North American Ski Training Center – Tahoe, CA

Category: Courses

  • Dolomites, South Tyrol, Italy

    March 13-20 (travel March 12 & 20) Imagine a week where the jagged limestone peaks of the Dolomites rise like frozen cathedrals around you, their pale faces catching the first blush of dawn. This is not just a ski holiday—it’s an immersion into the art and precision of high-level skiing, guided by some of the most accomplished instructors and guides in the world.

    Your base for the week is a charming alpine lodge, where the scent of fresh espresso greets you each morning before you step into the crisp mountain air. Each day begins with a tailored warm-up and technical briefing, focusing on advanced skiing techniques: precision on steep pitches, mastering variable snow conditions, confidence in deep powder, and developing tactical line choices for maximum efficiency and flow.
    The highlight of the week is the legendary Sella Ronda—a breathtaking circuit that loops around the Sella massif, linking four valleys and offering over 40 kilometers of interconnected slopes. Under the guidance of your expert instructors, you’ll not only ski this iconic route but dissect its challenges, learning how to read terrain, anticipate transitions, and adapt your technique to the Dolomites’ ever-changing snow.
    Afternoons are dedicated to focused skill sessions on select runs, where video analysis and on-the-fly feedback help you fine-tune every movement. You’ll work on dynamic short turns, high-speed stability, and advanced off-piste tactics, all while exploring hidden powder stashes and panoramic ridgelines.
    Evenings are a blend of relaxation and camaraderie—sharing gourmet Italian mountain cuisine, reviewing the day’s footage, and planning the next day’s objectives. By the end of the week, you’ll not only have skied some of the most spectacular terrain in the world but also elevated your skiing to a level of precision, confidence, and artistry you never thought possible.
    This is more than a ski camp—it’s a masterclass in mountain performance, set against one of the most awe-inspiring backdrops on Earth.
  • AIARE AVALANCHE LEVEL 1 2025-2026 (TRUCKEE)

    AIARE AVALANCHE LEVEL 1 2025-2026 (TRUCKEE)

    LEVEL 1 WITH THE OLDEST CONTINUALLY OPERATING AIARE SCHOOL IN TAHOE

    Click HERE to Venmo a $200 deposit to enroll, we will send you the online link today to start your class! 

    or PAYPAL: [email protected]/ ZELLE: 5303862102 / VENMO: @JENNY-FELLOWS-3
     
    NASTC is proud to be one of the two oldest continually operating AIARE schools in Tahoe/Truckee, offering avalanche classes since 1996, and AIARE courses since 2007.
     
    All AIARE Level 1 classes take place in Truckee/Donner Summit.
    Upon completion, students have their AIARE 1 certification.

    PRICE: $575 until Dec 1, then $635  (deposit of $200, balance due 30 days prior to fieldwork weekend)

    DATES:

    Dec 6-7, 2025 canc due to snow
    Dec 13-14, 2025 canc due to snow

    Jan 10-11, 2026 some room
    Jan 18-19, 2026 (Sun-Mon, MLK weekend) some room

    Jan 31-Feb 1, 2026 plenty of room
    Feb 7-8, 2026 plenty room
    Feb 15-16, 2026 (Sun-Mon, Presidents’ Day weekend)  room

    Feb  21-22, 2026 

    Mar 7-8, 2026 

    March 14-15, 2026 plenty of room, final class of the season

    Day 1 of your avalanche course is comprised of self-paced online coursework plus a 3-hour Zoom class with your instructor(s). When you enroll, we send you the online links. The Zoom is held usually on a Thurs night within 2 weeks of your fieldwork.

    Days 2 & 3 of your AIARE 1 are 8-hour fieldwork days in Truckee on Donner Summit with your instructor(s).
     
    Required skier or rider skill level: strong intermediate to expert. This means that at a minimum, you should be able to successfully link parallel turns with a pole plant down un-groomed blue terrain at a ski resort. If you want help reaching that level, sign up for our Jumpstart at Palisades clinic Dec 8-9.
     
    Text or call 530-386-2102 or email [email protected] anytime with any questions.
     
    “NASTC’s AIARE 1 was – bar none – the best experience I could imagine. I did my AIARE 1 five years ago with another provider in CO, but my NASTC course leader and instructors were so much more organized, professional, and fun! Didn’t hurt that we skied epic powder for two days! I am going to do an advanced ski clinic at Palisades with NASTC next.” –Beth, San Francisco
     
    Each year more skiers are venturing into the backcountry lured by the opening up of resort boundary lines and the promise of pristine powder fields and underpopulated terrain. However, with more access the risk has never been greater, and the need to know basic safety protocols, rescue techniques, avalanche hazard awareness, and management are essential to survival and having a great time out there.
     
    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.

    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 will be 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
    In addition to your on-line coursework, you will have a 3-hour Zoom session with your full class and instructor(s) prior to the fieldwork weekend. You will meet from 8AM-4PM for your two days of fieldwork on Donner Summit (Johnson Canyon and Castle Peak/Boreal Snowpark).  We’ll also send you an equipment and reading list.  For field work/ski touring days be sure to dress in layers.  Bring a bag lunch with snacks and plenty of water.
     
    We will send you an updated itinerary as we get closer to the start of the course. This schedule may change slightly based on the group, weather, etc. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call the NASTC office.
     
    Avalanche Kit Rental (beacon, shovel, probe): $40/day
     
    “If you want a beginning to end great experience, book anything with NASTC. This is their least expensive course and a very important body of knowledge (24 hours worth) if you go backcountry skiing with friends or even just off-piste at your home ski resort.” –Derek, Sacramento
     
    “I have taken ski improvement clinics with NASTC but this was my introduction to skiing away from the crowds and I LOVED it just as much. My guide was so helpful and fun!” –Lacey, 
     
     

    Dec 16-18, 2025 (Tu-Th)

    Jan 24-26, 2026 (Sat–Mon)

     

    Jan 9, 2026 (Fri before L1)

    Jan 23, 2026 (Fri before L2)

    March 13, 2026 (Fri before L1)

  • THREE CAMPS AT Palisades DEC 2026 AND JAN OR FEB 2027

    THREE CAMPS AT Palisades DEC 2026 AND JAN OR FEB 2027

    NASTC’s Jumpstart Your Ski Season and All Conditions All Terrain Camps
    Jumpstart (levels 6-10)

    Dates: Mon-Tues Dec 7-8, 2026 

    $945 includes 2 full days of instruction in your group of 6 or fewer plus one tech talk. Dec 7th we have an optional banquet at Bistro22 for $65 (apps, salad, entree, dessert). 

    Lift tickets: contact our office for lift tickets if you need them. 

    Lodging: we recommend Palisades Tahoe Lodge.

    Join us to kick off your ski season right with lots of mileage under the careful tutelage of our top instructors!  This carefully crafted curriculum will look at the building blocks of your skill package while skiing you all over the early season terrain. We’ll work on bumps, steeps, powder, carving, and more. Our top trainers examine what you have, what you need, lead you to new levels, and give you lots to work on for the season. Come enjoy personalized attention in this small group setting! We are looking forward to skiing with you and sharing our knowledge and experience in these incredible mountains with you. 

    NASTC’s All Conditions/All Terrain (Levels 6-10)

    Dates: Mon-Weds Jan 25-27 or Feb 22-24, 2027

    Note: all prices include 3 full days of instruction in your group of 6 students [or fewer] plus tech talks.

    On the final night we have a fun, optional banquet at Bistro22 for $65 (apps, salad, entree, dessert). 

    $1045 no lodging, no lift tickets
    $2750 (approx, exact lodging rates will be confirmed by Sept): incl 2 nights lodging at Palisades Tahoe Lodge + 3-day lift ticket

    The All Terrain/All Conditions course is NASTC’s trademark full immersion course designed to get you off that intermediate or advanced plateau. We started offering this extremely popular course when we began in 1994. Our highly experienced and nationally ranked coaches will help you make the changes you need to meet your skiing goals. Your goals are our goals! Through a successful methodology including breaking down your skiing to its fundamentals, reviewing the building blocks of high-level skiing in just two days, video, equipment discussions, fitness recommendations, practical technique/tactics, and lots and lots of mileage, our top trainers will guide you through our step-by-step progression towards improved skiing mastery.

    Palisades has it all when it comes to terrain and snow, we are looking forward to skiing with you and sharing these incredible mountains with you. NASTC is based in Tahoe. This has been our home for more than 25 years, and we use our experience and knowledge to make your experience here with us fun and memorable.

    Sample Training Day at all NASTC Palisades Camps:

    8:00-8:30am – Group up above Wildflower Cafe in The Olympic House, meet/greet, stretch & movement prep. Establish the day’s schedule and goals.
    9:00am-12:00pm – On snow: skill development via drills and technique work, terrain exploration.
    12:00pm-1:00pm – Lunch with your group.
    1:00pm-3:30pm – On snow: video, free-skiing varying conditions and terrain, personal feedback. 
    5:00pm-6:00pm – Indoor clinic: video viewing / technical session. 
    6:00pm – Banquet Dinner at Bistro22

    For more information or to enroll:

    Text or call 530-386-2102 or email [email protected]

    Palisades is an IKON PASS resort.

  • AIARE AVALANCHE LEVEL 2 (TAHOE/TRUCKEE)

    AIARE AVALANCHE LEVEL 2 (TAHOE/TRUCKEE)

    Dec 16-18, 2025 (Tu-Th)

    Jan 24-26, 2026 (Sat–Mon)

    Price: $695, to book please email [email protected] or text 530-386-2102

    Add the 1-day RESCUE COURSE:

    Jan 9, 2026 (Fri before one of our L1 classes)

    Jan 23, 2026 (Fri before L2)

    March 13, 2026 (Fri before L1)

    L2 + Rescue = reduced price of $895 total (4 consecutive days)

    Location: Donner Summit, CA 

    Pay via VENMO @jenny-fellows-3 or via Paypal link below: 

     

    The AIARE 2 course is a 3-day program that provides avid backcountry skiers and riders the opportunity to advance their avalanche knowledge and decision making skills. Led by the top instructors in the field, this is an advanced avalanche safety course for the general public.  The focus is on analyzing snow stability and avalanche hazard. The AIARE 2 builds from the introductory avalanche hazard management model introduced in the AIARE 1 and adds to it the evaluation factors critical to stability evaluation. Students will describe and discuss weather, snowpack and avalanche processes, and identify how these processes relate to observations and travel within avalanche terrain.

    Learning Outcomes:

    1. Advance understanding of avalanche terrain, particularly from the perspective of stability analysis.

    2. Discuss how the snowpack develops and metamorphoses over time; and discuss the factors that contribute to spatial variability.

    3. Learn standard observation guidelines and recording formats for factors that influence or indicate snow stability. SWAG MODULE.

    4. Advance understanding of avalanche release and triggering mechanisms.

    5. Introduce a snow stability analysis and forecasting framework. The students will dig a snow pit and study the snow pit profile.

    6. Improve companion rescue skills including multiple and deep burials.

    Required reading:

    Snow, Weather and Avalanches: Observational Guidelines for Avalanche Programs in the United States, (American Avalanche Association, ISBN-13: 978-0-9760118-1-1) commonly referred to as the “SWAG.”   It can be purchased from

    http://www.americanavalancheassociation.org/swag/

    The text may also be available through amazon.com or local retailers. 

    Also recommended is The Avalanche Handbook (3rd edition, McClung and Schaerer)

    Optional reading before the course:
    Snow Sense by Jill Fredston and Doug Fesler
    Staying Alive in Avalanche Terrain by Bruce Tremper
    Avalanche Aware by John Moynier

    Equipment Suggestions: Alpine touring gear, telemark gear, splitboard, or snowshoes, backpack, avalanche beacon, shovel and probe – see the equipment/packing list below for a complete list.

    This course is 100% off piste with a short meet & greet via Zoom the week prior.

    Sample Daily Schedule:

    8:00am – Meet outside for beginning of course

    12:00pm – Lunch break

    1:00pm – Head outside for the on-hill practical portion

    4:00pm – End of training day

    PACKING LIST:
    Climbing skins
    Randonnee (AT) or Telemark boots, or snowboard boots
    Probe with cm ruling
    Adjustable ski poles (if no probe ski poles)
    Alpine Touring set-up or Telemark skis orsplit board
    Avalanche beacon
    Pack (2500-3000 cubic inches)
    Snow shovel
    Complete snow study kit incl 2 m folding rule, grain card and loupe, 2 C thermometers, 2 m length of knotted cord/rope, compass, slope meter, writing tools.
    GPS recommended not mandatory
    Snow density kit
    Altimeter watch
    Printed copy of the SWAG (Snow, Weather, and Avalanches: Observational Guidelines for Avalanche Programs in the United States). Published by the American Avalanche Association.
    Water bottle
    Small first aid kit (moleskin, bandaids, aspirin, personal meds.)
    Lunches
    Note book & pen for note-taking and pencil for filling in observations in logbook
    Ski/Snowboard clothing
    Light touring gloves (heavy liners etc.)
    Warm gloves (waterproof)
    Warm hat, baseball cap, headband, face mask, and neck warmer
    Goggles and sunglasses (2 pair goggles if you have them)

    Though it is acceptable to plot your snow profile data by hand, we strongly recommend using SnowPilot (snowpilot.org) or Avanet (avatech.com) snow profile plotting software. SnowPilot is free; Avanet requires a paid subscription.

    If you have any old or current field books in which you’ve recorded avalanche, snowpack, or weather data please bring them to our first meeting.

     

     

  • Big Sky Dec 7-9, 2026

    Big Sky Dec 7-9, 2026

    Big Sky, Montana
    Dates: Mon-Weds Dec 7-9, 2026 (Travel days: Dec 6 and Dec 9 after skiing or add a night and depart on Dec 10th)

    $3995 (incl 2 nights Dec 7-9 at The Huntley Lodge, 2 buffet breakfasts, 3 days lift tix, 3 full days small group instruction, tech talks, 2 planned but not included group dinners & prizes)

    Single upgrade for 2 nights Dec 7-9: $345 total

    Additional nights: $425/night whether single or double

    Ala carte $3045 without lodging/breakfast/lift tix

    Need a shuttle from Bozeman Airport? $175 round-trip, $99 one-way. 

    The Huntley is lovely, recently remodeled, and includes a breakfast buffet, but there is a 5-star lodging option upgrade available, ask us.

    In Big Sky you will discover a skiing spirit as wild and big as the terrain. This is big mountain skiing at its best, you will be inspired and challenged during your week here with NASTC. Big Sky is an ideal mountain to stretch your limits and build strong off-piste skiing skills. Your trainer will work with you to strengthen your skill blending, tactics, and show you how to choose your line. You will get lots of mileage as well as Big Sky has some of the most skiing acreage in the country. No doubt you will be charmed with its authentic and friendly western vibe and down-to-earth attitude. It is also blessed with great snow and typically lots of it and the general lack of crowds is almost a guarantee for fresh tracks. We are looking forward to skiing with you and sharing this incredible mountain with you.

    Getting to Big Sky: You will fly into Bozeman and take a shuttle from the airport up to the village which is about an hour from the airport. We will be staying at the Huntley Lodge, located in the village at Big Sky. It is ski in/out location with big views of the slopes. The hotel also has a swimming pool and hot tub that you can relax in after a day on the slopes and big, comfy beds to help you get a good night’s rest. If you would like to stay an extra night or arrive a night earlier, let us know and we can make the arrangements for you.

    A breakfast buffet is served daily in the Huntley if you chose that option. Your group will take a lunch break daily at one of the on-mountain dining venues. Evenings are left free to allow you to explore and dine independently or with other members of the group. We will have a group dinner/après ski during the week that is included as part of the course. Below is an initial itinerary for our trip. We will provide you with an updated itinerary as we get closer. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call the NASTC office.

    Trip Itinerary:
    Sun – Travel Day. Arrive into Big Sky and check into the Huntley Lodge at your convenience. 8PM -Gather in the evening for a welcome drink.
    Mon – Warm into your first day of skiing, divide into groups and then jump right into coaching/video review
    Tues – Ski with your trainer working on skill blending and incorporating more terrain variety.
    Weds – Last day of skiing and coaching. This day is about consolidating your improvement and personal feedback. (You will also be checking out from the Huntley, let us know if you would like to book an extra night and depart in the morning). Book an evening or night flight if you plan to leave this day.

    SAMPLE DAILY SCHEDULE
    7:30: group stretching (optional)
    8:15: Breakfast if doing lodging package
    9:00: Head out to the hill. Group up, go over day’s schedule and goals.
    12-1: Lunch
    1:00-3:30pm Skiing & coaching, video, free-skiing varying conditions and terrain, personal feedback
    4:30-6:00pm Indoor clinic: video viewing and skiing discussions (all tech talks are optional)
    6:30pm Dinner out with other group members (not incl but planned)

    BEST WAY TO MAKE YOUR DEPOSIT: 

    Venmo @jenny-fellows-3

    **PLEASE NOTE OUR CANCELLATION POLICY**: If you have to cancel for any reason (including medical), we require written notice in our office 30 days in advance of the first day of the trip. With 30 days or more notice we can refund your payment minus 10% for administrative costs. Once we are within 14 days of the first day of the trip, we unfortunately cannot refund any portion of your payment even in the event of sudden illness or injury to you or your family. We recommend that you buy trip cancellation insurance (available through your travel or insurance agency) in case you get sick or injured (please stay healthy!!) before or during the trip, and baggage insurance (check your Homeowner’s policy or consult your travel or insurance agency) for your ski gear and clothes.

  • BIG SKY JAN 4-6 OR FEB 1-3, 2027

    BIG SKY JAN 4-6 OR FEB 1-3, 2027

    Big Sky, Montana

    Jan 4-6 or Feb 1-3 

    $4495 (incl 2 nights at The Huntley Lodge, 2 buffet breakfasts Jan 5&6, or Feb 2&3, 3 days lift tix, 3 full days small group instruction, tech talks, 2 planned but not included group dinners & prizes)

    Single upgrade for 2 nights: $345 total

    Additional nights Jan 3, Jan 6, Jan 31, Feb 3: $425/night whether single or double

    Ala carte $3445 without lodging/breakfast/lift tix

    Shuttle from Bozeman Airport: $175 round-trip, $99 one-way

    The Huntley Lodge is lovely, recently remodeled, and includes a breakfast buffet, but there is a 5-star lodging option upgrade available, ask us.

    In Big Sky, you will discover a skiing spirit as wild and big as the terrain. This is big mountain skiing at its best, you will be inspired and challenged during your week here with NASTC. Big Sky is an ideal mountain to stretch your limits and build strong off-piste skiing skills. Your trainer will work with you to strengthen your skill blending, tactics, and show you how to choose your line. You will get lots of mileage as well as Big sky has some of the most skiing acreage in the country. No doubt you will be charmed with its authentic and friendly western vibe and down to earth attitude. It is also blessed with great snow and typically lots of it and the general lack of crowds is almost a guarantee for fresh tracks. We are looking forward to skiing with you and sharing this incredible mountain with you.

    Getting to Big Sky: You will fly into Bozeman and take a shuttle from the airport up to the village which is about an hour from the airport. We will be staying at the Huntley Lodge, located in the village at Big Sky. It is ski in/out location with big views of the slopes. The hotel also has a swimming pool and hot tub that you can relax in after a day on the slopes and big
    comfy beds to help you get a good night’s rest. If you would like to stay an extra night or arrive a night earlier, let us know and we can make the arrangements for you.

    A breakfast buffet is served daily in the Huntley if you chose that option. Your group will take a lunch break daily at one of the on-mountain dining venues. Evenings are left free to allow you to explore and dine independently or with other members of the group. We will have a group dinner/après ski during the week that is included as part of the course. Below is an initial itinerary for our trip. We will provide you with an updated itinerary as we get closer. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call the NASTC office.

    Trip Itinerary:
    Travel Day – Fly to Bozeman. Shuttle up to Big Sky, check into the Huntley Lodge. 8PM -Gather at Chet’s Bar for Orientation.

    Day 1 – Ski day 1, warm into it, divide into groups and then jump right into coaching/video review.

    Day 2 – Ski day 2, continue to work on all conditions and terrain, technique and tactics in same group with your trainer. 

    Day 3 – Ski day 3, ski with your trainer working on skill blending and incorporating more terrain variety, consolidate your improvement and personal feedback. (You will also be checking out from the Huntley, let us know if you would like to book an extra night and depart in the morning). Book an evening or night flight if you plan to leave today.

    SAMPLE DAILY SCHEDULE
    7:30: group stretching (optional)
    8:15: Breakfast if doing lodging package
    9:00: Head out to the hill. Group up, go over day’s schedule and goals.
    12-1: Lunch
    1:00-3:30pm Skiing & coaching, video, free-skiing varying conditions and terrain, personal feedback
    4:30-6:00pm Indoor clinic: video viewing and skiing discussions (all tech talks are optional)
    6:30pm Dinner out with other group members (not incl but planned)

    BEST WAY TO MAKE YOUR DEPOSIT: 

    Venmo @jenny-fellows-3 (best method) or Paypal [email protected] (select person I trust)

  • PORTILLO, CHILE AUG 7-16, 2026

    PORTILLO, CHILE AUG 7-16, 2026

    Depart Friday Aug 7 and arrive home Sunday Aug 16, 2026 (Ski Saturday-Saturday)

    OUR 32nd YEAR IN PORTILLO 

    $7345 Octagon (4-person room) / $9545 Double / $13995 Single

    Includes: Santiago airport shuttle roundtrip, 7 nights lodging, 4 meals/day, lift tickets & 6 days instruction in groups of 6 or fewer, tech talks, video

    Portillo is South America’s premiere ski resort, famous for its majestic setting and deep snow. Once you go, you’ll never want to leave.  There is a reason we keep going back to this friendly, exclusive and exhilarating resort.  Ski down to the glacier-blue Inca Lake or traverse into huge bowls amidst 15,000ft Andean peaks. With 14 lifts, 23 runs and all the snow of a maritime range, Portillo is home to big mountain extremists, world-class racers and everyday carvers; but amidst the social atmosphere of the living room and the late night disco, everyone is equal.

    This is one of our favorite courses as Portillo is unlike any other resort in the world. Its majestic Andean setting is weaved amongst Incan folklore and the ultimate in skiing culture and history.  The incredible setting and atmosphere of Portillo will lift your soul and capture your heart.  Portillo offers its guests world class skiing, dining and lodging.  Gastronomy and hospitality are held to the highest standards and the terrain is legendary.  Portillo has its own gymnasium, fitness gym, swimming pool, spa, movie theatre and nightclub.  You don’t have to leave this Andean paradise for anything; Portillo has it all, in fact you may never want to leave.  At Portillo, you become part of the family.  You will encounter great camaraderie during your stay and can expect to make lifelong friends as you live, laugh and ski side by side in this Andean treasure.

    The NASTC ski training camp addresses the three major components to successful skiing performance: technique, fitness, and equipment.  By addressing all 3 components in a full immersion multi-day ski training program you will make substantial improvements to your skiing.  The NASTC staff is comprised of the top ski instructors in the United States, members of the PSIA National Alpine Team and the teachers of teachers. Your skiing will improve in a safe, fun, and highly professional way under their watchful eyes.  You will ski in small groups with the same instructor all day, all week.  Backcountry tour options exist, as does group helicopter skiing.  This is the ultimate ski vacation: a superb mountain, fun-loving people, delicious food, fine wine and a beautiful hotel.  You are sure to improve, make new friends, and enjoy yourself. Portillo is everyone’s paradise!

    Below is a general itinerary for our trip.  This schedule may change slightly based on the group, the weather, etc.  We will send you an updated itinerary prior to departure.  Additionally you will find below suggested equipment and clothing lists. You do not need a visa with an American passport, but you must have a valid passport to travel to Chile – your passport cannot expire within 6 months after your trip. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call us anytime.




    ITINERARY

    Friday– Depart from the US (we are able to get relatively inexpensive tickets, let us know if you would like us to book your airfare for you), connections are usually out of Dallas, Atlanta and Miami.

    Saturday – Arrive Santiago approx. 7:30am-8:00am, clear immigration and customs, van departure for Portillo approx. 8:45am.  Arrive at Portillo 11:00am-12:00pm, have lunch (optional), pick up lift passes & ski in the afternoon. (this is an easy afternoon as we know you’ll be a bit tired!)

    Ski Portillo all day every day.  Lodging and meals at the beautiful Hotel Portillo, “Las Onces” Chilean afternoon tea hour, afternoon clinics, video reviews and enjoying the hotel activities and amenities:  Gym, ping pong, aerobics, swimming pool, sauna, massage, bar & disco at the hotel

    Sunday– Orientation to the mountain/Warm into skiing.  Basic skills: stance and balance, drills & exercises.  Fundamentals of good skiing.  Baseline Video & video review. Pisco Sour welcome reception

    Monday – Explore the mountain, skill development.  Anatomy of the turn, components of adv. skiing, video.  Individual feedback.  Evening Tech Talk & Video Review

    Tuesday– Situational skiing (bumps, crud, steeps, powder, etc.)  Focus on short turn topics: rotary, edge, pressure as they apply to the short turn.  Exploring the mountain for challenging conditions.  Individual feedback

    Wednesday– Free ski day on your own, helicopter skiing or backcountry option (book early).

    Thursday – Exploring the off-piste: Tactical skiing in the bumps/steeps/crud, drills and exercises for developing off-piste tactics.  Video in the off-piste.  Personal coaching feedback on free skiing.  Video review.

    Friday– Consolidating your improvement:  Feedback on and off-piste and personal drills to use.  Free skiing/personal coaching. Wrap-up

    Saturday – 1/2 day skiing: group’s choice for topic/free-ski option.  Depart Portillo for Airport after skiing & lunch.  Flights usually depart Santiago airport between 8:30-10:00pm.

    Sunday– Arrive back in the U.S

    *Helicopter skiing is available on Wed (not incl).

    SAMPLE DAILY SCHEDULE:
    7:00 Optional stretching & warm-up
    8:00  Delicious breakfast of fruits, cheese, croissants, rolls, eggs, cereal at our table in the dining room
    9:00  On the hill for ski training: exercises and drills to bring your skiing up to the next level
    12:30 4-course lunch at our table in the dining room (lighter than it sounds!)
    1:45 Back on the hill, shoot video of your skiing, explore the terrain, one-on-one coaching
    4:00 Wrap up the day’s lessons; head in to change for tea and indoor session
    4:30 Video Critique or Tech Talk in the theatre (bigger than life-size)
    5:00 “Onces” Tea/Coffee with pastries and rolls at our table in the dining room (Yum!)
    7:00 Apres ski & down-time: ping-pong tournament, work out in gym, get a massage, play chess, nap, hang out in bar, swim/hot tub
    8:30pm Dinner at our table in the dining room
    10:00pm Bedtime or hit the bar for some live music and fun.  The disco gets going at about midnight!

    EQUIPMENT/CLOTHES/ITEMS LIST
    You should pack as you would for an 8-day lodge-based ski trip. Please be prepared for inclement weather and sunny warm days.  Chile’s August is usually equivalent to Tahoe’s February.  Winter in Santiago can be quite chilly with some occasional rain showers.

    Alpine skis, boots, and poles
    Helmet
    thermals top and bottoms
    midlayers
    Fleece or thin down layer
    ski pants
    Ski jacket
    1 pair spring and 2 pairs winter gloves
    Warm wool beanie, baseball cap,
    ski socks
    Jeans, slacks, shirts, sweaters for après-ski, comfortable lodge shoes, “mountain dress up” evening attire for dinner (coat and tie NOT necessary) (dining room is casual for all meals except dinner)
    Swimming suit (heated outdoor swimming pool at hotel), gym clothes & shoes (full gym, basketball court, indoor soccer)
    Sunglasses and goggles
    Toiletries, masks, sunscreen, and chapstick, moleskin, Band-Aids, altimeter watch (optional)

    LODGING:

    Our basic price includes lodging in the Octagon Lodge; this is a smaller lodge just steps away from Hotel Portillo. Each room offers four spacious bunks and a private bathroom. These are great deals for families and groups of friends. Guests in the Octagon Lodge enjoy all of the hotel’s services including meals in the main dining room. The Octagon works well for singles; it is very nice but basic and has private bath and daily maid service. Many of our guests upgrade to a single or double in the Hotel Portillo building itself, which puts you in the hotel with an amazing view and a lovely room, and the ability to walk in slippers to stretching or breakfast!  Please contact our office to upgrade (and get pricing).

    **Cancellation Policy: If you have to cancel for any reason (including medical), we require written notice in our office 60 days in advance of the first day of the course.  With 60 days or more notice we can refund your payment minus a 10% cancellation fee.  Once we are within 60 days of the first day of the course, we unfortunately cannot refund any portion of your payment even in the event of sudden illness or injury to you or your family.  We recommend that you buy trip cancellation insurance (available through your travel or insurance agency) in case you get sick or injured (please stay healthy!) before or during the trip, and baggage insurance (check your Homeowner’s policy or consult your travel or insurance agency) for your ski gear and clothes.

  • POWDER MOUNTAIN, UTAH FEB 2028

    POWDER MOUNTAIN, UTAH FEB 2028

    You will very likely ski untracked every day in this quiet but massive resort. Boasting the most skiable acreage in North American, “PowMow” limits the number of season passes and day tickets sold, making it a shockingly private and expansive powder skiing experience. You will work in groups of 6 or fewer with the same world-class NASTC instructor on technique and tactics to improve your powder skiing as well as your all-mountain mastery. We have explored lodging options for you and reserve the BEST houses in the nearby town of Eden, along with private chef or catering. There are also superb restaurants considering the small town nature of this powder mecca! 

    Dates:

    February 2028 (4 ski days)

    approx $5995 (5 nights lodging, 4 days guiding & instruction in groups of 5 or fewer)

    Your best ground option is to share rental cars from SLC airport. 

    Below is an initial itinerary for our trip. We will provide you with an updated itinerary as we get closer. 

    Day 1 – Travel Day to PowMow: Fly to Salt Lake City, shuttle to PowMow. 

    Day 2 –Warm into your first day of skiing, divide into groups, terrain exploration, coaching/video review.
    Day 3 – Ski daily in small groups, identify your areas of weakness, address fundamentals and begin tactics too.
    Day 4 – Ski with your trainer working on skill blending and incorporating more terrain variety, tactics.
    Day 5 – Last day of skiing and coaching. This day is about consolidating your improvement and personal feedback.

    Day 6 -Travel Day home: book flight at earliest in mid-morning. SLC is a 1.5 hour drive from Powder Mountain.

    SAMPLE DAILY SCHEDULE
    7:30: group stretching (optional)
    8:15: Breakfast 
    9:00: Drive to the hill. Meet just outside the lodge and start the day!

    9-12:00: Ski in small groups, exploring the mountain’s vast terrain and endless powder.

    12-1:00: Lunch in the lodge
    1:00-3:30pm Skiing & coaching, video, free-skiing varying conditions and terrain, personal feedback
    5:00-6:00pm Indoor clinic: apres-ski back at the house, video viewing and skiing discussions
    6:30pm Dinner out together

    BEST WAY TO MAKE YOUR DEPOSIT: 

    Venmo @jenny-fellows-3

  • SUGAR BOWL ALL CONDITIONS MARCH 1-2, 2027

    SUGAR BOWL ALL CONDITIONS MARCH 1-2, 2027

    NASTC’s All Conditions/All Terrain (Levels 7-9)

    Dates: March 1-2, 2027

    Price Options:
    $995 no lodging, no lift tickets (includes 2 days in small groups of 5 or fewer, tech talks, video analysis, swag)
    $75 optional banquet dinner at Sugar Bowl on March 1st
    $tba lift tix 
    Reserve your room at THE SUGAR BOWL VILLAGE LODGE HOTEL (*see below for Lodge details)

    The All Terrain/All Conditions course is NASTC’s trademark full immersion course designed to get you off that intermediate or advanced plateau. When we began in 1994, this extremely popular course was the first thing we offered…at Sugar Bowl! Our highly experienced and nationally ranked coaches will help you make the changes you need to meet your skiing goals. Your goals are our goals! Through a successful methodology including breaking down your skiing to its fundamentals, reviewing the building blocks of high-level skiing, video, equipment discussions, fitness recommendations, practical technique/tactics, and lots and lots of mileage, our top trainers will guide you through our step-by-step progression towards improved skiing mastery.

    Perched on top of Donner Summit, Sugar Bowl is Tahoe’s king of snow: most, lightest, best. And Sugar Bowl has it all when it comes to terrain: steeps, glades, open bowls (hence the name!), groomers, bumps…we are looking forward to skiing with you and sharing this fun, diverse, and historic resort with you. It is a mountain that naturally forces improvement…the terrain is part of the teaching. NASTC started at Sugar Bowl in 1994. We based and ran camps here for 25 years there, so we are excited to return after a brief break! 

    Sample Training Day at NASTC Sugar Bowl Camps:

    8:00-8:30am –  Welcome, meet/greet, stretch & movement prep. Establish the day’s schedule and goals.
    9:00am-12:00pm – On snow: skill development via drills and technique work, terrain exploration.
    12:00pm-1:00pm – Lunch with your group.
    1:00pm-3:30pm – On snow: video, free-skiing varying conditions and terrain, personal feedback. 
    5:00pm-6:00pm – Indoor clinic in private viewing room: video viewing / technical session
    6:30pm – Banquet Dinner (day 2 of 3) at The Sugar Bowl Village Lodge Hotel

    To get more information or to enroll:

    Text or call 530-386-2102 or email [email protected]

    STAY AT SUGAR BOWL DURING THIS COURSE! 

    Your day belongs on the mountain, not in your car on I-80, nor in lines to park or load that first chair. So stay at Sugar Bowl! Have a true vacation, treat yourself. Bridging old-world charm with a hint of European flair, the Sugar Bowl Village Lodge Hotel offers a most memorable mountain getaway. There is nothing comparable in the States: you leave your car in a covered garage and ride a small gondola (built in 1953) to the Lodge! You get to enjoy these unique slopeside accommodations in this classic high-alpine lodge just steps from the lifts. Join us, and be whisked away to America’s only snowbound village! For no additional resort fee, amenities offered include the classic Dining Room, the inviting Belt Room Bar, the exclusive Sporthaus Fitness Center & Spa and more.

    Photo courtesy Cath Howard

  • ST ANTON MARCH 6-13, 2027

    ST ANTON MARCH 6-13, 2027

    March 6-13, 2027: $7795 includes: 7 nights double occupancy lodging at the 4-star Hotel Grieshof in St. Anton, breakfast and dinner daily, 6 full days guiding and instruction, logistics, and video review.  Single room upgrades are available. Lift tickets will be approx $500 for the 6 days and are easier to purchase yourself online. Get the 20 euro insurance. Fly to Zurich or Munich and take the train 2 or 3 hours respectively. 

    Heart of the Alps, All-Mountain Adventure in NASTC’s European birthplace! We’ve run many camps and spent entire seasons working in St Anton!

    Itinerary:

    Friday – depart US, arrive Zurich or Munich Saturday morning, take train to St Anton, walk across street to Grieshof, check in after 3pm

    Saturday – group meeting at 5:45pm. Dinner at 6:30pm.

    Sunday – Friday – guided skiing for 6 full days at St Anton+surrounding resorts. Breakfast and dinner daily at Grieshof.

    Saturday – depart by train to Zurich or Munich, fly home this evening or Sunday. (If flying Sat, make flight after 1pm)

    When non-skiers think of Austria, Mozart and pastries might come to mind.  But ask any skier what is the first thing that comes to mind when they think of Austria……POWDER! And lots of it! Austria is a pipe dream destination for most North American skiers.  Alpine chalets among vast fields of powder, cozy mountain restaurants serving up the best of Alpine cuisine, fluffy down comforters to wrap your weary body in and seemingly endless runs where every bend and dip reveals another mind blowing view. Spend a week living the dream and squeeze every ounce of elation out of the experience as NASTC guides and instructors lead you through this Tyrolean wonderland. This Tyrolean village in the heart of the Austrian Alps knows how to win over skiers. Its a big change from your typical U.S. resort experience. Envision leaving your own track in fresh powder  as you descend from up high on the mountain into one of the neighboring villages. At day’s end decompress and warm up with a cup of the richest hot cocoa you’ve ever had or a glass of traditional gluhwein (mulled wine) at one of St Anton’s many vibrant apres ski spots that range from warming huttes on the side of the run to bustling bars and fancy cafes down in the village center. After taking your boots off, head for the spa and enjoy the sauna or thermal shower, stretch and soothe your body in the heated indoor swimming pool and hot tubs. Dinner is an elegant and civilized affair, a celebration of food with a range of Tyrolean cuisine and international influences. When you’re ready to call it a night, head upstairs to your cozy room, wrap up in the fluffy down comforters, stare at the beautiful winter scene outside your windows, and drift off to sleep.

    After a hearty traditional breakfast with selections that include locally cured salami, fresh bread, eggs, cereal, yogurt and more you are energized and ready for another full day of skiing that includes an itinerary of challenging exercises, one-on-one coaching, situational skiing and an off-piste adventure.  Take your mid-day break at one of the slope side chalets and refuel with a delicious bowl of spaghetti bolognaise, goulash or the European skier’s favorite bratwurst and fries.  Continue on with the rest of the day and your Austrian alpine adventure with your coach and guide leading the way to exciting, off-the-beaten-path terrain that will fill your memory bank with unforgettable experiences and vistas. 

    For some pre-trip reading fun:

    Chris Fellows’s Top Ten Off- Piste Ski Runs in St. Anton, Austria

    I have been entranced with St. Anton, Austria since 1988 when I first attended the PSIA National Academy in Austria. I had never seen such vast ski terrain or mountains as big. The skiing opportunities are endless and the culture is ski centric with years of history and national pride in the Tyrol region. I have made a pilgrimage to St. Anton regularly since then and have always returned home with new and exciting stories and plans for the next trip.

    In a nutshell the resort of St. Anton has 4 major sections: Galzig, Rendl, Gampen/Kapall and Valuga. The surrounding addtional resorts of Zurs, Stuben and Lech are easily accessible by skiing, bus and lift system. These areas also offer a variety of exciting off-piste objectives. St. Anton is the largest, but can get crowded on the groomed slopes during the high season. When there are crowds on the more popular runs, there is even more reason to venture out of the main stream of traffic.

    Here are some of my 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.