North American Ski Training Center – Tahoe, CA

Tag: ski coaching

  • Portillo: A Day In Your Life

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

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

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

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

  • SILVERTON, CO 2028

    SILVERTON, CO 2028

    SILVERTON
    Silverton, CO is big mountain skiing at its best. This course is for serious powder skiers, no groomed terrain is available. You ski helicopter skiing type of terrain here in the Colorado backcountry without the expense and take your off-piste/side-country skiing skills to the next level as the terrain demands. Silverton is not your typical resort: you leave all the glitz and hustle of resort-skiing behind. What you get is fresh, untracked powder in a quiet and beautiful setting. While Silverton is a lift-accessed mountain (count it: one lift), there is some hiking involved, especially to get to the really good stashes.
    Do not be intimidated. Silverton Mountain is for advanced AND expert skiers. You must be comfortable on black diamond slopes, in variable snow conditions and hiking 5-20 minutes along ridgelines. All guests need an avalanche beacon, shovel, and probe. No avalanche training is required. If you’ve skied some powder before, are in fairly good shape, and are excited to learn, you will enjoy Silverton. Its an amazing experience.
    We stay in downtown Silverton, a 15 minute drive from the mountain (did we mention the “resort” is at the end of a dirt road, after a curvy mt drive up to it?) You will enjoy lovely accommodations and gourmet meals after a full day of shredding around the huge expanse that is Silverton Mountain. We may rent a house and bring/hire a private chef (which do you prefer?)
    You’ll be in a skill/fitness-appropriate group, no more than 5 in your group with your personal trainer and guide. You will get top-notch guiding and personal instruction. On this NASTC course – perhaps more than any other – the terrain AND the staff both teach you. You will improve, its an amazing experience.
    Details:
    -Ski 4 days in private groups with Silverton guide and NASTC instructor
    -Fly into Durango 
    -Option to stay in hotel or private home 
    -Lunch included on the mountain, dinner ala carte together at local restaurants
    (chance we will have a chef along preparing breakfast and dinner TBA )
     
  • Private Ski Guiding

    Private Ski Guiding

    Private Ski Guiding (from $95-$495 full or half/private or group/customized/all levels):

    Design your own day! Our private ski guiding day allows you to design exactly the day you want or your group wants! Want to ski new lines all day? Or gain lots more education about backcountry skiing safety. The backcountry skiing is great this year! Your day can be based at the resort, and we’ll tour into the sidecountry, returning to the chairlifts after skiing long, untracked lines. Or your day can be 100% in the backcountry and we’ll tour up peaks like Castle, Donner, Anderson, or Judah Peaks on Donner Summit. This is a great way to get powder turns in well after the mountain is “skied out,” and to find new terrain if you feel you’ve skied everything at your home resort.

    During a side country or backcountry adventure with NASTC you can improve your turns also while out there. Your NASTC guide is not only a certified guide, but a ski instructor/coach who can give you pointers on your skiing technique as well if you like!

     

    Rent your AT skis/skins/boots at Granite Chief, Tahoe Mountain Sports, The Backcountry, or Sports Hub in Truckee. We recommend you call ahead & make a reso.

    Beacon, shovel and probe rental from us for $25/full or half day/person
    (or each item for $10/full or half day/person)

    You’ll meet your guide either at the NASTC office (10710 Donner Pass Rd), or at the designated trailhead.

    Prices range based on group size. Five person maximum per guide.

    FULL DAY (9am-3pm)                    HALF DAY (9am-1pm)

    1 person-$495                                      $295
    2 pp- $295 per person                        $195 pp
    3 pp- $235 pp                                        $155 pp
    4 pp- $199 pp                                        $135 pp
    5pp- $175 pp                                         $115 pp

    Email for details and bookings: [email protected] or 530-386-2102




  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Ski La Grave & the Southern Alps

    Ski La Grave & the Southern Alps

     

    La Grave & Southern French Alps
    A Glacier Skiing Adventure
    March 1-8, 2014

     

     
        
     
    If you had to choose one ski adventure for the whole season, this one would be it.  The Southern Alps are home to some of the top skiing destinations in Europe.  One of the biggest attractions besides the phenomenal skiing is the haunting beauty of the Southern Alps and the village of La Grave where will be staying for the week.  The ruggedness of the landscape and the tranquil beauty of this “kingdom of stone” that the town of La Grave has been nicknamed, cannot be replicated anywhere else in the world. 

    Skiing in the Southern Alps is a different experience than the typical charming alpine villages that comes to mind when one thinks of skiing in Europe.  We will be skiing in the areas of Serre Chevalier, Alpes d’Huez, Les Deux Alpes and La Grave.  Skiing past blue glacier ice, winding your way on skis back to the village, having a top quality trainer to coach you and help you through the challenging areas, then finishing off the day sitting by the fire with drinks in hand re-counting the day’s adventures is an experience that will mark your skiing memories forever. 

    We will spend the week, exploring these different ski areas, working on the technical skills for off-piste skiing as well as tactics for negotiating various types of terrain and snow conditions.  The week will also include off-piste skiing excursions on glacier terrain where you will be coached and guided by seasoned professionals.

    What awaits you is big adventure, big fun and a unique venue that will stand out amongst all your other skiing experiences, because there really is nothing like having a fun, adventure filled day and watching the sun set on one of the most beautiful mountain landscapes in the world.

    Includes:  double occupancy lodging (single upgrades available), breakfast & dinner daily, lift tickets, coaching & guide

    Visit www.skiNASTC.com or call 530. 582.4772 for more details.
    Check out our other adventures and camps in Snowbird, Squaw Valley, Alpine Meadows, and more.

  • What is NASTC

  • NASTC NEWS May 17, 2013

    NASTC NEWS May 17, 2013

    The Mt. Shasta Climb & Ski is kicking off this weekend; we are looking forward to hear back from the crew for stories from their weekend adventure on one of California’s highest peaks. 

    BOOK NOW for your rock climbing adventure or lesson with NASTC over Memorial Day Weekend!  Escape the crowds and take in beautiful views as you play on the rocks.  Donner is summit is a highly acclaimed area for rock climbing and comes with the extra bonus of big views of Donner Lake and the Pacific Crest Trail is right there if you wanted to add a little hiking to your day.  NASTC’s fun and friendly guides are ready to show you and your family a fun time on the rock.  Our guides are AMGA certified and NASTC provides all the gear you need.  All you have to do is show up in your athletic gear ready to climb!  Call 530.582.4772 or email the NASTC office to reserve a time slot. https://skinastc.com/about/rock-climbing-instruction-and-guiding

    KidsClimb! is June 27 & 28:  Our annual kids rock climbing camp is always a sold out event.  Reserve your spot early!  The two day camp is from 9:00am-1:00pm each day.  The first day is spent at the Ropes course at Squaw Valley, where kids warm into climbing and learn the basic movements and problem solving skills.  The second day is spent on Donner Summit where kids will have the opportunity to climb a variety of pitches ranging from introductory climbs to intermediate/advanced pitches.  Your kids will be on belay at all times and work with our awesome team of guides to literally reach new heights. https://skinastc.com/all-courses/162

    Women’s Climbing Workshop – July 20th:  Our women’s climbing workshop is returning after its successful launch last summer.  This one day workshop is open to all levels of climbers.  This is a great event to get your feet wet if you have never climbed before AND a great day to spend climbing with other women and sharing technique and tips for climbers with more experience.  This day is about camaraderie amongst women in sports and building a stress-free, anxiety-free supportive environment to learn something new and with the freedom to share tips and ideas with each other. https://skinastc.com/all-courses/244  

    Portillo, Chile – August 17-24:  A summer dream skiing adventure.  Join NASTC in Portillo, Chile for a unique summer vacation.  Our weeklong ski improvement camp will help you step up your skiing and move off that intermediate or advanced plateau.  You will build the necessary skills and tactics to descend the famed runs of Portillo, like Rocajack, Lake Run and Primavera. Coaches are selected from across the United States and are ranked amongst the best in the country.  You will also learn valuable free-skiing skills such as how to read terrain and how to select which aspects to ski.  The on-hill instruction is complemented with a selection of indoor presentations on a variety of topics including how to tailor your off-season cross-training to help improve your skiing, equipment and skiing performance and more.  This is an education filled week in the beautiful location of Portillo, Chile combined with lots of mileage on the slopes, the hospitality of a world class resort and the warmth and friendliness of the Chilean culture.  

          

     

     

     

  • Summer Ski Improvement Camp

    Summer Ski Improvement Camp

       

    NASTC – Portillo, Chile

    Ski Improvement Camp, August 16-24, 2013

    One week of skiing and coaching by PSIA National & Regional Team members
    Work on skiing fundamentals, technique and tactics to master the whole mountain
    Focus on specific skills & tactics for steeps and off-piste (powder) skiing

    Portillo is a world class private resort in the heart of the Andes
     and the number one destination for skiing in the southern hemisphere.

    Find fun, adventure and relaxation with NASTC in this South American winter paradise!

     Includes:  7 nights lodging, 4 meals/day, lift tickets, daily instruction in intimate groups of 6 or fewer, video reviews, tech talks, and roundtrip ground transportation from Santiago, a welcome cocktail reception and an abundance of amenities. Heli –skiing option. Tours in Santiago and the surrounding areas after the ski week are available. https://skinastc.com/all-courses/82

  • Looking for An Adult Summer Ski Camp?

    Looking for An Adult Summer Ski Camp?

    The North American Ski Training Center (NASTC) based here in Truckee, CA runs a weeklong adult ski training camp in Portillo,Chile.  NASTC brings the top ranked instructors from the U.S to coach the weeklong ski program.  The camp focuses on freeskiing skills and breaks down your technique to help you build a stronger skillset and overcome the proverbial plateau.  The camp’s theme is to improve one’s comfort on all types of conditions and terrain.  Groups are small and intimate which means lots of 1:1 coaching time with your trainer.  Portillo offers an endless supply of terrain including the ideal ski in/out setting.  Not to mention Portillo has a lot of inspiring history to draw from and its guests include businessmen from Brazil, music producers from New York, snow enthusiasts from Europe and North America and of course the U.S and Austrian ski teams.  For many reasons Portillo is the ideal training ground, its isolation way up in the Andes offers breathtaking views and almost bottomless powder, due to its expansive off-piste terrain, it’s hard not to get some fresh tracks after a storm. 

    This is most certainly not the ski camp your kids go to.  Meals involve gourmet creations from the hotel’s heavily lauded restaurant.  When you walk through the door at the end of the day you hand your skis and boots to a valet that stores them overnight for you.  There is a bar with live music every night as well as a nightclub if you have ambitions to dance till the sun rises.  A heated outdoor pool and hot tub where you can take in the spectacular sunset over the Inca Lake. 

    At the end of the week, not only will your skiing skills be stronger than ever but you will feel relaxed, rejuvenated and inspired, it’s all part of the magic of Portillo. 

    photo courtesy of Ski South America