Jenn Hart

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Cooper Spur Alpine Team Welcomes Accomplished Freeride Director, Wynn Berns
Hood River, OR – May 22, 2023 – Cooper Spur Alpine Team is delighted to announce the
appointment of Wynn Berns as our new Freeride Director. With an exceptional background in
high-level competitions, including NorAms, X-Games, and the Olympics, Berns brings a wealth
of expertise to establish our new snowboard program and elevate our freeride ski programs to
new heights.

Berns, a Plymouth State University graduate, boasts nearly two decades of coaching
experience, guiding athletes from USASA and USSA regional events to World Cups and the
X-Games. Previously, he held key positions such as Windell’s WyEast Academy Athletic
Director and Head Freeride Coach at Windells. Berns also served as the Director of Freeski at
the Killington Mountain School and Head Freeride Coach at Waterville Academy.

“I am thrilled to be joining Cooper Spur Alpine Team, one of Mt. Hood’s premier ski programs,
and look forward to providing our local communities with the best skiing/snowboarding
opportunities possible,” expressed Berns.

Under Berns’ dynamic leadership, Cooper Spur Alpine Team is poised to become a force to be
reckoned with in the freeride sports arena. We are confident that his expertise, passion, and
dedication will inspire our athletes to reach unprecedented levels of achievement. Berns’ vision
for CSAT’s Snowboard and Freeski program aligns perfectly with our team values.

Cooper Spur Alpine Team is excited to welcome Wynn Berns as our new Freeride Director and
embark on an exciting chapter of excellence in freeride sports. For media inquiries and further
information, please contact:

Shana Sweitzer
Executive Director
541-490-7575
shana@cooperspuralpineteam.org

CSAT’s Fundamentals Summer Ski Camp @ Timberline – June 18 – 21 – Registration Is Open!

Join CSAT this Summer on Palmer Glacier for a one of a kind experience! Our camps focus on GS & SL  fundamentals, small groups, high quality training environment and summer camp fun!

CSAT’s Fundamentals Camp is scheduled June 18-20 (U12s) and June 18-22 (U14s and older). Theses fundamental camps provide a one of a kind training experience and focus on creating a high level training environment utilizing quality salted surfaces on the world renowned Palmer Snowfield.

​CSAT skiers train next too, ride the chair with and watch skiers from all around the world. Palmer snowfield is one the few places in North hemisphere that allows for summer skiing and training. In the afternoon kids play field games and explore Mt.Hood’s many hikes and swimming holes with teammates and coaches.

CSAT Summer Camp Details 2023

Dates
June 18 – 21: U14s, U16 (DOB 2011 – 2009): 4 day Camp. Must be a U14 in 2024 season to participate
June 17 – 19: U12s: 3 day Camp – Must be a U12 in 2024 season to participate

Cost
4 day – $985
3 day – $785

​Price includes: Professional coaching staff, hot breakfast, hot lunches, lift tickets, lane fees, salt, afternoon activities, & daily round trip van transportation from Hood River to Timberline.

Afternoon Activities
In addition to on hill training we offer afternoon activities each day: hiking, field sports, capture the flg, swimming, tech talks & video, etc. Opportunities to Demo 2024 race skis & boots will be available on a daily basis usually free of charge. Demo size availability with skis and boots is usually for the U12 and older athlete.

General Daily Camp Schedule

• 5:00 am: Meet at Hood River Inn for Timberline departure.
• 6:15am: Breakfast at Hucks
• 7:00am -12:00pm Training
• 12:30pm: Lunch at Hucks
• 1:00: Demo skis in Govy
• 2:00: Afternoon Activities
• 4:30: Pick up at Hood River Inn

How To Register

Click HERE to Register and pay deposit. Spots are limited.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT MOUNTAIN BIKE FOOTWEAR!

Mountain biking is great for kids of all ages. It provides strength, fitness, courage and insight, whether you are 9 or 90. Anyone can ride a mountain bike, and kids excel at leaning how to track on trails, take small jumps, and move through challenging terrain.

And, contrary to what you might imagine, it isn’t all about the bike. If fact, a good pair of mountain bike shoes do more for your riding ability, safely and fun factor than any other piece of equipment. 

Mountain bike footwear has gotten much better in past years. It used to be a choice between hard-plastic “clipless” shoes or sneakers. But now, the flat pedal revolution (in pedals and footwear) let mountain bikers of all ages to get excellent pedal power without the constraints of “clipping in.” Flat pedal bike shoes are designed to work with “flat pedals.” They rely on sticky (high friction) rubber soles that cling to pedals like duct tape, but also allow the rider to quickly adjust or regain foot position. Basically, flat pedal mountain bike shoes help you pedal better, but allow you to quickly move your feet from the pedals to the ground, a big plus when mountain biking. And, in contrast to s molded hard-plastic clip in soles, flat pedal shoes are ideal for walking on trails or even around town.

In order for your kids to get the most out of their bike experience, they need good footwear. They need a shoe that will interface well with the pedals. That means a shoe with a sticky rubber sole. Kid’s should have a shoe with a sole that is stiff enough for pedal power (and stiff enough so their feet don’t get cramped and exhausted after the first mile) with a rubber sole designed to work with the pedals. You don’t want too much tread, just like you don’t want treadles shoes. Flat Pedal mountain bike shoes have tread that is ideal for biking and hiking.  

Pick a shoe that is either low or mid ankle height, with a velcro or lace closure (or both). Skate shoes like Vans will work, but aren’t ideal. Some running shoes will work, but they generally have soft uppers and soft-flexible soles, so they slip around and don’t have toe protection. 

Ideally, shoes like the Five Ten (Sleuth, Freerider, Freerider Pro, and Trailcross are good options), as are shoes from Ride Concepts, and Specialized. 

https://pedalinginnovations.com/the-flat-pedal-revolution-manifesto/