North American Ski Training Center – Tahoe, CA

Tag: ski trips

  • PLENTY OF SNOW IN CHILE!

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    We are taking TWO group this year to Chile: Portillo August 15-22, and Corralco August 22-29. The snow gods have smiled and our folks (over 35 of them!) will have a blast shredding summer pow with Chris, Kurt, Kim, and Ben. With lots of alumni on board as usual for these special trips, the new folks are sure to see their way quickly to a super good time. Thank you to our gracious hosts at each resort ahead of time! We wish you all a safe, fun adventure next month. May the snow gods keep smiling.

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    NASTC’s summer climbing school has been going strong with wonderful groups and privates on the world-famous granite of Donner Summit. Our guides lead groups and individuals of every ability, level, and age through the fall – until it snows. Come join us! As one recent teenage girl said “of all the things I did during my week in Tahoe, climbing was the most satisfying and memorable. I can’t believe I did it! I’m normally afraid of heights! I went all the way, I found things to hold onto. My friends encouraged me and I DID IT!! The view at the top was so, so good. I will remember this forever.”

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    Attention all 2015-2016 skiers: watch for a list of awesome destinations this year: St Anton, Niseko, Big Sky, Aspen, and Squaw Valley. Keep your ears open for early season discounts as we line up our best year yet!

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    And to get ready, click this link for photos and video of the best DRYLAND TRAINING DRILLS! http://www.onthesnow.com/news/a/107241/u-s–ski-team-s-5-essential-ski-training-exercises

  • 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.
  • 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.”

     

  • 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.

  • A Great Article on Portillo

    Here is a great article that sums up the Portillo experience albeit it was written a few years ago.  The essence of what it is like to visit Portillo is difficult to capture as Portillo “hits” everyone differently.  http://www.everettpotter.com/2006/07/summer_skiing_i/

  • New Pics

    The Crested Butte slideshow is up.  Check out the pics of one of the coolest courses this season.

  • NASTC in Snowbird

    The NASTC group is assembling in Snowbird, skiers are arriving from both ends of the country. The NASTC Performance Skiing Camp will run starting tomorrow Jan 28 through Monday, January 31st.  Lead trainer is Richie Jameson, member of the Australian Demo Team.  Richie has just arrived back from representing Australia at the Interski symposium in St. Anton Austria.  The group will focus on developing the right moves and tactics for off-piste terrain and conditions.

  • Banzai Tour & NASTC Alpine Meadows Course

    Daron Rahlves’ Banzai Tour (sponsored by Sugar Bowl Resort) and the NASTC All Conditions/All Terrain course are both taking place at Alpine Meadows on January 23rd!  What a sweet “two for one” deal, an opportunity to get great coaching from the top instructors in the country, ski a great mountain and witness a one-of-a-kind event that incorporates the disciplines of big mountain skiing, downhill racing and skier-cross – guess that makes a “three for one” deal.   Alpine Meadows is the first stop of the Banzai Tour – which is a 4 person race through gates in off-piste terrain for a $10,000 prize purse.  The overall winner of the tour has the opportunity to win $50,000.  The legendary terrain of the Alpine Meadows’ Beaver Bowl presents a unique venue for Banzai competitors as it offers a lengthy run with lots of natural features to build a course through and make it exciting. Join us at the All Conditions/All Terrain at Alpine Meadows for three days of fun, excitement and great skiing and become inspired to push the limits of your skiing further by watching great skiers like Daron Rahlves navigate through challenging terrain pushing the boundaries of their own skiing. more>>

  • Tip for Skiing Heavy Snow: Clock Drill