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How to gauge if a snowboard trip is good

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3.2K views 14 replies 11 participants last post by  foe  
#1 · (Edited)
So, I found on the web a shop/travel agency (don't know how to define them) that organize trips for summer snowboarding, also one weekend long only (my best option).
Of course it seems to be targeted to people younger than me, but I can try to live with that, a weekend is not an infinite amount of time.
They offer a package with hotel stay, skipasses and also snowboarding lessons. From their videos, I got that they basically put together people who ride. It would be good for me to do lessons and to find someone to ride with, even in a loose way, just knowing that there is someone periodically checking on me.
But I don't see a way to assess if they are able to deliver what I need, not even if they are good in teaching snowboard to a 45yo woman. I read some reviews of them, there are many on FB, almost all good. I can contact them via email or chat, but honestly I don't know which questions to ask to get a good understanding who I am talking to.
I fear to spend money for something that is not good, but more than this, I fear to spend time, of which I have very little.
Suggestions? Ideas? Advice?
 
#2 ·
Summer snowboarding/skiing is a grownup activity too. Alot in their 40-50s grew up with those glacier camps, and revisit them with their friends and kids. Find a place you like and ask some organisers if they have weekends with adult camps or retro events, should be a few of those.
 
#3 ·
Evo in the U.S. (based in Seattle, WA) has trip packages for snow and other outdoor activities.

Based on what they offer, you could use their web site as a reference to what you should be looking for in a snowboarding trip. The packages list accommodations and FAQ.

 
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#4 ·
You might also TRY searching the web for the specific Agent/trip organizers participant reviews. Look for an outfit with more than a handful of reviews as those with only a half dozen or so GLOWING reviews might just be plants! Also, you can check to see if they're listed with any complaints thru the BBB.

Then just be aware that a single bad review or two might just be your typical, bitching "Karen" who's never happy with ANYTHING!! :D ;). But I would be wary of any outfit with more than a couple 1-3 star reviews. Unless those are their only reviews. Then avoid like the plague! ;)!
 
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#5 ·
Not sure what part of the world/country you’re from, but Mt Hood Oregon is a pretty good summer playground.

They have summer boarding and just down the road in Government Camp are some good restaurants/breweries, one of those toboggan rides and plenty of mtn bike trails (I’m sure they bike rentals)
 
#7 ·
I actually called them on Friday. They confirmed that their usual customer is in the 25-35 age, as expected. I explained to them I would need some lessons to revive a little my skills, and also I would benefit to have someone periodically checking on me and maybe riding with me. They said "yes of course" to all my requests, but too quickly. And they were using their customer voice, if you know what I mean.
They offer a nice deal with hotel + all meals + skipass. This is very hassle-free, si I do like it. Ăą
But they state that their events have usually 50 to 60 people, that is a little bit too much for my taste. Mind that this is done in a specific ski area and everyone can ride at their own pace.
It is still not clear to me how lessons work: they have to be paid extra and they are of course group lessons. But how big is the group and how long do those lessons lasts, I still don't know. I will ask them again.
 
#8 ·
I’d ask them in details what is the lesson plan for each day and have it as an email. I took group lessons during a week trip to Livigno. 5 days 2 hours every day. Unfortunately the majority of the group was into rails and that’s the only aspect of snowboarding I’m completely not interested in. Not the instructors’ fault. I tried to book the guys for private lessons but they were already fully booked. Simply skipped the 4 remaining days I paid for and enjoyed the morning groomers. Not gonna make the same mistake. Imo 2 hours of private lessons tailored at your needs and skill level are way more beneficial than a whole week in a group.
 
#10 ·
Or instead of going with an agency, organize it yourself. What's your riding level? In Switzetland's summer riding resorts, Saas Fee does not have beginner slopes. Zermatt does.
 
#13 ·
Organizing a trip in itself Is not an issue. I already have something ongoing for Jan 2022 with family. But for a summer option, I would have needed some buddies to ride with. The option I was searching info on apparently was offering also a kind of 'let's ride together' vibe, that would be very useful for me. But at a second glance, their snowboard lessons did not look so good and all of this was targeted to too young people for my taste.

I hoped I found a solution to my need of friends to ride with (and to encourage me to ride), but I think I was wrong.
 
#14 ·
When the ski/board rack has too much snow to use and you can ride to the bottleshop for beers!!!
And of course empty chairs with smooth dry powder which I'm blessed with now!

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would be cool to hit those slopes sometime, but so uncertain with conditions i guess. and australia and north merica is such a pain to travel to.
 
#15 ·
@Maya there is a snowboard school in Morzine, France called "Mint" who I have seen recommended a few times on another ski forum. They do some 1 week camps (including a female only one) but Morzine is winter season only. They are a snowboard school so I figure they would be better than a travel agent.
Disclaimer: I have never had lessons with them