Summer Snowboarding in the Alps
Summer snowboarding in the Alps.
Snowboarding is not just a winter sport or pastime. Riding takes place all year round all over the globe. Whether this is in South America or snow domes in Europe,China or Dubai. Some one will always be riding somewhere.
The European Alps is home to the most ridable all year round snowboarding resorts on the planet. During the summer months there are numerous riding locations. Here are handful of the best spots:
- Cervinia, Italy ( our summer home ) - CERVINIA
- Saas Fee, Switzerland.
- Hintertux, Austria.
- Les 2 Alpes, France
- Zermatt, Switzerland
- Tignes, France.
These resorts will usually have a snow park set up running from mid to late June over the summer months and into the Autumn. Its worth checking with the lift company to see operating times. Lifts will usually open a little earlier in the morning and close after lunch time.
The overall amount of terrain on the glaciers is not as extensive as your regular winter resort. If the winter has been a big snow fall year then usually the glaciers are nicely topped up for the summer season and into the autumn.
Summer snowboarding in the Alps is awesome for your overall riding skills. Plenty of laps both on the piste and in the snow park lets the riding improve naturally. Vivid Snowboarding has its annual summer session running in Cervinia between the 9th- 13th August. You can check out the camp details here on our site SUMMER.
Please do not hesitate to get in touch for anymore details on our summer session or any of the locations mentioned above.
Splitboarding in Verbier
Splitboarding in Verbier
Splitboarding in Verbier is the perfect way to avoid the crowds. It could also be one of the safest ways to enjoy the mountains during Covid times. No more lift lines or busy slopes. Splitboarding offers a true backcountry adventure. Backcountry Splitboarding has become an extremely popular genre of snowboarding. It essentially allows the participant to access everything the backcountry has to offer. Splitboarding in verbier is truly magnificent with endless touring routes into hidden valleys and some of the very best ridable terrain in the world.
Below is an example list of the basic equipment you will require to get you started on your splitboarding journey:
- The Burton Family Tree Straight chuter camber split board.
- A pair of Burton Hitchhiker splitboard bindings.
- A pair of Burton x G3 High-traction Splitboard skins.
- Burton x Black Diamond Compactor poles.
- Burton Splitboard crampon.
- The Burton AK sidecountry 20L backpack.
Check out all that Burton Snowboards have to offer here BURTON SHOP
Once your kitted out its time to get out into the mountains. Here in Verbier and the 4 valleys there are endless splitboarding options. We are on hand to guide you into different areas looking for the best snow and terrain. Check out all our freeride and splitboarding options here VIVID
All the Vivid Snowboarding backcountry coaches have been riding these mountains for years. We will take you to the best locations on the mountain.
Become a Snowboard instructor
Become a Snowboard Instructor
Vivid Snowboarding has created one the very best instructor training courses in the world. The course will have you trained and qualified with your level one qualification and an internationally recognised level two qualification. This qualification will enable you to work across the globe teaching snowboarding. Here are just a few of the countries that you will be able to work in with your level two qualification:
- Switzerland
- Austria
- Japan
- China
- Canada
- New Zealand
- Australia
- Chile
- Argentina
- Norway
- Spain
- Andorra
- UK
We are also always looking for new instructors to bring into the Vivid Snowboarding team here in Verbier.
Our program has been designed to not only get you through your level one and two qualifications. It will see your snowboarding skills go through the roof. All your coaching team are not only super highly qualified they've spent a lifetime pursuing riding all over the world.
Here at Vivid Snowboarding we have added loads of juicy extras onto our snowboarding courses so you get the very best snowboard experience out there.
Here are a few of the extras that we have added:
- Freestyle Coaching ( Choice for performance coach exam )
- Discount codes for Burton Snowboards and Spektrum eyewear
- ISTA off-piste / Mountain safety course.
- Freeride coaching ( Verbier and Myoko only )
- Vivid Snowboarding team mountain BBQ
- Discount cards for Bars and restaurants.
Check out more of our instructor training course details here VIVID
If you have any questions on any of our products then don't hesitate to get in touch with us here at Vivid Snowboarding
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
Vivid Snowboarding Summer Session
Vivid Snowboarding Summer Session
Vivid Snowboarding will be hosting its annual summer session in Cervinia, Italy in August 2021. The resort of Cervinia is high up in the Aosta valley in the Italian Alps allowing for summer riding to take place on the Zermatt / Cervinia glacier. Plenty of terrain for all styles of riding and the snow park is the best in Europe at this time of year.
We usually get onto the lifts for the mountain around 8am and ride through until around 2pm when the mountain closes. Conditions usually soften as the day progresses. Park laps become super progressive for ones riding. The short lift and rapid lap means maximum time riding your board in the park.
Once off the mountain you can enjoy some down time in the afternoon or there are plenty of summer activities and sports to get involved with. Check out a few of the summer activities here:
- Mountain Biking
- Hiking
- Golf
- Tennis
- swimming
- Trail running
- Chilling
You can check out more on what's on offer via the tourist office CERVINIA
The hotel we stay in is the Petit Palais. The hotel is two minutes from the main lift and a short walk into town for bars and restaurants. Every night we venture into town for a bite to eat before heading to bed and getting rested for more riding.
Check out our summer camp page here for more details SUMMER
Book your place today, we look forward to hearing from you.
Spot Check: Mont Fort
Spot Check: Mont Fort
The Mont Fort is 3328 Metres above sea level. It is the highest peak in the 4 valley's area. The steep mountain peak has awesome routes down it from all sides.ABC real estate
The famous backside off Mont Fort can be accessed via a few different entry points and there are endless freeride and splitboarding options once off the back. Always worth taking a guide into these remote zones to get the most out of your riding adventure.
Check out our team of freeride coaches here VIVID
The main controlled route on the Mont Fort consists of a steep bumps field with numerous different routes around it. The chute under the lift line is steep and challenging but also an awesome run. Caution should be taken at all times when going under the ropes as the Mont Fort area is a glacier and crevasses are a problem.
The South side of Mont Fort is also worth checking out. This is accessed via riding over the top of the mountain and then popping over the ridge line. The slope will bring you down towards the Bec Des Rosses. Again always worth taking a guide into these areas so that conditions are assessed before riding.
Check out the White Risk app here for up to date conditions on the mountain VIVID
Here at Vivid Snowboarding we offer the very best off-piste snowboarding coaching and guiding in Verbier. We also offer a selection of Freeride weeks and Weekends.
Snowboard Instructor Training Courses.
Snowboard Instructor training courses.
Vivid Snowboarding is the leading provider in snowboard instructor training courses. We offer the very best snowboard courses on the market. Take a look at our course locations:
- Verbier, Switzerland.
- Saas Fee, Switzerland.
- Myoko, Japan.
Check out all the locations here VIVID
For a true alpine winter snowboard experience you should join our 10 week course in Verbier, Switzerland. We have course options with food and accommodation. We also offer the course with training and exams only. Verbier is one of the very best resorts in the world and where Vivid Snowboarding was born and locates itself during the winter. Verbier is famous for its world class off-piste terrain, endless pistes and awesome snowpark. The resort is snow sure from November through to May. Verbier also has some of the best apres riding bars in the Alps which are fun for everyone.
Check out snow conditions in Verbier here VIVID
Saas Fee, Switzerland is where we deliver our Autumn and Summer instructor training courses. Our courses run for 9 weeks and all accommodation and food is provided in the Park Hotel. Saas Fee is an awesome car free resort high up the Valais mountains.
Myoko, Japan is where we deliver our Asian course. Myoko in the Niigata region of Japan starts mid winter. A mixture of Japanese powder and amazing snowparks makes Myoko the premier resort to go through your BASI Level one and two qualifications.
All these locations have been hand picked for the quality of the terrain and slopes. If you would like more information on any of our courses please get in contact with us here at Vivid Snowboarding
We look forward to hearing from you
SUMMER IN SWITZERLAND
Summer in Switzerland.
Situated in the heart of Europe, Switzerland is not only a winter sports destination. Summer in Switzerland is awesome. Try and imagine sunny, warm days with lush green mountains and snow capped peaks and you're there.
Switzerland has an abundance of mountains, lakes, rivers and forests. All of which are there to be explored and enjoyed during the summer months. If you are still looking for your snowboarding fix then you can come ride with our summer camp program in Saas Fee or Zermatt / Cervinia. These resorts are home to high alpine glaciers which offer riding all year round. As much as these riding areas are a little smaller they still offer a decent amount of terrain and are home to awesome snowparks. Check out our summer riding program here SUMMER RIDING
Most towns and villages have outdoor swimming pools for everyone to enjoy. Lakes are suitable for swimming but be careful of cold water in the early part of the summer.
Switzerland has an awesome skateboarding scene and parks are to found all over the country. Alaia Bay is opening in Spring 2021. This new out door wave poll will be bringing surfing to the heart of the Swiss Alps. The wave garden can be found on the motorway outside Sion in the Valais region. This is only a 30minute drive from Verbier. Waves will vary in size and there will be something for all levels of surfer.
You can check out more details on the waves in the Valais here SURF
Spot Check: Mont Gele
Spot Check : Mont Gele
Mont Gele sits at the height of 3023m above sea level. It has routes down all sides from the peak. A single cable takes riders up to the peak and you can choose form thousands of different lines on the way down. On the south side of the mountain you can access La Chaux via an itinerary route. The route is clearly marked out with yellow markers. You can check to see if this is open when exiting the cabin of the cable car. There are also plenty of different off-piste routes on the south with varying difficulty. Definitely worth taking a Vivid Snowboarding coach in order to find the best routes and conditions.
Check out the team VIVID
Mont Gele also has a main itinerary route off the top heading down towards the Col des Gentianes and the bottom of tortin. This is easiest route but some of the terrain on the way out is relatively flat so speed is required.
The mountain has plenty of different couloirs and slopes coming down into the Lac des Vaux area. Again these vary slightly in terms of their difficulty. Make sure you know how the snow pack is and a route down before dropping in.
As Mont Gele is a high alpine mountain, its worth checking out the weather conditions each day to get the low down. You can check these out here WEATHER
Heli snowboarding around Verbier
Heli snowboarding around Verbier and the surroundings mountains is awesome. There are different drops and routes for every level of rider. Once you've managed the basics of off-piste riding, heli snowboarding is on! The Heli snowboarding around Verbier happens on the some of the following mountains:
- Petite Combin 3663m
- Pigne D'Arolla 3796m
- RoseBlanche 3336m
- Col des Plines 3330m
Your mountain guide will hunt out the best snow and terrain on the day. If it has not snowed for a few days and you are wanting to find fresh you still find awesome snow and conditions with a helicopter. A day out with in the Heli guarantees good snow and will be a day you remember for a lifetime. A lot of the terrain is mellow enough for intermediate riders and above.
Vivid Snowboarding also offers a Heli snowboarding experience just over the Italian border in Ollomont. For more details on these trips please get in contact.
You can keep an eye out on snow conditions through snow-forecast WEATHER
Your Vivid Snowboarding instructor will be on hand to teach and coach you through the day. Our role is to help improve your off-piste riding. We will build your confidence and make you feel 100% comfortable with your environment.
You can check Heli snowboarding around Verbier options OPTIONS