• Our Premier and Custom Snowboard Camps are available every week from November 30 to April 5.
• Our Beginner to Advanced Ski Camps are available every week from November 23 to April 5.
• Our Beginner to Novice Snowboard Camps are available every week from November 23 to April 5.
• Our Teen Ski & Snowboard Camps are available every week from November 23 to April 5.

PROPER INSURANCE / PASSPORT

• TRAVEL INSURANCE: Travel/medical Insurance is required to be in our camps.
  Having Trip Interruption / Cancellation Insurance as part of your Travel Insurance is also required. This protects you in case you have to cancel or if you cannot finish your camp. It’s easy to add and is very good peace of mind. You can check World Nomad’s ‘Explorer Package’ (and add skiing/snowboarding) or check with your local Insurance Company. There are many companies online.
• PASSPORT: Please make sure your passport expiry date is still good for at least 6 months.

• Your usual ski or snowboard gear (skis, snowboard, boots, bindings etc) outerwear, helmet, gloves, goggles etc.
• Ski, snowboard and even outerwear (limited) rentals are available in Whistler.
• You can rent online in advance HERE (this link has the best prices in town) before you arrive or use one of our discount cards when you arrive.
• If you need gear like goggles, gloves, toque etc. on arrival, we have discount cards for good local shops. We have limited extra gear that you can borrow while you’re looking for new gear. Please ask us.
•  Warm winter wear including a wicking base layer for under your ski or snowboard pants / jacket.
• Helmet. It is mandatory. We all wear them. Don’t have one – you can buy or rent one from a good rental shop close by. We have discount cards for you at our office.
• Swimwear – For campers staying in our Premium Accommodation, there is a nice hot tub on the back balcony.
• All of your regular toiletries – shampoo, soap etc. (please remember to take them home too)
• No need to pack a bath towel, bed sheets or hair dryer – they’re provided in our accommodation
• Try to have your skis or snowboard waxed before you arrive. If not, we have discount cards for waxes and tunes at the local shops. Most shops offer overnight service and open at 8am.

• SKI & SNOWBOARD RENTAL. If you want to rent gear in Whistler, we have a great deal set up for you with a nice local shop with great prices for our campers..! The shop is 900m from our main house.
• You can rent online in advance HERE before you arrive or use one of our discount cards when you arrive. Discount cards are at our house/office. Choose “Whistler Village (Gateway Drive)” as your pick up location if renting from the link. They have a great selection. You can change your rental gear anytime, any day if needed.
• DEMOING – TRY BEFORE YOU BUY. There are demo or ‘Test Centers’ at the tops of both mountains. You can test as many skis and snowboards as you’d like for a very low price. The same skis and snowboards are available at their shops in Whistler Village. We have discount cards for these stores. These Demo Centers are typically open form the December holidays to early April.
• BUY. If you’re looking to purchase new gear and equipment here in Whistler, we are more than happy to give you our expert advice. Whistler is a great place to shop for gear and equipment, with many stores to choose from with knowledgeable staff. There are lots of good deals in Whistler and the prices here are considerably cheaper than overseas. Plus we have good discount deals with some local shops for campers. Your Whistler season pass will also help you get discounts at most shops in town. So buying locally in Whistler is the best way go in terms of trying first, good prices and discounts.
• Keep your receipts from any gear you buy in Whistler in case you have a warranty issue back home. Companies and shops typically take care of warranties regardless of where they were bought (as long as you have your proof of purchase).

RENTALS for BEGINNER, NOVICE, SKI Camps and TEEN Camps

• Full rentals are included in our Beginner, Novice, Ski Camps and Teen Camp packages. Skis, boots, poles, helmet for skiers and snowboard, boots, helmet for snowboarders. HELMET – While a helmet rental is included, purchasing or brining your own when you’re here is recommended.
• The included rental gear is perfect learning/improving. If you prefer high performance gear, you may be able to upgrade at the rental shop (for an additional cost).
• If you’re planning to bring your own ski gear or snowboard gear, please let us know when you register. We can adjust costs for you.
• Please bring your outwear (pants and jacket). If you don’t have these, you can rent outerwear from a few rentals shops.
• Planning on buying gear when you’re here? We have discount cards for a couple of local ski and snowboard shops for you to buy your gear anytime (shops are open from 8am to 6pm).

AIRPORT AND DOWNTOWN VANCOUVER
FOR ALL CORE CAMPS (EXCEPT CUSTOM CAMPS)

• We use a great local bus company for your shuttle (bus transfer) service to and from Whistler.
• Core Camp accommodation begins and ends on Saturdays, so please book your flights to arrive and depart on Saturdays.
• If you’re arriving in town early or staying later, we can arrange bus transfer any day of the week.
• We can also arrange the bus to pick you up and/or drop you off at one of several downtown Vancouver hotels.
• The airport is Vancouver International Airport (YVR).
• Please note – we do not refund unused bus transfers.

YOUR FLIGHT TIMES

Please schedule your flights for the following times to be able to enjoy our shuttle service:

November 23 ~ April 5, 2025
ARRIVAL FLIGHT- Please arrive between 8am and 10pm. (You can arrive earlier – you’ll simply wait a bit longer for the first bus)
DEPARTURE – Please make sure your flight departs from 9:00am or later.
The first bus leaves Whistler at 4:30am and arrives at the airport at approx. 7am.

ARRIVAL

• Approx. 10 days before your arrival, we’ll send you a detailed PDF of your airport transfer. It shows exactly where to meet the bus staff, their airport desk location, contact number etc. They’ll bring you to your bus.
• Ski or Snowboard Bag. After you pass through Immigration, pick-up your regular luggage at the normal carousels. Your ski or snowboard bag will come out at Carousel #35 (for over-sized luggage only). For domestic arrivals, there is also a dedicated over-sized luggage area.
• Buses depart the airport and Whistler approx. every 90min inside the times listed above.
• The drive takes roughly 2.5 hours to Whistler. If you arrive during the day, pick a seat on the left side of the bus. On departure, pick a seat on the right side. The views are truly spectacular.
• When you get close to Whistler, your bus driver will drop you off directly at your Core Camp accommodation. Please be patient as they usually have several others to drop off too.
• Please note – they may call your name in Whistler and switch you to a smaller van and then bring you to our accommodation.
• LOST OR DELAYED LUGGAGE. If your luggage is lost/delayed, give your Core Camp accommodation address to the lost luggage counter (NOT the Core office address on google) and make sure you ask for your free ski/snowboard gear rental voucher from your airline (some offer this benefit). Or your travel insurance company may reimburse you for rentals due to delayed luggage.
• Do your best to choose direct flights or well-spaced connecting flights to minimize a delayed luggage chance.

DEPARTURE

• Please double check with us at least 5 days before your depart that we have your correct flight information for your return transfer. We’ll have your return bus pick-up time and confirmation in our system..
• If you’re continuing to stay in Whistler after your camp, we can arrange your airport or downtown Vancouver transfer from your new accommodation any day and up until May 1 as long as you give us one week’s notice.
• Please note – we do not refund unused transfers.

FOR ALL CORE CAMPS (EXCEPT CUSTOM SNOWBOARD CAMP)

• On arrival, the other campers in the house will welcome you into your new family, show you around and make you feel at home! Please do the same with new campers after your first week here.
• In rare cases, you may arrive at a particular time when not many people are home. They’ll be home soon.
• You can unpack your ski or snowboard gear and put your skis/snowboards in the storage room (outside and downstairs – see video)
• Core Camp Accommodation starts and finishes on Saturdays.
• Saturday evening arrival – meet your housemates, go food shopping (supermarkets are very close) and relax. You’re on vacation with us now.
• On your first Sunday morning, Core Camp staff will be at the house in the morning to help you with everything.
• Your Rider House’s front door code (and your room number) will be emailed to you in advance.
• Your particular room has been assigned to you based on the date you registered with us. Not all rooms are the same size, however we aim to ensure that every room is very comfortable.
• About half of our rooms have bunk beds. All rooms have bedding and bath towels.
• Please note that all of the rooms in our accommodation are shared. We do not offer private rooms as our rooms are too limited. Our living rooms / louges are big and comfortable. Other than sleeping, our skiers/riders actually don’t spend much time in thier rooms.
• Please keep our riders house clean. A tiny bit of cleaning each day (taking out garbage and recycling, washing your own dishes, keeping counters clean etc.) will make living in the houses much more enjoyable.
• Please respect our houses as we have bought and leased these houses for your comfort. Please respect and treat them well – thank you very much.

SNOWBOARD PREMIER and CUSTOM CAMP – Schedule

• For Morning Groups:
  8:10am – leave the house and walk to the Village (Morning Groups)
• 8:30am – meet coaches and get in the gondola / chairlift
• 9am – 12pm – snowboarding and improving with coaches (Morning Groups)
• 12 – 12:30pm – on-mountain lunch or head back home if you’re done / tired.
• Lunch – You can buy your lunch on-mountain or make your own lunch and put it in a plain backpack and hang it in a ‘backpack’ room on top of either mountain. Unlike other resorts around the world, in Whistler you CAN eat your own lunch in the mountain top restaurants. There are even free microwaves to heat up your lunch! Free water too.
• 12:30 – 4pm – Morning Group snowboarders are free for the rest of the day.
• For Afternoon Groups:
• 12:30 – 3:30 – snowboarding and improving with coaches (Afternoon Groups). Meeting points for afternoon Camps are at the top of the mountains. We’ll show you where in advance.
• Where we ski and ride each day depends on snow and weather conditions.

SKI BEGINNER~ADVANCED CAMP – Schedule (Level 1~3)

• For level 1~3 skiers
• 8:15am (first Sunday) walk to the village with a Core staff member to get your rental gear and lift pass.
  This is your first day of on-mountain instruction. We will bring you to your lesson meeting spot.
• 9:15am (Monday to Friday) walk to the village for your 9:45am lesson meeting at the base of the mountain.
• 9:45 – 3:30pm (approx.) – skiing and improving with your instructors and groups (with lunch break)
• Lunch – You’ll eat lunch with your group on mountain.

SKI BEGINNER~ADVANCED CAMP – Schedule (Level 4~6)

• For level 4~6 skiers
• 8:15am (first Sunday) walk to the village with a Core staff member to get your rental gear and lift pass.
  This is your first day of on-mountain instruction. We will show/explain to you your lesson meeting spot.
• 8:45am (Monday to Friday) walk to the village for your 9:45am lesson meeting at the top of the mountain.
• 9:45 – 3:30pm (approx.) – skiing and improving with your instructors and groups (with lunch break)
• Lunch – You’ll eat lunch with your group on mountain.

SNOWBOARD BEGINNER~NOVICE CAMP – Schedule

• 8:15am (first Sunday) walk to the village with a Core staff member to get your rental gear and lift pass.
  This is your first day of on-mountain instruction. We will bring you to your lesson meeting spot.
• 9:15am (Monday to Friday) walk to the village for your 9:45am lesson meeting
• 9:45 – 3:30pm (approx.) – snowboarding and improving with your instructors and groups (with lunch break)
• Lunch – You’ll eat lunch with your group on mountain.

TEEN Ski and Snowboard Camp – Schedule

• 4pm (first Sunday) walk to the village with Core staff to get your rentals and lift pass.
  Your instruction starts from Monday morning. We will show you your Monday morning lesson meeting spot.
• 8am (Monday to Friday) walk to the village for your 8:30am lesson meeting
• 8:30 – 3:30pm (approx.) – full days of skiing or snowboarding and improving with your instructors and groups (with lunch break)
• Lunch – You’ll eat lunch with your group on mountain.

WEEKDAY Evening Clinics and Events

• Monday – 5:30-7:30pm – Core Camp Welcome Evening in Whistler Village (for everyone)
• Tuesday – 4:30-5:30pm – Wax and tune up clinic (for everyone)
• Wednesday – 4-5pm – Video analysis for Premier and Custom Camps at the house. All campers are welcome.
• Thursday afternoon – Free evening for all
• Friday – 5:30pm onward – Weekly grad night/celebration (for everyone)

SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS & NON COACHING DAYS

• Saturdays are arrival and departure days doe some campers.
• If you’re here for multiple weeks, we recommend taking Saturday and/or Sunday off to rest your muscles. We all need it.
• On Sundays you can go skiing/riding with other campers or continue resting.

• A goal is a target, aim, objective or a dream. It’s also a specific standard of performance that we will help you to reach while at Core Camps. That’s why we’re here – to help you reach your goals! (Have no specific goals – that’s okay too. If your goal is to simply have a great ski or snowboard vacation with us – then we have you covered!)
• If you have any particular goals – please tell your coach on your first Monday (while on the chairlifts or in the gondolas) so you can work towards them together. They can be daily, short term or long term goals.
• Setting and achieving your goals help to keep you focused and motivated during your camp and they help your improvement and performance.
• When you set goals, make them S.M.A.R.T. – Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time-Sensitive. Make short term goals each week and longer term goals as well and keep working towards them with your coach(s).
• Specific + measurable + achievable = your successful goal

1. Your safety is our priority. A big goal of ours is to make sure you complete your camp without injury.
2. FREE-RIDING. When free-riding, always first check your cliff, cornice and jump landing before doing it. Or check that it’s clear. Your coach will explain more here. The runs here are long and wide, so keep lots of distance between you and the others in your group. Use the whole runs.
3. TERRAIN PARKS. In the terrain parks, we usually do a ‘ride through’ on our first lap to check all the features and show you safe places to start and stop. Park shapers can easily change something overnight without you knowing. So check tabletop distances, landing angles, box and rail approaches, etc. Your coach will point out these and other things to look for as well.
4. SLOW ZONES. Slow down when you see SLOW SIGNS and the Fun Police (Mountain Safety staff). They will hunt down and take passes away from fast skiers and snowboarders in slow zones. If caught, be nice, apologize and don’t make any excuses other than “I’m new to this mountain, I’m from _______ (insert country here) and now I understand that this area is a slow zone…”
5. NO JUMPS ON MERGING TRAILS. Don’t do hits (jumps) onto merging trails. They look fun, but can result in some bad consequences.
6. RIGHT OF WAY. No matter how gorby or unpredictable the rider or skier is in front of you, you are behind them so they have the right of way. Give them space and pass them with caution.
7. END OF DAY. At the end of day, near the base of the mountains it may be a bit busy. On these runs, look around well, be aware of others around you and (for snowboarders) shoulder check before big heel-side turns.
8. Your coach will explain other safety points more specific to what you’re doing each day

You may have noticed from our videos and photos that we ski and snowboard a lot of off-piste (off the groomed runs) in Whistler (depending on your level).
The off-piste on Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains is vast and world class – We know all of the off-piste here and you’ll enjoy it all with us.
PLEASE NOTE: The word “off-piste” in Canada is typically different than in other countries.
Off-piste in Whistler is off the groomed trails but still inside the ski resort boundary. So we ski/ride lots of the off-piste. The off-piste in Whistler is ski patrolled and avalanche controlled so we can ski and snowboard everywhere. It’s great.

Skiing or snowboarding 3 to 6 hours each day on the mountains is strenuous on anyone’s body, especially for the first few days. What you eat and drink each day is important to keep your energy levels up and for muscle recovery. It will also help dictate the type of day you’ll have on the mountains. Muscles need lots of fluids to work properly, so drink lots through the days to keep your energy up, to keep muscles loose and flexible and to keep muscle cramping and soreness to a minimum.

IN THE MORNING

• A good breakfast is VERY important for your day on the mountains. Please eat some breakfast even if you don’t normally eat in the morning.
• Make sure you eat carbs (carbohydrates) for long term energy like oats, cereal, muesli, toast, bagels. Slow release carbs are best.
• Have a quick drink just before walking to the gondolas and keep something in your pocket (granola bar etc.) in case you get hungry before lunch. We sometimes eat lunch late if the morning powder is too good.
• After the chairlift or gondola ride to the top, we’ll all do a quick warm-up to get the blood flowing and muscles loose for our first runs
• If you have to pee while riding, try to go in the trees (if we’re far away from any building) because holding it in lessens your concentration and actually decreases your body temperature. Going in the trees may not easy for everyone, however it may be the only option sometimes.

LUNCH

• Try to eat a small to medium sized lunch and more fluids. Eating an extra big lunch can make you sleepy or tired.
• CORE LOCAL LUNCH TIPS:
• One of the best valued lunches on the mountains is the kids meal. Any age can order it, it comes with lots of extras, it’s very filling and it’s actually well priced.
• Remember to show your season pass when buying lunch on mountain for your 20% food discount!
• You can ask for a scoop of chili on top of your fries. It’s not on the menu, but very doable. You had a great morning – you deserve it.
• There are free water stations at the restaurants, so no need to buy bottled water. Free hot water stations too.
• In Whistler you can bring your own lunch into the mountain top restaurants. Put it in a plain backpack and hang it in a ‘backpack’ room on top of either mountain. There are even available microwaves to heat up your lunch!

AFTER RIDING

• Just like after a gym workout, as soon as you finish riding, drink either a sports drink, juice or chocolate milk to get vitamins, minerals etc. back into your body. An energy drink won’t help you here.
• Back at the campus or house, do a simple 5 minute stretch to keep your muscles from cramping up at night or next morning. Some simple stretches will really help your muscles for the next day – calf muscles, quads, glutes, hamstrings, back etc. We’ll give you some stretch ideas when you’re here.

DINNER

• Have a good mix of proteins (to repair muscles) and carbs (for next day energy).
• Pasta is one of the best and simplest dinners for the Whistler winter lifestyle. It’ll give you good energy for the next day.
• Wanna eat like a true ski bum? Try one box of ‘Kraft Dinner’. It’s cheap, fluorescent orange mac & cheese…
• While in Whistler, we recommend ‘Splitz Grill’ for the best local gourmet burgers. Another gem is the local and cheap restaurant called El Furniture Warehouse (aka El Furnies). Every meal on the menu is only $6 which is normally unheard of in Whistler. There’s a list of our recommended restaurants posted in the houses and campus.
• We understand that you’re on vacation, however please try to limit your alcohol and coffee drinking. Both are diuretics and can significantly dehydrate the body.

We highly recommend doing some sort of ski and snowboard exercises before your camp with us. A certain level of cardiovascular fitness and strength is needed if you want to make the most out of every day on the slopes. There are several exercises that you can do to strengthen up your body. Your main focus should be on your quads, glutes and calves, however a strong core is also really important. You will be fit when you arrive instead of out of breath and sore muscles. These following links are just two of many winter workouts out there. They are recommendations and not mandatory.

• Winter Snowboard Workout – A good video with several snowboard specific exercises to get you pumped.
• Winter Ski Workout – A good video with many ski specific exercises to get you ready.

Whistler is a winter lovers paradise! There’s tons to do off the slopes, if you have the energy.
Some evening and weekend activity examples are:

• Ice skating, night tubing, watching local hockey, shopping (most shops in Whistler are open until 8pm), x-country skiing, group dinners, pub nights, heli-skiing, heli-boarding, cat skiing, cat boarding, snowmobiling, snow biking, dog sledding, zip trekking, snowshoeing, weekend visits to Vancouver, Avalanche Skills Training (AST 1) courses, etc. If there’s something you’d like to to do in Whistler, please ask us.
• We highly recommend visiting Vallea Lumina and The Scandinave Spa while you’re in Whistler.
• For tired muscles, our main ‘Premium’ Accommodation option has a wonderful hot tub on the back balcony.
• Saturdays – Arrival day or departure day for some. For many others in our multi week camps, Saturday is a day off to sleep in, relax and give your body a rest. You deserve it!
• Limit your partying. If you’re going to party/celebrate in Whistler, please do it on Fridays and/or Saturdays and in Whistler Village. The village is for partying, our accommodation is for relaxing. From Sunday to Thursday, please try to limit your après ski drinks. You have invested time and money, so please be fit, ready and rested for skiing and snowboarding to get the most out of each day. Hangovers or not enough sleep can equate to potential not-so-fun days on the mountains.

• We have endless insider advice, tips, tricks and hacks to help you in many ways. Ask us anything when you’re here or before you arrive. We love sharing our knowledge. Here are just a few:
• Dress in layers and warmer than you think you need to. Too warm is way better than too cold. You can take off and leave a layer in a backpack, in someone else’s backpack, beside a liftie shack etc.
• Please wear a proper base layers that wick sweat away from the body. Most base layersdo this well. No cotton base layers please.
• Use the little stretchy strings that come with your gloves to prevent dropped gloves off lifts. Very handy.
• Ski/Snowboard specific socks do make a big difference. They’re way better than regular athletic socks.
• GOGGLES. Proper goggle care is so important. Fogged goggles = bad day.
  The coaches and staff have many how-to tricks to look after your goggles properly. Please ask us.
  Here are a few of many important points:
• Keep snow off the top of your goggles. A build-up of snow on top will limit air flow and fog them up.
• Keep your goggles in their bag in your pocket for as long as possible. Put them on just before you start skiing/riding.
• Anytime you’re hot or overheating, your forehead heat can start to fog your goggles. Pull them up when needed.
• IMPORTANT – Goggles need to be hung up to dry each night. Put your goggles back in their bag only when they are completely dry the next morning. Still wet the next morning? We’ll lend you a pair for the day. We have extras.
• If slightly damp goggles go back in the bag, this will make them fog quickly the next day and potentially lead to fog in between the lenses.
• If your goggles are fogging on-mountain, we have two solutions: 1 – stuff lots of tissue inside the lens (do not wipe), and put them inside your jacket under your armpit for the whole chairlift ride. At the top, they should be good to go. 2 – Ask your coach for an extra pair. Our coaches usually have an emergency pair for campers in their backpacks. This is coach Jordan’s trick and it’s amazing.
• BOOTS. We all need to buy new boots at some point and we all have to go through the break-in days. Breaking in new boots is a necessary evil. If you can help it, try not to buy new boots just before camp. The break-in period can be tough and not comfortable. Break-in new boots well before camp starts and bring along your old boots just in case your newer boots are too painful. If you need to buy new boots just before or during camp, then go for it. They will eventually break-in. We all need to do it at some point.
• The BEST way to break in your new boots is by using your old boots: Put your old boot liners in your new shells OR your new liners in your old shells. Try both and see which feels better. It will help for sure! This is coach Oli’s trick and it works.
• Boots packing out. All ski and snowboard boot liners eventually stretch and get a little roomier (pack out) from a lot of usage. To get your boots feeling new and tight again, simply remove your liner, put a flat, non-porous insole inside your shell, and put your liner back in. Your boots will feel tight like the first day. Something boot companies don’t tell you. This is Turner’s trick.
• Another great way to make your (ski) boots feel tighter if they’ve packed out is to put a sock over your entire liner. Slip the liner back in the shell and, fo-rizzle, nice tight boots! This tip is from Coach Marcos.
• De-tune the tip and tail edges of a brand new snowboard to prevent potential edge catches. Ask us for details. We’ll show you at the wax and tune clinic.
• Always ride with lip cream and a small binding tool in your pocket.
• Flat spots. Always look way ahead to plan your speed on a powder run (or any run) so you don’t get stuck in a flat spot.
• To avoid getting stuck in the powder (it sucks), it’s very important to ride in another powder track when the terrain gets flatter.
• When a skier offers you a ‘sling shot’ with their pole on a flat cat-track, take the opportunity.
• When you’re not with your coach, the singles line is often the fastest way up Whistler’s chairlifts.
• Try “mole skin” bandages from the local pharmacy for potential painful blisters on your heels.
• Shopping for new gear – Careful – when you ask them, some shop staff will say “Yeah, that board is super nice. I love it” to about every single board in the shop. Demoing (try before your buy) is the best way to know if it’s good for you or not. You can rent gear before buying it new at several shops.
• On firm snow days, switch and butter your way down runs to keep it fun and interesting. On powder days, just give’r!
• SWITCH. A really good way to improve switch riding/skiing is on your run to the village. Try to do the whole run switch. It will really help.
• SNOWBOARD BINDINGS. If you ride with big binding angles, try to line up your high-backs with your heel edge so the corners don’t dig into your boots. Many binding companies have these adjustment features and it’s way more comfortable. We’ll show you what we mean.
• Snowboard safety leashes are not required here. So take them off to save time strapping in and look local.
• Please note that although we have several coaches listed on our websites, you may not meet or ride with all of them. Some coaches are not available every week. Regardless, you’ll love your coaches and have a wicked time improving with them!

I often get asked if tipping a coach is customary. While it is not expected, it is always very appreciated.

• We have changed our office location. It’s currently in our main house.
• SENDING PACKAGES TO WHISTLER & ORDERING STUFF ONLNE –
  Please send any mail / packages to our office address Turner’s home address.
  My physical mailing address is:
  Core Camps / Turner Montgomery (and  your name)
  2-7381 Laurel Street
  Pemberton, BC, Canada
  V0N 2L1
  As soon as your package arrives, my wife or I will pick it up and I will bring to our main house for you.