Rider Level Guidelines

To enable riders to make more informed decisions on what course is suitable for them we've developed a simple skill level indicator. If you have any questions on the levels feel free to contact us directly for more information.

THE TRANSFORMATION BEGINS

Level 1 Riders

We can all get from A to B on a board, but if you want more from your riding then we'll need to introduce some new skills and create a stronger platform for future development.

Do you want to ride trees with confidence? Hit steep terrain in control and not side slip the whole slope? Do you want to dynamically read the piste to maximise fun and yet still be safe? Do you want learn to ride off piste safely and efficiently?

If you're willing and open to change then this is the place to start the transformation.

Key Requirements

  • Piste riding level - Ability to negotiate a turn within 3 metres. Ability to put bindings on standing up. Ability to ride flatbase for 10 metres. Ability to ride one footed and perform a J-turn to stop for safe lift exit within 5 meters and then beyond 10 metres. Ability to link turns on green, blue and red pistes. Ability to get down a black piste with a few safe turns. Ability to link 3-5 switch turns on a green or blue piste. 
  • Off-piste riding level - You may have ventured off-piste but we do not require a specific previous experience level for this course. We may venture onto off-piste terrain equivalent in steepness to green and blue pistes. 
  • Freestyle riding level - Ability to complete a straight air on a blue jump (1-3 metre table). Ability to complete a ride on 50/50 on a box or rail.
  • Fitness - Ability to ride for sustained periods without a break, i.e. 2hr-3hr blocks within a typical 7hr riding day. Ability to handle a series of 5-15 minute hikes in snow whilst carrying a board or backpack with safety equipment if required to access more interesting terrain.

Other considerations

  • Equipment considerations - With training you should be able to adjust your snowboard to account for changing riding focus from powder, piste to park. With training you should know how to wax and edge your snowboard. With training you should understand how to use key safety equipment including shovel, transceiver and probe if required. More equipment recommendations can be viewed here.  
  • Organised and punctual - Quite often you'll be with a group of riders who are chomping at the bit to go shred. Waiting around beyond agreed times, forgetting essential kit, not turning up on time will cause unnecessary friction and burn valuable riding or social time. 
  • Considerate riding - Quite often riders are not aware of those around them. You'll need to ensure your riding style allows space for other riders to breathe on and off piste. This reduces the chance of injury and allows riders to progress without fear of being taken out. We're a team and would hate for anyone to be hurt because others were riding unsafely.
  • Safety protocols - You must adhere to the advice and recommendations of your coach/guide at all times, especially when it comes to the safety of yourself and the group. If you consistently ignore key safety advise, you will not be allowed to carry on with the course. If you feel the terrain or riding required is beyond your capabilities please speak to your coach/guide to avoid being pushed beyond your comfort zone.
  • Feedback acceptance - Courses require riders to accept constructive feedback from the coach/guide to allow for improved safety, travel efficiency and skills progression. You need to be willing to accept this feedback to allow the course to run smoothly.   
  • Force majeure considerations - Be aware that the content and focus of your course may change due to the events out of the control of the coach/guide. In part this could be due to weather, wind, avalanche conditions, resort closures etc. Please be fully aware of our complete terms and conditions prior to booking your place. 

CONSOLIDATION AND TRANSFORMATION OF CORE SKILLS

Level 2 Riders

You've been there and done it. You've got a number of years on a board and may have travelled to multiple locations around the world. You've seen some cool things and bagged some sick lines. But whats next?

It's time to refine your skills and venture further into more technical terrain. We'll be expanding on riders fundamental piste and park skills from the Level 1 programme so aspiring instructors or recreational riders can work towards an attacking mentality on the most challenging in bounds resort terrain as well as be prepared to join the Splitboard Level 1 programme if desired.

If you're up for being pushed out of your comfort zone then this is the place to build your skills.

Key Requirements


  • Piste riding level - Ability to negotiate a turn within 3 metres. Ability to put bindings on with ease whilst standing up. Ability to ride flatbase for 10-15 metres. Ability to ride one footed and perform a J-turn to stop for safe lift exit within 5 meters and then beyond 10 metres. Ability to link basic turns on all pistes and be in safe control of your board. Ability to link 3-6 switch turns on green and blue pistes.
  • Off-piste riding level - Ability to ride off-piste terrain to a basic safe level that could between 20 to 30 degrees (blue piste) in steepness and could include natural hazards like small drops, trees and rocks. Ability to traverse in switch a short distance or pivot in or out of switch from a stationary position. Ability to put bindings on in powder.
  • Freestyle riding level - Ability to complete a straight air on a blue jump (min 1-3 metre table). Ability to complete a ride on 50/50 on a box or rail. Ability to rotate in the air or flatbase a 180 in a traverse on piste. Ability to nose, tail roll and ollie on piste.
  • Fitness - Ability to ride for sustained periods without a break, i.e. 2hr-3hr blocks within a typical 7hr riding day. Ability to handle a series of 5-45 minute hikes in snow whilst carrying a board or backpack with safety equipment if required to access more interesting terrain.

Other considerations

  • Equipment considerations - You should be able to adjust your snowboard to account for changing riding focus from powder, piste to park. With training you should know how to wax, edge and perform basic repairs to your snowboard. With training provided you should understand how to use your key safety equipment including shovel, transceiver and probe if required. Ideally for off-piste focused courses you should own your own safety equipment.
  • Organised and punctual - You should be aware of the regular processes in place on a course. Check with your coach about meeting points, times, kit requirements etc so you can be on time and the ready for whatever the eventuality.
  • Considerate riding - Quite often riders are not aware of those around them. You'll need to ensure your riding style allows space for other riders to breathe on and off piste. This reduces the chance of injury and allows riders to progress without fear of being taken out. We're a team and would hate for anyone to be hurt because others were riding unsafely.
  • Safety protocols - You must adhere to the advice and recommendations of your coach/guide at all times, especially when it comes to the safety of yourself and the group. If you consistently ignore key safety advise, you will not be allowed to carry on with the course. If you feel the terrain or riding required is beyond your capabilities please speak to your coach/guide to avoid being pushed beyond your comfort zone.
  • Feedback acceptance - Courses require riders to accept constructive feedback from the coach/guide to allow for improved safety, travel efficiency and skills progression. You need to be willing to accept this feedback to allow the course to run smoothly.   
  • Force majeure considerations - Be aware that the content and focus of your course may change due to the events out of the control of the coach/guide. In part this could be due to weather, wind, avalanche conditions, resort closures etc. Please be fully aware of our complete terms and conditions prior to booking your place. 

THE OUT OF BOUNDS JOURNEY

Splitboarders

If the idea of adventuring away from the crowds and starting to explore beyond the confines of the resort is starting to appeal then this is the level for you. 

It's about building awareness the basics of backcountry safety and starting to understand how to move efficiently and effectively on a splitboard. The pressure is off as you work in within a small crew exploring some cool out of bounds areas. 

Key Requirements

  • Off-piste riding level - Ability to ride non-technical off-piste terrain to a basic safe level that could be between 20-30 degrees (blue piste) in steepness and could include natural hazards like small drops, trees and rocks. Ability to traverse in switch a short distance or pivot in or out of switch from a stationary position. Ability to put bindings on in powder. Ability to land a small off-piste drop.
  • Off-piste safety level - With training you should understand how to use your key safety equipment including shovel, transceiver and probe. Ability to find, probe and dig out one buried avalanche transceiver within 5 minutes from out of transceiver range. Out of pack construction of shovel and probe should take no longer than 60 seconds.
  • Piste riding level - Ability to negotiate a turn within 3 metres. Ability to put bindings on rapidly and with ease whilst standing up. Ability to ride flatbase for 10-15 metres. Ability to ride one footed and perform a J-turn to stop for safe lift exit within 5 meters and then beyond 10 metres. Ability to link basic turns on all pistes and be in constant safe control of your board. Ability to link 3-6 switch turns on green and blue pistes.
  • Freestyle riding level - Ability to complete a straight air on a blue jump (min 1-3 metre table). Ability to complete a ride on 50/50 on a box or rail. Ability to rotate in the air or a flatbase or 180 in a traverse on piste. Ability to nose, tail roll and ollie on piste.

Other considerations

  • Fitness - Ability to ride for sustained periods without a break, i.e. 2hr-3hr blocks within a typical 7hr riding day. Ability to handle a series of 100-400 metre mountain ascents within a week if conditions permit. Ascent times do vary, but you could be hiking for between 1-2 hours at a time. Ability to handle a series of 5-45 minutes hikes in snow whilst carrying a board or backpack with safety equipment if required to access more interesting terrain that may not be suitable for a splitboard. Previous hill walking or splitboarding experience is a benefit, but not essential.
  • Equipment considerations - Ability to splitboard change-over to ski mode in under 7 minutes. Ideally you should own and be familiar with your splitboard setup as well as your transceiver, shovel and probe. If hiring you will need to make time to be familiar with the setup and change-over prior to taking the board on snow. You should know how to wax, edge and perform basic repairs to your snowboard. In addition we recommend having a small first aid kit, tools and/or spares to carry out basic repairs of your own equipment, personal or group shelter.
  • Organised and punctual - You should be aware of the regular processes in place on a course. Check with your coach about meeting points, times, kit requirements etc so you can be on time and the ready for whatever the eventuality.
  • Considerate riding - Quite often riders are not aware of those around them. You'll need to ensure your riding style allows space for other riders to breathe on and off piste. This reduces the chance of injury and allows riders to progress without fear of being taken out. We're a team and would hate for anyone to be hurt because others were riding unsafely.
  • Safety protocols - You must adhere to the advice and recommendations of your coach/guide at all times, especially when it comes to the safety of yourself and the group. If you consistently ignore key safety advise, you will not be allowed to carry on with the course. If you feel the terrain or riding required is beyond your capabilities please speak to your coach/guide to avoid being pushed beyond your comfort zone.
  • Feedback acceptance - Courses require riders to accept constructive feedback from the coach/guide to allow for improved safety, travel efficiency and skills progression. You need to be willing to accept this feedback to allow the course to run smoothly.   
  • Force majeure considerations - Be aware that the content and focus of your course may change due to the events out of the control of the coach/guide. In part this could be due to weather, wind, avalanche conditions, resort closures etc. Please be fully aware of our complete terms and conditions prior to booking your place. 

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