Category: Uncategorized

  • FROG LAKE ROCK CLIMB

    FROG LAKE ROCK CLIMB

    This overnight adventure will treat you to two things: the new Frog Lake huts AND a 2 or 3 day rock climbing course with NASTC’s top guides. Hike in the 2.9 miles (1400’from Castle Peak trailhead day 1, and enjoy an afternoon session. After a yummy meal cooked in the 100-year old stone house (with chef’s kitchen remodeled in 2020), enjoy sleeping in the brand new European-styled huts while hearing the water lap the shores of the gorgeous (and swimmable) lake. Day 2 climb a bunch of new routes on the epic rock with 360 degree views of Frog Lake and surrounding peaks. Hike out, or stay another night and repeat on Day 3, then head back to the real world! This is a once-in-a-lifetime rock adventure for your group of 4 & is only offered two dates in 2022. Sign up now by contacting [email protected] or 530-386-2102.

    Dates:

    July 31-Aug 2 (2 nights) $895pp, 4 min

    August 11-14 (3 nights) $990pp, 4 min

     

     

     

     

     

  • CREATE YOUR OWN TIME ON THE ROCK

    CREATE YOUR OWN TIME ON THE ROCK

    Pick your day, hours, and bring your gang! Rock climbing is a great equalizer, you can bring friends and family members of different experience/ability/fitness/interest levels. If someone wants to watch and “maybe try,” that is fine too. Those who are not climbing can observe safely and enjoy the sun and view. It is a lovely way to spend a day, or part of a day together. We customize our climbs to your groups’ needs, so if you are trying to go climbing with the kids and then fit another afternoon activity in afterwards, that absolutely works. Just let us know and we’ll help you plan. We bring all the gear, all you do is show up and go rock climbing! Text, email, or call: 530-386-2102 / [email protected]

    If you want to create your own group, just pick nearly any day this summer and call/email/or text Jenny

    Please call/text 530-386-2102 or email [email protected] to book your rock climbing adventure. We can be flexible with the hours you start and finish sometimes, just ask.

    Half-day Lesson (9am-1pm or 1pm-5pm)

    1 person: $395
    2 people: $265PP
    3 people: $195PP
    4 people: $160PP
    5 or more: $140PP

    Full-day Lesson (9am-4pm)
    1 person: $695
    2 people: $395PP
    3 or more $295PP

    Two-hour Lesson:  usually 9-11am, 11-1pm or 2-4pm but timing can be flexible

    1-person: $195
    2-people: $150PP

    3-people: $100PP

    Your guide will meet you on Donner Summit which is located 3 miles above Truckee, CA, and offers some of the best climbing in Northern California with everything from beginner climbing slabs to expert pitches. Make your reservation by texting or calling our office 530-386-2102. Reservations and paperwork (waivers, medical forms) will all done online in advance. The check-in process will be spread out (6 ft apart) outside at School Rock or Green Phantom Walls. When clients or guides must be closer than 6 ft, appropriate PPE will be worn (masks and gloves). Clients will provide their own masks and gloves, or be given them by NASTC. Sanitizer will be available for use before and after climbing. All equipment will be washed and disinfected at the end of every day. Whenever possible, clients will bring their own harness, shoes, and helmet.

    MEET OUR AWESOME GUIDES HERE

    If you are new to rock climbing, you will find that it is a sport that provides mental and physical challenges simultaneously. It develops problem solving skills and helps you overcome fear and build self confidence. With your own personal AMGA certified climbing guide (American Mt Guide Assoc), YOU set the pace and challenge for each climb. Rock climbing is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and the beautiful scenery of the Tahoe-Truckee area.  Families and groups can enjoy it together regardless of ability levels. Rock climbing provides a mentally and physically stimulating adventure of which the spiritual and mental rewards are very gratifying. Whether this is your first jaunt into the world of rock climbing or you already have some experience climbing, our guides are available to teach you the basics or guide a specific pitch with you. Our goal is for you, your family and friends to have a safe and fun adventure.

    Our rates include EVERYTHING you need: climbing shoes, harness, helmet, ropes & gear. Prices are listed per person.

    Directions from Truckee: Head west on Donner Pass Road crossing over I-80 and continuing on to Donner Lake, continue driving around the north side of Donner Lake to the west end of Donner Lake and then continue straight up (this is called Old Highway 40) for 2.75 miles. Just 100 meters after you pass a Scenic Lookout and immediately cross over a short but high bridge (Rainbow Bridge) you’ll see cars parked on the right in front a large rock slab (easy climbing) called School Rock. There is no signage and Siri/Google won’t know the name School Rock. If you get to the top of Old 40 and the road flattens out, you’ve gone 200 meters too far so turn around please!

    The climbing prices listed do not include gratuity for your guide. If you had an enjoyable climbing experience, it is customary to give your guide a 15-20% percent gratuity or whatever amount you feel is appropriate. It is very much appreciated.

    To make your reservation, simply click the Paypal link below. We will email (or call if you prefer) you back right away to confirm your reservation and date choices.  Thank you, we look forward to climbing with you soon. If you have ANY questions please do not hesitate to text or call 530-386-2102.

  • LEARN MULTIPITCH WITH BLACKBIRD MOUNTAIN GUIDES

    LEARN MULTIPITCH WITH BLACKBIRD MOUNTAIN GUIDES

    FOR 2024 ROCK CLIMBING RESERVATIONS PLEASE CONTACT: Blackbird Mountain Guides
     
    We have exciting news: we sold our NASTC rock climbing school to Truckee-based Blackbird Mountain Guides. We are very pleased to be selling to them. They run a highly respected backcountry ski, avalanche, mountaineering, and rock climbing school. We have known the owner Zeb Blais for many years, respect him very much, and they are a standout company in the mountain guiding world. Zeb is a IFMGA full certified guide and a really good person. Further, Blackbird has proven itself in the local and international guide community and employs a strong roster of AMGA trained and certified guides. 
     
    Nothing else has changed at NASTC; we still offer our advanced ski clinics in Tahoe and at 20 locations around the world, host a full calendar of AIARE level 1&2 avalanche courses, and run guides backcountry skiing:www.skiNASTC.com
     
    We can confidently inform you the change will be seamless for you. In fact, some of the same NASTC guides you already know will be leading the participants at Blackbird. Dates, ratios, logistics, and timing will remain the same. 
     
    If you haven’t booked your climbing days yet this summer or fall, we encourage you to do so. The team at Blackbird is happy to answer any questions you might have for them ([email protected]) and we’re happy to answer any questions you might have about the transition and why Blackbird was our first choice for a buyer for our rock program. 
     
    It has been a great pleasure to climb with all of you students and groups for 30 years! Thank you. And it has been our honor and blessing to employ the best guides in the area! Thank you. 
     
    See you on the snow for more advanced ski clinics, avalanche education, and guided backcountry skiing! Up next? Portillo, Chile August 10-17, 2024!
     
    Warmly, 
    Jenny & Chris

  • SINGLE PITCH LEAD CLIMBING WITH BLACKBIRD MOUNTAIN GUIDES

    SINGLE PITCH LEAD CLIMBING WITH BLACKBIRD MOUNTAIN GUIDES

    FOR 2024 ROCK CLIMBING RESERVATIONS PLEASE CONTACT: Blackbird Mountain Guides
     
    We have exciting news: we sold our NASTC rock climbing school to Truckee-based Blackbird Mountain Guides. We are very pleased to be selling to them. They run a highly respected backcountry ski, avalanche, mountaineering, and rock climbing school. We have known the owner Zeb Blais for many years, respect him very much, and they are a standout company in the mountain guiding world. Zeb is a IFMGA full certified guide and a really good person. Further, Blackbird has proven itself in the local and international guide community and employs a strong roster of AMGA trained and certified guides. 
     
    Nothing else has changed at NASTC; we still offer our advanced ski clinics in Tahoe and at 20 locations around the world, host a full calendar of AIARE level 1&2 avalanche courses, and run guides backcountry skiing:www.skiNASTC.com
     
    We can confidently inform you the change will be seamless for you. In fact, some of the same NASTC guides you already know will be leading the participants at Blackbird. Dates, ratios, logistics, and timing will remain the same. 
     
    If you haven’t booked your climbing days yet this summer or fall, we encourage you to do so. The team at Blackbird is happy to answer any questions you might have for them ([email protected]) and we’re happy to answer any questions you might have about the transition and why Blackbird was our first choice for a buyer for our rock program. 
     
    It has been a great pleasure to climb with all of you students and groups for 30 years! Thank you. And it has been our honor and blessing to employ the best guides in the area! Thank you. 
     
    See you on the snow for more advanced ski clinics, avalanche education, and guided backcountry skiing! Up next? Portillo, Chile August 10-17, 2024!
     
    Warmly, 
    Jenny & Chris

     

  • ANCHOR BUILDING WITH BLACKBIRD MOUNTAIN GUIDES

    ANCHOR BUILDING WITH BLACKBIRD MOUNTAIN GUIDES

    FOR 2024 ROCK CLIMBING RESERVATIONS PLEASE CONTACT: Blackbird Mountain Guides
     
    We have exciting news: we sold our NASTC rock climbing school to Truckee-based Blackbird Mountain Guides. We are very pleased to be selling to them. They run a highly respected backcountry ski, avalanche, mountaineering, and rock climbing school. We have known the owner Zeb Blais for many years, respect him very much, and they are a standout company in the mountain guiding world. Zeb is a IFMGA full certified guide and a really good person. Further, Blackbird has proven itself in the local and international guide community and employs a strong roster of AMGA trained and certified guides. 
     
    Nothing else has changed at NASTC; we still offer our advanced ski clinics in Tahoe and at 20 locations around the world, host a full calendar of AIARE level 1&2 avalanche courses, and run guides backcountry skiing:www.skiNASTC.com
     
    We can confidently inform you the change will be seamless for you. In fact, some of the same NASTC guides you already know will be leading the participants at Blackbird. Dates, ratios, logistics, and timing will remain the same. 
     
    If you haven’t booked your climbing days yet this summer or fall, we encourage you to do so. The team at Blackbird is happy to answer any questions you might have for them ([email protected]) and we’re happy to answer any questions you might have about the transition and why Blackbird was our first choice for a buyer for our rock program. 
     
    It has been a great pleasure to climb with all of you students and groups for 30 years! Thank you. And it has been our honor and blessing to employ the best guides in the area! Thank you. 
     
    See you on the snow for more advanced ski clinics, avalanche education, and guided backcountry skiing! Up next? Portillo, Chile August 10-17, 2024!
     
    Warmly, 
    Jenny & Chris

     

  • Palisades Tahoe FEB 24-26, 2025

    Palisades Tahoe FEB 24-26, 2025

    Dates: Feb 24-26 (all price options incl 3 days instruction in group of 6 or fewer + tech talks / Optional Banquet $60)

    Price: $2095 incl 2 nights lodging at Palisades Tahoe Lodge, 3 day lift ticket
    Price: $1475 no lodging, 3 day lift ticket 
    Price: $995 no lodging or lift tickets
     
    Skier levels: 6-10

    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 experience 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 total skiing mastery. Palisades and Alpine have 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 20 years, and we use our insider knowledge to make your experience here with us fun and memorable.

    Below is an initial itinerary for the course.  This schedule may change slightly based on the group, the weather, etc.  We will send you an updated itinerary as we get closer.  Also, below are the equipment and clothing lists.  If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call the NASTC office 530-386-2102.

    Itinerary
    Monday:
    8:00AM Orientation in Village Conference Room, 20 min Stretching Session/Movement Prep, divide into (rough) groups, pass out lift tix (if needed), head out together to ski with your trainer all day in small groups from 9:00-3:30, lunch together, afternoon video, afternoon tech talk & video review.

    Tuesday: 8:30AM Stretching Session/Movement Prep. Ski with your trainer all day, video session, afternoon tech talk & video review.  6PM Group Banquet ($55).

    Wednesday: 8:30AM Stretching Session/Movement Prep. Ski with your trainer all day, more off-piste terrain exploration and personal feedback.

    SAMPLE TRAINING DAY
    8:00-8:30am –  Group up in Conference Room, 20 min Stretching & 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. 
    6:30pm – Banquet Dinner
    Our schedule will vary day to day depending upon snow conditions, weather and desires of your group, and your group’s general progression and improvement.  Throughout the week there will be video/video analysis, an indoor technical session, group dinners, and personal skiing evaluations.

    We will meet in our designated Conference Room on day one at 8:00am.  Please arrive ready to ski.  We will begin promptly with a brief indoor orientation, a short stretching session, pass out lift tickets, and then head outside to the lifts.

    Lodging Recommendations:

    The Palisades Lodge is located at the base of Palisades and is just a short shuttle ride or drive to the base of Alpine Meadows.  It’s convenient location in the village at Palisades, offers a picturesque setting at the foot of Headwall and access to a number of dining options and apres ski activities.  The Palisades Lodge offers condominium style lodging in a ski in/out setting.   In addition to the cozy and comfortable rooms, the Palisades Lodge has a fitness center and spa that includes a sauna and steam room.  Be sure to mention that you are with NASTC when you call to make your reservations.

    A good Truckee option is Gravity Haus, located a few min from downtown Truckee offering a luxurious, relaxing and intimate environment as your home away from home while skiing with NASTC.  Contact them directly to make reservations.  www.gravityhaus.com/locations/gravity-haus-truckee-tahoe/

    Transportation:
    If you need to fly in, the closest airport is the Reno-Tahoe International airport.  If you are renting a car, we suggest reserving a 4 wheel drive.  If you do not wish to rent a vehicle, we suggest North Tahoe Executive Shuttle, 866.583.7685 or North Lake Tahoe Express at www.northlaketahoeexpress.com or 866-216-5222.  Please contact the NASTC office for carpooling opportunities.

    Ski Shop: We recommend Granite Chief, the Start Haus, and Truckee Mountain Sports all on Donner Pass Rd in Truckee.

    NASTC COACHING AIDES:  Chris Fellows’ books Fitness for Skiing and Snowboarding, Total Skiing, and All Mountain Skiing are great learning tools that you can bring home with you.  Any of the books compliment what you learn in our curriculum of courses.

    **PLEASE NOTE OUR CANCELLATION POLICY**: If you have to cancel for any reason (including medical), we require written notice in our office 14 days in advance of the first day of the course.  With 14 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.

  • SPACE STILL AVAILABLE ON OUR ASPEN CAMP JAN 23-29

    Aspen Snowmass doesn’t need much of an introduction to the serious skier. The four mountains of Aspen, Highlands, Buttermilk and Snowmass have just about every kind of terrain and excellent snow consistency.  NASTC will give you the insider look to these exciting mountains, you will ski the nooks and crannies that only locals know about. You will polish your technique, work on skill blending and tactics and log in lots of mileage skiing a variety of terrain. Your coach will oversee your progress during the whole week and provide you with individual feedback and coaching. We will be staying in one of Aspen’s many lovely hotels, near the mountains and town (call for details). Aspen is a charming town with lots of world class dining options but also has a thriving art scene and home to the Aspen Institute. Its heartbeat is defined by the collective love for the mountains and mountain lifestyle!

    Travel days: Jan 23 and 29 / Ski days: Jan 24-28 Price: $3530 (includes 6 nights lodging, 6 breakfasts, 5 full days small group instruction, tech talks and no-host group dinner planning) Reservations: open now, very popular NASTC course

  • ANDERMATT MARCH 8-15, 2025

    ANDERMATT MARCH 8-15, 2025

    Join us in Adermatt and enjoy some of the best skiing you’ll ever have in the world at this quintessential Alps resort!

    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.

    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 days of endless skiing that include 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 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. 

    Dates: March 8-15, 2025 (includes travel days)
    Price: approx $6995 (tba by Dec 1, 2024), includes: 7 nights (dbl occupancy) at a 4-star hotel, breakfast and dinner daily, 6 full days guiding and instruction.  Single room upgrades are available. Purchase your own lift tickets online and include evacuation insurance.

  • BACKCOUNTRY SKIING (TAHOE/TRUCKEE)

    BACKCOUNTRY SKIING (TAHOE/TRUCKEE)

    Are you new to the backcountry? This one-day will give you a solid introduction to the equipment and skills you need to get out safely. Meet at the trailhead and spend a full day immersed in this beautiful landscape away from the crowds. The day includes: putting on and taking off your skins, setting a skin track, basic route finding, avalanche awareness, terrain selection, and how to plan a safe & fun day with your friends or family. 

    Available by private booking, either individual or group

    Price: $199-$479 depending on group size

    Reservations: email [email protected] or Paypal $199 to [email protected] and you’ll receive an email confirmation.

    Avalanche Kit Rental (beacon, shovel, probe) – from us at $25/day 

    Ski Equipment Rental (skis, skins, not boots) –  reserve at local ski shops




  • The Powder Highway

    Description forthcoming by 5/1/20