North American Ski Training Center – Tahoe, CA

Tag: NASTC

  • Total Skiing at Sugar Bowl

    Total Skiing at Sugar Bowl

    March 13-14, 2015
    $450
    Includes lift tickets, all day instruction in groups of 6 or fewer, tech talks, video review, course materials and SWAG

    Perched atop Donner Summit, Sugar Bowl is the ideal place to challenge yourself and focus in on the building blocks of your skiing. With an approach and curriculum taken from Chris’s book, Total Skiing, you’ll bring your skills up a notch in this 2-day clinic. Our top trainers will address your specific issues holding you back from progressing and maintaining your improvement. Sugar Bowl’s rich history is celebrated this year, its 75th birthday. Come be a part of the fun!

    Daily schedule
    Fri March 13
    8:30 meet in the Judah Lodge upstairs
    9-12 Ski in small group with your trainer, ease into it, what is your skill base?
    12-1 Lunch
    1-3:30 Ski in small group with your trainer, address terrain issues, video
    4-5:30 Tech Talk, apres ski gathering

    Sat March 14
    8:30 meet in the Judah Lodge upstairs
    9-12 Ski in small group with your trainer, what are your tactics, video
    12-1 Lunch, review video
    1-3:30 Ski in small group with your trainer, rebuild your package
    4 wrap it up, say our good byes

    The following list may help you pack:
    Alpine skis, boots, poles
    Helmet
    Several pairs of ski socks (wool/polypropylene blend or polypro socks best)
    Top and bottom long underwear (silk or polypro)
    2-3 turtlenecks (polypro best)
    Fleece layer, top and bottom
    Jogging/workout clothes and shoes for stretching sessions
    One or two pairs gortex or other water/wind proof material outer ski pants
    Gortex or other water/wind proof material ski jacket
    Spring and winter gloves (2 pair, waterproof)
    Warm hat, baseball cap, headband, face mask, and neck warmer
    Goggles and sunglasses w/leashes (2 pair goggles if you have them)
    Evening clothes: pants, shirts, sweaters, sweats, comfortable shoes
    Toiletries, including sunscreen & chapstick, soap & shampoo, aspirin, body lotion
    Camera, pen & notebook, alarm clock

    V1DIGITAL COACHING SYSTEMS:
    NASTC’s MOST IMPORTANT TAKE HOME TEACHING TOOL: V1
    Here is the way to get the most out of your NASTC course: you will literally take your ski course “home” with you. After all that your trainer tells you on the snow, you need to take something home to keep it all fresh on your mind. NASTC’s technology partner for this cutting edge teaching tool is V1 Digital Coaching Systems. This program will allow you to see your video on a secure website, a virtual “locker.” You will be able to look at your video at your leisure with skiing analysis and tips from your trainer. The trainer does voice over critiques and offers drills to improve your skills. You can log on anytime you want to remind yourself what you are working on. You can use this system for multiple courses to see your progress and continue to receive expert coaching and tips in-between your NASTC courses. You can even send us video your friend or spouse shoots, we will give you coaching and send it back to your locker room for you to view and learn from. Sign up for this take-home bonus feature prior to your course by contacting the NASTC office.

    V1 Program Prices:
    Personal coaching after NASTC course: $25
    Personal coaching of video you send in not shot on a NASTC course: $35

    NASTC COACHING AIDES: Chris Fellows’ new book TOTAL SKIING, published by Human Kinetics is available for purchase through the Pro Shop page. He is also the author of All-Mountain Skiing published by PSIA (currently available too). Both of these are great learning tools that you can bring home with you. Both of these books compliment what you learn in The North American Ski Training Center’s 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.

  • Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at NASTC!

    Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at NASTC!

    Happy Thanksgiving! We are grateful to live in such a beautiful and inspiring place as Lake Tahoe. Grateful to have a wonderful community of skiers that choose to share and fuel their passion for skiing, learning and the mountains with us.
    A few resorts are open already here in Tahoe and the snow guns are cranking. We are excited to have the season get underway as we have so many fun destinations and courses planned for this season.

    Montana Skiing https://skinastc.com/category/courses/rockies/

    Just about everyone knows that Montana has an abundance of natural beauty and Big Sky doesn’t disappoint. It also doesn’t disappoint where great skiing is concerned. Big Sky’s terrain is thrilling and immense. It is such a treat to make turns at this resort where everything comes together, the snow quality, the scenery and terrain. We will be staying in the village so we can maximize our time on snow and keep the focus on having on fun.
    Dates: January 9-13, 2015

    Aspen – Snowmass https://skinastc.com/category/courses/rockies/

    Aspen is North America’s quintessential skiing experience. The town of Aspen and the resort blend seamlessly into each other. There is this feeling that every day is special and celebration. And it is, it’s a celebration of life, nature, the mountains, friendship and skiing.
    To top it all off, Aspen-Snowmass offers some incredible skiing. There are four mountains that make up Aspen-Snowmass, each one has a different terrain profile and personality. You will get everything from thrilling steeps, perfectly groomed cruisers, tree glades, powder, bumps and everything in between. This is the ideal destination to bring versatility into your skiing and learn how to master the mountain and everything it throws at you. Despite Aspen’s glamorous reputation it also has an authentic and down to earth side that reflects its passion for the mountains and mountain sports.
    Dates: February 27-March 3

    Powder and Sushi: Skiing in the Land of the Rising Sun

    Japan has been one of best kept secrets in the ski world. Largely because of it’s remote location it hasn’t made it onto the radar of the general skiing population. Niseko is for adventure seekers, for those that want an experience totally unlike anything you would find in North America or Europe. Niseko has one of the highest snowfall averages. It snows almost every day. This is a truly unique skiing experience and a great way to see and visit Japan. You will collect some unforgettable memories on this trip and make big strides in your skiing.

    Fall in Love with Austria

    Embark on a week long adventure in skiing’s heartland. Skiing in Austria is a must and truly a special experience. The scenery alone will capture your heart but the skiing and people will hold it forever. Skiing in Austria is nothing shy of inspiring and seriously fun. We know the Arlberg area well and will take you off the beaten path to descents that typically only locals know about. See the true side of Lech and Zurs and why it’s a favorite amongst Austrians, ski the exhilarating terrain of Stuben, St. Christoph and St. Anton and come back from the trip invigorated and a stronger skier.

    Contact us now with any questions about these amazing ski training vacation opportunities! NASTC Headquarters in Truckee: 530-582-4772 / 530-386-2102

  • SNOWCAT ADVENTURES AT HOMEWOOD

    SNOWCAT ADVENTURES AT HOMEWOOD

    NEW this year! The most exciting thing to hit Tahoe: Snowat skiing at Homewood! This is an on-going, book-when-you’re-ready NASTC offering. Bring your group, or call us and we’ll add you to one! Homewood Snowcat Adventures will debut this winter on 750+ acres of backcountry terrain on the flanks of Ellis Peak! Our guides are ready to take you out to enjoy it and improve with guided instruction! Once transported to the peak, groups of up to 10 skiers and riders will enjoy access to a wide variety of terrain options – from perfectly-spaced tree runs to steeps, powder bowls and intermediate-level glades – all leading guests back to the in-bounds terrain at the resort. Participants will enjoy laps of up to 1,828 vertical feet from the top of Ellis Peak – where panoramic views of Lake Tahoe and the Desolation Wilderness await – to the bottom of the Old Homewood Express chairlift.

    Dates and Pricing: call the NASTC office 530-582-4772 or [email protected]

  • All Conditions/All Terrain – Squaw Valley, CA

    All Conditions/All Terrain – Squaw Valley, CA

    Dates:  TBA
    Skier levels: 6-9
    Price: $650 
    Includes:  instruction, lift tickets, personalized video reviews, tech talks and a group dinner.

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    This course is a step by step progression designed to help you move past your intermediate or advanced plateau and skiing the entire mountain well whatever the conditions.  Getting 3 consecutive days of instruction and feedback from the National and Regional Demonstration Team members will elevate your skiing to a new level.  Focus on addressing some of the fundamental flaws in your technique, learn new tactics and feel your performance increase as you rip around Squaw for 3 full days of skiing and coaching with the NASTC team.  
     
    Squaw Valley is one of the largest ski areas in the Lake Tahoe area.  It has an abundance of terrain, with 6 peaks and over 100 runs all accessible by their network of 33 lifts including a funitel and tram.  Squaw is a really fun mountain to explore, there are lots of fun “hidden” runs that only a local can show you how to get to.  Squaw Valley almost has the same number of bars and eateries in their beautiful deluxe village at the base of the mountain.  It’s always a good time at Squaw Valley, USA! 

    ITINERARY:  
    Sunday, February 22:
    Meet at The Pocket by the fireplace in the Olympic House (next to Dave’s Deli).  After a short introduction we will head up the slopes.  After a couple of warm up runs you will be divided into groups so that you have an effective learning enviroment.  You will ski with your group and trainer for the remainder of the day.  Afternoon video review & apres ski.

    Monday, February 23:
    Meet at The Pocket.  Boot-up and head out to the ski lifts. Ski with your trainer and group, the afternoon will be focused on consolidating what you learned and personal feedback and coaching.  We will review video footage of your skiing at lunch.  Depart Squaw Valley for home.
               
    SAMPLE TRAINING DAY

    8:45am – Meet up with your trainer and warm up
    9:00am-12:00pm – Skill development via drills and technique work
    12:00pm-1:00pm – Lunch with group on hill
    1:00pm-3:00pm – On the snow: video, free-skiing varying conditions and terrain, personal feedback
    4:00pm-5:30pm – Indoor clinic: video viewing/technical session 
    6:30pm – Dinner with group 
     

     

    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 you at 8:30am  at The Pocket in the Olympic House Lodge next to Dave’s Deli.  Please arrive ready to ski.   We will begin promptly with a brief indoor orientation, pass out lift tickets, and head out to the Funitel to ski by 9:00am. 
     
    Directions:

    Take Interstate 80 to Hwy 89 South, Squaw is 10 miles south on Hwy 89 from Truckee.  Take a right at the light, entrance to Squaw Valley and follow Squaw Valley Road to the resort.
     
    The following list may help you pack:
    Alpine skis, boots, poles
    Helmet
    Several pairs ski socks
    Top and bottom long underwear
    Midlayers
    Fleece layer, top 
    Ski pants
    Ski jacket
    Spring and winter gloves
    Warm hat, baseball cap, headband, face mask, and neck warmer
    Goggles and sunglasses
    Evening clothes: pants, shirts, sweaters, sweats, (afternoon tech talks & dinners out)
    Comfortable shoes
    Toiletries, including sunscreen & chapstick, aspirin, body lotion
    Workout clothes (optional)
     
    Lodging Recommendations:
     
    The Squaw Valley Lodge for lodging in the village at Squaw.  www.squawvalleylodge.com 1-800-549-6742.  The Squaw Valley lodge offers condominium style lodging in a ski in/out setting.  In addition to cozy and comfortable rooms, The SVL has a Fitness Center & Spa that includes a sauna and steam room.  Be sure to mention that you are with NASTC when you call to make your reservations. 
     
    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. Contact NASTC for carpooling opportunities.
     
    V1DIGITAL COACHING SYSTEMS:
    NASTC’s MOST IMPORTANT TAKE HOME TEACHING TOOL: V1
    Here is the way to get the most out of your NASTC course: you will literally take your ski course “home” with you.  After all that your trainer tells you on the snow, you need to take something home to keep it all fresh on your mind. NASTC’s technology partner for this cutting edge teaching tool is V1 Digital Coaching Systems.  This program will allow you to see your video on a secure website, a virtual “locker.”  You will be able to look at your video at your leisure with skiing analysis and tips from your trainer.  The trainer does voice over critiques and offers drills to improve your skills. You can log on anytime you want to remind yourself what you are working on.  You can use this system for multiple courses to see your progress and continue to receive expert coaching and tips in-between your NASTC courses.  You can even send us video your friend or spouse shoots, we will review it, coach you on it and send it back to your locker for you to view and learn from.  Sign up for this take-home bonus feature prior to your course by contacting the NASTC office.
     
    Chris Fellow’s new book, Total Skiing is now available.  This book is the ultimate ski training resource.  It will help reinforce your on snow experience together with learning materials that you can view at your leisure.  Visit our website or call the NASTC office to order 530.582.4772.
     


    Squaw Clinic




    **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.

  • Portillo: Open Your Mind to the Full Chilean Mountain Experience

    The word “portillo” means “opening or road between two heights” – an apt descriptor for both the Chilean ski resort as well as the transformations that occur on its slopes every summer. The highs and lows, laughs and cries of this annual trip set a standard for personal exploration unlike any other ski experience. To truly immerse yourself in the adventure, start by clearing away any preconceived notions you might have of what a ski vacation entails. Full-immersion summer training in Portillo will redefine your expectations.

    Portillo is located approximately 100 miles and at least 37 switchbacks from the Chilean capitol of Santiago. Approaching the grand yellow Hotel Portillo feels a little like seeing land after a long time at sea. You can smell its essence and feel its terra madre. The soul of Portillo greets you upon arrival, transporting you into a trancelike state, a combination of the warmth of the hotel and the immensity of the outlying environment.

     

    Get off the shuttle and just try not to gawk at the infinite skiing possibilities. With more than 2,500 vertical feet and 1,300 skiable acres serviced by 14 lifts, the Chilean Andes resort offers steep groomers, couloirs, deep powder runs, and trails that look like expansive tongues lapping up the sides of the rocky summits. Adding to the locale’s formidable physical strengths is the logistical icing on the cake: Portillo limits the number of guests to 450 to avoid the long lift lines and crowded restaurants that are the hallmarks of many U.S. resorts.

     

    The summer training ground for many national ski teams, Portillo comprises two sides of a huge valley where the slopes fall steeply from the summits to the more moderate terrain surrounding the shores of glacial blue Lake Inca. The higher reaches of Portillo skiing are serviced by five-person Poma lifts that rocket you 1,500 vertical feet in seconds. (A hair-raising tortuga/ turtle ride on your back can result if you’re unprepared for the abrupt stop at the top.)

     

    The steep runs available off the Roca, Condor, Vizcacha,  and Cara Cara lifts will challenge even the most advanced skiers. The Juncalillo  and Plateau lifts can satisfy any level but are known for excellent cruising and carving possibilities. And for those who like to take their boards out of bounds, there are ample options as well. Traverse out into “El Estadio” (The Stadium) after a short climb from the Roca Jack, and ski huge bowls or dramatic chutes before carving it back into the ski area boundaries.

     

    The days in Chile can blend into a weeklong continuum of exhilarating alpine ski descents, lazy lunches at slopeside restaurant Tio Bob’s, sweaty hikes to untracked powder in the Laguna runs, wine drinking and interesting conversation in the main living room, lounging by the pool, fine dinners in the dining room, and rowdy, highly entertaining hours in the bar and disco.

     

    This summer, why not forego the usual vacation for an experience that will push your personal limits and challenge what you know about ski adventures? Arrange a trip to Portillo through Lake Tahoe, California-based North American Ski Training Center (NASTC). By pairing small groups with experienced coaches and guides who have received extensive custom training, NASTC strives to fill each participant’s cup with knowledge, passion, and adventure – and to develop a supportive environment that’s void of distractions such as self-criticism and unrealistic expectations. During the Portillo experience, participants must open themselves up to the idea that extraordinary feelings don’t have to be infrequent. In Portillo, they’re virtually inescapable, and the magic resonates with young, old, and everyone in-between.

     

     

    Next NASTC Chilean Adventure August 15-24, 2014

    The North American Ski Training Center (NASTC) will run its 19th annual All Conditions/All Terrain Adventure Skiing Week August 15-24, 2014, in Portillo, Chile. Perhaps it’s because skiing in August is the perfect opportunity to refine your skills for the approaching season, or the fact that the resort has taken care of everything you need for a seamless ski vacation, or maybe it’s the instantaneous bonds that form among our coaches and students … whatever the reason, the August trip is one of our most popular.

     

    At Portillo, you’ll enjoy the finest food and famous Chilean wines, skiing right out your door, the spectacular Andes, world-class personalized instruction, and vacation amenities that include massage, pools, yoga, and movies. The NASTC goal is to guide you to some epic big mountain skiing (whether you are intermediate or expert) and advance your skills by a full level.

     

    Life is simple at Portillo. When you are on a NASTC ski training vacation at Portillo, you need only think about your skiing, sleeping, and eating. Sure, you can think about a lot more – meeting new friends, partying at the bar and disco, working out alongside the Austrian and U.S. ski teams, unwinding with yoga, stretching, or massage, watching a movie, or practicing your Spanish – but the beauty of Portillo is how it embraces the simple life. You eat at the same table with the same waiters four times a day; your room is 30 seconds from the slopes, the dining room, and other hotel amenities; and the warm Latin culture lures you into a relaxed state of mind.

     

     

     

    Portillo – the perfect “Ski Training Center” in the NASTC name. At the Portillo facility, we have access to the movie theater for video screening. (Don’t worry, only your supportive NASTC friends will be watching as we gently critique your slope-style.) And the optional morning routine is hassle-free: rise, walk 30 seconds to NASTC’s trainer-led morning stretch, upstairs to a healthy breakfast, and then don your ski clothes and head out to the slopes. Quick, easy, and the ultimate in convenience. You’ll enjoy the opportunity to ski in small groups, benefit from coaching by the best instructors in the world, and talk about your ski day over delicious lunches.

     

    Summer skiing ties your seasons together. Feel like you never left your boards (or your newfound skills) when you jump back on the snow in December. A full week of honing your skills under the watchful eyes of top NASTC trainers will work wonders for your skiing and confidence level. One memorable NASTC week will give you insight into and solutions for your equipment issues, too, and leave you with a solid action plan for continued improvement during the upcoming season. For an eye- and mind-opening Chilean experience, bring your lofty goals and insatiable appetite for fun.

     

    Getting to Chile

    Getting to Chile is a painless, overnight flight and at most a three-hour time change. Travel times from the following U.S. cities to Santiago average:

    Dallas (9 hrs)

    Los Angeles (10 hrs)

    Miami (8 hrs)

    New York (10 hrs)

    San Francisco (12 hrs)

    If you live on the East Coast, the time change is nil: Chile is in the same time zone as New York City. For those coming from the West, the biggest adjustment you’re looking at is a three-hour time change – negligible when you compare it to the eight-hour hit you take traveling to Europe, which can require a couple of days just to get over the jet lag. When heading to Portillo, you land in the morning, shuttle up to the mountains in three short hours, enjoy lunch and a nap, and hit the mountain for some skiing.

    https://skinastc.com/index.php/all-courses/82 

  • What is NASTC

  • NASTC Climbing: Group Summits Mt Shasta – 15th year

    NASTC Climbing: Group Summits Mt Shasta – 15th year

    NASTC Climbing: Group Summits Mt Shasta – 15th year
    On Sunday morning May 13, under sunny, crisp skies a group of strong advanced skiers summitted California’s 5th highest peak, the 2nd highest in the Cascade Range: the dramatic and rewarding Mt Shasta.  This represents a huge accomplishment!  When you summit Shasta you have ascended and descended a combined 14,000+ vertical feet in just a weekend. That’s huge! We work with guides from NASTC and Shasta Mt Guides for this 3-day alpine climbing and ski mountaineering trip.  We start at the Fifth Season shop, sort gear, and do a bag check. Once we’re sure everyone is set, we head up to the Bunny Flat trailhead and leave our cars there. We were a group of 4 plus 2 guides: Chris Fellows and Dane Brinkely.  Our group included 3 climbers who flew all the way in from Mexico, from a new partner program called Ski Madness (stay tuned for some big mountain skiing they’re going to be doing with us around the world).  In addition to Pablo, Joan, and Luis, our man Jack drove in from San Francisco and completed the well-rounded, fun group.  They all headed up to Horse Trails and made camp the first day, did some ice axe and crampon skills work, and a short climb before dinner.  The second day they did a more significant tour in order to continue to acclimatize. One of the forces that gets people on Shasta is the altitude and certainly if you come from sea level you have your work cut out  for you.  Around 10 or 12,000′ we humans start to “feel it.” Its an indescribable feeling: lethargic, lackadaisical, low-energy.  Makes it extra challenging to get to the top of a 14,000 peak! So they pushed through and after the tour, more skills work, and an early dinner it was off to bed. Alarms rang at midnite and the guides got the hot water going.  By 1:30am they were suited up: crampons? check, headlamps? check, moleskin? check. beacons on transmit? check.  Off they went.  Nine hours later – via the Helen Lake route – they were on the top and staring across the state’s open expanse beneath.  Its an amazing feeling being up there.  They had an epic, great ski down – perfect conditions for 6,000 vertical feet – then broke camp and made their way to the cars.  Good job everyone!
    Here is what one of the climbers had to say: “It was an awesome experience…  Chris is an amazing human being, guide, skier and friend.  I could not ask for more…The mountain is impressive, the views astonishing, the runs long and fun…What a journey!  We will be back exploring other routes.  Thanks again a lot for all you did for us.”

     

  • This is how the Men’s US Ski Team Gets it Done!

    This is how the Men’s US Ski Team Gets it Done!

    Men’s speed group charged through Napa on bikes

    by Hank McKee
    Published by Ski Racing

    Get a bunch of large athletic men together, put them in a competitive environment and you got yourself a testosterone fueled freight train. That train, consisting of the men’s speed group of the US Ski Team, recently ravaged the roads of Napa, California on bikes, riding between 60 and 100 miles day, sleeping on the beach and eating an incredible amount of food.

    “It was a chance to kind of shed the winter coat and get working so that we can train harder and have more power when it gets closer to race time,” said Marco Sullivan. “In five days we covered 400 miles on road bikes, camping on the coast on the beach every night. It was simple living for sure” Get up, put the shorts on and start riding. Ride all day, stop for lunch, get into camp at night and set up tents and each as much as we could.”

    Speed coach Tommy Eckfeldt was the trip organizer said the “Tour d’Cali” originated as a way to drive the conditioning program in the preparation period and to simply travel it was tacked on to the end of an on-snow camp at Mammoth.

    “It was great fun once we were able to start riding as a group. The last day heading into Napa from the coast they averaged around 28 to 30 mph. These are back roads with a 50mph speed limit. Cars were having trouble passing us on the downhills.”

    Eckfeldt said the narrow roads necessitated a lot of single file riding, but outside from the expected flat tires and a broken derailleur, there weren’t many problems. “We were pretty well prepared for the minor stuff,” he said, and they simply sought out a bike shop when they ran into more complex problems.

    They ran into one day of poor weather and had the opportunity to cool down (recovery) in the ocean. “You couldn’t have asked for a better situation,” he said.

    “The whole idea was great,” said Andrew Weibrecht. “It gave us something to focus on and train for, and then the actual trip was really good, basically hammering Napa and up and down the coast. There were no stragglers. It definitely schooled the competitive vibe in a good way. It was a great way to really kick off the summer training, shocking the system like that.”

    Weibrecht said the bulk of his riding before this trip had been shorter rides, ones, he said, he had been able to complete essentially using his quad muscles. The longer rides of the Tour d’ Cali meant using a whole new set of muscles. “I pulled in ways I never pulled before,” he said. “It was cool to know you can do something like that, meet a challenge like that.”

    “We put together some decent rides,” said Eckfeldt. “camped at national park sites, set up tents, had bonfires and made good time.”

    About the only thing that slowed the train up was a work zone woman holding a stop sign.
    “Yeah we were on a 101mile leg, coming down a hill and it turned into a construction lane,” said Eckfeldt. We waited about 20 minutes and we had been averaging 27mph up to that point.”

    Eckfeldt said Steven Nyman was at the front of the pack more often than not. “An incredible motor and horsepower,” adding that Weibrecht spent plenty of time among the leaders and that Travis Ganong was right up there as well.

    “It was hard work for sure,” said Sullivan, “but having all the guys there made a team bonding thing as well. Nyman was our workhorse, he was at the head of the pack a lot, but we got into some good biking strategy, taking turns at the lead. We thought we were pretty cool.”

    The bonfire sessions, after dinner, didn’t usually last very long.

    “We camped pretty much on the cliffs,” said Weibrecht, “rode up the coast, looped through the Redwoods. We were definitely blitzed by the end of the day. About 8pm guys started nodding off. The biggest obstacle was falling asleep when it was totally sunny.”

    With a couple of chase vehicles, conditioning personnel and a nutritionist on hand, the team had little to worry about but keeping the train running over the rolling hills of Napa. – Hank McKee

    Photos by Steven Nyman

  • New U.S Ski Team Women’s Tech Coach

    New U.S Ski Team Women’s Tech Coach

    New U.S. Women’s Tech Coach Pfeifer Sees Promise

    By Eric Williams
    Published on Ski Racing

    Recently named U.S. Alpine Ski Team women’s tech coach, Roland Pfeifer has his work cut out for him.

    The Austria native is charged with bringing the program “up to speed” after last season saw the team pull in a meager 10 top-10 results and just one podium. Though he hasn’t met most of his new stable of athletes, he’s already formulating plans for the season and anxious to hit the southern hemisphere snow later this summer.

    Pfeifer comes to the U.S. Team with a wealth of experience as both an athlete on the World Cup and U.S. Pro Tour as well as a coach at Ski Austria feeder program, Vorarlberg Ski Team. After his daughter turned 18 in January, he made the decision to hit the road and step up to the sport’s top level.

    Pfeifer will focus most of his efforts on working with gate racers Sarah Schleper, Resi Stiegler, Hailey Duke, Megan McJames and Mikaela Shiffrin, while occasionally providing support to all-around skiers Lindsey Vonn and Julia Mancuso.

    His recipe for success calls for fun, communication and lots of work. “We need to make them ski relaxed. We need to bring some fresh motivation and fun into the team,” said Pfeifer. “We need to convince them of what we are doing and we need to talk a lot, and train a lot.”

    “I haven’t met them yet but I know Schleper and Stiegler are top competitors and can get to the top-10 many times this season and some podiums as well,” continued Pfeifer. “Duke and McJames’ goals will be to consistently make the top 30 and progress up from there.”

    Pfeifer’s first exposure to his new squad came last week at an on-snow camp in Mammoth with reigning slalom national champion, 16-year-old phenom Mikaela Shiffrin.

    “I’ve got this unbelievably talented and gifted Shiffrin. She is skiing like a grownup already,” said Pfeifer after spending several days on snow Shiffrin. “I’m not putting too much pressure on Mikaela because she is 16 years old, I’m not going to set any goals for results, just to qualify top-30.”

    While Pfeifer isn’t setting result expectations for Shiffrin, he is confident she is ready to compete with the world’s best. “She shows really good skiing, I like the way she skis and I like her,” said Pfeifer. “I’ve never met a 16-year-old that knows so much about skiing and she loves it. There is no reason to hold her back, I see her absolutely competing on the World Cup circuit, no doubt about it.”

  • Ski Tip: Pole Usage

    The function and correct use of our poles can seem as ambiguous as a politician’s speech.  Good pole usage complements and aids upper body movements in dynamic skiing.  Missing pole plants, poorly timed pole plants or directionally inappropriate pole swings can create dysfunctional elements in your skill set.  Diverse terrain requires attention to rhythm and strong core movements that are directed down the fall line.  The pole swing is timed with an extension move at the start of th turn, this aids in directing your momentum toward the apex of the turn.  As the pole is planted it helps stabilize your body as you change from the uphill set of edges to the downhill set of edges.  The pole swing should originate from the wrist and not the elbow.  As your turn shape changes, the direction and timing of your pole swing adjusts accordingly.  When skiing steep terrain and bumps your pole swing will directed more towards the fall line rather than the apex of your turn, your pole plant will happen as you pull away from the fall line and the skis turn across the hill.  Next time you are out on the hill think about the timing and directionality of your pole swing and plant and what it does to your rhythm and stabilization of the upper body.