If you're looking for an opportunity to experience XC soaring first
hand with the guidance of an instructor, I would strongly recommend
SoaringNV in Minden. They've got a really positive vibe going, great
people and top notch equipment. Hop a commercial flight to Reno and
book a few days with them in a Duo Discus. You'll get to experience
all of the aspects of XC flying with the security of someone that
knows the area, the hotspots, the landouts and the glider. You can
push your own decision making as far as you want, with a backup brain
sitting in the back seat to help when needed. It isn't the same as
when you're out on your own, but can be an excellent confidence
builder and very educational, not to mention that you can rack up
20-30hrs in less than a week of soaring the Sierra and the Great
Basin. It's also quite a bit closer and cheaper than flying down to
New Zealand to fly with GlideOmarama.com, but come winter, I'd
recommend that as well.

If you've already got some experience and want to spend a week
exploring your own limitations and learning then a sports class
contest can be a fantastic learning experience. It can be humbling,
but it gives you amazing feedback into your decisions that you don't
get flying more or less on your own.

Morgan