Splitboard Level Guidelines

Maverix Course Progression

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 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 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 with ease in powder. Ability to land an off-piste drop of 1-3 metres.
  • Off piste safety level - With training you should understand how to use your key safety equipment including shovel, transceiver and probe. With training provided the ability to find, probe and dig out one buried avalanche transceiver within 4 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 (under 60 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 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 spin 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 100-400 metre mountain ascents within a week if conditions permit. Ascent times do vary, but you could be hiking for between 1-3 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 splitboarding. Previous hill walking or splitboarding experience is a benefit.
  • Equipment considerations - With training provided the ability to splitboard change-over to ski mode in under 10 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. With training you should know how to wax, edge and perform basic repairs to your snowboard. Specific equipment recommendations can be viewed here.
  • 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.
  • Environmental consideration - The winter environment is very susceptible to damage from visitors and therefore you should be aware of your impact and look to leave no trace other than your sick lines. 
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

It's time to move away from the crowds and take on a fresh challenge. Now that the basics of off piste riding and safety are in place it's time to consolidate that learning.

More extensive safety training becomes essential as you look to venture further afield. You'll be learning the basics of tour planning and on slope route selection with basic navigation in the mountains. 

The more you learn the more you realise this journey is a long and rewarding one as you step into the rarefied air of off piste exploration. Tough days and long nights are ahead and you look to be physically and mentally challenged.

Key Requirements


  • Off piste riding level - Ability to ride off piste terrain to a consistent level that could be between 20-30 degrees (blue piste) and could include natural hazards like small drops, trees and rocks. Ability to traverse in switch or pivot in or out of switch from a stationary position. Ability to put bindings on with ease in powder. Ability to land an off-piste drop of 2-4 metres.
  • Off piste safety level - You should own your own avalanche transceiver with ability to flag multiple burials and group check. You should be well versed in using your key safety equipment including shovel, transceiver and probe. Out of pack construction of shovel and probe should take no longer than 45 seconds. With training provided the ability to probe for one transceiver and dig out a second transceiver within a 30m radius within 8 minutes starting outside of transceiver range.
  • 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 with grab on a blue jump (min 3 metre table). Ability to ollie off a fixed feature like a jump. 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, tail roll and nollie on piste.
  • Fitness - Ability to ride for sustained periods without a break, i.e. 2hr-4hr blocks within a typical 7hr-12hr riding day or night. Ability to handle a series of 200-1000 metre mountain ascents within a week if conditions permit. Ability to handle a series of 10-45 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 splitboarding. A solid cardio-endurance based fitness level would be a substantial benefit.
  • 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. In addition we recommend having a small first aid kit, tools or spares to carry out basic repairs of your own equipment, personal or group shelter and a compact licence free walkie-talkie (12.5 kHz). Your probe should be at least 2.8m in length. With training you should know how to wax, edge and perform basic repairs to your snowboard. Specific equipment requirements can be viewed here. 
  • 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.
  • Environmental consideration - The winter environment is very susceptible to damage from visitors and therefore you should be aware of your impact and look to leave no trace other than your sick lines. 
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 Splitboarders

Special adventure courses created for existing clients who are looking to build on the foundations of the level 2 splitboard courses.  

Each participant will be playing an active role in planning and execution of splitboard missions in close co-operation with the guide. It will encompass route planning, weather analysis, snow pack assessment, on-site safety evaluation, map reading, and route selection with additional first-aid and safety protocols within more challenging high alpine environments.

Key Requirements

  • Off piste riding level - Ability to ride off piste terrain to a consistent level that could be between 30-40 degrees (red piste) and could include natural hazards like small drops, trees and rocks. Ability to traverse in switch or pivot in or out of switch from a stationary position. Ability to put bindings on with ease in powder. Ability to land an off-piste drop of 3-5 metres. 
  • Off Piste Safety Level - You should own your own avalanche transceiver with ability to flag multiple burials and group check. You should be well versed in using your key safety equipment including shovel, transceiver and probe. Out of pack construction of shovel and probe should take no longer than 45 seconds. 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 starting outside of transceiver range.
  • 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 straight air with a grab on a red jump (min 5 metre table). Ability to ollie off a fixed feature like a jump. 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, tail roll and nollie on piste.
  • Fitness - Ability to ride for sustained periods without a break, i.e. 2hr-4hr blocks within a typical 7hr-12hr riding day or night. Ability to handle a series of 500-1000 metre mountain ascents within a week if conditions permit. Ability to handle a series of 10-45 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 splitboarding. A solid cardio-endurance based fitness level would be a substantial benefit.
  • Equipment considerations - Ability to splitboard change-over to ski mode in under 5 minutes. You should own and be familiar with your splitboard setup. Own an appropriate small first aid kit, tools or spares to carry out basic repairs of your own equipment, personal or group shelter and a compact licence free walkie-talkie (12.5 kHz). Your probe should be at least 2.8m in length. You should know how to wax, edge and perform basic repairs to your snowboard. With training provided understand the selection and usage of additional safety equipment including a touring axe and crampons. Specific equipment requirements can be viewed here.
  • 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.
  • Environmental consideration - The winter environment is very susceptible to damage from visitors and therefore you should be aware of your impact and look to leave no trace other than your sick lines. 
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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