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High Cascade Summer Snowboard Camp 2012

We all need a little help crafting arguments so if you've been dying to come to HCSC but mom and dad aren't quite convinced, memorize this list or print it out and put it somewhere they'll find it (their pillow or driver's car seat works great). Then look them in the eyes and tell them why camp and snowboarding are important to you. They (and we) will respect you more if you have a mature attitude and a solid argument. Good luck!

It's real life
Not texting, Facebooking, Instagraming, InstaFacing, Twitter tweeting or Wonky Wonking. The opportunity to interact in non-internet, supportive, safe, face-to- face social environments among one's peers is practically invaluable in today's world.
Friends that last a lifetime
Whether your child comes to camp by themselves or with pals we guarantee they'll connect with amazing campers & staff from around the country who will become some of their best friends.
Its summer camp!
Across America there are 10 million campers a year! Going to summer camp is a long-standing American tradition. We specialize in snowboarding, but we also squeeze in as many traditional camp themes as possible.... things like camp fires, s'mores, swimming, and so many other little things you just can't capture in words. Allow your child access to healthy developmental risks in a safe and nurturing environment.
Increased Self Confidence
Experiencing a new environment, interacting with new people and putting oneself out there makes one more dynamic and ready for what life has in store.
Setting and accomplishing goals
The beauty of our sport is that improving one's skills is a series of setting and obtaining small goals to get to where they want to be. This translates to all aspects of life.
Gain Independence
From the airplane journey to Oregon, to the 8-days spent out of the nest, your child's time at HCSC is a great opportunity to foster a sense of independence in a safe supportive environment.
It's a great reward
Not that they need to be bribed, but countless campers have earned their session at camp by meeting a set of criteria set up by their parents: From chores to report cards, a trip to HCSC is a mega-motivation.
They're being active
Being outdoors in the Mt. Hood National Forest snowboarding, mtn. biking, breathing fresh air, playing, living, and loving life feels good from the soles of their feet to the feet of their soul.
It's their passion
People need passions they frame out our lives and get us excited. To many campers, snowboarding is more than just a recreation. At HCSC we excel in helping this passion begin, grow and abound.
130+ role models!
From the staff we employ to our 2012 Signature Session pro line up, campers get to spend 8 days with some of the smartest, friendliest, most diverse and genuine people on Earth.

This list could have easily been 1,000 reasons.

As the number one snowboard camp in the world, we have a reputation for exceeding people's expectations. Our 2 private parks, private rope tows, Bagjump, and legendary coaching program may be second to none, but fantastic snowboarding is just the tip of the camp experience volcano . . . er, iceberg!

Parents: learn more about camp and get references or in touch with other parents who've sent their children to HCSC by clicking here

Para-Snowboard included in Sochi 2014 Paralympics

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has announced that two medal events in Para-Snowboard will be included in Sochi 2014 Paralympic Winter Games. This brings the total number of medal events to 72 at the Sochi 2014 Games, and the first time that Para-Snowboard events will be included in the Paralympic programme. Originally called Adaptive Snowboard, the sport is practiced worldwide by hundreds of athletes

Gunnar Tveit, World Snowboard Federation (WSF) President, said: "The WSF are thrilled by the decision to include Para-Snowboard in the Paralympic programme of the Sochi 2014 Winter Games. Together with the IPC, the WSF National Snowboard Associations, and riders, we have been working towards this goal for the last six years. Knowing that the riders will have the chance to compete in the sport they love in 2014 is rewarding not only because the athletes will be recognized for their hard work but also because the inclusion of Para-Snowboard in the Sochi 2014 Winter Games will provide an unprecedented level of exposure to the sport.�

Xavier Gonzalez, the IPC's Chief Executive Officer, said: "Snowboarding is a fast paced and extremely exciting sport and we are delighted that it will form part of the Alpine Skiing programme at the Sochi 2014 Paralympic Winter Games. I would like to thank Sochi 2014, NPC Russia, Russian Government, the World Snowboard Federation and the IPC Athletes' Council for all supporting the inclusion of these two extra medal events. It is important for the growth of the winter Games that there are more sports and more medal events to contest. I am particularly looking forward to see how athletes perform in this exciting new discipline and believe it will prove extremely popular with spectators and TV viewers alike.�

Dmitry Chernyshenko, President of the Sochi 2014 Organizing Committee, said: "Snowboarding is a young and exciting sport and one which is attracting new audiences and participants everywhere. Its inclusion in the Paralympics programme will give a further boost to the promotion of Paralympic sports across Russia and highlights the opportunities that sport provides to everyone. It also reflects our determination to deliver the most innovative and successful Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in history.�

In February this year, Orci�res 1850, France hosted a two-day World Championships featuring 40 Para-Snowboarders from 10 countries.

Gold in the men's standing class was taken by the USA's Evan Strong who finished ahead of New Zealand's Carl Murphy and fellow American Mike Shea. The women's gold was won by Bibian Mentel of the Netherlands, whilst silver and bronze went to USA's Amy Purdy and Italy's Sara Dorigatti respectively.

February's event also included the sitting category for the first time, which is contested by riders with physical impairment such as paraplegia and bilateral lower extremity amputation.

The Sochi 2014 Paralympic Winter Games will take place between 7-16 March 2014. Para-Snowboard will be included in the Alpine Skiing programme which also includes Downhill, Super G, Super Combined, Giant Slalom and Slalom events. Nordic Skiing will see a number of Biathlon and Cross Country events contested whilst other medal events will take place in Ice Sledge Hockey and Wheelchair Curling.

The qualification criteria for the Sochi 2014 Paralympic Winter Games will be published on Monday 28 May 2012.

Vancouver, Canada staged the last Paralympic Winter Games in 2010. The event featured 502 athletes from 44 countries who contested 64 medals. Germany topped the medals table winning 13 golds.

For further information about Sochi 2014  please visit www.sochi2014.com

QParks Tour Finals Postponed to May 12-13

On May 12th and 13th, 2012, the QParks Tour finalists will gather on the Dachstein glacier for the "Horsefeathers Rock the Top� to battle for the QParks Tour crowns. Get ready for a hot get-together for riders, spectators and party-lovers, including loads of action, entertainment as well as DRAMA&GLORY!

QPARKS TOUR FINALS DELAYED - NEW DATE: MAY 12th + 13th

The weather forecast reports foggy, cloudy, snowy, rainy and even thundery weather for the upcoming weekend! We want to assure the highest safety and a smooth event under fair conditions for all riders, which is not possible under those premises!

The TOURminators are fixed�

True to the QParks Tour philosophy � everybody can participate and everybody has the chance to qualify for the finals � the best 60 freeskiers as well as the best 60 snowboarders have qualified for the finals after numerous thrilling battles. However, nothing has been decided yet: At the finals, the Tour points get tripled which means all riders have a chance to make it to the top. Therefore, it won't do for the currently leading riders to sit back and relax at the finals but will have to show their best skills again.

The winner takes it all�

The freeskiers will open the showdown on Saturday, May 12th, and the snowboarders will battle for the QParks Tour crown on Sunday, May 13th. All riders could win twice at the weekend: Firstly, the winners of the day will be rewarded with a total of 3.000,- � and sick goodies from Blue Tomato and Horsefeathers. Additionally, adidas eyewear awards 4 sponsorships for the winners of the Rookie and Girls categories including the brand-new id2 pro MG Versin II, designed by Air&Style winner and superstar Marco Grilc himself!

Secondly, the champs of the QParks Tour will be crowned, too. Here, the winners can look forward to a prize money of a total 7.000,- � as well as prizes from amplifi, TSG and Neff. In addition to valuable presence in the media, the overall winners of the Rookie and Girls categories will also get Red Bull Mobile Phone including a 1-year free contract.

Chill & Grill @ the Blue Tomato Shop Schladming

Following the contest, the official prize giving ceremony will take place on both contest days at the Blue Shop Schladming. Blue Tomato will provide a nice BBQ and fresh drinks to meet your bodily needs � proper sound and exciting side events will be taken care of, too, of course!

Get ready for the final party�

All party-addicts are in for a treat, too, this weekend. The party marathon will already kick off on Friday, May 11th in the Friends Bar in Schladming, starting at 09:00 pm. On Saturday, May 12th, the party will continue in the Friends Bar with massive sound at the official riders party.

Check out our Sleep&Ride Packages!!

SEE YOU ON THE TOP!!

2012 Dates Announced for Summer Snowboard Camp

All Star Adventures has announced 2012 dates for the company's summer snowboard camps and ski camps in New Zealand and Argentina. Thanks to a consistent annual snowfall equating to hundreds of inches of fresh snow All-Star is able to offer summer camps in July and August that feature real winter conditions during the southern hemisphere winter. The fifteen-day summer camps in New Zealand and Argentina are for ages 12 and over, boys and girls, men and women, beginners to pro. All-inclusive rates include 24-hour supervision, airport shuttles, lodging, home cooked meals, lift tickets, snowboard parks, professional instruction, skateboard parks, and guiding by pro riders. For more information call 866-758-2267 or visit http://www.AllStarTrips.com

All-Star New Zealand ski and snowboard camp dates are available in 8 day increments commencing 3 July and ending 28 July.

All-Star Argentina ski and snowboard camp dates are available in 15 day increments commencing 25 July and ending 22 August. An all adult session runs 22 August to 1 September.

Daily at All-Star's New Zealand ski and snowboard camps, coaching is offered at resorts like Snow Park NZ and Cardrona. Snow Park NZ is an all park resort, served by chairlift, featuring beginner, intermediate, and advanced park lines; a Super Pipe, mini-pipe, large, medium, and small jumps, a variety of hip jumps, step-ups, and an array of rails, wall-rides, boxes and other obstacles. Snow Park NZ also features night riding and an air bag jump where advanced riders can perfect new maneuvers. Lodging for campers at All-Star New Zealand snowboard camp includes private homes in the village of Wanaka on New Zealand's south island.

Regarding riding ability of camp attendees, Marcus Taylor, Director of All-Star's New Zealand snowboard camp said, "Most of our guests are low to intermediate riders of all ages who want to improve their park and overall riding. A lot of guests come to us with little or no park experience, but want to learn to ride in the park. We have a separate Elite Team group at our New Zealand snowboard camp that focuses on advanced competition skill building for those riders who are interested in boosting their podium results or working on a professional riding career. At the Argentina snowboard camp the name of the game is side-country extreme skiing and snowboarding. The staff there does an amazing job of teaching back-country safety skills and guiding in terrain that thrills the guests.�

All-Star skateboard camp has announced 2012 dates for summer skate camp in Colorado and North Carolina's Outer Banks (USA). Dozens of new concrete skateparks in Colorado and North Carolina allow All-Star to offer a fresh summer camp tour every year for skate camp guests. The four to seven-day summer camps in Colorado and North Carolina are for ages 9 and over, boys and girls, beginners to pro. All-inclusive rates include supervision, airport shuttles, lodging, meals, professional coaching, skatepark tours, and guiding by pro skaters. In addition to the overnight programs offered, All-Star offers day camp programs in Colorado for ages 5 and up in the communities of Aspen, Denver, Colorado Springs, and Highlands Ranch. For more information call 866-758-2267 or visit AllStarTrips.com

All-Star Rocky Mountain Colorado skate camp tour runs 16 to 22 July this year. A Denver Colorado day camp tour runs 23 to 26 July. Day classes are offered Monday to Saturday 10 am to 2 pm in Aspen Colorado throughout the summer months. Scheduled day camps are available on Saturdays from 8 am to 11 am in Colorado Springs Colorado. And, two 3-day sessions are available 10 - 12 July and 30 July - 1 August from 8:30 am to 11:30 am at Highlands Ranch Colorado. Details and registration are available by calling 866-758-2267 or visit the company's website at AllStarTrips.com

During the All-Star summer skate camps campers go on tour just like pro-skaters. "It's a unique twist on your traditional summer skateboard camp�, says head coach Jesse Davis, "We take the campers to all the best new parks. The skate camp is a chance for the kids to do it like the pros do it.� Campers at an All-Star skate camp are given the opportunity to skate up to 200,000 square feet of skatepark terrain each day with expert instructors leading the way.

By providing unique and extraordinary summer camps � taught by top athletes � in prime locations All Star Adventures creates the ideal travel experience for teens and adults. The company focuses on providing more than the typical summer camp.

About All Star Adventures
All Star Adventures, the only comprehensive adventure tour company of its kind, offers a wide range of exciting, proprietary, instruction-based tours designed for today's dynamic travelers. Tours include professional instruction, breathtaking destinations, fun itineraries and unique accommodations. For more information about All Star Adventures, visit http://www.AllStarTrips.com or call toll-free within North America at 1.866.758.2267 or 1.970.372.4564 outside North America.

PowderQuest: The 2012 Brand Ambassador Program

PowderQuest, operators of guided South America skiing and snowboarding tours in South America for 14 years, announced today a new initiative called the Brand Ambassador program aimed at providing unfiltered feedback from prior clients.

The Brand Ambassador program allows potential clients and those interested in an unfiltered opinion of snowboarding and skiing in Chile and Argentina to reach out directly to past PowderQuest clients with specific questions. This program is designed to provide a deeper level of engagement and transparency to the traditional testimonials found on tour operator websites. Past clients have volunteered to become Brand Ambassadors for PowderQuest because of the impact the ski and snowboard adventures in South America have had on their lives. There is no compensation or incentive offered for participation in the program.

A specific page has been developed on the PowderQuest website to showcase the Brand Ambassadors with a photo and the answers to a series of questions. Potential clients can look through the profiles and decide which Brand Ambassador they identify with the most. From there they just click a link and PowderQuest will put the individual directly in contact with that Brand Ambassador through email or phone. http://www.powderquest.com/why-powderquest/meet-our-brand-ambassadors.aspx

"What better way to offer truth and transparency in Marketing than to step out of the middle and allow a full dialogue between potential and current clients with no moderation. The PowderQuest product speaks for itself and the entire team has a great deal of pride in what is offered and delivered. The degree of confidence PowderQuest has in the experience delivered to the client is exemplified through this initiative. The Brand Ambassador program is a way to bring our clients experiences to life through their own words. Already we have seen that this honest, open approach to testimonials has helped shape buying decisions for our incoming inquiries." Luke Shelley, Director of Marketing - PowderQuest

"Our goal is to exceed our clients expectations on every trip we operate. The feedback we have had over the past 14 years from the clients on our guided adventures is that their trip was the experience of a lifetime. When Luke approached me with the concept of the Brand Ambassador program to increase the interaction between potential customers and past clients I was all for it. Past clients were always so thankful for their experiences and constantly asking how they could help. � David Owen, Owner - PowderQuest