The AIARE curriculum is a 3-day intensive seminar designed to give you an understanding of avalanche formation, “nature’s billboard” observation skills, the ability to use an avalanche transceiver and probe and how to dig a snow study pit.  This is a minimum amount of know-how if you want to travel, ski or ride in the backcountry or sidecountry safely.  There is time spent daily in the classroom and in the field.

Dates: December 13-15 2019, January 18-20 2020, Jan 31-Feb 2 2020 & February 15-17 2020 SIGN UP HERE

The goals of the course are:

• The student will be taught safe travel methods in avalanche terrain including trip planning and preparation, interpretation of the avalanche bulletin, observational techniques for snowpack, weather, avalanches, terrain analysis, safe travel techniques, and decision-making fundamentals
• The student be will shown how to use various rescue equipment, and companion rescue protocols
• The student will be taught how to execute mock rescues in the field
• The student will be introduced to the avalanche triangle, weather, snowpack, terrain and the human factor
• Attain Level 1 certification upon successful completion

Check out this great blog by our friends at Tahoe Mountain Sports, author (and now good climber!) Siobhan Kenney:

http://blog.tahoemountainsports.com/rock-climbing-with-nastc/

Mountain Bike/ Ebike in Tahoe

I have to admit, I was skeptical at first. Just the thought of riding my bike with a little help from an external power source made me pause and wonder, “Is this the right thing?”  I consider myself a core mountain bike rider, jeezz, I have been riding trails in Tahoe since 1986 when I bought my first real mountain bike,a Bridgestone MB1 from Steve at the Village Ski Loft in Incline Village. I remember my first ride being revolutionary compared to the mule I had been riding before. I justified my purchase of the MB1 as great transportation as well as a fun way to get into the backcountry and enjoy the solitude. I do remember getting irritated looks from died-in-the-wool hikers who were perturbed that I was on their hiking trail with my bike  I also became addicted to the rush of the decent. Not much has changed with my passion for biking except the 30 years of hard skiing and mountain life has… well, made recovery more of a challenge.

So here I am 30 years later listening to 29 year-old Russell from Paco’s Bike and Ski in Truckee sell me on the virtues of pedal-assisted mountain bikes.  My first thought was, is he trying to sell me a dirt moped? As I patiently listened I begin to relate to what he was saying. He was talking my language. He mentions Northwood Boulevard the hill I have to climb with my bike to get home from my office. Then there is the bit about reduction in my carbon footprint by using my bike more and my car less. Then the advantage of tripling my riding mileage, adding length to my rides without the fatigue or the wear and tear on my 57 year old body. That part really got my attention. He tells me that Specialized built a well thought out MTB design and added pedal-assist. Not the other way around. After an hour of his low key sales pitch I loaded the 48 pound Levo onto my bike rack as the shop mechanics smugly watch to see if the loading process would bend me or my rack first.  They were surprised when it did neither. Off I went headed toward a ride I have done many times and I knew well. I thought, this will be the best test, because I had ridden this trail two nights before on my pure pedal mountain bike.

As I unloaded, I looked around to see if anyone was watching. I quickly pushed the on button and launched turbo style into the woods. The wind blew through my hair, but how could it be, I was pedaling uphill. As I climbed and began cornering uphill it felt strangely like the pull from gravity going downhill. I was actually tipping and leaning the bike into uphill turns. That was a new sensation. At least for me. I am sure there are hard riders that regularly generate 400 watts of power, but I was riding like Lance Armstrong on POE. Wow all the benefit of performance enhancing drugs without the side affect or the stigma!

I was soon at the top and stoked to let it fly.  As I dropped into the first turn I felt the tires bite as I progressively leaned it into the banked turn, as the shocks engaged I thought, “hmm very much the feel of my Stumpjumper 29er” and that’s a good thing. The puzzle was, how could a 48 pound e-bike react like a 28 pound carbon framed Stumpy? I am not a bike engineer or even a mechanic, but the geometry, the breaking, the shock set up and the on command seat post produced a run that was enlightening…no, life changing. I rolled over the technical sections with the ease of my other bike, but felt more traction from the wider, beefier wheels.  As rode the grin on my face got bigger and as a ski teacher and guide I remembered when the first fat skis came out and changed the off- piste ski game forever. This bike is going to change everything I thought.

My mileage began to grow exponentially and my vision opened as I looked for the next hill to climb and my internal giggling became audible as I began my descents. I was chewing up vertical like the top riders of the Leadville 100. What was most astonishing was that I wasn’t tired for the amount of riding I was doing and my focus wasn’t compromised. I was as clear headed as when I started. That alone made me think that the safety margin was bigger, now I was more awake and alert able to adjust to changes in the terrain with the alacrity of a much younger man, or more rested me. The sun got lower in the sky and after almost 3 hours of riding I knew I would need to head back to the car. I was worried that my battery would die and I would be left pushing up the hills I had ridden down. I reached over and pushed the small button to the Evo setting to conserve my battery. This would give me enough assist to climb out of the valley and over to my car. Pedaling a heavy bike is not a deal killer, but having a little help is always nice. What I found out later is that Specialized has developed an app for your phone that lets you punch in your ride and it automatically rations your battery, assisted by Google Earth.

Steve at the Village Ski Loft told me that I was buying the state of the art technology in 1986 with that Bridgestone MB1 and for all intents and purposes I was.  Who could have predicted that 30 years later a relatively small battery attached to a well design mountain bike could extend my riding fun factor and safety margin so much?

by Chris Fellows, 2016

Chris’s favorite off-piste ski runs in St. Anton:

1. Bachseite- This is a north facing wall of steep off piste skiing that is easily accessed from the Galzig lift. It
drops directly into the easy skiing down route number 4 SteiBbachtal (the Happy Valley). Bachseite is very
popular and can get tracked up quickly on a powder day. Best to get there early while avalanche control is
being done on the upper mountain. Bachseite is the true mother ship of the Galzig area and a great place to
train for steep descents. Lifts- Galzig, Zammermoos, Osthangbahn, Tanzboden Difficulty-Moderate Vertical-
800M
2. Mattun- You can access Mattun either by The top of Kapall or by traversing skiers left off Schindlergrat
chair. This run is huge with about 1000 M of vertical and many aspects and pitches. Avalanche danger is a high
concern on this run and will be prone to slides in spring time as well as winter. This run also finishes in the
Happy Valley for an easy ski out to Mattunbahn or Zammermoosbahn to Galzig. Lifts- top of Kappal,
Schindlergrat Difficulty-Moderate Vertical- 1000M
3. Zwischen- This means “between” in German, its between the runs Osthang and Kandahar. This run is a
classic warm up for the instructors at the Ski Academy in St. Christoph. The slope gradually steepens until it
reaches three narrow gullies that are challenging and require precise short turns and quick feet. At the
bottom you will find your self back on piste and you make your way back to Galzigbahn. This run will surely
test your short turn technique. Lifts- Galzig Difficulty-Moderate – Difficult Vertical- 800
4. Schindlerkar Chutes- The options are many off this peak but one of my favorite is the Schindlerkar chutes.
You access this by circling left off the chair lift and traversing above the prominent chutes that funnel out to
the Stubin side of the peak. These lines are committing and require confidant technique. Easier options are
available where the group can reassemble at the exit of the chutes. One of my favorite lunch spots is at the
finish of this route. The Ulmer Hutte has the best apple strudel on this side of the mountain. Lifts-
Schindlergrat Difficulty- Difficult Vertical- 500
5. Maienvasen- This run starts at the top of the Galzig. This wide open bowl funnels into steeper terrain with
skiable ridge lines and sometimes fluted snow drifts. The snow can be excellent, however later in the day as it
warms the snow can become tricky and sticky. The exit requires some sidestepping but a path through the
woods soon delivers you to an on slope hutte called Senn. As a young ski instructor I would end all my classes
here for a refreshment before skiing down to the village. Lifts- Schindlergrat Difficulty- Difficult Vertical- 500
6. Schimmelegg- This slope is the prominent nose off Rendl. After taking the Gampberg lift follow a wide ridge
facing north west. This ridge may have wind effected snow and deep wind ribs keep speed down here. Once
you are into the open snowfields excellent powder can be had. As you hit the tree line head right toward the
bottom of hinter Rendl. You can follow a well tracked path out to the Rendl home run. I have had some of my
best NASTC powder runs in St. Anton here. Lifts- Gampberg Difficulty- Moderate Vertical- 1150M
7. Valluga Nord- The exposed top station of the Valluga can be intimidating with huge exposure on every side.
But a safe and often skied decent skirts the back side of the Valluga and rolls into enjoyable slopes that finish
in Zurs. This is a guided only tour due to the restrictions on the lift. I usully make this full day tour that will
include exploration of Zur’s off piste lines as well as a incredible lunch at the Golden Croix a world famous on
hill lunch spot. Lifts- Valluga I, Valluga II Difficulty- Moderate, difficult Vertical- 900M

8. Schongraben- off the top of the Kapall lift Go towards the north east facing slopes. Follow moderate rolling
terrain to the bottom of the Schongraben T-bar, either take the T-bar back up for more powder or drop down
into narrower gullies that descend into good tree skiing. As you continue down you will cross a tobobban run
road and will take that down to Nasserein. Lifts- Kappalbahn Difficulty- Moderate Vertical- 1000M
9. Langen- The first time I did this run I was blown away at the amount of consistent quality vertical we got.
Route finding is a challenge and their exist many avalanche terrain traps. Passing the Kalltenberghutte you
descend long moderate slopes into excellent tree skiing. The long runs are a mix of interesting terrain features
that end in a sweet smelling pine forest. The snow covered exit road meanders down to the village of Langen
where a train can be caught back to St. Anton. Another option back is to catch a taxi to Stuben, have lunch at
Hannes Schnider’s haus and ski more off-piste on in Stuben until closing time. I have 10 favorite off-piste runs
just in Stuben alone. Lifts- Albonagrat, Sonnleitenlift Difficulty- Moderate Vertical- 1200M
10. Hinterer Rendl- This northeast facing valley is an adventure playground of off-piste skiing. From top
station drop into wide open valley, several routes can be taken depending on your commitment level. The
potential of getting cliffed-out is high if you don’t know where you are going. Route finding through the valley
is easier with clear skies and good light. This big valley holds a lot of snow and has caught may unsuspecting
skiers in slides. The skiing is easy to moderate depending on your line. The exit winds through a forest and
contours back out to the Rendl home run. Very FUN! Lifts- Riffelbahn 2 Difficulty- Moderate Vertical- 1350M
Endless Possibilities on Albona.

*** The ratings I give these runs can change considerably as conditions and weather change. Ski with caution,
with avalanche rescue equipment, and with a guide.***

Click here for more info about this amazing week: ST ANTON ITINERARY/GET SIGNED UP

Summer is upon us, go climb a rock! We offer beginner through expert climbing privates and groups on Donner Pass: face climbing, crack climbing, anchor building, self-rescue, lead climbing, multi-pitch, and more. And if you just want to get out with a family member who is neither the same skill nor fitness level, a day on the rock lends itself to that. We can cater a private to different abilities!

Its a perfect experience for a family or group of friends to share together, regardless of previous experience, ability levels, fitness levels, or varying relationships to heights.

Privates or small group lessons are a great way to zero in on you, and precisely what you need to improve on! Fun for wedding or birthday parties, office bonding, corporate meeting, reunions, etc. Group dynamics and teamwork are great things to work out on the rock, facilitated by our expert guides.

Please call/text 530-386-2102 or email [email protected] to book your rock climbing adventure in Truckee Tahoe on Donner Pass.

March 12: Book Your Portillo Trip, make this your summer! We’ve been taking groups since 1995! August 11-17 (Aug 9/18 travel), base price $5995

Here’s how your morning goes when you ski Portillo, Chile with us: wake up (to powder), go downstairs for stretching and huge breakfast with the best dang coffee ever and warmed milk, walk back upstairs to get your ski clothes on, downstairs to boot up (friendly boot room attendant has brilliant memory for faces so he can match 400 guests to their boots by day 2 usually), walk 10 paces outside, click into your bindings (did I mention your skis were right next to your boots at the ski check), slide over to one of the detachable quads, stand in NO LINE, just hang out talking with other adventurous skiers or national ski team members, and whoosh! — you’re lifted into the crisp air and high above the Andean cliffs and peaks.

You shred. You laugh. You learn. You make new friends. You try new things. And that’s all before lunch…which is 4-courses long. And you get to take your boots off. It just doesn’t get any better.

Here’s how your afternoon goes: after your 4-course/choose anything you want lunch (slippers on feet), you grab a coffee and boot back up for a full afternoon of epic lines, great snow, exploring new terrain, and skiing with fun people while you chase your expert instructor around the mountain. Lifts close at 4:30 due to the late sunlight. At 5pm you have a glorified afternoon snack called “Las Onces.” This is a Chilean tradition and includes breads, cheeses, crackers, fruit, cookies, cakes, and tea or coffee. So yummy! Next up you hit the hot tub, sauna, massage, gym, or nap zone perhaps. NASTC offers tech talks on a variety of topics including ski technique, fitness, and of course your video from the day! Then you might head to the living room to play a game of chess, down to the basketball court or indoor climbing wall, or lounge in the bar before dinner. We eat “early”…at 8:30pm! (The second seating is at 10pm)! Dinner is….divine! Another 4 courses, fine wines, unlimited deserts…you won’t want to leave – ever. After that its coffee and bed, or there’s always the bar and disco for those with endless amounts of energy!

You in? Book now, our annual week sells out. We’ve been taking skiers to Portillo for nearly a quarter-century (since 1995), grab your spot now!
Thanks for reading!

Get your flight into Santiago Aug 9, and home Aug 17  

Portillo, Chile is located 2.5 hours east of Santiago high in the Andes near the Argentine border. Aconcagua is within view when you’re high up on the mts there! Portillo is served by the most modern lifts, whisking you up the sides of the expert, advanced, and intermediate runs. There is something for everyone. With 400 beds and 600 staff, everyone is serious about skiing and about having fun! The resort is comprised of the two sides of a valley which drain into Lake Inca. The fabled Hotel Portillo sits overlooking beautiful Lake Inca. With all the snow of a maritime mt range (like CA) and the equivalent season to Feb (Aug being the 3rd month of the season), we usually ski lots of powder this week.! This is our 25th season in Portillo…we know a good thing and keep going back.  Its the PERFECT venue for an adventure skiing week. Ski, east, sleep, repeat. Throw in a visit to the bar/disco, gym, massage parlor, gym, indoor soccer/hoops, or movie theater and you’re living the dream!