Raising The Bar
Mar 24, 2007 By
We're just finishing a romp down Squaw Valley's Mountain Run and NASTC clinic leader Kemp Dowdy is all smiles. For three miles we've been chasing his tracks from the top of Siberia Ridge down the mountain to the bottom of KT-22. Early morning snow conditions had been bulletproof, but by 11 o'clock the snow had softened allowing for more edging confidence.
Kemp, a PSIA Level 3 instructor and four-year veteran of North American Ski Training Center (NASTC) clinics has a contagious energy and laugh. Following him around Squaw Valley's mountain makes you feel like a kid again. You're actually chuckling, whether at yourself being humbled or at his funny antics. All his exercises make a point, no matter how seemingly goofy, but after the three-hour morning session of non-stop lesson you find yourself full of newfound self-esteem and carving expertise.
NASTC raises the bar of one's skiing level. Founded in 1994 by Chris and Jenny Fellows, NASTC goes around North America and the world in search of adventure and the perfect turn. The adventure ski school offers 25 courses at 18 locations. Although this All Condition/All terrain clinic isn't set within the Tyrolean Alps, South America