for 2022 so you don’t have to. You’re welcome.
Kid’s Improvement Camps
Thredbo’s 5-day Adventure Camp, Australia
Designed for both budding skiers and snowboarders, Thredbo’s 5-day Adventure Camp will accelerate skill development and maximise riding time. Aimed at young riders five to 12yrs old, the camp includes lunch, daily instruction, fun activities, and a ski passport delivered at the end of the legendary week of fun.
Dates: 27th June to 2nd September 2022. Cost: $1069. Learn More here.
Mount Hotham Freeski School Holiday Program, Australia
Designed for intermediate to advanced skiers, 8yrs and older, this memorable five or 10-day program will accelerate kids’ freeriding abilities. Participants will learn how to become all-around competent skiers, ready to tackle any condition and terrain skillfully. With inclusions like individual video analysis and daily instruction from high-performing coaches, it’s not surprising that Mount Hotham Freeski riders often become the best skiers on the mountain.
Dates: July School Holidays, 2022. Cost: $1161 per week (5 days) Learn More here.
Mt Buller Snow Squad Programs, Australia
With a program to suit kids just four years old all the way through to teenagers, the Mt Buller Snow Squad delivers a tried-and-tested formula to unleash kids’ full potential on snow. With an “all-mountain” inspired itinerary, the program aims to refine technique so that participants are confident to ride any terrain, anywhere, with confidence and expertise. This program can also fast-track success for development pathways in particular disciplines for future athletes.
Dates: Throughout the season from 25th June 2022. Cost: From $3,838. Learn more here.
Park n Pipe improvement camps
Cardrona Core Skills Camp, New Zealand
Aimed at future and current competitive athletes 14yrs or older, the Cardrona Core Skills Camp is a 9-day program that looks to nail down the fundamentals to unleash full potential in the park. Participants will learn to polish their skills in speed control, balance, take-offs, landings, and switch riding.
All integral skills for a high-performing park, pipe, and freeride riders. If you think you’ve got the next Zoi Sadowski-Synnott waiting in the wings, then this is the improvement camp they need to be in.
Dates: 18th June to 14th July 2022. Cost: To be advised soon so keep checking their website. Learn more here.
Turn n Burn seasonal air bag training, Jindabyne Australia
Fancy getting yourself some serious air? The crew at Turn n Burn Snowboard Camps are offering air bag training between 7am and 9am daily throughout the school holidays in Jindabyne. So you can get some early morning training before a day on the hill.
All sessions 7-9am for 16 days across July, August and September. Cost: AU$2500 (50% off if you are attending their school holiday camp at Thredbo). Learn more here.
Mikey Williams Holiday Program, New Zealand
This Holiday Camp, aimed at skiers and snowboarders aged eight to 18 years old at varying skill levels, serves up the chance to join world-renowned high-performance development coach Mikey Williams. Williams has coached both Valentino Guseli and Tess Coady, so you know he’s good.
With a goal to have kids “better themselves” around daily coaching, technique insights, lift-line priority, and plenty of camaraderie, the Cardrona-based improvement camp is the perfect opportunity to finesse skills and learn fundamental training techniques.
Dates: July and September/October School Holidays. Cost: TBC so watch this space. Learn more here.
Best Freeride Programs
Yes Ski Improvement Camp, New Zealand
If the sound of heading to Wanaka, New Zealand for eight days to hone your skiing skills sounds good then this could be the camp for you. Designed for adult skiers who can confidently link blue turns, this improvement camp will focus on technique and style to have you confidently racing across any and all types of terrain.
The camp includes accommodation, lift passes, ski training, video analysis and don’t forget the fun inclusions like apres functions, in-resort service, and a group dinner. The Yes Improvement camps are sure to be an unforgettable experience that you’ll relish on and off the snow.
Dates: August 6th to 13th or August 13th to 20th, 2022. Cost: From $2525. Learn more here.
Women’s Improvement Camps
Hotham Women’s Ski Week, Australia
Similar to Mim’s, the Hotham Women’s Ski Week is a 5-day improvement program designed specifically by women, for women. You’ll fast-track your skills with daily on-snow instruction and video analysis whilst indulging in social extras like a 2-course awards dinner, complimentary drinks, and welcome breakfast to get to know your coaches and fellow participants.
Dates: 25-29 July 2022. Cost: to be advised soon. Learn more here.
Mim Sodegren Women’s Week, Australia
A fan favourite in Falls Creek, the famous Mim’s Women’s Program is designed to give women the chance to supercharge their skills and overcome fears in a fun and supportive environment. The week involves a busy schedule that includes both on and off-snow activities like daily instruction, lunch, a group dinner, and a parting gift. If you’re looking to master your skills with a dash of socialising, this is the camp for you.
Dates: 15-17 July OR 2-4 September 2022. Cost: 3-day Program is $886 per person, or 5-day Program $1264. Learn more here.
Other Speciality Programs
An Introduction to Snow Camping with K7 Adventures, Australia
Even though the Introduction to Snow Camping is not necessarily a ski or snowboard improvement program, it is perfect for anyone interested in taking their backcountry riding to the next level.
This three to six-day program will have you touring out into the vast expanses of the Snowy Mountains with a knowldegdable guide. It is there, you will learn the essential skills for alpine survival including how to set up a camp, build a snow shelter, cook a hot meal, navigation, group management, hydration, and how to prevent hypothermia.
As the popularity of backcountry touring continues to explode, programs like this are critical to have you safely prepared to navigate the unpredictable alpine wilderness.
Dates: TBC so keep checking their website. Cost: From $750 per person (3-day). Learn more here.
So there you have it, our collection of the best ski and snowboard improvement camps on offer across Australia and New Zealand for 2022 (plus a cheeky Intro to Snow Camping).
All that’s left to do is pull the trigger and pick your favourite to watch your skills skyrocket.
