From Camp of Champions in Whistler, to SASS Global Travel in Bariloche, Argentina, the season has officially started for summer shred camps. Ski and snowboard camps boost progression, propagate stoke, and envelop campers in a family of like-minded rippers– making these spots the place to be in summer.

Coaches Corner puts the spotlight on coaches across the globe who spend their summers pushing progression while making memories of a lifetime for campers. Our first coach to delve into camp life is pro skier and SGT’s head ski coach, Michelle Parker.

Parker has been coaching at SGT in Argentina for four years and became hooked on South American shredding after her first trip to the Southern Hemisphere. Since then, she’s spent her summers exploring and coaching at SGT.

As Parker enters her fifth season in Argentina, we reached out to her for the nitty gritty details about camp life.

What should a camper expect in a typical day at SGT?
Wake up to fresh snow. Wander into the breakfast room full of excited fellow campers. Eat quickly and stock up because it’s going to be a big day. Get your gear on, and head out the door to have an amazing day of shredding with old and new friends. Hike a bit to get to the untouched powder, maybe venture further if you have the energy after slaying fresh pow laps. When the chairs stop spinning we will probably stop riding. Head down to camp to rest up, refuel, and do it all over again the next day. At the end of the day you might also find yourself saying “that was the best day of my life!”

What advice would you give to someone who hasn’t been to a summer ski/snowboard camp before?
Be open and ready to have the time of your life.

How does SGT help with progression?
You can learn so much from your peers, coaches, guides, and staff. If you take all of that in then you will surely have gained experience and valuable knowledge. Progression in the backcountry, to me, is all about experience and that is what SGT is all about.

What are your top memories from camp last year?
Any trip to the backcountry hut called Frey, exploration of new terrain, low crowds, lot’s of snow, the culture, the food, the list goes on. Oh and the fact that at SGT, it’s actually winter, which means we’re skiing powder!

Any new features in the works this year at SGT?
I’m sure we will be getting into new terrain. The options are endless in Bariloche and that is something that I always get excited about. Fresh powder!

For more info about Michelle and SGT, check out her Coach Profile here.

SGT 2011 Argentina: Session 5 & 6 Ski Video from SASS Global Travel on Vimeo.