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There’s no better place for summer skiing than Portillo.

Portillo is South America’s premiere ski resort, famous for its majestic setting and deep snow. Once you go, you’ll never want to leave. NASTC will be celebrating its 20th season at Portillo. There is a reason we keep going back to this friendly, exclusive and exhilarating resort. Ski down to the glacier-blue Inca Lake or traverse into huge bowls amidst 15,000ft Andean peaks. With 14 lifts, 23 runs and all the snow of a maritime range, Portillo is home to big mountain extremists, world-class racers and everyday carvers; but amidst the social atmosphere of the living room and the late night disco, everyone is equal.

This is one of our favorite courses as Portillo is unlike any other resort in the world. Its majestic Andean setting is weaved amongst Incan folklore and the ultimate in skiing culture and history. The incredible setting and atmosphere of Portillo will lift your soul and capture your heart. Portillo offers its guests world class skiing, dining and lodging. Gastronomy and hospitality are held to the highest standards and the terrain is legendary. Portillo has its own gymnasium, fitness gym, swimming pool, spa, movie theatre and nightclub. You don’t have to leave this Andean paradise for anything; Portillo has it all, in fact you may never want to leave. At Portillo, you become part of the family. You will encounter great camaraderie during your stay and can expect to make lifelong friends as you live, laugh and ski side by side in this Andean treasure.

The NASTC ski training camp addresses the three major components to successful skiing performance: technique, fitness, and equipment. By addressing all 3 components in a full immersion multi-day ski training program you will make substantial improvements to your skiing. The NASTC staff is comprised of the top ski instructors in the United States, members of the PSIA National Alpine Team and the teachers of teachers. Your skiing will improve in a safe, fun, and highly professional way under their watchful eyes. You will ski in small groups with the same instructor all day, all week. Backcountry tour options exist, as does group helicopter skiing. This is the ultimate ski vacation: a superb mountain, fun-loving people, delicious food, fine wine and a beautiful hotel. You are sure to improve, make new friends, and enjoy yourself. Portillo is everyone’s paradise!

Below is a general itinerary for our trip. This schedule may change slightly based on the group, the weather, etc. We will send you an updated itinerary prior to departure. Additionally you will find below suggested equipment and clothing lists. You do not need a visa with an American passport, but you must have a valid passport to travel to Chile – your passport cannot expire within 6 months after your trip. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call us anytime.

ITINERARY

Friday, Aug 14 – Depart from the US (we are able to get relatively inexpensive tickets, let us know if you would like us to book your airfare for you), connections are usually out of Dallas, Atlanta and Miami.

Saturday , Aug 15 – Arrive Santiago approx. 7:30am-8:00am, clear immigration and customs, van departure for Portillo approx. 8:45am. Arrive at Portillo 11:00am-12:00pm, have lunch (optional), pick up lift passes & ski in the afternoon. (this is an easy afternoon as we know you’ll be a bit tired!)

(August 13-20, 2016) Ski Portillo all day every day. Lodging and meals at the beautiful Hotel Portillo, “Onces” Chilean afternoon tea hour, afternoon clinics, video reviews and enjoying the hotel activities and ameniities: Gym, ping pong, aerobics, swimming pool, sauna, massage, bar & disco at the hotel

Sunday, August 16 – Orientation to the mountain/Warm into skiing. Basic skills: stance and balance, drills & exercises. Fundamentals of good skiing. Baseline Video & video review. Pisco Sour welcome reception

Monday, August 17 – Explore the mountain, skill development. Anatomy of the turn, components of adv. skiing, video. Individual feedback. Evening Tech Talk & Video Review

Tuesday, August 18 – Situational skiing (bumps, crud, steeps, powder, etc.) Focus on short turn topics: rotary, edge, pressure as they apply to the short turn. Exploring the mountain for challenging conditions. Individual feedback

Wenesday, August 19 – Free ski day on your own, helicopter skiing or backcountry option (book early).

Thursday, August 20 – Exploring the off-piste: Tactical skiing in the bumps/steeps/crud, drills and exercises for developing off-piste tactics. Video in the off-piste. Personal coaching feedback on free skiing. Video review.

Friday, August 21 – Consolidating your improvement: Feedback on and off-piste and personal drills to use. Free skiing/personal coaching. Wrap-up

Saturday, August 22 – 1/2 day skiing: group’s choice for topic/free-ski option. Depart Portillo for Airport after skiing & lunch. Flights usually depart Santiago airport between 8:30-10:00pm.

Sunday, August 23 – Arrive back in the U.S

*Helicopter skiing is available on Wed (not incl).