What's New at South America Snow Sessions

Words: Heather Hendricks

Many of us are having serious shred withdrawals as the local lifts stopp turning and summer creeps closer, but fear not. You can still feed your shred addiction by getting face shots in South America with South America Snow Sessions.

South America Snow Sessions, known to most as SASS, is unlike any other ski and snowboard camp in the world. Located in the picturesque town of Bariloche, Argentina, SASS is the ultimate summer camp destination. This experience of a lifetime gives you the chance to rip chest-deep powder in middle of summer and lets you do it alongside your favorite pros.

Most summer camps offer Signature Sessions, but SASS offers a Signature Season. Instead of having one pro come for a week of camp, the SASS Pros come to shred the entire summer and ride alongside the campers, sharing their knowledge. They choose to totally integrate themselves into the Argentine lifestyle by shredding endless pow and backcountry booters all while enjoying a different culture and becoming close with every camper they coach.

This summer, Garrett Russell, Michelle Parker, and Dash Longe will all be returning to SASS as the full-time ski coaching staff. We caught up with them to see what they had to say about their upcoming adventure.

Garrett Russell. photo: Shane McFalls

Garrett Russell is a man of many talents. He simply sends it on any size booter, gets tricky on rails, and is a renegade in the backcountry. If he's not slaying somewhere in the steep 'n deep, you can find him cruising around with Line's Traveling Circus. Garrett knows how to have a good time whether it's ripping down pristine pillows, boosting big airs, or busting it out on dance floor - G. Funk is the man.

Threading the needle. photo: Ben Girardi

Garrett is an OG in the SASS family and has been a coach since 2004. He is headed to South America for his sixth season. Here's what he had to say about this summer.

What are you most excited for this summer at SASS?  

I am mostly stoked to see new and old faces. Plus sharing the radness of Argentina with the world. And of course crushing the mountain!

What makes SASS different than all the other camps?  

Well an old friend once said "it's all about the adventure," if you go into things with expectations, you are setting yourself up for an unnecessary battle. But if you roll into things only expecting adventure, you are sure to win. SASS is an adventure that isn't justified with words, photos and videos. It is an experience that will live with you forever no matter what. I can't wait for another epic summer at SASS. As soon as I return from every season in South America I am ready to get back on the plane and do it again and again.

Michelle Parker. photo: Felix Rioux (www.orage.com)

Michelle Parker may be one of the fiercest, yet friendliest female competitors on the ski scene. This Squaw Valley native is coming off of a knee injury, but is gearing up to set it off in Argentina. She's known for her go get 'em attitude and smooth style. This year marks Michelle's second season with SASS.

How did you get involved with SASS?

I just dove in head first and left knowing that SASS was the place for me in the summer months. The experience captured me! Such a special place!

What are you most excited for this summer at SASS?

I'm most excited for the overall experience, because SASS is the ultimate summer camp. You get to dive in head first to an amazing culture, enjoying the food, people, language, and country. With the option to take classes through Sierra Nevada College and learn about backcountry riding under some of the best supervision of guides and teachers, you truly walk away with a greater depth of knowledge and life experience! I can't wait to spend my entire summer skiing and coaching in such a rad place. The Argentinean mountains are endless and deliver some of the most progressive terrain for learning to ride safely in the backcountry amongst good people and friends.

Dash Longe sending at Red Bull Cold Rush. photo: Jeff Schmuck

Dash Longe is no stranger to the pro scene. This backcountry ripper is returning to Argentina for the second time. Known for his epic video parts with Teton Gravity Research, Dash is consistently on top of the ski game and plans to crush it this summer. He is fresh off a 3rd place finish at Red Bull Cold Rush, and looking to have a fun summer riding with all the SASS campers.

What makes SASS different than all the other camps? 

I have never been anywhere else that you can ride pow, hit cliffs and jumps and get amazing tree skiing in the summer. It is real skiing and snowboarding at SASS, not water skiing on a slush pond. 

What are you most excited for this summer at SASS?

I love having a bit of a ski/shred vacation because I don't really get to just ski for myself during the winter months. Hanging out and riding with friends is what the sport is all about. 

We're excited to see these pro skiers rip it up in South America this summer. Head on over to SAsnow.com to learn more about SASS and sign up for your chance to shred with these powerhouses in the adventure of a lifetime.