Anyone going Str8line Camp March 17-19? (advice needed)

There's a little devil that's just popped up over my right shoulder and it keeps whispering "straightline". I think I've got the basic money situation (camp/travel) squared away but still haven't got lodging/fun accounted for. Part 1 of my question is whether or not anyone is going to this particular camp, and the followup concerns your lodging situation. I'm down to rent floorspace from someone (I'm still reasonably agile at age 21) or split a room at Goldminers or elsewhere "reasonable". Is there a hostel with easy access?

The big question though, is whether or not I'm ready for this camp. I'm a southern raised, midwestern edumakated individual who skis as much as possible given the current situation (10-15 days/year). Given the general public view/rankings of skiiers I know I would be level 8 and/or "advanced". I spend all of my time aside from warmups on black and some double black terrain. Challenging terrain is fun. That being said, my technique is nowhere near great. So far, I'm typing myself into thinking this camp will be ok. Here's the problem though: I have one powder day in my life. I was super-stoked during it, and got better each run. I'm still a babe in the deep snow. I have 5 more days at A-Basin/Breck, before I would go to the camp, in which I could hopefully play around a bit more in the powder. I'm still not going to be good at it.

Here's my complete JONG question: How hard is the transition to powder? Is it possible for me to be competent enough for this camp when it happens? I love skiing and my last lesson (taken as the only advanced person at A-Basin) resulted in me learning not much due to the instructor not seeing much wrong. I know there's lots of stuff wrong..... This camp would force me to step up but then again I don't want to be "that guy" who holds everyone back and is just asking to get a rusty ski pole jammed between his shoulder blades. I absolutely love skiing and would give every ounce of effort to keep up at the camp. Is it possible?

Thanks maggot contigent, you are the ones leading me down this path....

Just returned from the 10-12 camp. There were 3 groups. Abilities ranged from people who were fairly new to double black terrain, to people who are comfortable far beyond that. We didn't have any powder, but guessing from abilites I would say a couple of folks were as new to powder as you. We split into three groups allowing for different speeds/levels of aggressiveness.

I can't speak for everybody there, but people in our group were very supportive of each other regardless of pacing differences.

You might try emailing the straightline camp contact email with your concerns. It's on the site.

Good luck. You'll have a great time.

My experience at the camp was similar to Cultvo's. Ability levels ran the full spectrum. Gordy and the other coaches had something to offer to all, despite very very different ability levels, and I'd say that pretty much every camper came away with some new things to work on, and a different way of looking at the mtn. Honestly, the camp totally changed the way I ski and the way I look at stuff. It pretty much has made my season.

I'd say do it up - you won't regret it.

If you are doing blacks and double blacks you should be fine. It is pot luck if you are going to get powder or not. Don't worry about it. email Gordy, tell him about your level. I have been to two camps and have seen a lot of different abilities. He would love to make you a better skier and can.
Suck it up, sign up. You will love it.

While I can't telly ou about the camps. Lets say you are the worst skier there, you will probably progress the most. Nothing makes you step it up like skiing with people who are better then you.

I just back from Gordy's camp also. It is so worth it. DO IT!!

I was afraid I was going to be the one who would hold others back also. I'm 54 years old and just an average skier. The first day I was kind of slow and afraid of committing to steep turns. By day 3, I was super stoked at being able to ski down terrain I had to avoid before. I was so happy at being able to make so much progress in such a short time. The camp not only teaches about skiing, but avi info, and how to get the correct skis, & boots to get the job done.

I'm already planning on going again next year, and getting my sons to go to.

The coaches are all very cool, easy to work with and very!!! very!!! knowledgeable.

You'll absolutely never regret going to the camp. It is worth way more than Gordy is charging for it. It's got to be the best deal in ski training available.

JUST DO IT!!

Even with a gammy knee I learned so much in Chamonix just being around better skiers and listening to the tips and advice. I'd agree with dirtybryan in that the less you know the more you can soak up. Before the camp I wasn't even at that point where I recognised what I didn't know. If somebody had asked me what was wrong with my skiing, I'd have probably said I stood up too tall and A-framed my legs too much. After the camp, I now realise that some of the things i thought of as faults are actually attributes and vice versa.

Just looking forward to putting it all into practice. That may be some time away though. :(

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Originally Posted by bad_roo

Just looking forward to putting it all into practice. That may be some time away though. :(

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Bah, with your knee healed up you're gonna be the role model in spe.


As for the camp Daywalker do it, it will really help you to improve your skiing.

Ok, well sounds like there is enough consensus here.... I'm going to finalize the budget and try to put stuff together tonight. Thanks for the encouragement and peer pressure all. Are any maggots going to be in attendance? I'd like to hear that other people are going, plus maybe we can work out some lodging arrangements. If that falls through, it seems that the consensus on here is Goldminer's Daughter to stay at, with an honorary mention to the extended stay in Sandy. It sounds like the Extended Stay works well if you're either headed home right after skiing or have your own ride (bus only runs so long). Is this correct?

Trigger=pulled. Anyone want to help with lodging advice?