Supercamps are an ideal way to start the cross country ski season.

 by Keith and Heather Nicol

The views from the trails are amazing

      We are in the middle of teaching in the early season Supercamps that are held every year at Silver Star and Sovereign Lake located near Vernon in B.C.’s Interior. This year the main Supercamps run from November 18 to December 8,  2019 and they include three 3 weekend camps and three 4.5 day mid week camps. This year this area has had early snow and conditions for the camps have been close to perfect. These camps have been running for many years but seem to be getting more popular and this year has been the largest with over 440 participants. Supercamp coordinator Bryana, told us that this is an increase of close to 70 participants over last year. In fact many camps sold out quickly so next year if you want to get in on one of these great ski experiences be sure to sign up early. According to Bryana the earlier camps have fewer participants which might appeal to some skiers.      

Here are my weekend skate camp participants

   Classes involve instruction by some of Canada’s top cross country ski instructors and coaches and a chance to ski on the 105 km trail network which includes trails at Silver Star and Sovereign Lake Nordic ski areas.  The camps offer video analysis of your skiing plus afternoon lectures on nutrition, waxing and much more. There are a variety of specialized programmes including biathlon, a pro camp for aspiring masters racers.  Spend your mornings and early afternoon on skis improving your technique, and then relax in the late afternoons with wine & yoga, a strength and conditioning session, and other exciting extras. Class size varies but is usually around 6 participants per instructor which makes for personalized instruction. 

Silver Star offers great ski and ski out accomodation

These camps are geared to everyone from first timers to advanced skiers wanting to improve their technique and get in cross country skiing on a huge variety of trails. Another bonus is that many ski teams come here to practice at this time so you get to see them in action on the same trails you are skiing on.  And if you want a mid season tune up on your skiing you can still take in 2 more weekend camps which are scheduled for January 10-12, 2020 and Jan 31- February 2, 2020. For more information see: http://www.xcsupercamp.com/ 

Another bonus is that you get see some of North America`s top xc skiers on the trails