December Camp 2023
December is a great time to kick-start the season with training on the first real snow of winter. The resorts are quiet pre-Christmas but the cold conditions have arrived, presenting plenty of training space to choose from and ideal conditions. This camp also takes in the Ambition Tech Series BASS races at Pass Thurn, so is a great opportunity to get some races under the belt before the New Year. We will be based in Kaprun for this camp, with easy access to Pass Thurn, Kitzsteinhorn and Zell am See for training.
Staff
Head Coach Calum Shepherd and Jemma Clarke are the coaches for this camp. The house parents for this camp are Felicity & Bernard Houbert, former maths teacher, who will provide pastoral care & educational support where applicable.
Races
You are responsible for entering the races yourself. You must have a valid BASS competitor registration and enter online by the deadline to attend the camp. The races are the Ambition Winter Opener at Pass Thurn/Resterkogel. See GBSki for details:
To Book
Athletes can attend the camp residentially (all-inclusive) or non-residential. The camp fees are:
Residential (Sat 16 – Thu 21 Dec): £1,000 One place remaining (male only due to room sharing)
Non-residential (Sat 16 – Thu 21 Dec): £350
The residential option is open to all skiers with race experience aged U12-U16 (year of birth 2013-2008). U10s with race experience, and any others, may join on a non-residential basis.
To confirm your place, you must complete the registration form and pay a £400 deposit by bank transfer – see the registration form below for details. After receiving confirmation of your camp place, you will be required to book on to accompanied flights. Instructions will be included in the confirmation.
Email Head Coach Calum Shepherd at coaching@scottishskiclub.org.uk for more information.
Register here »
Further Guidance and Advice
We recommend that all parents read through the Parents’ Guide to Alpine Ski Racing provided by our partner Alpine Training Centre SCIO. This resource offers advice and insight from sports scientists, coaches and other skiing parents. Please also don’t hesitate to contact Head Coach Calum Shepherd by email at coaching@scottishskiclub.org.uk.
Accommodation and Food
SSC staff and residential camp athletes will be staying in a self-catering apartment in Kaprun. The camp staff will be providing 3 meals a day.
Kaprun gives us easy access to the nearby resorts of Kitzsteinhorn, Schmitten, and the race hill (Resterkogel/Pass Thurn), all within 30 mins.
Flights
You will be required to book on to & pay for accompanied flights after booking on to the camp. Instructions will be included in the confirmation of your camp place. Please do not book flights until you are asked to do so.
Insurance
Medical/travel insurance, including cover for ski racing, is mandatory for all attending athletes (residential or not).
All coaches are qualified through BASI, Snowsport Scotland, or another relevant governing body. All coaches are PVG/Disclosure checked and first-aid qualified.
Kit list
- SL and GS skis (and SG skis if you have them)
- Ski boots
- Protective equipment
- Back protector and FIS-certified hard-ear helmet
- Shin guards for slalom
- For U14s and older, an easily-removable chin guard (plus any tools required to do so), and pole guards
- Catsuit and training shorts (for U12s and older)
- Jacket and salopettes
- Thermals and ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- 2 pairs gloves and buffs
- Fitness clothing including shorts, tracksuit, t-shirts, swimming kit and sports trainers
- Personal tuning equipment
- Sunscreen and lip balm with sunscreen
- Casual clothes
- Water bottle
- Travel power adapter
- Towel
- Passport and insurance details
- Pocket money – needed on travel days for drinks/food at airports, and for extras like hot chocolates, etc.