NASTC, an acronym for North American Ski Training Center, is a Tahoe based organization which has been operating for upwards of 19 years.  We at Granite Chief recently sat down with one of the co-founders, Jenny Fellows, to find out more about what they do as an organization.

Introduction

NASTC prides themselves as being an independent adventure ski school, offering everything from private ski clinics to group adventures to backcountry skill development courses.  Their clinics are held at premiere resorts around the country as well as the world, and you can rest assured you’ll be receiving the highest level of training.  All clinics are taught by either current or ex Ski Team/Demo Team members.

Climbing on Donner Summit

While NASTC is a ski based organization, they also have a solid climbing program off of Donner Summit. Sitting down with Fellows, we learned that they are one of only two permit holders for commercial climbing off the summit.  Throughout the summer they offer private and group lessons from highly trained professionals.

The lack of commercial climbing permits helps to ensure that you are receiving the best training in an open and independent environment.  Devoid of the crowds you will find in other clinics, the small number of permit holders also helps maintain the land of our beloved Tahoe Basin.  Being one of only two permit holders is testament to the quality of NASTC's training... you can rest assured you aren't joining a low end capital-driven training camp.

Family lessons are available for all ability levels, in addition to corporate groups up for a weekend vacation, school classes, and walk-ins.  All types of groups are welcome and will be fully accommodated.

To maintain that personal touch while climbing, group sizes are kept small.  At NASTC they implement a 4:1 ratio of guides/instructors to clients to maintain safety and keep that personalized, learning enriched experience.

Summer Skiing

In addition to their climbing permits on Donner Summit, NASTC also hosts a summer ski camp out of Portillo, Chile.  For 18 years they have been heading down to South America to harvest some pow, develop technical skills, and have a great time.

Their trip takes place around the 3rd week in August.  It’s a 10 day camp consisting of 20-25 skiers, broken into 4 groups (making for approximately a 6:1 ratio of clients to guides), and there is an average return ration of 80% (testament to the quality of the experience).

The camp has a technical basis, with sidecountry and off-piste ventures being a daily occurrence.  An optional backcountry tour is also available in the middle of the camp and on Wednesday if clients so desire they can take advantage of a day of heliskiing with one of their guides/instructors.

If you’d like to find out more about all that NASTC has to offer you can visit their site at http://www.skinastc.com/.