Winter is upon us and for those of us who love mountain life, it’s time to prepare for the slopes. Getting ready for ski season is exciting and with El Niño predictions, the promise of powder calls us to Tahoe.
There are numerous ways to get ski bodies in shape for the season. Activities and workouts that focus on a combination of cardio, strength, flexibility and balance will help support skiers and boarders. There are also plenty of yoga studios in Tahoe and yoga improves flexibility and helps increase strength and endurance, which are excellent to prepare the body for skiing.
“An early season workshop can be beneficial for a fabulous winter of skiing and riding.”
It never hurts to sharpen one’s ski skills and there are numerous ski clinics and courses available in Tahoe. An early season workshop can be beneficial for a fabulous winter of skiing and riding.
In addition to ski lessons offered at most ski resorts throughout Tahoe, there are two companies that offer programs during the winter months to help improve downhill and back-country skills.
The North American Ski Training Center (NASTC) is a performance ski school offering multi-day, full immersion and adventure ski training clinics for intermediate through expert skiers. Based in Tahoe, NASTC offers all-mountain, free-skiing clinics all over the world. Its methodology towards ski improvement is based on a holistic approach that addresses fitness, equipment, skiing technique and tactics. Courses help skiers improve their functional movement, fitness, techniques and tactics on the hill to help people prepare for the upcoming winter ski season.
“Getting lots of mileage under the watchful tutelage of our high-caliber staff early on in the season ensures you’ll get the absolute most out of your skiing this year,” said NASTC co-founder and director Jenny Fellows. NASTC hosts a winter kick-start ski clinic that gets skiers back on the hill and ready to ski the rest of the season. | skinastc.com
Alpine Skills International (ASI) at Sugar Bowl Ski Resort offers one of the leading educational training programs in Tahoe. Renowned for its back-country educational courses and avalanche safety programs, ASI blends the best educational values with progressive techniques in skiing that are practiced by the most accomplished alpinists throughout the world.
Participants learn proper skills for skiers and riders to enable them to take the ski experience to the next level. ASI back-country courses teach important uphill, downhill techniques to enjoy alpine terrain.
“Before entering ski season, it is important to focus on cardio and strength fitness,” says Logan Talbott, ASI’s lead guide. “If people want to get serious and get the most from their winter season, you have to be proactive with your body. If you haven’t been hiking, climbing or riding all summer, fall is the time to develop flexibility and power in your legs.” Talbott also recommends activities like yoga that enhance balance. | alpineskills.com
There are also a number of ski resorts throughout Tahoe that offer clinics designed for women wanting to improve their skiing. These clinics support women in an environment to gain confidence and learn tactical tips to maximize their ski experience. In these clinics, women develop skills and techniques to enhance their skiing at any level. Check local resorts for a schedule of winter clinics.
In preparation for the ski season, don’t forget to check out the gear. Make sure to get skis or snowboards tuned, and check that boots and bindings are in good shape. Also check goggles and other accessories.
For information on the latest ski and snowboard clinics all season, visit TahoePowder.ski.
Summer skiing in Chile
NASTC offer two, weeklong courses each August in Chile at Corralco Ski Resort and Portillo Ski Resort. The ski camps address technique, fitness and equipment in a multi-day, ski-training program. NASTC also offers back-country tour options and heli-skiing in Portillo.
