Europe's most reliable summer training facility

This is an exciting and perhaps a once in a lifetime opportunity to train on a glacier in Europe. Saas Fee is a small town tucked in the south central part of the Valis region of Switzerland near the Italian border, just one valley over from Zermatt and the Matterhorn! It is a popular summer training area for many European national and regional teams because of its reliable and good summer race training facilities, as well as it’s many off-snow amenities.

The village of Saas Fee is at 1500m (about 4000ft.), however to get to the glacier requires a ride in an aerial tram, plus an underground train to get to the top which is 3500m (10000ft.) higher than Mt. Hood. The sun is very strong but slope faces north so it is normal for it to be very cold in the early morning. Salt is not permitted in Europe on any glacier.

The training areas are quite large, but expect many other teams including European National teams to be training at the same time. Training areas are serviced by high speed T-bars.

Languages:
Saas Fee is in the Wallis province of Switzerland. In this part, most people will speak Swiss German as their first language. Many people will know some English, but don’t count on it.

Travel Money:
Although all meals, lifts, accommodations, ground transportation and planned activities are covered in the camp fees spending money is at the discretion of each racer. The Swiss Currency is Swiss Franc (CHF) or the Euro. Remember though items are generally more expensive in Europe. For example, a small coke will run you normally 3 CHF or $2.

Electrical:
If you plan on brining any US electronic equipment (Ipods, hairdryers, waxing irons, video camera, etc.), it won’t work without a converter to reduce the European standard output of 220W down to 120W of American standards. Also the plug shape is completely different. The consequences of not following these measures could be: damaged, or destroyed equipment and could result in fire.

Food:
Expect meals to be very different from North American norms. Breads, cheeses, cold meets and cereals are normal at breakfast and lunch with a variety of dishes, pastas, sauces and meats at dinner. (Hamburgers will be difficult to find).

 

Dates: August 6-20, 2009

Trip Cost: $2700 (does not include air fare)
Includes: all ground transport, lift passes, meals, lodging, coaching, activities and day trip excursions.

Limited enrollment: There are spaces available for only 14 eligible* racers. All applicants must demonstrate competency via national or FIS point profile, race results from 2008/09 season and/or coaches recommendation.
* Eligibility:    USSA or ACA licensed competitors. - J3 (US), K2 (CAN) and older (as of the 2009-10 season)

Typical Daily Schedule:

0600	Wake-up and morning fitness		1345 – 1500	Rest period
0630	Breakfast		1500 – 1630	Activity
0700	Depart chalet for ski lift		1700 – 1800	Ski tuning
0745	Arrive at top of glacier (3500m)		1800 – 1900	Dinner
0800 – 1200	Ski Training (with ½ hour break)		1900 – 2000	Video
1300	Lunch		2100	In rooms for bed

Rules:
As always on ski trips or camps in the North America, the coaches set the schedule and expect all racers to abide by them. This is as much for insuring everyone gets enough rest as it is for each individual’s safety. For example, curfews will be strictly enforced. “No ski” boundaries will be strictly enforced, etc. Switzerland is a very charming and safe country, but local customs need to be respected. Therefore what the coaches decide and direct is final. If for any reason a racer cannot abide by rules, they may miss out on some of the activities both on hill and off.

What to bring:
Remember, most airlines will only allow 2 pieces of check-in luggage. This means your ski bag and one large bag will be all you’ve got unless you’d like to be charged extra. 50lbs. per bag is the normal limit for international travel. Pack smart: wrap bigger clothing around your skis to fill in up that space.

In general, items to bring would be like any other ski camp: SL, GS & Super G Skis / poles, DH Suit & helmet, ski tuning kit, Swim suit, Winter & spring outer wea, Rain gear, Sun Block (highest), Good quality sunglasses, Water bottle, small backpack