Ski training, instruction, adventure, backcountry skiing, trips, vacation, Lake Tahoe, California

NASTC WHISTLER-BLACKCOMB, BC, CANADA
Welcome to Whistler-Blackcomb - a wonderland of enchantment. From the moment you head out to Whistler from Vancouver to the Sea to Sky highway you will be spellbound. This picturesque distination is more than just a playground for the snow fanatics and apres ski bunnies, it's a great big mountain with some serious terrain. Whistler is an ideal early season distination as it has 550 acres of snowmaking and 2 glaciers. Consistently ranked as one of the Top 5 resorts, Whistler-Blackcomb totals over 8100 acres of skiable terrain and therefore there is definitely no shortage of variety. NASTC trainers will take you on Whistler-Blackcomb's notorious runs like "The Cirque," "Gunbarrel," "Stefan's" and "Peak to Creek" - one of the longest runs in North America. You many also luck out and visit some of the secret stashes that only long time locals know about. Whistler has a fantastic mix of off-piste terrain, groomed terrain, tree runs and long sustained steeps and makes this mountain one of the best places to start your season out. The action in Whistler-Blackcomb doesn't end on the slopes. Whistler Village is packed with an abundance of apres ski and nightlife locales, world class shopping and dining venues. Be sure to catch the "Fire and Ice Show" on Sunday nights at the base of the Whistler Gondola- the Longhorn Saloon is a great place to watch it from! Kick off your season with this exclusive NASTC adventure and be in top form for the remainder of the season. Trip dates: November 28 to December 6, 2008 Price: $3459 - double occupancy (upgrades are available) Includes: ground transportation, 8 nights lodging, 6 days of instruction, 7 days of lift tickets, breakfast daily, and 1 dinner Levels: 6-9 Equipment Suggestions: All mountain carver 50% Off Piste
Sample Daily Schedule: 7:30am - Stretching and Warm-up 8:15am - Breakfast - coffee, tea, cocoa and a delicious and hearty spread 9:00am - Head out to the lift and begin your on-hill ski training. 12:30pm - Lunch break at one of the many mid-mountain dining selections 1:30pm - Back out for more on-hill training and video session 3:30pm - Cool down and wrap up 4:00pm - Hit the apres ski scene or go back to the hotel 5:00pm - Video Review 6:30pm - Dinner Once you are at Whistler, you will not need a car as it is purely pedestrian village and almost everything is within walking distance. Shuttles will be provided by Perimeter Transportation to and from Vancouver to Whistler. Please be sure to arrive by 1:00pm.
"I never laughed so hard huring a day of skiing like I did on this trip" Jim, AK "I really enjoyed the instruction and the individual focus on each person's specific goals." Nancy, CA PACKING LIST: Alpine skis, boots, and poles Helmet (recommended, but not required) Several pairs of underwear & 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 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, facemask, and neck warmer Goggles and sunglasses w/leashes (2 pair goggles if you have them) Boot Dryer, Cat Tracks Evening clothes: pants, collared shirts, sweaters, shoes, sweats, slippers Toiletries, including sunscreen & chapstick with SPF, soap & shampoo, aspirin, body lotion All Optional: ski tuning equipment, day pack, water bottle, altimeter watch, camera, pen & notebook, alarm clock