Not every individual or family has an unlimited budget for snowboarding. Glacier Snowboard Camp in Whistler, British Columbia advertises lower rates and smaller session sizes.

Glacier Snowboard Camp in Whistler, British Columbia has second-tier prices but maintains first-rate standards, insists Ben Wainwright, the owner and a member of the Canadian National Team.

"We pride ourselves on being a smaller, much more personalized snowboard camp," Wainwright writes on the Website, www.glaciersnowboardcamp.com.

Enrollment is limited to 40 snowboarders per session, while some larger facilities accept more than 200. This creates a ratio of one professional instructor for every five campers. The price is in the range of $1,495 for a weeklong session or $1,995 with accommodations. Campers and their families who want more instruction and fun, and who can afford the cost, may opt to stay for multiple weeks.

Glacier provides an array of jumps, hips, rails and boxes, along with a private half pipe cut by a 17-foot snow dragon.

"We offer the best coaching at the best price," Wainwright asserts. "In fact, you won't be able to find a less expensive snowboard camp in North America or a better one, no matter what you pay. Our goal is to improve your snowboarding and make sure you have the most possible fun."

A typical day focuses on instruction in the morning, and then mixes more time to experiment in the afternoon, including tips on the latest tricks. After-snowboarding activities include a bungee trampoline, skateboarding and paint ball. During summer camps, features include mountain biking, rock climbing and swimming.

Campers may choose to focus on freeride, which concentrates on core riding skills through powder, steeps and trees. Another option is freestyle, featuring tricks and the half pipe.

Pro Ride is the company that provides the format and staffing for Glacier.

"We will improve your riding in a fun, skill-based progression based on a foundation of all mountain discovery," says Anthony Crute, Pro Ride director, owner and lead guide. "Your program will be focused on what you really enjoy doing, and you have the flexibility to change your riding goals as it suits you.

"We live, eat and breathe snowboarding. We know Whistler inside out and enjoy sharing our vast snowboarding experience with people of like mind. This is our 11th year running snowboard camps specifically for snowboarders from all over the world. Come join us for one epic day after another!"

SOURCES:
glaciersnowboardcamp.com
proride.com/summercamp/index.cfm
snowboardcolonies.com/glaciercamp/friends