North American Ski Training Center – Tahoe, CA

Category: International

  • 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.
  • 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.

  • 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.

  • ANDERMATT, SWITZERLAND MARCH 2028

    ANDERMATT, SWITZERLAND MARCH 2028

    Andermatt, Switzerland

     

    ALL MOUNTAIN STEEPS AND POWDER SKIING CLINIC

    Off-piste/All Mountain adventure skiing was born in Switzerland. Improve your technique in the steeps, powder and other off-piste conditions and terrain in the idyllic setting of the Swiss Alps. Explore a unique destination, and eye-opening experience, while receiving personalized coaching from some of the best instructors and coaches in the industry. You will have a memorable skiing experience and your skiing will improve tremendously.

    Step away from mainstream in beautiful Andermatt. Located in central Switzerland, Andermatt is Switzerland’s all-mountain skiing paradise and probably one of the best kept secrets. Andermatt does not have the same glamorous ambiance like St. Moritz or Gstaad, it doesn’t have the nightlife of Verbier or the notoriety of Zermatt, but it has never failed to capture the hearts of its visitors. You will fall under the enchanting spell of its story book location. Andermatt sits in the Urseren valley where surrounding peaks come down and touch the valley floor. The Gemsstock frames the village and Reuss river flows right through the middle of the town. You truly feel like you are in your own little snow globe alpine paradise. Don’t be fooled into thinking all this little village has to offer is pristine alpine scenery; in Andermatt, the skiing holds center stage. The Nachsten area is a great place to get some sunkissed turns and test your endurance on its long runs. The Gemsstock is the gateway to exhilarating, powder filled runs and steep couloirs.

    We will stay in an individually crafted design hotel that blends traditional alpine features and modern design. Andermatt is so small that everything is just a short walk away. After a delightful and abundant breakfast spread, we will head out into the snowy streets and crisp morning air to the lift station. As the telecabine makes it way to the top of the mountain you can catch glimpses of the sun peaking out from in between the peaks. Once at the top, you truly feel like you are on top of the world and immediately energized for the adventure ahead. After a full morning of skiing, we will break for lunch at either a slopeside chalet or in a restaurant in an neighboring village, 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 Swiss 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. 

    After full days of skiing epic runs, you will return back to the the hotel, where you can enjoy an apres ski glass of wine or hot soup. We’ll watch any video footage taken during the day, expand on some lessons learned and enjoy some down time before dinner. After dinner in our hotel, it’s time to tuck into the fluffy down comforter and pillow that await you, and rest up before tomorrow’s adventure.

    There is no shortage of steep and long runs in this alpine paradise. Apres ski is an equally lively scene and strolling around the pedestrian town is a memorable part of this rich experience. The center of town is at once chic and rustic, with stylish couples rubbing shoulders with the hardiest of mountaineers. To round out the vibe, the old and rickety chalets lend a historic feel that is truly unmatched in mountain towns.

    Dates: March 2028
    Price TBA approx $8000 (tba by Sept 1, 2027), includes: 7 nights (dbl occupancy) at a 4-star hotel, breakfast and dinner daily at the hotel, 6 full days guiding and instruction, tech talks, video review, and logistics planning. 
    Does not include: air to Zurich, short train ride from Zurich to Andermatt, lunches, or lift tix. Single room upgrades are available. Purchase your own lift tickets online and include evacuation insurance.

    Itinerary:
    Day 1: Arrive in Zurich and transfer to Andermatt via train (the train station is located in the airport and travels along part of the scenic Glacier Express route)
    Day 2: Wake up to your first morning in Andermatt and your first day on the slopes.
    Day 3: Ski with your trainer working on skill building, seek out terrain, review basic fundamentals
    Day 4: Continue skill building work with your trainer, exploring all the mountain has to offer
    Day 5: Off-piste ski excursion and personal coaching
    Day 6: Off-piste adventure ski descents
    Day 7: Off-piste ski excursion, consolidate your improvement and your last day of skiing
    Day 8: Bid beautiful Andermatt goodbye as you head for Zurich and home.

    To make your reservation, send your $500 deposit (refundable until 90 days prior to departure) via Venmo to @jenny-fellows-3 and email [email protected] please. Space very limited.

  • NISEKO, JAPAN Jan 2028

    NISEKO, JAPAN Jan 2028

    Includes 7 nights lodging, 3 dinners, 6 days lift tickets (let us know if you have IKON), small group instruction all 6 days at 4 different mountains, RT bus Sapporo-Niseko-Sapporo, trip organization). Flight to Sapporo not included. Single upgrades available for approx $750/week.
     
    IN A WORD: From the west coast this is about like going to Europe mid season for a week, the travel is NOT that hard! We stay in a lovely hotel and enjoy the BEST cuisine. We work with locals who take us the BEST places. Our hotel is very close to the mountain, making everything convenient. We recommend you stay a night or two after the ski week to explore nearby Sapporo, a beautiful city, home of both the beer and the Olympics!
    This is NASTC’s 6th visit to this land of the rising sun and endless pow….a perfect training venue for you. Advanced intermediate, advanced, and expert skiers welcome!

    Niseko is truly THE powder skier’s paradise.  Niseko may as well be a synonym for snow, as it never stops snowing here.  Niseko is located in Hokkaido, the northern most island of Japan and it lies just southwest of the city of Sapporo.  Niseko’s fortunate location allows it to receive the winter storms blowing off the Siberian plateau yielding some of the most abundant yearly snowfall in the world (600 inches and more per year!) Niseko consistently has some of the deepest powder snow you will ever ski.  The ski areas are actually 4 resorts:  Annupuri, Niseko Village (Higashiyama), Hanazono and Hirafu.  All are accessible with the same lift ticket.  These resorts have something for every skier (except the fair weather ones): wide open powder fields, immaculately groomed runs, exciting tree skiing and an abundance of off-piste terrain and backcountry skiing.  This area of Japan’s amazing skiing is most famous for its pillows of snow that you can explode through, trails of white smoke following your every turn and face shots that go over your head.

    We stay at one of several beautiful hotels very close to the resort base. Breakfast is included and there are Onsen baths at Niseko so bring your suit!  During the week you will be treated to a variety of restaurants, sampling all sorts of Japanese cuisine and experiences.

    Japan doesn’t do anything half way, the lift system is modern with lots of gondolas and covered chairlifts to keep you warm on those ever-present snowy days.  Imagine a day of ripping through fresh snow, followed by a soak in a traditional onsen (hot spring bath) watching the steam rise as snowflakes fall gently around you and dinner in a cozy traditional Japanese restaurant with sushi, steamy bowls of ramen, Japanese mixed grill and sake to fill your belly.  If Japanese food is not your thing, don’t fret as there are many different restaurants to choose from and offer a variety of international food. English is spoken widely throughout the Niseko area and the villagers are very welcoming and friendly.  Views of Mt. Yotei (the Mt. Fuji of Hokkaido), a perfect conical shaped volcano will greet you just about everywhere you go.

    NASTC will be your guide as you take in this extraordinary skiing adventure.  You will learn how to adapt your skiing to the variety of terrain and snow conditions, maximize ski design for more efficient and fluid skiing and master powder and soft snow skiing skills.  This trip will combine a unique cultural experience with an exhilarating ski adventure.  Round out your adventure ski training vacation with a side trip to Kyoto or Tokyo.  You will fly into Hong Kong or Kyoto and then connect via a short flight to Sapporo.  From Sapporo it is a short ride from the airport through the Hokkaido countryside to Niseko.  The week will be full of great skiing, coaching and fun cultural experiences.  This will be another great NASTC adventure and one that is for sure to stick out in the memory books.

    Itinerary:

    Friday – Depart United States for Japan

    Saturday – Arrive into Tokyo and connect to Sapporo – Chitose, shuttle to Niseko (approx. 2.5hrs)

    Sunday-Friday – ski at all 4 mountains (6 days of skiing):  Niseko Village, Annupuri, Hirafu and Hanazono

    Saturday – departure day, land home same day

     

    SAMPLE ITINERARY (changes will be made as needed)

    Day 1 (Sunday) – Ski at Hirafu resort.  Warm up into your week of skiing, your trainers will assess your skiing skills as you take your warm up runs and determine which group will best suit your skill base and goals.  Skiing focus for this day will be centered on achieving a better centered stance, the foundation for good skiing and skill blending.  You will go through some drills and exercises to help you find a better balanced position over your skis.  You will ski a variety of turns throughout the day to help recognize and maintain this ideal centered position.

    Evening activity:  Review the video footage shot from earlier in the day followed by dinner in town.

    Day 2 – Ski at Hanazono resort.  Skiing focus will be geared towards maintaining lateral balance throughout the turn with specific attention focused on the transition.  You will run through a series of exercises that will target this area of your skill set specifically.  You will continue to develop lateral balance skills through application in various types of terrain and turns.

    Evening activity:  Traditional Japanese Dinner at Abucha

    Day 3 – Ski at Annupuri resort.  Briefly revisit skiing concepts from the previous day and move towards working on rotary skills.  You will go through drills and exercises that will target areas of weakness in your rotary control movements.  Reinforce rotary skill development and balancing concepts through terrain exploration.

    Evening activity:  Review video footage from earlier in the day

    Day 4– Ski at Niseko.  Skiing focus is targeted towards developing tactics for more successful off-piste skiing by improving skill blending abilities.  Drills and exercises will be set up to build and develop skill blending capabilities and identifying tactical choices. Explore the exhilarating powder and “Juhyo” – “ice trees” in Miharashi.

    Evening activity:  Traditional Japanese Bath House

    Day 5 – Ski at Hanazono.  Skiing focus will be on recognizing appropriate tactics and skill blending adjustments needed for the terrain and conditions.

    Evening activity:  Review video footage taken from the last few days, followed by dinner in town.

    Day 6 – Ski at Niseko.  Skiing focus will be on integrating lessons learned and personal feedback.  Explore “Little Jackson” a portion of the hundreds of acres of gated side-country terrain.

    Evening activity: Dinner at RIN, Yakatori style restaurant

    Day 7 (Saturday Jan 25) – departure day

    Lodging for the week:  one of several great choices, we are currently booking.

    Our hotel choices are equipped with indoor and outdoor hot spring baths (“Onsen”).  Breakfast is included daily and includes a buffet of Western and Japanese selections.

    Trip Extensions:

    Japan has so much to offer with regards to cultural variety, architecture and natural beauty.  Other destinations that might be of interest to you to visit while in Japan are: Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Lake Toya and more.

  • Iceland Viking Ski Expedition APRIL 202

    Iceland Viking Ski Expedition APRIL 202

    Iceland SKI Expedition on the Orkin
    April 2028

    The Iceland ski expedition in the West Fjords aboard the beautiful Orkin is a life changing experience. More than just bagging new peaks and first time ski descents, it is a journey of appreciation of beautiful landscapes surrounded by the fjords, amazing wildlife and rare marine mammals. The experience goes beyond skiing pristine fields of snow, it is also about uncovering Icelandic history, culture and tasty local meals. You will ski down slopes looking over the Greenland Sea. You’ll be just 5 nautical miles from the Arctic Circle at times! This trip is a true wilderness experience aboard a floating base camp in the form of a well equipped and expertly managed 62 ft restored fishing boat.

    The captain and first mate/cook of the boat are well seasoned sailors, adventurers and skiers with local with knowledge of the area and the seas of Iceland and Greenland. The Orkin is a custom, guided, private ski touring experience.

    Itinerary:
    Day 1 -Depart U.S
    Day 2-Arrive in Reykjavik & transfer to connecting flight to Isafjord, stay one night in Hotel Isafjord

    Day 4 -Embark on the Orkin and set sail for your Viking skiing adventure

    Day 9 – Get off Orkin in Isafjord.  Stay at Hotel Isafjord for the night and take a connecting flight to Reyjavik 

    Day 10 – Fly Isafjord to Reyjavik and home

    Price includes: 5 days and nights aboard the Orkin, guiding, meals, 2 nights at Hotel Isafjord. Note: sleeping arrangements aboard Orkin are there are four double cabins. There is a bathroom with a shower, a washing machine, and a drier.
    Its intimate, clean, and comfortable. And the meals….they’re DELICIOUS!