Vivid Snowboarding Instructor Training
Vivid Snowboarding Instructor Training
Come join one of our snowboard instructor training courses. We run our courses in some of the very best resorts in the world. We deliver the majority of our programs in the Valais region of Switzerland.
Our main winter course runs in our home resort of Verbier, Switzerland. The Autumn course takes place in Saas Fee, Switzerland. Check out our Swiss courses here SWITZERLAND
You will have training by current members of the BASI Snowboard training team as well as BASI Level 4 instructors. The quality of the coaching is second to none in the industry. All coaches are exceptional in making the course an experience to remember.
The goal when delivering our instructor training course is to make individuals who are super confident in their ability to teach and coach all over the mountain while ripping on their boards in all types of terrain. For those who fit the criteria we have potential instructing work in Verbier with Vivid Snowboarding.
For anyone who joins one of our courses we also offer equipment deals with Burton Snowboards and Spektrum eyewear. Check out Burton snowboards here LINK
Our Winter 2021 - 2022 course in Verbier, Switzerland was a huge success. We had a great pass rate on both the BASI level one and level two exams. Two of the students gained employment from mid February until the end of the winter season.
The next course will be starting in Saas Fee, Switzerland on the 26th September. The course will run for nine weeks and will finish on the 25th November in time for the start of the Northern hemisphere winter.
Please get in contact for more details.
The Verbier Snowboarding School
The Verbier Snowboarding School
Come join us this winter for all your snowboarding needs in Verbier and the surrounding mountains.
Here at Vivid Snowboarding, We offer the very best snowboard teaching, coaching and guiding in Verbier and beyond. If you are a day one beginner looking to progress those all important first turns or a seasoned expert then we have the right sessions for you.
Here are the lessons types we offer here at Vivid Snowboarding:
- Private
- Freeride and Split boarding
- Freestyle
- Group
- Kids
For more details on each product listed please check out more information LESSON DETAILS
Here at Vivid Snowboarding we also offer numerous camps and clinics for all styles of rider. Please check them out here:
- Freeride weeks
- Freestyle camps
- Avalanche safety course
- Heli Riding
- Summer shredding
- Girls Shred
- Freeride clinic weekends
- Online coaching
Please check out more details here on our site PRODUCTS
Vivid Snowboarding; The Verbier Snowboarding school offers the best professional instructor training courses on the market. These programs are designed to you qualified with your snowboard instructors license ready to go out and teach in the industry. We currently have 3 courses out there in the following destinations:
- Saas Fee, Switzerland during the Autumn ( Check out the resort of Saas Fee SAAS )
- Verbier, Switzerland during the Winter
- Myoko, Japan during the Winter ( Our Japan course is currently on hold because of Covid restrictions )
Our instructor training course will not only get you qualified but its designed to take your riding to that next level.
For more information on any of our products or you would like to book up a session please get in contact, we look forward to hearing from you.
Snowboarding lessons worth it?
Are snowboarding lessons worth it? This blog will lay out the advantages of taking a snowboard instructor, coach or guide.
Here are the biggest advantages:
- Its not all about technique but its important - A good instructor will have you standing with proper alignment on your snowboard. This will in turn allow for correct steering. Bad habits will be avoided and progression will be maximised. At a beginner level you will learn the correct foundation to then grow as a rider. As a more advanced rider you will be challenged and progression will be faster. Check out all our lesson and session options here LESSONS
- Safety - A local professional will always know the mountain. You will be guided to where conditions are the best and safest on any given day. They will often choose the best lifts with least amount of people. Instructors will also be able to provide that insider knowledge of the mountain. It's finding those secret spots and hidden gems which is important.
- Conditions - finding the best snow and conditions and being able to match the ability of the rider with the correct terrain type. Your instructor will be up to date with weather conditions and avalanche risk. keep an eye on the weather via the following site WEATHER
- Secret spots - Your instructor will be able to find those hidden gems on the mountain. When it snows 10cm - 15cm and your instructor knows just the spot to get awesome face shots and not touch anything underneath.
- Equipment - Hire shops can often over look the proper set up of the board, boots and bindings. A good instructor will set your equipment up so it it tailor made for each individual. Everyones weight and shape is different. This has to be reflected in how the equipment is set up.
Summer Session 2021
Summer session 2021
Summer session 2021 managed to go ahead in early August. Travel restrictions meant a fair few people were unable to attend due to impossible quarantine times etc
The early summer period had seen a few closed days due to adverse weather conditions. However, the week we had was fine. Both the park and slopes were in great conditions for the duration of the session. Warm summer temperatures had conditions just perfect in the snow park by about 10am each morning.
You can Check out the daily conditions on the glacier here : WEATHER
The progression from everyone involved was immense. 50/50 tricks turned into frontside board slides and switch ups. 180's got turned up to 360's. The mountain would close between 1pm and 2pm each day when we would head for some late lunch and light refreshment at mid station.
By late afternoon everyone was ready for a snooze and recharge before a tasty pizza in Cervinia in the Evening. Cervinia has some of the finest Pizza restaurants around so there was plenty of choice establishments to get a fine slice from.
If you are interested in joining us for our summer session in 2022 then please don't hesitate to touch. We look forward to hearing from you.
Check out our summer session page here : CERVINIA
BOOT REVIEW : BURTON ION
BOOT REVIEW: BURTON ION
One of the top boots in the Burton range the Burton Ion can do it all. A go to boot for someone who wants unmeasured support and comfort. This boot handle everything on the mountain. From steep and gnarly to park and pipe laps this will have you snug and secure when you need it most.
The boot is classed as being stiff but this allows the boot to mould to your foot. The stiffness gives the boot longevity and a life span that other boots do not offer.
The Burton Ion is a team favourite here at Vivid Snowboarding. Check out what the team ride here VIVID
The boots have an awesome Re bounce cushioning system. The materials within the inner lining acts in a manner that keeps the heat in and allows the feet to stay warm and toasty even on the coldest of days.
The Burton Ion comes in a few different lacing options. It really comes down to personal choice as to which system you want to tackle. You can opt for the speed zone lacing system, the fast and effective Boa system and for winter 2020- 2021 the Ion boot is now available for the Step on system.
The boot comes in a few different colours to keep the style conscious among us happy. This winter the boot comes in black, white or holographic
For all the boots that Burton offer check out there range online BURTON
Verbier Spot Check: Savoleyres.
Verbier Spot Check: Savoleyres
Situated on the opposite side of the valley to the Verbier mountain, Savoleyres has some awesome terrain. Not offering the same steepness as the Verbier mountain but packs a solid punch with user friendly off-piste. A good option on bad weather days. Savoleyres has an abundance of trees and features which really help to maintain the ability to see when the weather is bad.
Check your forecast here VIVID
The slopes meander down both sides of the Savoleyres mountain. On the north facing side the slopes drop down to La Tzoumaz. On the south facing side there are piste and tracks that lead back to Verbier, you can find off-piste routes down to the gondola station or to Marlenaz which is an awesome Swiss style restaurant. Access from the Verbier side is from the lift station next to Chalet Adrian. If you jump on any bus in resort then this will go past the lift station. The gondola itself is in need of a revamp which is due to happen soon. The lift does however hold a certain charm as you feel like you are taken back in time to shredding in the mid 80's
Savoleyres holds some awesome views. The mountains of Verbier always look incredibly steep and gnarly and the valley floor is a real mix rivers, fields, woods and towns which spread out along the Rhone Valley. The beautiful mountain of Pierre Avoi looms over the area and is an incredible sight.
The Mountain has a few places to eat which range from a converted cow shed to a swanky members only restaurant and everything in between.
When riding back to the Verbier side of the mountain be aware of the avalanche danger from the mountains above. If closed please don't ride the track.
If you are looking to explore all the delights on offer in Savoleyres then why not take a guide VIVID
The BASI Snowboard Qualification.
The BASI Snowboard Qualification is one of the most respected in the industry. The qualification pathway or system has 4 levels.
The BASI Snowboard Qualification:
Level one:
- Snowboard level 1 course which is five days on snow
- Child protection module
- 35 hours Snowsport school experience
- First-Aid course
Level two:
- Snowboard level 2 course which is 10 days on snow
- 35 hours Snowsport School experience
Level 3:
- Snowboard level 3 teaching course which is five days
- Snowboard level 3 technical course which is five days
- Second discipline level 1 course which is five days
- Level 3 mountain safety course which is a total of six days on the mountain
- Second language test
- BASI Coaching course which is five days.
- Written project on a chosen subject area.
- Interview with BASI
At level 3 and level 2 there is also the option to take part in optional technical training that can understand the technical requirements and improve overall skills.
Level 4:
- Level 4 EMS Training course ( 4 days )
- 6 logged days touring
- level 4 EMS Assessment course ( 3 days )
- BASI coaching course ( 5 days )
- FIS competition
The training for each level can be done with us here at Vivid Snowboarding BASI
All our coaches have their level 4 qualification and we have a current BASI trainer who delivers the exams. All have a huge knowledge of the product which enables us to teach and coach the ins and outs of what is required at each level. Having worked closely with BASI Snowboarding for the last 16 years around the world we've managed to network and produce great contacts for employment for some of our clients.
Check out our Autumn instructor training camp home in Saas Fee
For more information on BASI Snowboarding please don't hesitate to get in touch.
Five tips for riding the mountains on bad weather days:
Five tips for riding the mountains on bad weather days:
1.Their are dangers attached with being a fair weather rider. Flat light days can be some of the most rewarding days on the mountain and can be hugely beneficial for your overall technical game. As your main sense of vision is reduced your other senses will play more of a key role. You will ride more through touch and feel. This is great for overall board control and to up your skill level.
2.Correct eyewear is essential on flat light days. Here at Vivid Snowboarding we use Spektrum goggles which produce the very best goggles in the world. Check out their range SPEKTRUM GOGGLES . We would suggest a yellow, orange or pink lens which will help enhance your visibility.
3.Terrain choice is vital. Don't head for the highest peaks in the resort. Stay low and in the forests. The trees will help with definition of the mountain on a flat light day.
4.Local knowledge is everything so it is worth taking an instructor, guide or coach to take you to the best spots on the mountain. If you are looking to specifically work on an area of your own performance. It might be worth a few hours with an instructor slowing you're riding down and learning a new skill. Check out our lesson optionsVivid Snowboard Sessions
5.Always keep one eye on the weather forecast. A day that might start with howling winds and snow might well clear up and be fine for the last few hours of the day. Sometimes the weather can clear during the afternoon leaving empty slopes and amazing snow conditions. Too many people are guilty of staying in the resort when the weather is bad. Get yourself on the mountain and enjoy being out in the elements.
WHAT TO WEAR ON THE MOUNTAIN
What to wear on the mountain to keep yourself dry and comfortable.
The weather is constantly changing in the mountains. Therefore its is essential to kit yourself out in the right clothing each day. Wearing the wrong kit can lead to an early finish when conditions might be awesome.
OUTERWEAR:
Waterproof and breathable jackets and pants are super important.It is worth investing in quality. Anything above a 10,000mm will keep you dry.If your a rider who will be hiking and working the body, it is worth getting highly breathable items of clothing. If your budget allows I would look at a Gore-Tex jacket and pant combo. Check out the online Burton Snowboards shop for the biggest and best Outerwear range in the business.BURTON SHOP
UNDER LAYERS:
Here you want to start with a quality base layer which will vary in how warm and breathable they are.Long sleeve top and bottoms. If you are someone who feels the cold then go for something a little thicker. Above the base layer you are looking for a fleece or down jacket. If the conditions are cold I would suggest a down jacket that really works well in keeping warmth next to the body. Always worth getting some nice snowboard socks. Gone are the days where these have to be super thick. Snowboard boots are well insulated so get a few pairs which are comfortable.
GLOVES AND MITTS:
Cold hands equals bad day. Find something that is comfortable, functional and warm. I am big fan of mitts during the winter. They are more practical than gloves and feel great to wear. I also look for a more minimal style light glove for riding in the spring and summer time. Sometimes a glove that is less bulky feels a little better and has more style.
Check out Burton snowboards on our friends page for all your clothing needs Burton Snowboards
VIVID SNOWBOARDING CAMP OPTIONS 2019 - 2020
Vivid Snowboarding camp options 2019 - 2020. Camps are an awesome way to ride some of the best mountains in the world, raise your overall technical skills and to meet like minded snowboarders.
Our Snowboard camps run through out the year. Here are our camp options.
- Verbier Freeride
- Verbier Freestyle
- Japan Powder Camps
- Cervinia Summer Camps
- Pre season Camp
If you are wanting a little more detail on each camp then check out our camps page CAMPS
The Verbier Freeride camps are super popular as they are a five day Freeride feast. During the snowboard camp you will ride some of the very best off-piste terrain in the world. The height and design of the mountain in and around Verbier means you will always get some fresh tracks. Both Mont Fort and Mont Gele are above 3000m. The height of much of the terrain added to the north facing aspects of much of the good freeride zones makes Verbier a snow sure resort. Amazing terrain
Our next bunch of camps this year will be the Cervinia Summer camps which will commence at the end of July 2020. These are a great way of getting back on the board before the on set of the Autumn. The Cervinia - Zermatt glacier is set out in a way that allows all riders to get plenty of piste and park laps in. The glacier is the highest ridable mountain in Europe so it has guaranteed snow all year round. The piste bashers do an amazing job each afternoon and through the night to prepare amazing slopes and crafted park.
If you're keen to book a place on one our snowboard camps or want to find out a little more than please don't hesitate to get in touch with us here at Vivid Snowboarding Verbier.