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
Verbier opens for winter 2020/21
Verbier opens for winter 2020/21 on Friday 30th October. The lifts are now open at weekends throughout November. The mountain will be running full time from the 5th December. The Lac Des Vaux area is open and ready for snowboarders to enjoy. The mountain staff will be keeping a close eye on snow fall and will be opening up more terrain once more snowfall comes through. If you looking to ride the best conditions then get up there early.
The winter will be taking on a different form due to the Covid-19 situation. The current mandatory mask wearing will be in place on lifts and inside public spaces. It is very much worth being in the know about what is required. We are all having to get used to this ever changing situation. If you have any concerns or would like to talk about the implications to your snowboard trip then please get in touch.
Switzerland has an abundance of early season areas open to ride in. Here is a list:
- Verbier ( weekends only )
- Glacier 3000
- Saas Fee
- Zermatt
- Engelberg
- Diavolezza
- Davos klosters
It is worth checking out individual mountains for opening times. If you want to look at the weather situation in these resorts then look at our friends over at Snow-forecast for up to date weather conditonsWEATHER
The snow has come early across the Swiss Alps and the snow conditions at Altitude are currently good for this time of year. If you are looking to get some early season riding then please get in touch with us here at Vivid Snowboarding. We are available for private and group sessions all across Switzerland and can help arrange trips. Get in contact here VIVID
We look forward to hearing from you
VERBIER SNOWPARK
The Verbier Snowpark
The Verbier snow park is based in the La chaux area of the mountain. The park is accessed by the La Chaux Express lift which runs up to a height of 2480m. This modern lift combines gondolas and chairlifts and allows for super fast park laps. The snowpark has great snow cover from December through until April. The area is south facing and therefore the sun softens the landings while the take offs to features stay hard and fresh.
The Snow park has a team of dedicated park shapers who manage and maintain the features in the park daily. You can expect a large range of features for all levels. Green and blue features for the riders who are just stepping into the park through to red and black features. The more advanced your riding skills the more comfortable and confident you will be with riding the more advanced features. The Verbier Snowpark have a dedicated page on facebook. You can keep up to date by following the link PARK
Here at Vivid Snowboarding we offer freestyle camps and clinics that take place in the park. You can check out our camp options here CAMPS
Our camps and clinics are an amazing way of increasing your freestyle skills and getting a whole new bag tricks under your belt. If you would like some more advice on any of our freestyle products, please don't hesitate to get in touch.
Keep an eye out this winter for freestyle coaching sessions at weekends and during the holidays for all ages. Everyone is welcome !!
Vivid Snowboarding - The specialists snowboard school based in Verbier
The Vivid Snowboarding Calendar
The Vivid Snowboarding Calendar
Vivid Snowboarding offers a wide range of specialist freeride and freestyle camps. Vivid Snowboarding also offers a good mix of instructor training courses and an avalanche awareness course.
During the winter months we are based in Verbier, Switzerland, home to some of the best freeride terrain in Europe. In the summer months we run our programmes in Cervinia, Italy.
Our winter starts at the beginning of December with a long weekend season opening camp. This will get your riding fine-tuned for the up and coming season.
Freeride camps take place during January and February taking advantage of mid-winter snow conditions. We have camps for the more accomplished rider. The kind of rider looking to search, explore and ride some of the highest quality off-piste terrain out there. We also have camp options for the new comer to freeriding, who is looking raise their technical skills and gain in confidence and increase their knowledge of the mountain environment.
Vivid Snowboarding offers a Japan powder camp each January for those wanting to experience the ultimate powder riding in Japan.
Check out the resort of Hakuba here HAKUBA
If you are wanting to gain a specific backcountry qualification then come and join one of our ISTA (International Snow Training Academy courses) courses. The day discovery course will teach you basic risk prevention when off-piste. You will be given the tools to stay safe in the backcountry.
Check out the ISTA course here ISTA
Freestyle camps run during the back end of the winter season and during the summer months in Cervinia. If you are wanting to progress your freestyle game or add some new flavours to your riding then this is perfect option.
Through out the winter in Verbier, Vivid Snowboarding offer our girls shred afternoon. These are an awesome way for the girls snowboarding community in Verbier and the surrounding area to get together and have fun together.
Our instructor training courses will give you the opportunity to gain your BASI level 1 and 2 qualifications. This takes place in Saas Fee every Autumn. From years in the instructor training industry we’ve created the perfect course. The correct amount of coaching, balanced next to plenty of practise time which develops skills. We have real job opportunities with Vivid Snowboarding in Verbier.
We do also offer month long intensive training camps without the stress of any exams.
Keep an eye out on our social media channels for up and coming dates
Glacier Season In Europe
Glacier Season in Europe
Europe has a wealth of ridable glaciers. They usually fire up through out the Autumn and they all have something to offer. Below is a break down of some of the glaciers in Switzerland, Italy, Austria and France and what each mountain has to offer.
Switzerland
- Saas Fee is our Autumn home where we run our world class instructor training program. Saas Fee also plays host to the stomping grounds park. This pulls in a few of the biggest names in snowboarding as they get their winter started. The snowpark has monster kickers for the Pro level of rider and easier features for everyone to use.
- Zermatt is open through out the summer and they have a rad park set up. The park stays open until mid October. Then this is moved further down the glacier on the Swiss side.
- Glacier 3000 opened for business on the 29th September after receiving 80cm of snow. The park is due to open on the 6th November. Dates may change as conditions change. Keep up to date with Glacier 3000 here GLACIER3000
- Engelberg in the centre of Switzerland has the Titlis glacier. Not a huge amount of terrain but big enough for a fun session. Engelberg is not too far from Zurich with a transfer time of 1 hour 20 minutes.
Austria
- Hintertux in the zillertal valley is one of the only glaciers that stays open all year round. However the park shuts during the hot summer months. The park opens for business at the beginning of September and they have a Pro kicker ready to go. They also have a lovely medium kicker line with a 3 in a row set up.
- Kaunertal in the Western Tirol opens in mid October. The mountain is dedicated to building one of the best parks around. Usually lots of jib features for all levels of rider.
- Stubai plays host to the Stubai Zoo, with infamous kickers and enough terrain to keep all styles of rider stoked. They manage the mountain here by covering the glacier over the summer to preserve the snow. One of the more extensive riding areas during the Autumn. They will open on the 17/10/2020.
- Kitzsteinhorn is close to the resorts of Kaprun and Zell am See. Instead of opening in the hot summer they have a long opening period from October through until June each year.
Italy
- Cervinia is home to our summer program with a shared park with Zermatt. The mountain shuts for a short period late summer/early Autumn before reopening at the end of October for a long winter season. Once the snow starts the mountain will open all the way down to the village. Check out our summer camp here CAMPS
- Stelvio in Italy is beginning to emerge as another hot spot for Autumn riding. Here the Prinoth X camp takes place pulling in a selection of the worlds finest riders
France
- Tignes has the grande motte glacier which offers rad terrain. The lifts will usually start towards the end of October. If the snow comes early you can ride all the way down to Val Claret village. The glacier is accessed by a super fast under ground railway.
- Les Deux Alpes in the southern French Alps has an awesome park both in the summer and late Autumn time. The glacier does shut from late summer into Autumn but will usually gets going towards the end of October.
If you are after coaching during the Summer and Autumn then please get in touch.
It is always worth checking the weather conditions before planning a trip, the weather during the autumn and summer can change fast and mountains can shut.
Online Coaching and Consultation.
We are happy to announce the launch of our new online coaching and consultation platform.
Throughout the year we offer the following services:
- Technical Riding analysis and development. Send us your footage, we set up a zoom chat and will go over this together. We create personalised programs to grow your skills, progress you're riding and transform your style.
- Fitness Consultation. Whether you are preparing for a long winter of riding or getting geared up for your annual holiday or just wanting to make some changes to yourself. We are here to talk through and set up bespoke training programs. We want to aid, motivate and guide you to your goals.
- Equipment Guide. Years of fun on the mountain has given us a clear insight into what equipment works best. Your set up is super important for you to get the most out of your day. We can help guide you through the maze of equipment choice and select what will suit your riding style and level best.
- Instructor training. We offer advice and guidance through the instructor training pathways. We set up training programs and help mentor individuals through their training program and exams.
Check out more of the product on the site page here ONLINE
All your online coaching and consultation coaches are highly qualified instructors and personal trainers. You can look at all their profiles here TEAM
If you would like some more information on our new service or would like to set up a chat then please don't hesitate to get in touch, we would love to hear from you.
Your first 20 minute session is Free
Contact details:
Email: vividsnowboarding@gmail.com
Telephone: +41 792838735