Elite Freeride Snowboard Coaching & Competition Preparation
Train with the Vivid Freeride Academy in Verbier — a structured freeride snowboard program designed for advanced riders aiming to progress from freeride competitions to Freeride World Tour qualifiers.❯ Advanced freeride coaching
❯ Competition-focused progression
❯ Small performance groups
❯ Verbier big mountain terrain
❯ 1 ✨ to 4 ✨ freeride pathway
Apply now or speak to a coach
What Is the Vivid Freeride Academy?
High-performance freeride snowboard academy
Based in Verbier
Designed for committed advanced snowboarders
Season-long progression
Structured as 2 teams training
Performance Squad
Active competitors
Higher intensity training
Performance expectations
Competitive goals
Video analysis
Athlete accountability
Development Squad
Transition into competition freeriding
Building consistency
Developing freeride confidence
Structured progression into Performance Squad team
Freeride Training Program
Weekly Training Structure
3–5 day weekly structure
Technical + tactical training
Recovery and consistency
Winter-long progression
Terrain & Snow Conditions Training
Steep terrain
Variable snow
Powder riding
Wind-affected snow
Technical entries
Exposure management
Freeride Performance Skills
Line choice
Speed control
Fluidity
Natural feature riding
Drops & cliff technique
Competition mindset
Terrain adaptation
Freeride Competition Coaching
Competition Support Includes
Competition planning
Event selection
Line inspection
Visualisation & strategy
Start gate preparation
Performance coaching
Video analysis
Post-event debriefs
Freeride World Tour Pathway
1 Star
2 Star
3 Star
4 Star qualifiers
Junior freeride competitions
Athlete development pathway
Freeride coaches
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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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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, Swiss Brevet federal and is a BASI Snowboard trainer. He can develop any individuals riding. Whether a low intermediate rider wanting to gain confidence on steeper terrain or the up and coming instructor looking to gain the next qualification in the system, Chris is your man. 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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Why Train in Verbier?
Verbier offers some of the best freeride terrain in Europe for snowboard training:
High alpine terrain
Steep technical lines
Natural freeride features
Variable snow conditions
Big mountain exposure
Freeride competition culture
Entry Requirements
Advanced snowboard level
Strong all-mountain riding
Previous freeride experience
Physical fitness
Commitment to progression
Athlete mindset
Who Is This Program For?
Advanced snowboarders
Riders preparing for freeride competitions
Seasonal athletes in Verbier
Snowboarders pursuing Freeride World Tour qualifiers
Riders transitioning from park to freeride
Gap year athletes
Junior freeriders