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THE SKI CAMP Our ski camp, the oldest operating ski camp in the nation, has a 50 year old reputation of excellence in ski teaching. Boys and girls, ages 8 to 15, novice to expert, can learn, and improve their skills at ski camp. The ski camp at Otis Ridge means more than excellent instruction and great skiing. There is the feeling of winter adventure and a great time with friends. Night hikes, ski movies, fierce ping pong tournamments and marshmallow roasts are just the beginning of the Otis Ridge Ski Camp winter adventure. We hope you can join us for the fun! We do not claim to be the largest, most commercial area in the East, but we have as much, if not more, to offer than the larger more glamourous resorts. Our limited lift ticket policy allows the campers, as well as the general public, to enjoy one of th efirst and finest of New England ski areas without being trampled by the crowds. The ski camp is located near the top of the mountain. One mile up a country road, away from the base area, the ski camp is nestled within our 120 acre facility. Adjacent to the camp is the Otis State Forest with hundreds of acres of undisturbed land. The camp has its own private tow on the south side of the mountain which brings campers directly to the summit (when natural snow allows). From the summit, campers have direct access to the entire trail network at the ski area. Endowed with excellent beginner and intermediate terrain, Otis Ridge has also long been noted for its challenging expert slopes and trails. This wide variety of terrain allosws us to not only teach novice skills, but also advanced racing techniques. "You won't believe how much skiing is packed into that ridge, including a nifty slalom slope." -- SKI MAGAZINE |
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THE CAMP'S OBJECTIVES To introduce beginners to sound, modern, ski technicques. To teach young skiers the steps which lead to greater skill and confidence. To provide a foundation in skiing which cannot be duplicated in one-hour classes. To help advanced skiers polish their technicque. To provide varied recreational activities. To launch our campers on a lifetime of skiing competence and fun. To develop the most advanced teaching methods. |
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ACCOMMODATIONS The ski camp offers rustic and comfortable accommodations for all. Campers are lodged
in two dormitory buildings and are supervised by instructors, who are also full-time
counselors. This enhances the rapport established on the slopes. Campers are bunked
by age and sex in appropriate dormitories. |
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SKIER HEALTH Please make sure your child is in the good physcial condition necessary
for sking. Campers bringing medication must report this at registration.
Prescription medicine must be accompanied by written instructions from parents
or doctor. Children who are ill or show a temperature on arrival will be
sent home. Please be careful to note any allergies on the application card. |
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THE OTIS RIDGE SKI SHOP While at camp, we can supply campers with necessities such as gloves, goggles,
hats, and ski socks. Campers can charge purchases in our ski shop on parents'
MasterCard, Visa, or American Express provided authorization is given on the application
card to the camp. |
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SNOW MAKING Advanced snowmaking equipment covers more than 80% of the mountain. Trails and slopes for all ability levels can be covered with machine made snow in a matter of a few days. This snowmaking capability guarantees all camp sessions from December until mid-March. Remember that snow conditions for the ski area cannot be judged by radio, press reports, and most definitely not by weather conditions at your home. Our 1700+ foot elevation in the Massachusetts Berkshires often means snow when it rains to the South and East. The temperature is also always much lower, which allows us to make snow almost all the time, beginning in early December. |
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INSTRUCTION Our specialized instruction program is based on the American Teaching System and more than 40 years of experience. The ratio of 1 instructor to 7 students gives each camper a real opportunity to make rapid progress in skiing. A pupil is promoted the moment he is ready for it. The teaching program is designed to permit a smooth, immediate. transition from class to class. We teach people, not systems, so learning is individualized as well as enjoyable. Early each season a clinic is held for the entire Otis Ridge Ski School to insure an efficient and consistent methodology of instruction. A number of our staff also attend annual refresher clinics sponsored by Professional Ski Instructors of America, where the latest variations and refinements of the American Tecahing System are discussed and demonstrated. Under Ski School Director Dave Day and Camp Director Dave Greenleaf, both E.P.S.I.A. certified, the Otis Ridge Ski School is one of the finest in the nation. |
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AWARDS Every Camper receives a certificate indicating his point progress towards certain ability levels. Once a level has been mastered he is awarded a star to wear with his ski camp patch. A star is given only when the teaching staff feels the camper can handle that phase of ski technicque smoothly and consistently. A ski camper cannot be expected to reach a specific level of ability (earn a star) each time he comes to camp. Those who have their first star find succeeding ones require more time and effort. |
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SNOWBOARD PROGRAM Although the focus at camp has always been on skiing, we recognize the growing popularity of snowboarding, and have added a snowboarding program. Enrollment for each session will be limited. We suggest you register early to reserve a spot. Helmets are required for all boarders. |
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DAY CAMP For children who would like to experience ski camp, but prefer to sleep at home. Tuition is $50 per day and covers instruction (minimum of 2 hours per day), supervision, lift ticket, and lunch. Campers should be at camp with their equipment between 9:00 and 9:15 A.M. Day campers need to bring street shoes to wear during lunch, goggles or sunglasses, and a change of clothes in case of inclement weather. Pick up is between 4:30 and 5:00 P.M. |
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EQUIPMENT A ski camper must be well equipped. Skis and poles/board should be suitable to the individual's physique and sking ability; boots must be sturdy and control giving. Goggles or sun glasses may be needed. Snowblades are acceptable for use during free time only and are not an acceptable substitute for skis during class time. Bindings should be checked for proper release tension before your child comes to camp. We recommend an antifriction device in conjunction with the release bindings and install antifriction devices if they are desired. Retention straps or ski brakes are required on bindings. Inadequate equipment handicaps a camper and could ruin his or her ski weekend. In such case, the instrctor may request rentals for which parents will be billed. |
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RENTAL EQUIPMENT Rent the finest equipment available - Elan, Geze, Dolomite - for even the smallest camper. Those requiring rentals are outfitted on their first evening. Proper length skis or boards and poles are selected and boots carefully fitted. Rental equipment is not always compatible with your own boots or bindings. Rental fees per day are:
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SUGGESTED CLOTHING FOR 2-DAY SESSION
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SESSION SCHEDULE Immediately upon arrival, campers should register in the Main Dorm. Car Arrival is between 6:00 and 7:30 with suppoer at 8:00. The program begins with introductory talks and discussions on various phases of skiing. During that evening, every camper either has rentals fitted or equipment checked. Each day there are morning classes and afternoon classes/free ski on the mountain. Everyone comes back to camp for lunch and relaxation at midday. At 4:15 P.M. on the last day of the session, awards are presentted. Parents are welcome to attend thi gathering before picking up campers.
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RESERVATIONS Tentative Reservations can be made by calling the camp office at the times listed below Application for enrollment must be done using one of our application cards. Please be sure that both pages are filled out completely. With each reservation, we require at least 50% deposit plus full payment for bus transportation and rental equipment. Full payment for tuition, rentals, and bus transportion can be sent at the time of reservation if you wish. If any session chosen is full, your payment can be applied to another session. Full payment for tuition, bus, and rentals, must be received at least 4 weeks in advance of the session chosen or the reservation will be cancelled. We are happy to make telephone reservations at the last minute. However, these reservations are made with the understanding that full payment will be made upon arrival at camp. To be certain that you receive the sessions you prefer, please make reservations early since enrollment for each session is limited. |
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TUITION ALL SESSIOMS at skli camp are $85/day. Tuition covers bed, board, instruction, lift tickets, and supervision, both during and outside skiing hours. Tuition does not include rental equipment, charter bus, taxis, or medical expenses, if any of those are required. TUITION IS DUE AT LEAST 4 WEEKS IN ADVANCE of the scheduled session. Campers not paid in advance will n ot be registered, although last minute registrants may pay on arrival. Payment can be made by Mastercard, VISA, American Express, Discover, or check. Checks should be made ayable to the OTIS RIDGE SKI CAMP. To pay by credit card, all necessary information and the card holder's signature must be filled in on the camp application. If campers are to be authorized to charge items in the ski shop, limits must be put on the application card and a credit card number provided. |
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CANCELLATIONS If a reservation must be cancelled, please call us immediately. Remember that by cancelling early, you benefit someone on our waiting-list who is eager to come, even on short notice. A cancellation of 10 days or more before the session will incure a $20.00 cancellation charge. For reservations cancelled iwthin 10 days of arrival, no refund of tuition or bus payments or charges can be made. In case of illnes verified by a doctor's certificate, however, all of these charges can be credited to another camp session. |
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Route 23 Otis, Mass. 01253 (413)269-4445 fax, (413)269-4650 E-Mail: skicamp@otisridge.com |
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