Start your ski season with focused technique work at Craftsbury. Led by Pepa Miloucheva, recently retired from GRP leadership, these four-day masters camps include instruction, technique analysis, classic and skate sessions, and time to build early-season kilometers.
Each camp is designed for a different group of masters skiers:
• November 29 camp: For intermediate masters looking to make skiing easier, more efficient, and more enjoyable through technique improvement. Includes basic wax instruction.
• December 6 camp: For competitive masters focused on technique adjustments that support better efficiency and race results. Includes race waxing tactics and techniques.
Both camps will be led by Pepa, with additional Craftsbury and GRP coaches added as registration numbers dictate.
Camps are scheduled to take advantage of Craftsbury’s early-season manmade snow loop while avoiding the busiest training times for collegiate, pro, and junior skiers. If natural snow arrives, we’ll explore more terrain; if not, the loop will still provide space for drills and focused practice.
Early season is the ideal time to refresh technique and make changes before old movement patterns set in.
Cost: $450 camp fee covers programming and wax. Lodging (with three daily meals) is booked separately, and commuters are welcome – see FAQ below. Each camp is limited to 20 skiers.
Register: online or call the front office at 802.586.7767.
Questions? Contact Pepa with program questions and the front office / 802.586.7767 with lodging questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Sunday to Wednesday?
Early in the season the snow is limited and Friday and Saturday are the busiest days on the loop. Starting Sunday afternoon and running into the week gives us lower traffic and better conditions for teaching and practice.
Why so early in the season?
The best technique gains are made right as you get on skis, before any old habits are sealed in.
What if there’s no snow?
We can’t guarantee snow or weather, so our standard cancellation policy applies – contact the front office for details. The camps are timed to follow the opening of our early-season snow loop, which normally opens around Thanksgiving. If natural snow arrives, we’ll explore more terrain.
Which camp is right for me?
Choose November 29 if your main goal is making skiing easier and more enjoyable; choose December 6 if you race and want technique gains that improve your results. Not sure? Ask Pepa.
Who’s coaching?
Pepa Miloucheva leads both camps. Additional Craftsbury and GRP coaches are added as registration numbers dictate.
What’s the schedule?
Camp starts Sunday at 3:00pm and ends with lunch on Wednesday.
What does the camp fee include?
The $450 camp fee covers instruction, technique analysis, and wax for camp sessions – we include wax so everyone’s skis are working well enough for technique work. Lodging, meals, and rentals are separate.
Do I need my own skis?
Yes. These camps are for intermediate and experienced masters skiers, so please bring your own classic and skate setups. If you need to rent, rentals are available from our ski shop at an additional cost, but high-end gear is limited.
How many people are in each camp?
Each camp is limited to 20 skiers.
Do I have to stay on site?
No – commuters are welcome. When you register, you can book the camp on its own and skip the lodging step.
I’m commuting. Can I eat in the Dining Hall?
Yes, as space allows. Call the front office to reserve a meal at least 48 hours in advance. Same-day requests can sometimes be accommodated but not always – if the Dining Hall is full we may have to say no, so it’s smart to have a backup plan for any meal you haven’t reserved. Lodging guests have three daily meals included.
What are the accommodations like, and what are my options?
Lodging is booked for Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday nights, and you’ll choose it right after adding the camp to your cart. Choose from Cedar Lodge (dorm-style rooms, shared or private bath), Lakeside Cottages (rustic private rooms near the pond), Hillside Cabins (flexible sleeping arrangements with a mini kitchen), or Tamarack House for larger groups. Prices vary by lodging type, and all options include three daily meals. See craftsbury.com/lodging for photos and layouts.
Will I need a roommate?
Dorm-style lodging is typically shared; let us know at registration if you’re coming with a friend you’d like to room with, or if you’d prefer a private room (availability and pricing vary by lodging type).
Can my dog come?
Well-behaved dogs are welcome under our standard dog policy – leashed in public areas, kept out of the Activity Center and Dining Hall, and limited to specific pet-friendly rooms (let us know when you reserve). Unless we get a lot of natural snow that allows us to open trails further afield, there will likely be no dog skiing available.
How do I get to Craftsbury?
Craftsbury Outdoor Center is in Craftsbury, VT, about 90 minutes from Burlington International Airport (BTV) and 2.5 hours from Montréal–Trudeau (YUL). A shuttle from Burlington is available through Hometown Rides ((802) 230-7641). Full directions, including the last stretch of dirt road, are at craftsbury.com/getting-here.