2010 Oregon Fall XC Ski Camp
December 2-12, 2010 * Mt Bachelor/Bend, Oregon
Recognized since 2001 by skiers around the world as one of the best annual ski education events you can find for citizen/master XC skiers.
Last Update: July 16, 2010
2010 CAMP UPDATES — The camp dates are now confirmed with a “most likely” schedule of one day off to give our coaches a break on either Mon or Tues (Dec 6 or 7) based on early registrations. Information posted below is updated as much as possible to date — with more updates coming. Registration will open by the first week in August to the general public. Due to growing popularity, past campers and Friends of XC Oregon patrons will have special advanced opportunities to sign up first. See you in December!
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2010 Oregon Fall Camp Registration Form (available beginning the first week of August)
Current NOAA forecast for Mt. Bachelor trail system.
Current Mt. Bachelor weather/snow conditions.
Pictures from the 2009 Oregon Fall Camp provided by camper Neil Hunt.
Pictures from the 2005 Oregon Fall Camp provided by camper Neil Hunt.
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Basics About The Camp
The Oregon Fall Camp offers citizen/master skiers the unique chance to take part in a world-class ski education experience regardless of your age or ability level. Our camp is intentionally designed to be much smaller and more personalized than other camp/clinic programs you can find. Over the years, hundreds of adult skiers from “advanced beginner” to elite master have been sold on the Oregon Fall Camp’s proven system of delivering exactly what you are looking for in a fun and personalized structure. We take great pride in saying that you will not find a better masters camp format in the XC world working with diverse abilities, ages, and ski goals!
Participants in the 2001-2009 camps have raved about the innovative format and specific attention to their individual needs. After attending the Oregon Fall Camp, several high performance attendees have gone on to record personal best results including top placings at major ski marathons, Masters World Cup, and the National Masters. Many other campers — most with less racing-oriented goals — have found they learned more in a few days with the Oregon Fall Camp than several years worth of clinics elsewhere.
Note: For true beginner skiers (skate or classic), the Oregon Fall Camp is happy to refer you to the excellent staff at the Mt Bachelor Nordic Center. Both private and group lessons are held daily making a great option for a spouse, child, or friend of a Fall Camp participant.
Camp Staff
The Camp Director and Founder is J.D. (John) Downing, Coach/Director of the XC Oregon elite development program based in Bend, National Director of the American XC Skiers (U.S. masters association), and founder/editor of xcskiworld.com website. Various local coaches and athletes (including many special guests with extraordinary ski credentials as well as elite XC Oregon athletes) are enlisted to help with coaching on different workouts. Every year our campers tell us how pleased they were with the coaches, the fun/welcoming atmosphere, and consistent help they received at the Fall Camp.
What Happens At The Camp?
Full mornings of on-snow sessions at the Mt Bachelor Nordic Center are supplemented by world-class physiology lab testing (optional), afternoon Bend-based wax/strength clinics, and an acclaimed evening training workshop program. Each ski session uses a mix of group and individual feedback with video footage review also included as often as is practical. Mt Bachelor Nordic sits at a high point of 6,300 feet and offers very reliable early December snow conditions with 30-40km of trails historically open the Thanksgiving week.
Camp Schedule Description
For 2010 we are again offering an expanded date window for campers to select your preferred dates. We did this expanded schedule for the first time in 2009 and were very pleased with the results. Skiers coming in from out-of-state will typically select 2-5 consecutive dates for their camp. Skiers within Oregon can select non-consecutive days (as many as you wish) since you can come and go much easier. The trade-off in this very flexible format is that we can’t determine an exact day-to-day event schedule (particularly with PM events in town) until we get a handle on where registrations are the most concentrated. The good news is that in 2009 we found that 99% of the time we could construct a nearly perfect schedule for every camper — something not possible using traditional programs where everyone has to be in town for only a set five day period!
When you are ready to sign up, you should choose whichever combination and length of dates suits your schedule the best (one day or a full week, the choice is yours). Please note that we will take a one day break on either Dec 6 or 7 to give our coaches a break! If you sign up by the early fall, there will be no problem on availability of camp space — but waiting longer may result in some days not being available. The Camp will base afternoon and evening clinics/lectures (all PM events will be held in Bend) around when we have a “critical mass” of campers. If there is a particular PM session you are counting on having happen whilst you are here, please note that on your registration form and we’ll do our very best to match up the final schedules.
What About A Choice Of Techniques?
We have found that over half our typical skiers only want to skate and thus we try and offer skate groups on every day we are skiing. Specific days will be determined by the early fall for when we will offer full classic groups. If you only classic ski, you are welcome to attend any day working with a coach split between classic and skate techniques. We have found that we often have a bigger technical gap with different levels of classic skiers so your understanding is appreciated when we have no choice but to mix experience levels.
What’s the deal with the optional Physiology Lab Test?
The optional Physiology Lab Test is an exceptional opportunity to be tested by one of the best facilities in the world when it comes to XC ski tests for wide age/ability levels. Testing is an incredible added-value to the camp for more motivated skiers as well as individuals keen to base their personal training/fitness plans around tested heart rate zones and lab data. We will schedule campers wishing to set up tests on a first-registered, first-served basis — so it does pay to get your deposit/registration in early if you want to have the best choice of dates and times. Lab testing is only available on weekdays. If want to lab test and you are coming from out of the immediate area, it is ideal to try and arrive 1-2 days prior to when you’d like to start ski sessions so that we can try and get you tested before you start skiing a bunch. Once available lab slots at the college are filled, the only way to add more tests is if a camper cancels. Note: We will not have a final choice of potential lab testing dates from C.O.C.C. until October — but send us your wish list with registration and we’ll do whatever is possible.
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Camp Fees
(IMPORTANT: The Fall Camp will not know the cost of 10/11 trail fees at Mt Bachelor Nordic until Fall 2010. Thus, the prices below do NOT include the cost of trail fees. Once we have firm fees, we’ll add that cost to your final balance. If you are a “local” skier with a Mt Bachelor season pass, your price should be the prices quoted below with no added trail fees.)
FIVE DAY CAMP Package (any five days you choose)
$285.00US (basic camp fee, see note above regarding extra cost of trail fees)
(optional) Physiology Lab Testing: $115-150 added fee depending on total number of testers.
FOUR DAY CAMP Package (any four days you choose)
$230.00US (basic camp fee, see note above regarding extra cost of trail fees)
(optional) Physiology Lab Testing: $115-150 added fee depending on total number of testers.
THREE DAY CAMP Package (any three days you choose)
$175.00US (basic camp fee, see note above regarding extra cost of trail fees)
(optional) Physiology Lab Testing: $115-150 added fee depending on total number of testers.
ONE OR TWO DAY CAMPS
$60.00US per day (basic camp fee, see note above regarding extra cost of trail fees)
(optional) Physiology Lab Testing: $115-150 depending on total number of registrations. Please note that campers with 3-5+ day packages will have first priority with regards to scheduling available Fall Camp lab testing slots.
Current 10/11 members of the American Cross Country Skiers may deduct $10 from any registration price. Camp price does not include meals, lodging or transportation. All camp and lab test reservations made on a first-come, first-served basis.
*Camp Deposit Policy: 3-5 Day Camp Packages require a $100 deposit payable at the time of camp registration. 1-2 Camps require a $50 deposit payable at the time of camp registration. Oregon Fall Camp deposits are 80% refundable up until 5pm PST, October 31. After that date, all deposits are non-refundable for any reason (including illness, injury, personal circumstances, etc.). The only exception will be if the camp is 100% sold out and we are able to secure a fully-paid replacement for your slot.
2010 Oregon Fall Camp Registration Form (coming soon!)
For more camp information: Email: [ jd at xcskiworld.com ] or call (541) 317-0217.
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More Info About Various Camp Topics
Our camp structure allows most skiers to operate at their own pace 99% of the time, thus eliminating pressure for skiers to either “keep up with the top guys/gals” or waste time waiting for other folks to catch up (both common complaints at other camps/clinics you can find out there). We promise to keep you moving as much as possible while also keeping the information flow — specific to YOUR needs — coming in every session. We use video footage & review in several sessions (weather permitting).
All on-snow sessions concentrate on application of specific technical elements combined with real world workout designs used by world-class skiers (of all ages). Individual technical feedback is a huge part of the process rather than concentrated in a traditional, stand around and watch clinic. Past participants really enjoy this approach which allows for both the best of lots of personal ski time AND loads of feedback on how to improve your skiing.
Is This Camp Right For My Level?
All participants will need to be in at least reasonable fitness and have at least average (at least high beginner to intermediate) technical abilities. You do NOT need to be a superstar racer to greatly benefit from this program! On the other hand, if you are super fit and fast and motivated — you simply aren’t going to find a better ski education opportunity than the Oregon Fall Camp.
The only camper we can’t work with (but are happy to refer to the excellent Mt Bachelor lesson folks) is a true beginner skier. The camp reserves the right to decide if you are unable to meet our necessary minimum skill levels and arrange group or private lessons with Mt Bachelor Nordic Center on your behalf using your camp fees.
The baseline to use for minimum skill level is whether you can safely ski “from point A to point B” over flat and uphill terrain in a reasonable time period as well as get yourself safely down an intermediate grade downhill. All this in whatever technique you want to work on at the camp. You don’t have to look pretty doing it, but if you can at least cover 1km within shouting distance of our average campers, that puts you past the beginner stage — and ready for the Oregon Fall Camp design.
Lab Testing
An incredibly unique element to the Oregon Fall Camp is the chance to get complete ski-specific physiology testing at the Central Oregon Community College lab. The testing includes lactate zones, body comp, and VO2max values.
Even very casual citizen skiers have been blown away by the information for basic health and fitness they have gotten out of this very simple testing procedure. For serious racers, the lab values give you precise heart rate zones (no more guessing!) just as you enter your on-snow training season. More than once, skiers have told us that coming away equipped with the specific training zone information provided by the lab is worth the cost of the camp by itself!
The ski specific lab test involves skiwalking on a treadmill at progressively higher speeds with special poles provided by the lab. Tiny blood samples are gathered about a half dozen times from the tips of a couple fingers. You use normal dryland clothing for this test and are not required to bring anything special or make any special preparations except being well-rested. The lab staff is very used to guiding novice folks thru the test and the whole thing is over with in about a half hour. A cycling-specific test can also be arranged for campers that would rather test on a bike (you will need to bring or rent a performance bike). When possible, it is very much recommended that skiers try and get to Bend such that you can test the day before your actual camp format begins (example: arrive on Tuesday for a Weds-Sun camp). Having fresh legs gives you the most accurate test results.
Evening and Afternoon Sessions
Evening workshop sessions will be held on Bend’s westside. These workshops are specifically designed to help adult skiers with jobs, kids, limited snowtime, etc. juggle all the challenges in your life and still get outstanding results out of your skiing. We focus on the wintertime needs of the XC racer, but the workshops are perfectly applicable to a non-racing health/fitness program based around XC skiing.
The Fall Camp also organizes wax clinics and strength previews on designated afternoons whenever the schedule allows. When a local ski race meshes with the Camp schedule we try and build the wax clinic into race prep for campers wishing to race. We also schedule no-host social events at westside Bend establishments to interact socially with campers often bringing along special video footage to view at the same time.
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Additional Stuff To Know
THE SETTING
The outdoor recreation capital of the Pacific Northwest…Bend is located on the east side of the Cascade mountain range in very nearly the center of Oregon. The mountains above Bend, Oregon typically offer one of the earliest, longest, and most consistent ski seasons in North America with Mt. Bachelor’s Nordic Center typically opening the week before Thanksgiving weekend. We anticipate up to 30-40 kilometers of trails will be available at Mt. Bachelor, groomed daily by snowcat for both classic and skating at the 5,900-6,300ft. elevation.
Within a few hours of Bend are many other popular visitor destinations including Smith Rocks, Crater Lake National Park, Mt. Hood, Mt. Jefferson, the Columbia River Gorge, Steens Mountain, and the Oregon Coast.
GETTING TO THE CAMP
Please Note: Transportation is not included in the camp package.
What about flying to the camp?: The Redmond/Bend Airport (RDM) is located 20-25 minutes from downtown Bend and serves Central Oregon with daily direct connections from Portland, Salt Lake City, San Francisco, Denver, and Seattle with three carriers…Delta, United Airlines, and Horizon/Alaska Airlines (Delta partner). Folks from the northeast and midwest can get to Redmond/Bend in as little as two flights and in as little as a half day of travel time. Returning home takes a bit longer on the clock due to losing 2-3 hours due to various time zones. RDM is a reliable regional airport with weather rarely impacting local flights. Short periods of winter fog are the only rare problem which, worst case, require a last-second ground shuttle up to Portland. Budget, Hertz, National, and Avis all have offices in the Redmond/Bend airport.
What about flying into Portland?
The Portland (PDX) airport has loads of daily connections from throughout North America and is a 3+ hour drive from Bend. Flights can be cheaper into PDX or not much different than Redmond/Bend — it just depends on when you buy and from whom. Portland is very reliable with winter weather for flying. However, the drive time plus driving conditions is something you need to keep in mind as you will have to cross a 4,000ft+ mountain pass to get to Bend so chains or all-wheel drive is a consideration with your car rental.
What about driving to Bend?
Mileage Chart – Driving Distances to Bend
175 miles or 282km SE of Portland, Oregon
130 miles or 209km SE Salem, Oregon
121 miles or 195km NE of Eugene, Oregon
500 miles or 805km NE of San Francisco, California
330 miles or 531km W of Boise, Idaho
343 miles or 552km SE of Seattle, Washington
394 miles or 245km N of Reno, Nevada
What about getting to skiing?
Drive time from westside Bend lodging locations to skiing will vary from 15-30 minutes, one way, depending on where you stay. Although Mt Bachelor does offer a low cost bus service from Bend, it may not be the most convenient option for most campers. Having a car or carpool with other campers is pretty much a necessity. The Fall Camp does not provide ground transportation. The schedule for all on-snow sessions are always subject to change due to weather and snow conditions.
LODGING
Lodging is not included in the camp package
The west side of Bend features several lodging options to suit any budget. NOTE: If researching your own lodging options not shown here, be aware that the shortest access to skiing is via the west side of Bend. Make sure to ask any reservation desks not on this list exactly how long it takes to drive to Mt. Bachelor as well as the intersection of Colorado and 14th/Century to get an idea of how long it will take you to reach ski and evening sessions.
A ton of additional lodging options plus loads of other visitor info for the Bend area is found on the Visit Bend website.
The choice preferred by many past Fall Camp participants is the TownePlace Suites located at the Century Drive (14th Street) and Colorado roundabout. Kichenettes are available with two major grocery stores a short walk away. Breakfast is complimentary each morning with warm cookies and milk in the early evening. The 2010 Oregon Fall Camp has confirmed special rates arranged for this property of $89 per night (1-4 nights) on Studio Queen Suite or $79 per night (5+ nights). These special rates good on reservations made by November 1. Any camp attendee who would like to make a reservation just needs to call the TownePlace at 541-382-5006 and mention the “Oregon Fall Ski Camp” in order to receive the group rate. The group rate will default to the 1-4 night rate; if they are staying more than 5 nights we will change the rate to $79/night prior to check in. Camp Note: If reservations can’t pull up our rates, contact J.D. and we’ll get it fixed — sometimes there are snags with these special rates.
Another good option is the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott. This hotel very close to downtown Bend so an additional 5-10 minutes drive than the Townplace. Breakfast is complimentary each morning. Warm cookies with milk in the early evening. Call 800-257-3000 for Central Reservations or 541-318-1747 for Hotel Front Desk Reservations.
Bend Vacation Rentals… 541-385-9492… features great deals on rental homes for several skiers traveling together and all of our rentals are on the West Side of Bend with one house on the SE side.
email: info@bendvacationrentals.com
website: bendvacationrentals.com
Inn of the Seventh Mountain… 800-452-6810…closest location to skiing, located roughly 4 miles from the main edge of westside Bend up the Cascade Lakes Highway; various sizes of suites and condos; on-site resaurant; the trade-off is that this place requires drive into town for grocery trips, downtown fun, evening sessions, etc..
Rainbow Motel… 888.529.2877 …clean, quiet motel located in the “midtown” area; not in the fanciest area, but very affordable and perfectly safe; short walk to grocery or downtown.
Entrada Best Western … 541.382.4080…clean, quiet lodge located one mile from Bend’s western edge on the way up to Mt. Bachelor; 5-10 minute drive to grocery store, downtown fun, evening sessions, etc..
Mt. Bachelor Village Resort … condos and suites (all sizes), 800.452.9846… located above Deschutes River on Bend’s west side… quick access to Bend Athletic Club, Mill District, grocery stores.
Phoenix Inn … 888.291.4764…located in downtown, short walk to restaurants and shopping.
For more camp information: Email: [ jd at xcskiworld.com ] or call (541) 317-0217.
