North American Ski Training Center – Tahoe, CA

Tag: ski courses

  • 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.

  • NASTC News

    Portillo, Montana, Niseko, Kicking Horse, St Anton, Squaw…where will you ski this year?

    Adventure Skiing in the US, Europe, Japan, Canada, Chile, BACKCOUNTRY GUIDING, AVALANCHE SCHOOL
    Fall Rock Climbing Lessons on Donner Summit

    St Anton

    The Birthplace of Adventure Skiing

    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! Austria is a pipe dream destination for most skiers.  Alpine chalets among vast fields of powder, cozy mountain restaurants serving up the best Tyrolean cuisine, fluffy down comforters, and seemingly endless runs where every bend and dip reveals another mind blowing view…this is St. Anton.  Spend a week living the dream as NASTC coaches guide you an epic adventure skiing week, trust us its a huge change from your typical U.S. resort experience.
    ST ANTON/REQUEST AN ITINERARY

    THE PSIA-W SODERGREN SCHOLARSHIP

    Are you a PSIA/AASI ski instructor? Then consider applying for the Sodergren Scholarship and get part of your NASTC tuition paid for on any trip. Click the link below for more information about this great ski instructor scholarship. Mike and Mariam Sodergren were were killed in a landslide in Thredbo, Australia in 1997. Mike and Mim were beloved and respected instructors, educators and motivators and spent more than 30 back-to-back winter seasons.
    APPLY TODAY!

    ONE CLICK RESERVATION:
    AVALANCHE CLASSES
    The AIARE Level 1 is an extremely popular course with schools all over now offering it. NASTC is the 2nd oldest AIARE avalanche school in Truckee. This course is a comprehensive, entry-level avalanche class designed for those with basic ski/snowboard touring experience. You should be an intermediate skier/rider at least, but there are no other prerequisites to take this course. Everyone should take this before heading out into the backcountry.

    All of our avalanche courses are based on the American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education (AIARE) program curriculum. AIARE is the country’s foremost authority on avalanche education. Based at the beautiful Cedar House Sport Hotel, our professional instructors and guides lead you through the classroom portion of the curriculum and then head to the field, where we spend a significant amount of time with hands-on learning, instruction, scenarios, and step by step decision-making.
    LEARN MORE/REGISTER FOR AN AVY CLASS

    SKI BIG SKY COUNTRY
    Kick off your ski season right with lots of vertical led by our top instructors…and no crowds! In Big Sky, you will discover a skiing spirit as wild and huge as the terrain. This is big mountain skiing at its best, you will be inspired and challenged during your days here. Big Sky is an ideal mountain to stretch your limits and build strong off-piste skiing skills. You’ll strengthen your skill blending, tactics, work on line choice, and get lots of mileage as well. Big Sky has some of the most skiing acreage in the country. And you’ll be charmed by the base village’s authentic and friendly western vibe and down to earth attitude.
    LEARN MORE + BIG SKY ITINERARY

    HOW ABOUT A WEEK IN KICKING HORSE BRITISH COLUMBIA?
    The dream trip and ski clinic for every serious skier and powderhound! Kickinghorse is one of those destinations that is talked about in hushed whispers because those that have been there can’t contain their excitement, yet don’t want to spread the word too far! This resort is one of British Columbia’s true skiing gems, typically off the beaten path for most skiers the area has successfully preserved the true essence of what draws skiers to the sport and to the mountains. This camp will focus on steep skiing skills and powder snow tactics. If you want to learn how to charge down technical slopes and ski big aprons of powder this is your ideal course.

    You will stay in a beautiful home at the base of the resort, a short walk to the lift. Wake up to the smell of coffee brewing and the beautiful views of the resort and the surrounding mountains. After working on your skiing and exploring the amazing terrain at Kicking Horse, you will end the day back at the house: watch your skiing footage while enjoying a warming and delicious apres ski snack. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and the apres ski are catered by a private chef.
    LEARN MORE + KICKING HORSE ITINERARY

    SKI NEWS:
    MARCEL HIRSCHER RETIRES
    On Sept 4, the ski world saw perhaps the greatest ski racer ever, Austrian Marcel Hirscher, retire after the technical specialist’s unprecedented success during 12 years on the World Cup circuit. He had six season titles in each of the slalom and giant slalom disciplines. He’s one of the most dominant athletes of his generation, up there with Steph Curry, Megan Rapinoe, Simone Biles, Rafael Nadal, and Sidney Crosby.

    He won 67 World Cup races in all to sit third on the all-time list behind Lindsey Vonn (82) and Ingemar Stenmark (86). Mikaela Schiffrin is closing in on Hirscher’s tally, with 60 wins ahead of the new season, which starts in Solden, Austria in October.
    Hirscher also won seven world titles in various disciplines plus two gold medals in the 2018 Olympics in South Korea. He won a silver in Sochi in 2014.
    WATCH: VONN/SCHIFFRIN TRIBUTES TO HIRSCHER

    AUTUMN CLIMBING ON DONNER SUMMIT
    Autumn is perhaps the BEST time to climb Donner Pass in Truckee! We offer beginner through expert climbing technique coaching, crack climbing, anchor building, self-rescue, lead climbing, multi-pitch, and more. And if you just want to get out with a family member who is neither the same skill nor fitness level, a day on the rock lends itself to that. We can cater a private to different abilities!

    Its a perfect experience for a family or group of friends to share together, regardless of previous experience, ability levels, fitness levels, or varying relationships to heights.

    Privates or small group lessons are a great way to zero in on you, and precisely what you need to improve on! Fun for wedding or birthday parties, office bonding, corporate meeting, reunions, etc. Group dynamics and teamwork are great things to work out on the rock, facilitated by our expert guides.

    Please call/text 530-386-2102 or email [email protected] to book your autumn rock climbing lesson (we offer climbing lessons til it snows)!

    Half-day Lesson:

    1 person: $350
    2 people: $220PP
    3 people: $160PP
    4 people: $140PP
    5 or more: $125PP

    Full-day Lesson:
    1 person: $545
    2 people: $265PP
    3 or more $195PP

    Two-hour Lesson:

    1-person: $185
    2-people: $130PP
    3-people: $100PP

     
    LEARN MORE + MAKE A RESERVATION
    AN EASY CHOICE FOR PARING DOWN YOUR TRAVEL SKI QUIVER

    Last spring I was able to demo several pairs of skis, one in particular that I really enjoyed and found to be a welcome improvement was the Rossignol Experience 94 TI. There have been some upgrades in the Rossignol Experience line. My first impressions were that the ski continued to have great edge grip in firm conditions but was easier to enter into turns and release more gradually out of the turn. Because of the early taper in the tip and progressive side cut the ski performed well in varied terrain and conditions. But the thing that stood out most to me was how consistent and non-jumpy the ski felt in variable snow.  I found a bigger sweet spot and a forgiving feel allowing me to increase my speed without the ski feeling nervous or jumpy.  This is due to a new technology built into the ski called Line Control Technology (LCT) where the metal is tipped on its side and sandwiched by two layers of rubber running down the middle of the ski. Check out this video by Rossignol about the new technology

    The LCT created a very secure and consistent feel as the ski moved through challenging and inconsistent terrain with ease. The new technology has changed the characteristics of the top end Rossignol Experience ski and made it far more versatile while maintaining its solid under foot feel for carving on firm snow. The Experience 88 is still a solid performer and speaks to my traditional roots with its shape and stiffness, however when looking to pare down my travel quiver the Experience 94 TI is on my mind. I highly recommend this ski for those looking to narrow their quiver down, especially when traveling to those exotic locations where a huge ski bag is less than optimal.  –Chris

    Thank you for reading! Chris and Jenny Fellows and the NASTC Family
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    Contact: 
    PO Box 9119 Truckee CA 96162
    (530) 386-2102
    [email protected]

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  • 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.

  • 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

  • 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.

    alt

    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

  • 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.

  • Daydreaming about Portillo……..

    Counting down the days till we are in sunny and snowy Portillo.  That place is so much fun, it’s a wonderland for skiers.  If you like to ski and you like to have fun, this is where you need to go this summer.  We can hardly wait to ski under the brilliant blue Andean sky, miles and miles of terrain infront of us with the breathtaking Lago del Inca as a backdrop.  The skiing at Portillo is just downright fun, there is a level of challenge for everyone.  Even the thought of riding up the Rocajack or Cara Cara lifts make you want to chuckle.  Then there is the delicious food and of course dessert.  Portillo has some of the best ice cream around in unique delicious flavors like, Lucuma, Maracuja, Chirimoya, and Manjar.  And there is the ‘mil hojas’ cake that is sooo good.  It’s a good thing we ski everyday otherwise we’d be in trouble.  One of the fun things to do is hit the bar after dinner, when the band starts playing and watch the place go off.  If the band is particularly good, you will get people dancing on the tables, the windows will steam up and it’s a good time whether you jumping in on the action or just watching it.  Then there is the disco, which can be hit or miss, it kinda depends on the crowd.  Don’t miss out on La Posada if you want to an authentic cultural experience.  The bbq’s in the Posada are always a great way to start the night.  Everyone’s favorite spot is Tio Bob’s.  What is there to not love about this place.  When the sun is out, you can sit outside and take in the phenomenal view.  The salads up there are the best!  The best part about Portillo……the people!  Everyone is so friendly and you get to meet some of the nicest and coolest people.  You don’t miss summer one bit while you are there, if you do, just head down to the pool (it’s heated) or hot tub with a beverage and you’ll forget just about everything.  C-H-I….Chi L-E….Le, chi, chi, chi, le, le, le VIVA CHILE!