AIS/OWI Head Snowboard Coach Ben Wordsworth reports on the snowboard halfpipe camp in Cooper Mountain, Colorado.

After a long flight from Australia in the middle of a summer heat wave, the riders and support staff arrived in minus 20 degree conditions in Colorado.

The first day on snow revealed a poor start to the season snow-wise.

However, after a few days finding their feet both our riders, Holly Crawford and Nate Johnstone, have stepped it up in the halfpipe with big clean airs and smooth runs.
 
Copper Mountain is the first resort in North America to open their halfpipe and every team has come to train for the upcoming competitions. The level of riding is world class and Holly and Nathan are standouts amongst the world’s best.
 
Next week is the first of three major half pipe competitions before the Olympics and both Holly and Nate are well placed to put in solid performances that will put them in good positions leading into the Olympic Games in February.
 
Stay tuned for more snowboard news.