Elite Freeride Snowboard Coaching & Competition Preparation
Train with the Vivid Freeride Academy in Verbier — a structured freeride snowboard program designed for elite and advanced riders aiming to progress in freeride competitions.
Apply now or speak to a coach
What is the Vivid Freeride Academy?
The academy offers a structured pathway for snowboarders committed to freeride progression.
Elite Squad
Designed for active competitors and highly motivated riders.
Up to 5 days/week
Competition-focused coaching
Higher intensity training environment
Individual performance goals
Advanced terrain and line selection
Video analysis and performance reviews
Athlete accountability and progression tracking
FWT Competition preparation and support
CHF 7,950 season-long, from 1 week possible
Performance Squad
For riders transitioning into competitive freeriding.
Up to 3 days/week
Building freeride confidence
Developing consistency in varied terrain
Technical skill development
Competition introduction and preparation
Structured progression pathway into the Elite Squad
Individual feedback and coaching support
Video Review & Skill Progression
Winter-long program
CHF 4,950 season-long, from 1 week possible
Freeride Training Program
Weekly Training Structure
Our training model is designed to create long-term development throughout the season.
3–5 day weekly training options
Technical and tactical coaching
Video analysis sessions
Physical preparation guidance
Recovery and workload management
Winter-long progression planning
Snow + Terrain Training
Athletes develop confidence and decision-making skills across a wide range of freeride conditions.
Steep terrain riding
Variable snow conditions
Powder performance
Wind-affected and technical snow
Complex terrain management
Technical entries and exits
Exposure awareness and risk management
Mountain safety, avalanche awareness and terrain management
Freeride Performance Skills
We focus on the skills that directly influence freeride competition performance.
Line choice and route planning
Speed management
Fluidity and flow
Natural feature utilisation
Cliff drops and airs
Freeride tactics
Competition mindset
Terrain adaptation
Riding under pressure
Freeride coaches
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Chris Rowley
Chris started snowboarding at an early age in Chamonix and this is shown in his effortless style all over the mountain. Chris holds his BASI level 4 qualification ISTD, Swiss Brevet federal and is a BASI Snowboard trainer. He can develop any individuals riding. Chris has a huge bag of tricks in the park and now plies his trade in the backcountry. When not teaching on the hill Chris can be found turning heads all over the mountain.
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Board:
Deep Thinker 158 -
Powder board:
Free Thinker 160W -
Boots:
Vans x DS High Standard Pro
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Bindings:
Cartel X
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Rob Norton
Top British, Swiss and French qualified (BASI level 4, Swiss Brevet Federal and French Carte pro). Rob founded Vivid Snowboarding back in 2011 and is an experienced backcountry coach and a BASI examiner/trainer for up and coming instructors. Rob is one of the most experienced snowboard instructors out there, he’s been riding, teaching and coaching around the globe since 1998. When not with clients on the mountain Rob will be out riding and filming new content.
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Board:
Burton Custom X Camber -
Powder board:
Burton Hometown Hero 160 -
Boots:
Burton SLX -
Bindings:
Burton Malavita
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Pedro Gomes
Pedro has exceptional teaching and coaching skills and is one of our highest requested instructors. His mild relaxed manner helps build confidence and will improve your technical skills. Pedro has been riding and teaching in Verbier for a few winters and knows the mountain exceptionally well. Pedro has his BASI Level 4 ISTD stamp and BASI trainers license. When Pedro is not teaching he can be found hiking and riding some of the more extreme backcountry terrain in Verbier and beyond.
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Board:
Custom 158 -
Powder board:
Hometown Hero 160 -
Boots:
Ion Boa -
Bindings:
Cartel X
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Who Is This Program For?
This programme is ideal for:
Advanced and elite snowboarders
Riders seeking a structured training environment
Seasonal athletes based in Verbier
Snowboarders preparing for freeride competitions
Riders pursuing the Freeride World Tour pathway
Athletes competing in Freeride World Tour Qualifiers
Riders transitioning from freestyle or park into freeride
Entry Requirements
The Vivid Freeride Academy is designed for committed riders who are already comfortable in advanced mountain terrain.
Applicants should have:
Advanced snowboard ability
Strong all-mountain riding skills
Previous freeride experience
Good physical fitness
Commitment to progression
Positive athlete mindset
Ability to ride confidently in off-piste terrain
Why ride in Verbier?
Verbier is recognised as one of the world’s premier freeride destinations and hosts some of the most challenging and inspiring terrain in the Alps.
Athletes benefit from:
High-alpine freeride terrain
Steep technical lines
Natural cliffs, drops and features
Consistent snow throughout the winter
Access to world-class terrain in Verbier, Nendaz, Bruson and Chamonix
A thriving freeride competition culture
Exposure to one of the most respected freeride communities in the world
What level do I need to join the Freeride Academy?
The Freeride Academy is designed for advanced snowboarders comfortable riding off-piste, steep terrain, and variable snow conditions. Riders should already have strong all-mountain control and confidence.
Can I join without competition experience?
Yes, riders can join without previous competition experience. The academy helps snowboarders develop freeride fundamentals, mountain awareness, and performance skills before progressing toward freeride competitions.
Does the academy help with freeride competitions?
Yes, the academy prepares within our Elite squad riders for freeride competitions through structured coaching, competition strategy, line choice training, video analysis, and performance development aligned with Freeride World Tour pathways.
Is Verbier good for freeride snowboarding?
Verbier is one of the world’s best freeride snowboard destinations offering steep terrain, technical lines, varied snow conditions and direct access to freeride competition venues.
Do you coach riders for Freeride World Tour qualifiers?
Yes, the academy supports riders preparing for Freeride World Tour qualifiers with Elite freeride coaching, competition preparation, terrain management, and performance-focused snowboard training throughout the season.
Where will I stay during the season?
Our shared accommodation in Le Châble provides a comfortable and convenient base for your winter in Verbier. Located just 8 minutes from Verbier by gondola, you'll be living alongside fellow riders with easy access to the mountain, local amenities, and the vibrant seasonal community.
Accommodation features include:
Shared rider-focused apartments
Wi-Fi and laundry facilities
Fully equipped kitchen
Excellent access to Verbier and Bruson
Friendly community atmosphere