|
|
  5 of 5, "Snowboard, Shred, Snow, Stoked, Jibbin, Park, Piste, Friends, Fun, Fab!!" 18/03/2012 @ 21:46 |
|
|
| 1 of 1 people found the following review helpful: |
|
| Price Paid |
| 779 |
|
| Booked Through |
| BoardnLodge |
|
| Times Visited |
| 2-5 Times |
|
| Review Detail |
We first booked with BoardnLodge in 2008 and haven't looked back.
When you arrive on your first Snowcamp with BoardnLodge the team make you feel so welcome and now after just finishing our third camp with them, we've just booked to go on our fourth in Morzine we love it that much.
I am always amazed at how great the camps are for meeting new people and sharing a love of snowboarding. From the first camp where there was around 10 of us, the camps have really gone from strength to strength, meaning we had nearing 30 new names to learn this time - there's only so many times you can call someone mate or dude!
As for Pila, it is a great little resort - absolutely amazingly quiet, half the time I felt as though we had the mountain to ourselves. It has a range of runs and had the snow been better I'm sure the off piste would've been sick - it definitely looked it!
Under the expert instruction from Steve, James, Elliot and Wes - I would rank this week as the best I've ever had in terms of progression - from having absolutely no pop whatsoever to stomping a frontside 180 and hitting the red kickers, I was stoked with my new found radness! :-) Steve breaks down the technical elements and pushes you to be better, I'm sure his new mantra is, Will this make you a better snowboarder??? I'm pretty sure the answer was always YES!
We paid 5 Euros for a drink and a toasty at lunch - unheard of in The Alps! Plus we were treated to an amazing dinner every night at the Hotel La Chance!
The hotel was stunning with a spa which boasted awesome views over snowy peaks - perfect for a spot of cheeky après while you recount the days excitement!
All in all a fabulous week where you'll meet new friends, seriously improve your riding and embark on snow filled adventures on a daily basis! |
|
| Strengths |
Instructors
Accommodation
Great for singles, couples and groups
Great for all ages too
Resort - great piste, park and people!
Bringing snowboarding fanatics together whatever your ability |
|
| Weaknesses |
Flights to Turin were few and far between
It was only a week!!! - I didn't want to leave! |
|
| Similar Schools/Camps Used |
| Extreme Holidays |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 5 of 5, "Pila!" 21/09/2011 @ 19:05 |
|
|
| 1 of 1 people found the following review helpful: |
|
| Booked Through |
| BoardnLodge |
|
| Times Visited |
| 2-5 Times |
|
| Review Detail |
Third camp, and second of 2011. Well, the sun was shining, and Pila rocked! Pila is an interesting resort, with plenty to offer, but we spent most of the week in the Park! By the end of the week, Steve and the rest of the BoardnLodge and Animal team had got everyone throwing all sorts of shapes round the park, down pistes and flipping up high in the deep snow. This week probably accounted for the most progression in my riding style (well, since week 2 when I stopped falling over ;-)), with Steve encouraging us to go bigger, better and harder all the time. The coaching Steve gives allows you to pick up the technical detail first, and then go and apply it straight away.
Resort offers great lunch, and at brilliant prices. Lunch would be fresh made Cannelloni and a drink for $3.50, best deal ever! The hotel we stayed at was amazing, great contemporary accommodation with a Spa, great bar buffet and 4 course meals for dinner, what more could a tired boarder want??
The town of Aosta is just a short cable card/taxi ride away, and offers the chance of small city culture and nightlife. |
|
| Strengths |
Accommodation and food
Local prices
Easy transfer from Turin if you can find the right flights
Italian food!
Great coaching
Good package prices
Amazing park
Good location |
|
| Weaknesses |
| err, none! |
|
| Similar Schools/Camps Used |
| Non-Stop |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 5 of 5, "Why Aint You Jibbin?" 20/09/2011 @ 16:27 |
|
|
| 2 of 2 people found the following review helpful: |
|
| Revision #1 (Last edited: 22/09/2011 @ 15:44) |
|
| Price Paid |
| £760 |
|
| Booked Through |
| BoardnLodge |
|
| Times Visited |
| Just Once |
|
| Review Detail |
As we embark on a new season it’s time to look back at previous winters and decide how far the money can stretch this season and what’s more important. One thing I’ve learnt over the years is that there’s no better feeling than:
a) Landing a new trick or nailing that technique you were struggling to get
b) Riding with all your mates and enjoying every turn together.
c) The anticipation of first lift after opening the curtain and seeing it has dumped during the night.
Getting to combine all 3 is what winter trips are made of. That said it’s what makes snow camps so special.
I went on the Pila camp in March with BoardnLodge (previously referred to as animal camps). I’ve done a number of other camps in the past including Ourcamp, sNOwparking and One Snowboarding. I’ve also done domestic courses with Maverix and the really excellent GFC. One thing for sure was how much the BoardnLodge camps rise above the rest. There is nothing hugely different from the others which have all been great experiences and great camps to be on but there is something about the BoardnLodge camps that really shines.
The accommodation was superb. The food was excellent. The campers a pleasure to be around. But for me what stood out was the Coaching. On the camp we had 3 coaches. Steve Addicott, Kate Foster and Elliott Sampson. Steve is by far the coolest and fun coach I’ve ever had. He has something about him that makes you want to go bigger, higher and radder every time. Couple this with Steve actually encouraging you to go bigger, higher and radder leads to such a high level of progression. Steve give technical instruction and combines it with the excitement needed to conquer fears and doubts and is always there every step of the way. If you have any doubt just youtube him and marval in the technical riding style.
Kate is one of the nicest people I’ve ever met and has a laid back style of riding and the ability to offer clear calm instruction to even the most high maintenance of riders. Plus as the current Brits halfpipe champion you know she can walk the walk as well as talk the talk. Elliot’s style and technical ability is first rate. Always being the first to demonstrate as well as instruct you feel he is with you every step of the way. Plus get a few drinks in him and he transforms into that guy you always want with you when après is going down.
Every details is taken care of every step of the way. From enquiry, booking, arrival details, transfers, instructions, guidance, food, drink, trips into town on chefs night off, last night party you really feel like it’s all in place and takes away any of the worry or self organisation needed on a normal trip. Even as a single traveller not knowing anyone you are instantly welcomed as one of the team and made to feel included. You leave the week with a great bunch of friends and as I’ve already found out often end up arranging to do it all over again season after season.
Camps often seem daunting especially as a single traveller. Camper levels varied from few week novices to people already easily spinning 3’s off blues and doing front flips. What shines through is no matter the level every camper offers encouragement and is with you on your journey every step of the way. The team becomes a family and share in both the highs and lows and are always there to pick you up and encourage you to try again. If you can ride the pistes comfortably and safely you are welcome. Progression is the name of the game and every person I met went away a much better rider.
I enjoyed it so much I’ve actually booked on two BoardnLodge camps this season and am hoping to beg, borrow and steal my way to a third. Heres to an amazing season! |
|
| Strengths |
Level of Coaching Ability
Organisation from BoardnLodge
Attention to Details (luxary accomodation)
Steve Addicott |
|
| Weaknesses |
Flights to Pila's Nearest Airport Limited. Geneva requires a slightly longer transfer.
Trip to Hospital (injury/visit) requires a little bit of a trek. |
|
| Similar Schools/Camps Used |
Ourcamp
One Snowboarding
sNOparking
Maverix
GFC |
|
|
|
|