FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Windells?

Windells is action sports camp for kids and pros alike. The legal name is Windells Snowboard Inc. so the majority of campers snowboard, with skateboarding, BMX and freeskiing being their next most popular sport. Windells operates on a year-round basis so skateboarding and BMX are happening all year long. Snowboarding and freeskiing’s main season is summer. Windells holds five snow sessions throughout winter, too.

Do you have female snowboarders, skateboarders and freeskiers?

The ladies make up a third of the total camper population each year. Windells offers girl-specific activities, coaching, groups and accommodations to ensure a positive, encouraging atmosphere where everyone can learn and stay stoked. That’s why the best female athletes — snowboarders, freeskiers and skateboarders have been through Windells and keep on coming.

Are there pros at camp?

Name an elite pro snowboarder, freeskier, skateboarder, BMXer or freeride mountain biker and they have, or will surely be, hanging out at Windells. Mount Hood is the only year-round ski area in the lower 48 with lifts that run 12 months a year accessing some of the best freestyle terrain these riders will see all year. Pros generally bounce from camp to camp but access to the world-class terrain park, foam pits, trampolines, skateboarding and BMX facilities, plus a late sunset in the Northwest, keeps ‘em heading to the Disneyland of action sports.

What is your camper-to-counselor ratio?

There are 10 campers to 1 counselor per cabin.

What is your camper-to-coach ratio?

Each coach works with no more than 7 campers.

Do you get snow during the summer months?

Yes! At Timberline Ski Area, where Windells on-snow summer facilities are located, campers can enjoy two-mile-long runs from top to bottom even in August. The snow is 100% natural and never melts away entirely. And you’ve never experienced anything like a powder day in July. There are seven glaciers on Mt. Hood with five ski areas operating during the winter months.

Where are you located?

In Brightwood, Oregon at the base of Mt Hood, just 35 minutes from Portland.

Where do I fly into?

Portland International Airport (PDX)

How far is PDX from camp?

Camp is just 45 minutes from the city.

Do you provide transportation to and from PDX?

Yes. We ask that you arrive on the first day of camp and depart on the last day of camp. Between the hours of 8am and 4pm, Windells runs shuttles about every half-hour from PDX to camp. If you arrive before 8am, Windells will have a representative at the airport to greet you. If you arrive after 4pm, Windells will make arrangements to pick you up and the shuttle fee may be an additional $55 US dollars.

How far is campus from the ski area?

It’s 16 Miles from camp to Timberline Ski Area.

Why are the sessions different prices?

Camps are priced by popularity so the sessions that fill first are priced higher.

Is the snow better at the beginning of summer?

There is more snow at the beginning of the summer then the end. However, Windells private park at Timberline has many of the same features from sessions 1 – 7. Early June is quiet. Crowds begin to roll in toward the end of June. Late June through mid-July is the main season on Mt. Hood. Late July and August are relatively quiet.

Do campers come alone?

Most campers come alone, but make friends for life during the session!

I’m concerned about sending my kid across the country alone.

Windells has had kids come from 53 different countries throughout the World. Each year, campers as young as nine years old fly from overseas. Every airline has a program for unaccompanied minors if you call for details.

If I am a snowboard/freeski camper can I still skateboard/ride BMX?

Yes! Windells has daily clinics to introduce and/or help you learn to skateboard and/or ride BMX. A full range of skateboard and protective gear is available for all campers to use. BMX bikes are included as well.

What age are your campers?

At overnight camp, ages range from 8-17 years old. Adult camps start at age 18. Most campers are 13-16. Day campers can begin as young as age four. Shaun White began coming to Windells at the young age of six.

Can campers come for more than one session?

Yes. A $200 fee covers all activities, 24-hour supervision, food and fun for the time in between sessions. The first day is relaxing, where campers say goodbye to friends they’ve made. Their laundry is done as we go to the movies or take off on activities that can include anything from a trip to the Oregon coast, Mount St. Helens, a multi-day raft trip or hang out around camp. The period in between each session is different and activities change depending on the group’s interests, ages and whatever Mother Nature has in store.

If I want to come with my kids where can I stay?

Parents often accompany their kids to Windells. Camp is always open to parents who want to hang out and watch their kids progress and enjoy themselves. If you choose to accompany yours to camp you certainly won’t be alone. Mt. Hood has many lodging options. Check out http://www.mthood.info/ or ask our friendly staff.

What makes your camp different from other action sports camps?

Windells is not located in Government Camp or Whistler where they mix with other camps, vacationers and the general population. We are the only camp with a PRIVATE CAMPUS. There’s 53 acres of fun at Windells — a 15,000-sq. ft. indoor recreational center, foam pits, trampolines, indoor and outdoor skateboarding parks, paintball, fishing ponds, sand volleyball court, basketball courts, tether ball courts, court yard and our very own action sports community of campers, friends and guests. Just take a stroll through the ancient forest and relax on the decks or grassy courtyards throughout camp.

Windells coaching program begins from the time kids get to the mountain ’til the time they leave. We’re the official camp of the US Snowboarding Team, with every US Olympic medalist to date going through Windells — 18 in all. Snowsports campers can learn just as much skateboarding and riding BMX at Windells as they’ll learn on the mountain. Up to six activities — both traditional and non-traditional — happen every hour, 3pm to 10pm.

What if my child is injured at camp?

More than anything, we try to keep your kids safe. Unfortunately, injuries happen in action sports. Parents or legal guardians will be contacted as soon as possible in the event of a medical emergency. We know how upsetting it can be if your child gets injured far from home. Please remain calm and know that we will do everything in our power to care for your child. Here are some items to keep in mind.

1. Talk to your child about the importance of honestly reporting their aches and pains. Often kids hide injuries or downplay their pain to avoid missing a day on the hill or to avoid being sent home. We can only treat your child if we know about the injury so we rely on them to communicate with staff members.

2. If a camper reports an injury to our camp nurse, the nurse will evaluate the injury and decide if the camper should be seen by a doctor. A parent will be notified of the injury immediately and takes part in the decision-making.

3. If your child is injured on the slopes, the first response is from Timberline ski patrol. A camp representative will meet the injured camper in the ski patrol room to hear the patroller’s injury assessment. If the injury is a minor one, Windells will transport the camper to a treatment center. The camper’s parents will be notified of the injury when they arrive at the clinic.

4. If the injury on the slopes is very serious, the camper will be transported by ambulance or Life Flight.

5. Attending physicians provide follow-up care. Our camp nurse will check on injured campers regularly and counselors will be informed of any special instructions.

6. All prescription drugs must be stored in, and distributed from, the nurse’s station.

7. Medications prescribed by physicians and X-rays will be sent home with campers. If camp purchases medications for an injured or ill camper, an invoice with a copy of the receipt will be sent home for reimbursement.

8. If a camper is unable to participate in activities following the injury, our Sales Director will contact parents or guardians to arrange early transport home.

9. Dr. Grise, our local physician, is five minutes from campus and is available for emergency visits Monday-Friday, 8am to 5pm. Otherwise, campers are transported to Mt. Hood Medical Center in Gresham, a 30-minute drive.