Snowboarding lessons in Verbier
Vivid Snowboarding is the specialist snowboarding school in Verbier. We offer every style of snowboard lesson and have the very best instructors, guides and coaches in resort. We think of the time you spend with your instructor to be more than just a snowboard lesson. It is the ultimate snowboarding experience.
Here is a list of the products we offer:
- Private
- Group
- Freestyle
- Freeride
- Splitboarding
- Kids
- Instructor Training
- Heli Riding
Come and take a lesson with us this winter in Verbier. Our snowboarding lessons in Verbier can vary in relation to the duration. A lesson can be for two hours, three hours, four hours or a full day.
Check out the pricing for all our snowboarding lessons in Verbier here PRICE
Private lessons are a great way to initially learn. These will be the most effective in helping the individual grasp the basics.
Here at Vivid Snowboarding we also offer specialized Freeride and Freestyle weeks and weekends. These run for five days and are an awesome way to really push your riding in your chosen direction. If you are looking to explore some of the amazing mountain around Verbier then why not join a Freeride week or weekend. It's a full five days or two days on the mountain. You will be riding with a crew of riders. It's an awesome way to meet like minded shredders while progressing you're riding at the same time.
If you are looking to come for a freeride experience it is well worth checking out conditions before arriving WEATHER
Please don't hesitate to get in contact for more details, we look forward to hearing from you.
Check out Myoko
Check out Myoko
Myoko is in the north west of the main island of Japan. It is in the Niigata region. The geographical positioning of the resort means that it receives an abundance of snow fall each winter. Storm fronts roll out of Siberia and across the South China Sea. All the time picking up moisture which in turn results in large snowfalls over the Japanese Alps. Myoko on average receives between 12m - 15metres of snow per winter.
The resort of Myoko is made up of a series of different stations which are situated across the mountain. They are linked together via bus and lift connections. Each station has a really unique feel with a great variety of terrain. Here are a few of the different stations:
- Ikenotaira is home to one of the largest snowparks in Japan. The mountain has beautiful forest runs. Littered through out the mountain are various parks with features for all levels. This station is super rider friendly.
- Suginohara has the biggest amount of vert out of all the stations, it also has the highest peak at 1'855m. Some awesome splitboarding terrain here.
- Akakura Onsen is one of the more popular stations. Each week you can find night riding with a floodlight snowpark.
Vivid Snowboarding is proud to present its BASI Level one and two instructor training course in Myoko. The course runs for 9 weeks during the middle of the Japanese winter. If you are looking for that true Japanese snowboarding experience and you are wanting to immerse yourself in an instructor training course in the heart of the Japanese Alps then this course is for you. Become a snowboard instructor with the very best snowboard instructor training specialist.
Check out the program here MYOKO
Snowboard Level One Course
Snowboard Level One Course.
Here at Vivid snowboarding we will be running a couple of BASI Snowboard level one course's this winter. Why not join us for some training sessions and learn how to not only master the basics but actually be able to teach friends, family and anyone who is keen to learn.
The snowboard level one course consists of a 5 day on snow exam, child protection in sport and leisure module, 35 hours Snowsports school experience and a 2 day first aid course.
Here is a list of Pre-requisites to join the course:
- Be able to ride a slope with confidence being able to adapt and stay in control and balanced when conditions vary.
- Be able to cruise down a red run with some style
- Ride your board switch on mellow terrain
- Create a carve with your board on an easy slope. Does not have to be perfect but you need to be able to find grip
- Perform basic freestyle manoeuvres on flattish terrain. These should include the nose and tail press, ollies and nollies and frontside and backside 180's
- Minimum of 16 years old.
Once you feel confident enough to step up to the exam it is a fun, progressive week of snowboarding. I can remember taking my level one back in the late 90's and gaining a lot in relation to slowing my riding down and actually thinking about how I stand on the board and how I actually steer the board. I felt the week was like an intensive and fun snowboard lesson which transformed my riding and knowledge.
Below is a list of some of the technical skills you will be assessed on:
- Perform all phases of the central theme which is your basic lesson progression.
- Show good posture and balance through out your riding.
- Do this in regular and switch stance
- Nose and tail press
- Ollies and Nollies
- Backside and frontside 180
- Butter the board and link tricks
- Cleanly carve the last two thirds of the turn on a green or easy blue
Have a good understanding of the central theme and be able to perform this. Always have good posture and balance through out. This leads into having an understanding and awareness beyond the central theme, particularly around piste performance.
A key skill of any instructor is being able to identify and evaluate major faults and provide effective feedback and inputs into the riding.
As an instructor we have to understand the learning process. We have to have a basic understanding of the TIED model ( Task, Information, Evaluate and Develop)
You will need a basic understanding of the skill acquisition model which breaks down to awareness, practise and acquired levels. You will need to be aware of different teaching styles and goal setting skills.
When looking at how to deliver a session we focus a lot on safety. This is has to be present throughout a session. Think about group management and where best to stop and talk to a group. Always using the FIS regulation. Safety is everything!!
When delivering a session you have to make sure that everyone is involved. This is sometimes harder with a bigger group but Maximum class activity is essential. Always ask questions so the learner is gaining knowledge. Always be clear and concise with instructions.
Learning to give feedback is also very important. This has to be supportive and positive. Give feedback that relates to the task. Develop how the TIED model works. Structure sessions so they flow and have a clear story line. A start, middle and end.
The key is to not get too lost with all the new words and terms. The key is to get out and enjoy the process of learning and how it will have such a positive impact on your riding level.
Vivid Snowboarding has a huge amount of experience in the instructor training world. You can check what we offer here VIVID
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
Check out Glacier 3000
Check out Glacier 3000
Glacier 3000 fires up during the Autumn. The mountain opens once there is sufficient snowfall. Two cable cars take you from the car park up to the glacier. The mountain is a vast open expanse of mountain with a rad snowpark sitting bang in the middle.
Check out Glacier 3000 Snowpark which has an assortment of different features for all levels of rider. There is a long line of blue kickers which are awesome and super enjoyable for all riders. There are also a few mellow hips and banks to slash and have fun on. The larger kicker line consists 8m,10m,12m and 14m kickers. The park also has a mix of varying rails and box features which run down one side of the snow park.
Away from the park there is enough terrain to have a good cruise. Don't expect the steepest terrain on the glacier but there is some real fun pistes. The resort does have a few lifts lower down and some awesome Freeride terrain. Its definitely worth getting a guide if you are planning to venture off-piste.
Situated next to the village of Les Diablerets in the Vaud Canton of Switzerland. The glacier is the highest rideable terrain in the Vaud canton. It can receive an incredible amount of snow as its positioned on the first line of the biggest northerly mountains in the Swiss Alps. You can check out the weather conditions here WEATHER
If you are looking for some freestyle coaching during the Autumn then please get in contact for all our options. Glacier 3000 is real treat of a mountain too snowboard on. The park is really well maintained and shaped daily. Keep out an eye out on our social media channels for a Glacier 3000 edit coming soon.
How to become a snowboard instructor.
How to become a snowboard instructor.
Vivid Snowboarding has a selection of instructor training courses. These are in the following locations:
- Verbier, Switzerland
- Saas Fee, Switzerland
- Myoko, Japan
Vivid snowboarding offers the very best snowboard instructor training courses on the market. The programs will last for nine weeks and successful candidates will gain their BASI Level one and two snowboard qualifications. The courses are an amazing way of not only becoming qualified but also a game changer for anyone looking to improve their riding. Much of the course program is based around learning how to teach snowboarding. This is the ability to communicate and explain different skills while having the ability to show the correct movements in a clear and precise demonstration. It is being able to structure lessons with great content while making a session super fun and inclusive.
The trainee snowboard instructor will also learn how to accurately analysis a riders performance. This will be on a given task which will involve understanding the product and being able to give the appropriate feedback.The trainee's riding will be constantly evolving through riding piste, off-piste and snowpark.
The nine week course will transform your riding. Taking the riding back to basics and slowing everything down allows the rider to reshape everything. By understanding your own technical riding you can grow and develop your skills on your snowboard in all areas on the mountain.
Vivid Snowboarding also offers extensive technical training for the BASI snowboarding level 3 and 4. This training can easily be transferred into other national systems.
You can check out all our instructor training courses here VIVID
Please don't hesitate to get in touch for more information on our instructor training courses.
The Burton Deep Thinker
The Burton Deep Thinker comes in the following sizes: 154, 157, 160, 157W, 160W and 163W
The Deep Thinker is a real beast of a snowboard. It is part of the Danny Davis range of snowboards that Burton have produced. Danny is an all mountain assassin. He's as comfortable floating switch Mctwist's and switch methods as he is charging big mountain lines.
The Deep thinker felt super stable at speed on groomed piste making different sized carve turns easily. The board gripped superbly well in the turn when pressed and pressured. The shape of the board makes this a directional shred stick. Almost a little surf like at the nose with a blunter shape on the tail. It's a camber machine which the purest among us will enjoy and appreciate. It feels amazing under the feet.
The board was able to handle all types of snow conditions and terrain. It felt a lot more freeride orientated than its counter part the Free Thinker. Better in soft snow than the Free Thinker due to its directional shape. Didn't have enough powder to really throw it about but it was a good stick.
Definitely not for the beginner looking for their first set up. For intermediate and advanced shredders looking for a lovely shaped board that can be adapted to all terrain types across the mountain then this could be the one. If you are looking for something a little softer and easier to ride then maybe check out the Skelton key. ( Review to follow )
Check out the Deep Thinker and the full Burton range here BURTON
Snowboard Instructor Courses
Snowboard Instructor Courses
Here at Vivid Snowboarding we offer a selection of different instructor training courses. These take places in a few different locations across the globe. The venues are as follows:
- Saas Fee, Switzerland
- Myoko, Japan
- Verbier, Switzerland
You can check out all these locations on our snowboard instructor training courses page VIVID
Saas Fee, Switzerland is home to our Autumn course. This runs from late September to November. It is a great way to get qualified and work as an instructor for the up and coming season. Previously on this course students have gone on to work in resorts in Switzerland, Italy and Austria in Europe as well as Japan and China in Asia. Here at Vivid Snowboarding we work hard with our clients to get them into work. We help design a specific industry C.V, these are super important went looking to gain employment.
Myoko, Japan runs from mid January through to March. Myoko has an amazing snow record as it is close to the South China sea. A superb mixture of freeride terrain next to awesome piste and some of the best snow parks in Japan. All these ingredients make Myoko a great place for your instructor training course.
Verbier, Switzerland is where Vivid Snowboarding was created and is based. Our instructor training course prepares people for their BASI level one exam and two exam. The nine week course starts in January and runs through to the middle of March. In Verbier we also offer individual coaching for any level of instructor looking to gain their next level of qualification. We train and work with all levels from one through to level three and level four.
If you would like any more information on any of our courses, please get in touch.
Four reasons why Verbier is one of the best places to snowboard in Europe
Four reasons why Verbier is one of the best places to snowboard in Europe
- Verbier is part of the 4 valleys. This is the 5th biggest snowboard area in the world. Verbier has over 412Km of marked slopes.The Mont Fort is the highest peak which sits at 3330m above sea level. Verbier has guaranteed snow from December through to April. The vastness of this giant snowboarding playground links between the resorts of Bruson, Le Chable, Verbier, La Tzoumaz, Nendaz, Veysonnaz and Thyon. Check out the piste map here MAP
- The off-piste riding in Verbier is awesome. It really is some of the best off-piste snowboarding in the world. You have every style of ridable terrain from steeper and more exposed to chutes and couloirs. The mountain has such a variety. Even after riding these mountains for over 15 winters you can find new lines and zones to ride. To get the most out of your time in the Verbier why not take a guided session with us here at Vivid Snowboarding. Check out your options VIVID
- The 4 valleys has a few different terrain parks. The Verbier Snowpark is situated in La Chaux . The park is progressive and has a great selection of features for all levels of rider. Thyon also has a Snowpark with great number of kickers and rails. The park usually has a big kicker in spring.
- Vivid Snowboarding is based in Verbier. More than just a snowboard school we offer the very best snowboarding experience in Verbier. We have the very best instructors, coaches and guides and offer everything snowboarding related in resort. So If you are a day one beginner looking to learn to ride or a seasoned off-piste expert then we have what it takes to make your riding time in Verbier both truly memorable and awesome.
Off-piste snowboarding in Verbier
Off-piste snowboarding in Verbier
Verbier has some of the very best off-piste terrain in the world. The area has grown its reputation over the years. Much of the best off-piste terrain is lift accessed. This does mean that the mountain after a good snowfall can get busy.It is always worth getting ahead of the crowds and taking a guide to show you the best zones to ride in. Check out your Vivid Snowboarding guides here VIVID
It's always worth getting onto first lifts to get some fresh tracks. The world freeride tour has its finals in Verbier every spring time on the north facing Bec de Rosses. Through out the winter freeride competitions happen all over the famously steep terrain of Verbier. The area has become a hub for freeriders from all over the world.
Here is a watered down list of the some of the zones to freeride in:
- Playgrounds
- Vallon D
- Bruson Trees
- Rock Garden
- South Side
Your Vivid Snowboarding guide will take you to the best snow on any given day
The winter starts for weekends during November and then fires up at the beginning of December. The high altitude nature of the terrain allows the mountain to stay open until the end of April. If you are looking for the most snow sure months then traditionally January, February and March are the best months.
Verbier is a snow sure location. However if you looking for powder turns then keep an eye on conditions. You can keep up to date with snow conditions via snow-forecast VIVID
Here at Vivid Snowboarding we offer a range of freeride products. From 5 day camps to 2 day clinics we offer something for everyone. We offer introductory freeride sessions for the novice in the backcountry.
Our camps and clinics VIVID