North American Ski Training Center – Tahoe, CA

Tag: Squaw Valley

  • 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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  • JUMPSTARTS KICK OFF SEASON AT BIG SKY AND SQUAW

    NASTC SQUAW GROUP SELFIE 2018

    Thank you to our Jumpstart Group this week! Our 23rd annual early season camp! (YES we’ve been around a LONG time!) Coaches Richie Jameson and Tom Murphy led 8 students to better early season skiing on GREAT conditions at Squaw Valley Dec 9-10, 2018.  Thank you to alum student and welcome new ones to the NASTC Family!

  • 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.

  • What is NASTC

  • AMGEN Tour of California

    We were so excited to get front row seats to one of the most spectacular and prestigious cycling races – The AMGEN Tour of California.  It is considered cycling’s most important and successful stage race in the United States, and one of the most anticipated professional cycling races in the world.  This was the first time the tour has come to Lake Tahoe, the course changes every year and Lake Tahoe was added to this year’s event to increase the degree of difficulty and is to date the most challenging course that the tour has had. 

    The first stage of the tour included a start in South Shore followed by 1.5 laps around the lake and ending in Northstar.  Stage 2 was to start at Squaw Valley and end in Sacramento.  The Lake Tahoe community pulled out all the stops to welcome the tour, its athletes and spectators.  Unfortunately, the weather did not cooperate.  After a week of balmy temperatures and lots of sunshine, there was a sudden spike in the temperatures and snowfall prevented the race from starting at either of its two Lake Tahoe locations.  There was much debate amongst officials of the tour as to whether the race should be cancelled, but the unpredictable weather this weekend posed a great risk to the riders’ safety.  AMGEN Tour of California officials said that Lake Tahoe would be considered again as one of the cities of the tour.  Let’s hope next time Mother Nature or Father Winter (whichever one is responsible ) doesn’t decide to rain (snow) on our parade.

  • Freeski Training Center in La Parva, Chile

    From The Ski Channel: http://www.theskichannel.com/news/skinews/20110414/World-class-freeski-training-center-to-be-built-in-La-Parva-Chile

    “With the latest announcement from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) approving men’s and women’s Ski Halfpipe for the 2014 Olympics, La Parva is on the forefront of building the ultimate training facility to be ready June 2012. 

    It’s location in the heart of the Andes mountains and provides excellent snow conditions from June through October, creating an ideal off season training destination for Northern Hemisphere athletes. The resort has begun the process with the addition of the new high speed “Fabres” chairlift that gives access to five new on piste runs and will be fully operational by 2012. This sector is the prospective location for the new halfpipe and freestyle training area.

    In addition to on snow training facilities La Parva expects to build an exclusive “Athlete Lodge,” that encompasses all aspects and needs of today’s elite athletes. Dry land training area, media rooms where teams can review footage of training runs, and cafeterias for team meals. This facility will be a complete on and off snow destination where teams can harness the skills they need to be the best in their sport.”

    It is great that the South American resorts are stepping up and starting to stake a bigger claim in the snowsports industry.  An investment of this sort is also proof of the growing global popularity of skiing and snowboarding.  Events like the X-games and Olympics are offering these sports and athletes some global exposure.  It is also making skiing and snowboarding more attractive to younger generations as it provides them with an outlet for creative expression. 

  • Winter season wind down

    The sun sits higher in the sky, the air is warmer, birds are chirping and the snow around town is melting really fast.  These are all the signs that Spring is definitely here and Winter is on its way out.  In previous years, most people would already start wearing flip flops and shorts but this year Mother Nature is keeping us guessing.  One day it’s sunny and warm and the next day looks and feels like a mid-winter storm.  After a delightful winter season filled with almost innumerable powder days, most people are exhausted with skiing.  It’s understandable when the Spring temps climb and the snow gets extremely mushy by 1:00pm, the idea of sweeping off the deck and firing the barbecue is more inviting then fighting that stop and go feeling when you’re skiing the afternoon slush.  Though, a day spent with good friends and great snow conditions can re-energize one’s mind toward skiing. Spring is a great time to reel things in and focus on your technique and spend some time re-working those basic skiing fundamentals.  There is hardly anyone out there and you are no longer charging for those big lines like you did when there was pow on the ground which gives you more time, patience and focus.   You don’t need to spend the whole day out there  just a few hours is all you need.  If you are wondering how to afford skiing a few hours – take advantage of the Spring pass deals that the resorts are offering.  Alpine Meadows has one of the greatest deal $99 Spring pass followed by Squaw Valley with a $199 Spring pass.   We are lucky this season to have such a solid snowpack that the conditions on the slopes are excellent, there are no melt through spots, rocks are still covered by the 500 inches of snow that sit on top of them.  Sometimes Spring skiing can be depressing because all the brown spots start appearing and the run keep shrinking but not this year.  Take advantage of the warm weather and the great snow to get some focused practice in before you hang your skis up for the summer.

  • 2011 Western Regional Team

    Congratulations to the following NASTC trainers for making the 2011 Western Regional Team: Mike Costello, Elianne Furtney, Heidi Ettlinger, Kim Mann and  Mark Palamaras.  These individuals will train together as a team in preparation for the 2012 PSIA National Alpine Team Tryouts.  They represent the best of the Western Division.