Rider 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 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.
  • 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. 

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. 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.

MOVING TO NEW REALMS

Level 3 Riders

Looking to become a terror on the slopes as you blast fast, boost off rollers and spin off side hits as every run becomes an adrenaline filled fun fest.

These courses are for higher level aspiring instructors or riders looking for the skills to handle all the mountain has to offer at speed in a variety of conditions. In addition it acts as a great stepping stone to the Splitboard Level 2 course as it'll focus on bigger off-piste adventures and build projects with steeper, deeper and longer off piste missions. 

It's not about surviving the mountain. It's about attacking it and inspiring the crew to greater levels of stoke and ability.

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

  • 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 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 and or black piste.
  • Off-piste riding level - Ability to ride off piste terrain to a basic safe level that could be between 30-40 degrees (red piste) in steepness and could include natural hazards like small drops, trees and rocks. Ability to traverse in switch at least 15m distance or pivot in or out of switch from a stationary position without loosing height. Ability to put bindings on with ease in powder. Ability to land an off-piste drop of 1-3 metres.
  • Freestyle riding level - Ability to complete a straight air with a grab on a blue jump (min 3 metre table). Ability to ollie off a fixed feature like a jump. Ability to complete a side hit 50/50 onto 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 10-45 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. You should know how to wax, edge and perform basic repairs to your snowboard. Ideally for off-piste focused courses you should own your own safety equipment and understand how to use all the items. 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.

Info links

TRAVEL GUIDES
KIT LISTS

Follow us

FOLLOW THE FUN & PROGRESSION

Join the community

SIGN UP TO BE INFORMED & INSPIRED

© Copyright 2008-2024 Maverix Snow Ltd - All Rights Reserved - Privacy Policy - Terms & Conditions - Sitemap