My dad already said I could go to whichever one I choose. Which one though? Which camp has: a better park, better coaching, better off-hill activities, smaller groups/less people, less douchebag kids, better location, better food, and just more fun in general? The reason for asking about less people is that for some reason whenever there are a lot of people around I feel like they're all watching me do everything and then if I mess up I get kind of embarrassed but more discouraged about trying it again over anything else, it's pretty stupid. I actually want to learn some stuff there so coaching is the most important thing, I think I could catch on with stuff pretty quickly. I'll probably be staying for more than 1 session as well.

I assume you're talking for next year, right? Because HCSC's last session is starting in the next few days. And I'd imagine Windell's is about the same.

Anyway, I tried doing this kind of research last year and couldn't find anyone who'd been to both camps. I went to High Cascade just because I got a better vibe off them. I had an awesome time. My group started out with five of us, then two went on to a more advanced group so it was just three of us and our coach. I know what you mean about getting embarrassed.. I'm the same way, but actually never had that while I was there. It's super chill and they're really good about splitting everyone into groups of equal riding abilities - if you're screwing up, everyone else probably is too, so it's no big deal!

One thing to consider... I see you're 19 (assuming that's right). HCSC's adult camp is 21+, and Windells's is 18 I think.. so you have to decide if you want to be in the adult of the.. "kids" camp. I had a great time at adult camp, but one thing for the side of the kids one is that a lot of the activities with prizes and stuff were more geared towards that camp.. we didn't even know about half the stuff going on, or were too busy to go.. soooo many activies planned, we never had a spare second! In a good way though.

Another thing.. Windells has skiing too.. HCSC is 100% snowboarding.. just something to consider if you care about that kind of thing

Anyway, people rave about both so I'm sure you'll have a good time. Cruise both of their websites to get a feel for them.. they also have lots of info about their parks etc.. I know HCSC has a "sample day" type thing so you get an idea about after hill activities.. not sure about Windells, but they probably do too.

Oh also HCSC is in Government Camp, which is way closer to the hill.. and they have 2 private parks (lap park and regular "hiking" park.. except they have a rope tow now). I think Windells only has the one private park.. maybe. I could be lying thoug. Again, check the websites.

Well I actually just turned 15 today so I don't have to worry about adult camp or not. You were actually the only person who responded last time I posted something like this so I was hoping to get more opinions this time around. I think I might be leaning towards High Cascade right now and they get an added bonus from me because they have Scott Stevens as a coach. I'm sure you're right about both being good though.

Oh hahah sorry I didn't even realize.

Well Shay's actually at Windells right now and is blogging it day by day on shayboarder.com.. so you can get her perspective there, and ask her about her opinion of it when she's done. Again though, she's never been to HCSC (at least I don't think so).. so it's one sided... haha

Here's a good write up on Windells one of the better ones I've seen http://powderroom.net/blog/2009/08/08/a-day-windells

I went to the adult camp at HCSC this year (can watch the video I made here), last year I was at MHSSC. Last time I went to HCSC was like 1999 through 2000. My friends also just finished a trip to Windells.

I think you'll have plenty of fun in either park (both have tow lifts now). I did like the HCSC ride-through park (they have a hiking park and a ride through park). Windell's is a bit far away (add 30 minutes bus time to/from the mountain). The benefit of that is Windell's has a much bigger skate park (I don't skate so it wasn't that big a deal for me) - although High Cascade has a decent one. Similarly... Windell's has bigger trampolines, but HCSC has 3 small round ones and there's less of a crowd to use them.

From what I've seen (again I've only been to HCSC and MHSSC not Windells, plus I'm an adult camper now). I prefer HCSC.



[Edited by lonerider on 8/9/2009 at 11:33 PM]

Yeah I looked at MHSSC along with the other two and no offense but it looks pretty lame to me. I think I'm going to go with HCSC because I want to learn more rails than jumps. Is Scott Stevens an actual coach or does he just kind of hang out and ride there in the summer?

He's listed as a coach..

But you don't get to pick your coach.. luck of the draw.. and some guys coach exclusively first timers etc etc.. so yeah he's a coach, but don't count on getting him as YOUR coach. Plus I don't think they all coach all sessions. But don't worry, all the coaches are super awesome - they don't hire just anyone to coach.

Yeah, I knew you didn't get to choose but I was just wondering if that by some slim chance I would maybe end up with him. It would be cool to get a coach from the east coast or even better New England just because I'm from New England. But all of the coaches definitely seem like they would be cool. How are the counselors that live with you? Just as cool?
[Edited by powder_rider111 on 8/13/2009 at 5:25 PM]

Suuuper cool. Mind you I was in adult camp so I'm sure it was a bit different.. i.e. our guy went to skate every afternoon. Not to say we didn't hang out with him at all, but he wasn't around the whole time. (I also think he felt a bit awkward in a house full of girls..). The house right in front of ours actually had Iris Lazzerachi as their counselor because she'd blown her knee the week before. She's super fun too. I have both of them and a bunch of coaches on facebook and we keep in touch from time to time. They make sure that everyone there is super cool people. Diggers, kitchen, everyone.