Frequently Asked Questions

Who takes NASTC clinics?
Intermediate to expert skiers who would like to get off that plateau and move to the next level. Skiers who do not want just a “quick fix”, but be fully immersed in NASTC’s all mountain performance skiing system.

What does a sample day at a NASTC course look like?
8:30am: Meet over coffee and muffins to discuss the day’s goals
9:00: On the snow with your trainers, ski a few runs to loosen up your legs and work on some basic skills
9:30-12: Improve your skiing level via a step-by-step approach we have been promoting for 12 years. Intensive immersion, drills and exercises, terrain exploration, and repeated movement patters. Lots of mileage on your skis.
Noon: Break for lunch together on the mountain
Afternoon: go back out skiing and continue to work on various ski techniques geared towards your skiing ability and towards bringing you up a level so you can comfortably get off that plateau.
4:30pm: Group indoor session: fitness, ski equipment, ski technique, and various other issues to that can improve your skiing. This goes well with apres-ski snacks and beverages of any sort.
7:00: Enjoy a fun dinner at a fine restaurant with a great group of people.
9:30: Go to bed to rest up so you can get up and do it all again. Only this time you will ski stronger on even more terrain!

How do I rate my skiing level?
Level 6: Ski groomed blue and some black trails, usually with parallel turns
Level 7: Ski groomed blue and most black trails with confidence, but steep terrain or bumps are a challenge
Level 8: Ski black diamond terrain and can handle most steeps and bumps
Level 9: An expert skier: can ski most anything, but would like to polish it up
Level 10: Certified instructor level

Will I be the only one who has never skied with NASTC before?
No. We have a lot of returning clients, but we also have new clients in every course. On average, about one third to one half of any course is new.

Will we be standing around listening to the instructor talk?
No. Your instructor will be giving you ski tips and different skiing drills as you go down the mountain. There is a lot of skiing involved throughout the day, not too much standing around.

How much skiing will we be doing?
A lot, all day for multiple days! But you can go in any time you’re tired. Its your ski training vacation, so we encourage you to “take what you want and leave the rest.”

Will there be other single people there?
Many NASTC clients come alone. They may be single, or they’ve left their spouses at home. We also have couples enroll in all of our courses, especially the international ones. Our clients are fun-loving, like-minded, adventurous souls committed to truly improving their skiing in the best program available from the best pros.

Will there be other couples there?
There might be 1 or 2 couples at a course. Mostly there will be just a fun group of skiers and NASTC staff.

How do I reserve my spot?
We ask for a 50% deposit to reserve your spot. The remaining balance is due 30 days prior to course for domestic and 60 days prior for international courses.

What if there is not enough snow?
If the resort is open, we will run the course. If it is closed for lack of snow, we will credit or refund you.

What if the mountain is closed because of a massive storm or I can’t get there because of a road closure? We handle those situations on a case-by-case basis. Let’s face it, we are in the mountains and they are the gods, the decision-makers.

I am a vegetarian, is that a problem?
No. When we plan the dinners, we always offer a vegetarian dish. Please let us know ahead of time to be sure that any other meals that might be included will include a vegetarian menu.

How do you split up the groups?
We keep the groups small and split the groups up according to your level of skiing. We don’t do a “ski-off,” where you have to ski down to us alone in front of others on your first or second run. We generally have a good idea before we even hit the snow, then take a couple group runs, and divide up from there.

When is it going to snow?
After you think very hard about snow and skiing and do a little snow dance, hopefully it will snow.

If I am not in very good shape, can I still join?
Yes. Part of the NASTC all mountain performance skiing system is fitness. NASTC believes that being in good shape is key to improving your skiing. We would recommend you start with a shorter NASTC course and try to get into a workout routine. In our tech talks, we talk about fitness and we can help you dial in the best plan for you via a Functional Movement Screening by the Center for Health and Sports Performance, plus the Dryland Training Course. Our website also offers a lot of suggestions and video dryland training tips.

Do I have the right equipment?
Good equipment can make a difference in your skiing. Your boots should fit you correctly, so we would recommend going to a good boot fitter, like Jim Shaffner at the Start Haus in Truckee, CA, www.starthaus.com. Having a modern ski that is suitable to your skiing ability will help too. NASTC has some Fischer demo fleet of skis to try at any Tahoe, CA course. Just ask about the skis when you sign up.

Where do I get travel insurance?
Not many of our students buy it, but if you are interested here are some recommendations for trip insurance:
- Go through your own travel agency
- Insura America 1-800-826-2530
- AAA 1-800-922-8228
- Mutual of Omaha www.mutualofomaha.com
- Travelers Insurance www.travelers.com
- Travel ES - Phil Winton: 602-274-7799
- Travel Guard Travel Insurance. www.travelguard.com

What is your cancellation policy?
If you have to cancel for any reason (including medical), we require written notice in our office 30 days in advance for domestic or 60 days in advance for international of the first day of the course. With 30 days or more (60 days for international) notice we can refund your payment minus 10% for administrative costs. Once we are within 14 days (60 days for international) 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.