Splitboard Level Guidelines

To enable riders to make a 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 JOURNEY BEGINS

Level 1 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 up to 25 degrees in steepness. Ability to traverse in switch a short distance or pivot in or out of switch from a stationary position. Ability to put bindings on with ease in powder. With training provided the ability to probe two buried avalanche transceivers in 8 minutes. Previous hill walking or splitboarding experience is a benefit.
  • Piste riding level - Ability to negotiate a turn within 3 metres. 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 turns on all pistes and be in constant safe control of your board. Ability to link 3-6 turns on 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 100-400 metre mountain ascents within a week if conditions permit. Ascent times do vary, but you could be hiking for between 1hr-3hrs at a time. You should be ready to carry essential safety equipment with your board if required.
  • 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.
  • Equipment - Ability to splitboard change-over to ski mode in under 10 minutes with training. Ideally you should own and be familiar with your splitboard setup as well as your transceiver, shovel and probe. More equipment recommendations can be viewed here.
Ideally we ask that those planning to attend a Level 1 splitboard course attend a Level 1 mountain course beforehand as it will boost their skills and confidence in preparation for this experience.

Please make sure you read and understand this level, as those riders who do not meet the required standards may be unable to complete their course and will not be offered a refund.

CONSOLIDATION AND TRANSFORMATION OF CORE SKILLS

Level 2 Splitboarders

You may have completed a few splitboard missions and want to begin to venture into more technical terrain and build your backcountry safety and leading skills further.

You'll become an active participant in the course as we work as a team on the planning and execution of each mission. You'll take a more in depth look into the weather, snow pack, navigation, route selection, safety and riding to enable a more fluid and advanced movement through the mountains.

Bigger, longer and more rewarding days are ahead on this level.

Key Requirements


  • Off piste riding level - Ability to ride off piste terrain to a consistent level that could be up to 30 degrees and beyond if conditions allow. Ability to traverse in switch or pivot in or out of switch from a stationary position. Ability to splitboard change-over to ski mode in under 10 minutes. Ideally you should own and be familiar with your splitboard setup. With training provided the ability to probe for one transceiver and dig out a second transceiver from three buried within a 30m radius within 8 minutes. You should have your own avalanche transceiver with ability to flag multiple burials and group check. In addition you should own your own avalanche probe (min 2.4m) and shovel (not plastic).
  • Piste riding level - Ability to negotiate a turn within 3 metres. Ability to put bindings on rapidly and with ease (under 30 seconds). 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 turns on all pistes and be in constant safe control of your board. Ability to ride fluidly in switch on green, blue piste. Ability to link 3-6 switch turns on a red piste. 
  • Freestyle riding level - Ability to complete a straight air on a blue jump (min 3 metre table). Ability to complete a ride on 50/50 on a box or rail. Ability to spin a 180-360 in a traverse on piste. Ability to nose and tail roll on piste.
  • Fitness - Ability to ride for sustained periods without a break, i.e. 2hr-3hr blocks within a typical 7hr-10hr riding day or night. Ability to handle a series of 100-1000 metre mountain ascents within a week if conditions permit with all key safety equipment. Ascent times do vary, but you could be hiking for between 1hr-5hrs as part of a 7hr-10hr hour day. A solid cardio-endurance based fitness level would be a substantial benefit. 
  • 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.
  • Equipment - You should be able to adjust your snowboard to account for changing riding focus from powder, piste to park. You should understand how to use your key safety equipment including shovel, transceiver and probe. 
  • 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.
  • Equipment - Ability to splitboard change-over to ski mode in under 5 minutes. Ideally you should own and be familiar with your splitboard setup as well as your transceiver, shovel and probe. More equipment recommendations can be viewed here.  
Please make sure you read and understand this level and potentially have discussed your suitability for the course with your coach. Those riders who do not meet the required standards may be unable to complete their course and will not be offered a refund.

MOVING TO NEW REALMS

Level 3 Riders

It's time to move away from the crowds. It's time to take on a fresh challenge. You thought you were a good snowboarder. Then the bar just got raised another notch.

Want to plan your own adventures? Want to travel off piste knowing you have the skills and experience to handle all manner of eventualities? Want to be an active member of a small team? Looking to boost those skills, be they freestyle, piste or off piste beyond the realms of the weekend warrior?

It's not the path for the faint hearted. Tough days and long nights are ahead and you look to be physically and mentally challenged. 

Key Requirements

  • Previous clients only - To make the transition to more technical riding more fluid and to enable us to explore new terrain safely we need riders who have gone through a certain level of Maverix training. We need riders who we trust and rely upon to act safely and in control whatever the conditions. If you feel you're already at this level, please email to discuss your suitability for the course.
  • Off piste riding level - Ability to ride off piste terrain to a consistent level that could be up to 30 degrees and beyond if conditions allow. Ability to traverse in switch or pivot in or out of switch from a stationary position. Ability to splitboard change-over to ski mode in under 5 minutes. You should own and be familiar with your splitboard setup. With training provided the ability to probe for one transceiver and dig out a second transceiver from three buried within a 30m radius within 5 minutes. You should have your own avalanche transceiver with ability to flag multiple burials and group check. In addition you should own your own avalanche probe (min 2.4m) and shovel (not plastic).
  • Piste riding level - Ability to negotiate a turn within 3 metres. Ability to put bindings on rapidly and with ease (under 30 seconds). 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 turns on all pistes and be in constant safe control of your board. Ability to ride fluidly in switch on red pistes. Ability to link 3-6 switch turns on a black pistes. 
  • Freestyle riding level - Ability to complete a 180-360 on a blue jump (min 3 metre table). Ability to complete a ride on 50/50 on a box or rail. Ability to spin a 180-360 in a traverse on piste. Ability to nose and tail roll on piste.
  • Fitness - Ability to ride for sustained periods without a break, i.e. 2hr-3hr blocks within a typical 7hr-10hr riding day or night. Ability to handle a series of 500-1000 metre mountain ascents within a week if conditions permit with all key safety equipment. Ascent times do vary, but you could be hiking for between 1hr-5hrs as part of a 7hr-10hr hour day. A solid cardio-endurance based fitness level would be a substantial benefit. 



  • Organised and punctual - It's a no brainer. You should have everything on lock be it on and off piste without being chased or hassled. 
  • Equipment - You should be fluid in your change overs for splitboarding and understand how to use all your personal safety and touring equipment (inc crampons) without instruction.
  • Fitness - Ability to ride for sustained periods without a break, i.e. 2hr-3hr blocks within a typical 7hr-10hr riding day or night. Ability to handle a series of 100-1000 metre mountain ascents within a week if conditions permit with all key safety equipment.
  • Piste riding level - Ability to negotiate a turn within 3 metres. Ability to put bindings on rapidly and with ease (under 30 seconds). 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 turns on all pistes and be in constant safe control of your board. Ability to ride fluidly in switch on green, blue piste. Ability to link 3-5 switch turns on a red piste. 
  • Off piste riding level - These camps are typically splitboard only. Ability to ride off piste terrain to a consistent level that could be up to 30 degrees and beyond if conditions allow. With training provided the ability to probe for one transceiver and dig out a second transceiver from three buried within a 30m radius within 8 minutes. Previous hill walking experience is a benefit.
  • Freestyle riding level - Ability to complete a straight air on a blue jump (min 3 metre table). Ability to complete a ride on 50/50 on a box or rail. Ability to spin a 180-360 in a traverse on piste. Ability to nose and tail roll on piste.
Please make sure you read and understand this level and potentially have discussed your suitability for the course with your coach. Those riders who do not meet the required standards may be unable to complete their course and will not be offered a refund.

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