We are BACK with another winter of the BEST snowboard camps in the WORLD!
Year after year our snowboard camps see a lot of returning and new faces, all of them have one thing in common……the love for SNOWBOARDING! This year is going to be no different!
We have THREE mega weeks of camps running this season, we would love to shred with you this winter!
Early Winter Snowboard Camp – 15/12/24 – 22/12/24
Level: Beginner to Advanced
The BEST way to kickstart your winter. This camp is for you! The start of the winter is the perfect time to dust off those snowboard boots and refresh your skills, Or for those who never stepped foot on a board, enjoy the quiet mountains and learn the fundamentals early in the season and become a REAL (excuse the pun) snowboarder.
Not sure if it’s for you? Listen to Molly – see what she has to say about the camp.
REAL x TREELINE January Camp – 05/01/25 – 12/01/25
Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Teaming up with the AMAZING Treeline Chalets again this year we bring you an upgraded camp from last year! Amazing Accommodation overlooking the whole valley, with Sauna and Hot tub.
Daily coaching from REAL topped up with amazing chalet style catering and comfort from Treeline, what more could you want?!
Come and enjoy the amazing mountains in the heart of winter, cold fresh days, loads of snow, good people, it’s dreamy!
March Madness with REAL – 16/03/25 – 23/03/25
Level: Intermediate to Advanced
March can bring it all, Slushy park laps, knee deep pow riding. We will take you on a snow safari around the Portes du Soleil to ride all the best terrain and ensure you progress your riding. This year we have teamed up with the mega ATLAS Chalets to offer a unreal week of amazing snowboarding, outrageously good food and a mega chalet to stay in. Ease the body and mind after each day of riding in the hot tub and Sauna or a few cold ones by the fire.
We look forward to seeing you on the hill!
Please get in touch if you have any questions.
All Season Shred Club for Local Kids!
Open for ages between 10yrs -16yrs for weekly snowboard lessons. We want to encourage snowboarding locally and share our love and passion for snowboarding and the mountains! This year we want to open up our academy to everyone who lives locally. We guarantee fun, friends, and progression.
Ride the whole mountain – Progress Weekly – Love Snowboarding
Enjoy learning and shredding with a super rad, and super fun crew of shredders.
We will meet at the TOP of the Prodains Gondola each Sunday;
Morning Group – 09:30 – 11:30 – (Fully Booked)
Lunchtime Group – 11:45 – 13:45 – Spaces Remaining
Prices
£500 for the season (Please see exact dates below) Not During Holiday weeks.
Full payment required prior to the season.
Sunday 24th December 2023 – Sunday 4th February 2024
Sunday 18th February 2024 – Sunday 7th April 2024
The idea behind these weekly snowboard lessons is to kick start this winter and get shredding as much as possible! We want maximum learning whilst ensuring a great team for each kid to participate in.
Flexibility?
We know how difficult it can be with little ones running around and trying to keep up with their social calendars. So once we are off and shredding this season we are more than happy to work around their schedules and come up with the perfect schedule for the kids and you!
Please do not hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions or ideas – We want to make this work for you!
We look forward to riding with the future kids of snowboarding!
*First Half of Season
Sunday 24th December 2023 – 09:30 – 11:30 or 11:45 – 13:45
Sunday 31st December 2023 – 09:30 – 11:30 or 11:45 – 13:45
Sunday 7th January 2024- 09:30 – 11:30 or 11:45 – 13:45
Sunday 14th January 2024 – 09:30 – 11:30 or 11:45 – 13:45
Sunday 21st January 2024 – 09:30 – 11:30 or 11:45 – 13:45
Sunday 28th January 2024 – 09:30 – 11:30 or 11:45 – 13:45
Sunday 4th February 2024 – 09:30 – 11:30 or 11:45 – 13:45
*Second Half of the Season
Sunday 18th February 2024 – 09:30 – 11:30 or 11:45 – 13:45
Sunday 25th February 2024 – 09:30 – 11:30 or 11:45 – 13:45
Sunday 3rd March 2024 – 09:30 – 11:30 or 11:45 – 13:45
Sunday 10th March 2024 – 09:30 – 11:30 or 11:45 – 13:45
Sunday 17th March 2024 – 09:30 – 11:30 or 11:45 – 13:45
Sunday 24th March 2024 – 09:30 – 11:30 or 11:45 – 13:45
Sunday 31st March 2024 – 09:30 – 11:30 or 11:45 – 13:45
Sunday 7th April 2024 – 09:30 – 11:30 or 11:45 – 13:45
We look forward to hearing from you and coaching your kids!
Chat soon!
Do you have a passion for shredding and sharing your love of snowboarding with others? Then look no further…We are looking for new instructors to join our family and inspire anyone who is looking to become a snowboarder.
Job Role: Snowboard Instructor/Coach
Job Type: Seasonal Full-time / Part-time
Period: December ’23 – April ’24
Location: Morzine/Avoriaz
Pay: Dependant on experience and availability – circa 30 hours a week.
Key attributes:
Hold a Carte Professionalle or have an Instructor qualification capable of applying for a Carte Profesionalle.
Have the right to work in France.
Fluent in English.
Love snowboarding and sharing this with others.
As a Snowboard Instructor with us, you will:
- Provide expert snowboarding instruction to students ranging from beginners to advanced riders.
- Create a safe and positive learning environment that encourages growth and confidence.
- Adapt your teaching methods to meet the diverse needs of individuals and groups.
- Deliver constructive feedback and encouragement to help students improve their skills.
- Collaborate with fellow instructors and the management team to ensure a seamless experience for our guests.
Qualifications:
- Hold a Carte Professionalle or have the ability to apply for one.
- Current up to date First Aid certificate.
Benefits:
- Competitive pay rate based on experience and certifications.
- Opportunity for professional development and training.
- Discounts on equipment ,merchandise and more.
- The chance to be part of a passionate team dedicated to delivering exceptional guest experiences.
Join us in making this winter season unforgettable for our guests. Apply now and be a part of the REAL Snowboarding family!
Get in touch and tell us why you think you are the right person for the job.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Winter 2023/24 SNOWBOARD CAMPS
Year after year our snowboard camps see a lot of returning and new faces, all of them have one thing in common……the love for SNOWBOARDING! This year is going to be no different!
We have THREE mega weeks of camps running this season, we would love to shred with you this winter!
Early Winter Snowboard Camp – 16/12/23 – 23/12/23
Level: Beginner to Advanced
The BEST way to kickstart your winter. This camp is for you! The start of the winter is the perfect time to dust off those snowboard boots and refresh your skills, Or for those who never stepped foot on a board, enjoy the quiet mountains and learn the fundamentals early in the season and become a REAL (excuse the pun) snowboarder.
REAL x TREELINE January Camp – 14/01/24 – 21/02/24
Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Teaming up with the AMAZING Treeline Chalets again this year we bring you a very special week!
Daily coaching from REAL topped up with amazing chalet style catering and comfort from Treeline, what more could you want?!
Come and enjoy the amazing mountains in the heart of winter, cold fresh days, loads of snow, good people, it’s dreamy!
REAL March Camp – 17/03/24 – 24/03/24
Level: Intermediate to Advanced
March is when you can get a full season of weather in one week, just as the campers from last year! Started the week with some super fun park laps in slushy safe conditions and ended the week getting mega pow turns on some untouched secret spots!
We look forward to seeing you on the hill!
Please get in touch if you have any questions.
Job Role: Bookings and Customer Relations Manager
Job Type: Flexible prior to season – full-time in season (Loads of time to shred!)
Period: October ’23 – April ’24
Location: Morzine
Pay: Dependant on experience and availability – 25 – 30 hours a week.
Key attributes: Come and fit seamlessly into the REAL snowboarding family. (must have the right to live and work in France).
Key Responsibilities:
- Booking Management: Handle incoming booking requests, ensuring all details are accurately recorded and scheduled efficiently to optimize resources and staff availability.
- Customer Relations: Be the primary point of contact for customers, addressing inquiries, providing product/service information, and resolving issues promptly to maintain a high level of customer satisfaction.
- Scheduling and Coordination: Collaborate with internal teams to create and manage schedules, making adjustments as needed to accommodate changing demands and ensuring smooth operations.
- Conflict Resolution: Proactively identify and address any conflicts or challenges that arise during the booking process, finding satisfactory resolutions for both customers and the company.
- Client Communication: Develop and maintain strong relationships with clients through effective communication, seeking feedback to continuously improve our services.
- Sales Support: Work closely with the sales team to identify potential upselling opportunities and provide necessary information to support sales efforts.
- Online Content: Continuously look at ways to promote REAL within the different social media and emails portals working with a strong marketing strategy.
If you feel you are the person for this job then please get in touch and tell us why you think you are the right person for the job.
Applications close on Friday August 25th at 17:00.
We look forward to hearing from you!
During our quarantine series we have decided to create a stop motion snowboarding edit. If you haven’t seen the stop motion edit already please find it below. If you are a YouTube user subscribe to our channel here.
Stop motion is a great way to add a twist to snowboard videos and the creativity that surrounds this great sport. Our snowboard video is easier than you think however it is important to plan ahead! For this edit we created a story board of the scene we wanted to create. After deciding and visualising the movements we then searched for our props. A white sheet from the washing basket was user to portray snow, an old blue tarp from the garden was our water. Adding in these props to highlight snow, water or even sky really brings the soul of a video out.
Once we introduced the blue tarp we wanted to put surfing into our video as its a natural sport alongside snowboarding. We absolutely love surfing at REAL Snowboarding and therefore it was natural for us to incorporate this into the stop motion snowboard video.
How to shoot our stop motion
We took a photo, moved a little and then took another photo. The movement is almost like acting out a scene of walking in slow motion. This is the basics of a stop motion. You then piece the images together in a timeline on a program like Adobe Premier Pro which will then create your video.
Everything was planned and the camera was set up in a birds eye view position. This meant that it was above us on the balcony. If you make a mistake in stop motion you then have to find it within hundreds or even thousands of images. We didn’t want this hassle so we knew it was one sequence of shooting, start to finish. The reason for doing this is once you have finished you can drag and drop your images into premier and they are already in order.
Once all of your photos are in the timeline you select them all, right click and set the duration to .200 of a second. We found that this was the best speed to make the animation fun to watch without being to slow and lagged.
There you have it, a snowboarding and surfing stop motion animation. Check it out below and please share it if you love it and like it if you appreciate it!
Don’t forget to check out more of our quarantine series, you can find episode one here
A frontside board slide and a frontside nose slide are two different tricks because they use different parts of the snowboard. More than often they will find themselves under the front foot while doing so.
Why go under the front foot?
The front foot offers you more balance and stability it is that simple. Many people consider a true frontside boardslide to be between the bindings meaning it is exactly between your bindings. At REAL Snowboarding we love all snowboard tricks, some more than others but we are avid fans of having a frontside boardslide both under your front foot and between your bindings. This is simply because they are two different tricks therefore we can appreciate both of them separately.
What is counter rotation on a snowboard?
As our tutorial explains you must create counter rotation in order to be aligned and ‘stacked’ over your snowboard. To be stacked means to be balance over your snowboard in its optimum position with good posture. Many people when doing a frontside boardslide for the first time will twist their shoulders in the direction of there board meaning they will keep rotation while on the feature. In order to stop the board and body from over rotating and essentially going into another trick you must stop this continuous rotation. This is where counter rotation comes into your toolbox.
Practice your snowboarding
Practice with or without your snowboard on in a flat area. If you jump in the air and turn your board one way try to go the opposite with your upper body. By doing this you are essentially creating a shift but landing still in that shifty position. The torsion and wind-up you creating in your torso will allow you to become balance and potentially able to spin our of this frontside boardslide in the future.
Improve your freestyle snowboarding even more now you are performing backside boardslides. It’s time to learn a Pretzel on a snowboard and improve your freestyle snowboarding even more. It doesn’t matter if you’re learning off snow and in the house during the coronavirus lockdown. The aim of our quarantine series is to enable everyone to practice anywhere. Broadening your knowledge of snowboard tricks is very important because it will ensure you are safe when attempting on snow.
When it comes to improving your freestyle snowboarding there are many avenues to take. A focus within your freestyle snowboarding can be on jumps however during quarantine and without a trampoline this can be difficult.
For these tutorials we have focused on box and rail snowboard tricks that you can learn during the coronavirus lockdown. We want to jazz up the performance and introduce a rotation to your skillset. A simple spin out of a box and rail trick can vastly improve your snowboarding.
The next trick in our tutorial is introducing a Pretzel. The reason why it is named a Pretzel is because you spin out the opposite direction you jumped into the trick, it’s that simple.
To get an in-depth visual at this Pretzel trick have a look at our tutorial below.
If you would like to receive coaching with any of our Instructors in Morzine visit our freestyle lessons page .
How do we visit Morzine for a snowboard lesson?
Our snowboard lessons run in the resorts of Morzine, Avoriaz and Les Gets. This is only 1 hour transfer from Geneva airport making it the most accessible resort in the world from an International airport.
Arriving in Morzine is very easy as most accommodation providers such as More Mountain provide transfers to and from the airport therefore you only need an EasyJet flight.
Off snow snowboard training
One of the first tricks that you can learn on a snowboard is a backside boardslide. You must first be comfortable snowboarding around the mountain and turn with confidence. After becoming intermediate or above at turning a snowboard you may then ask yourself the question; how to boardslide on a snowboard.
Freestyle snowboarding isn’t for everyone but the natural stages of snowboarding will always go towards some sort of basic freestyle snowboarding. It is our recommendation that you practice basic freestyle snowboarding therefore you can understand more movements on a snowboard.
Many winters of teaching snowboarding has lead us to understand what a learner needs to progress in. For us there are two categories that stand out within a persons ability. People who have never done freestyle snowboarding and people who can snowboard but don’t want to learn the freestyle element. We are not saying everyone needs to learn freestyle snowboarding but what we are saying is that everyone needs to be aware of what the body is doing above their snowboard.
To achieve the desired results of knowing what the body is doing in a multiple of scenarios with a snowboard we urge you to predict and practice. This simply means that where possible you predict and practice a movement by learning in a safe environment. Knowing the fundamentals will in achieve better performance and a reactive snowboarder.
For us, a safe environment for kicker training is on a trampoline with or without a trampoline specific snowboard. To learn rail and box tricks we use our ‘at home, how to snowboard’. This brings us to our quarantine series of using the snowboard addiction or a homemade version. If you are not sure how to setup this at home see our pilot episode to get ideas.
Without further chat let us present to you a tutorial we made during our coronavirus isolation lockdown
With the Coronavirus (Covid-19) taking over the world we are in times of the unknown. The local mountain of Morzine and Avoriaz closed and police restrictions came into place on March 16th 2020 with check points on every corner in the village.
Since the closure of Morzine, Avoriaz and Les Gets we have been left thirsty for snowboarding. One solution during this time is to find a way to do off snow snowboard training.
Snow capped mountains are teasing our minds about snowboarding and it won’t stop anytime soon. We can see the Nyon peak, a local mountain perfectly perched above the tree-line from the office window. We have mind snowboarded this peak every morning during self isolation. Gazing upon this beautiful peak with its melting snow it got us thinking, why are we not snowboarding?
In Morzine we are sticking to the rules and not going further than 1km from the house. If we all work together it will contain the spread of this awful virus. Despite feeling confined within our own home we’re lucky to have a garden and some space to work with. Regardless of no snow we can find a way to do off snow snowboard training to keep the mind and body occupied.
The temperature has been a consistent 18 degrees and when you are a 1000m in altitude it feels like an easy mid 20s. T-shirts on, suncream all over the face we set ourselves a mission to practice rail tricks. The idea was to provide you with a solution to practice snowboarding alongside us. We grabbed our snowboards, put our snowboard boots on and went snowboarding, in isolation.
Stay tuned for tutorials dropping in the next few days which can be found on our Instagram page or just refresh this page
Snowboard bindings often get slightly overlooked when it comes to buying snowboard kit but they are arguably the single piece of kit that will have the most impact on your riding. Your snowboard bindings are the literal connection between you and your snowboard. All the movements you make when snowboarding get transferred through your boots and bindings to your snowboard.
If they don’t fit properly or aren’t set up correctly then you’re just making your life difficult for yourself!
Fit
Your snowboard bindings transfer all the movements you make with your feet, ankles and knees to your snowboard so it’s super important that your bindings fit correctly.
Fit to boot
Snowboard bindings are typically sized as S, M, L, and XL. Check the manufacturer’s sizing charts and you’ll find a suggested boot size range so you can make sure you get the correct size binding for your boots. Just like boots, it’s worth checking the Mondo size as this is universal across manufacturers.
It’s sometimes easier to set up your bindings to your boots before fixing them onto your board, so grab a binding and a boot and check the fit:
The footbed of your snowboard binding should be about the same length as your boot. The heel of your boot should fit snugly in the heel cup of the binding and your toes shouldn’t be hanging off the end.
All straps should fit snugly to your boot. Adjust the straps so that the main part of the strap is centred on the toe or ankle area of your boot. You want to be able to flex down in your bindings but not have your boots moving around under the straps.
When doing up your bindings, use the ratchets to tighten them until you get a bit of resistance. You don’t need to crank them up fully – over tightening bindings can lead to numb toes and no one wants that!
Fit to board
As well as fitting to your boots, your bindings need to fit to your snowboard. This sounds obvious but there are a few different binding mounting systems so make sure you buy bindings that will fit with your snowboard.
Most snowboards come with a 4 x 2 mounting pattern of holes. This gives you a range of stance options and the majority of bindings will fit this system.
Burton boards use a triangle hole pattern (3D) or a channel system for mounting bindings onto the snowboard. If your snowboard has one of these systems then you’ll need to buy bindings that use that mounting system, or check to see if you can get a conversion disc. If you’re looking for a new board and binding set up at the same time then just keep this in mind!
Flex
Just like snowboard boots, snowboard bindings have flex. Bindings with a softer flex are typically better for beginners as they’re more forgiving. Stiffer bindings are better for more experienced riders looking for more response and performance.
That said, your riding style can also influence how soft or stiff you want your snowboard bindings to be. If you’re a park rider or more freestyle orientated then a soft binding will help you get the response you need. For freeride or racing, stiffer bindings will give you the support and power that you need to charge.
It’s all down to personal preference and most people tend to choose an all mountain binding as these have medium flex so suitable for your average rider wanting to explore all aspects of snowboarding.
Style
Snowboard bindings might look very similar, but there are some differences in how you get in and out of them.
Strap in – this is the traditional two strap style that you’ve probably already used. Step into the binding heel first and tighten the toe and ankle straps across your boots. This style is easy to get in and out of wherever you are on the mountain. It’s also super easy to adjust throughout the day.
Rear entry – a quick fit system that requires a bit of setup but then no adjusting throughout the day. Rear entry bindings have one or two straps that go across your boot that you can set up before you get on the mountain. You get into these bindings by pushing back, or folding down, the high back and stepping in toe first. These are a bit quicker than traditional strap in bindings but can be trickier to get in and out of until you get the hang of them.
Step on – another quick fit system that does exactly what it says – you just step on to the binding and click in place. You need special boots for this style of binding
For more detail about all the parts of a snowboard binding check out the Anatomy of a Snowboard Binding from our friends at Absolute-Snow
Set up
You’ve picked your bindings, they fit your boots, now you need to get them on your board. How you set your bindings will have the biggest impact on your snowboarding.
Angles
This is how far out from centre your toes point when you’re standing on the board. If you stand up now and look down at your feet, chances are your toes aren’t pointing dead ahead, and they shouldn’t be when you’re on your snowboard either.
We recommend starting with a duck stance of +12 & -12 or +15 & -15. This means your front and back feet are both turned out from the centre by the same amount. A duck stance is great for helping you get centred over the board and riding switch.
Stance
This is how wide apart your feet are on the board. All boards will come with a recommended width marked on the binding holes which is a good place to start if you’re new to snowboarding.
If you’ve been riding for a little bit, have a play around with your stance. Try moving it in or out and see how it feels. Nidecker has put together this great little video with some tips on working out your stance:
The REAL binding of choice
The Nidecker Carbon bindings are the REAL binding of choice for this season. Super light weight and responsive, these bindings give us the comfort and performance that we need whether we have a full day of lessons or are shredding around the mountains.
What next?
Up next in our Snowboard Essentials series we’ll take a look at snowboards and what to think about beyond the graphics. We’ll talk about what to consider when buying a snowboard, along with our recommendations. Keep an eye on our Instagram stories to find out when it’s out.
About Nidecker
Nidecker has a long history of snowsports innovation, making their first pair of ski in 1912 and manufacturing snowboards since 1984. We love their approach and attitude, and are delighted to partner with them. Visit https://www.nidecker.com/ to check them out.
For further reading visit: https://snowboardhow.com/best-snowboard-bindings/
Do you know the Skiway Code? With half term approaching we thought it would be a great time to recap the basic safety rules for staying safe when you’re snowboarding.
Otherwise known as the FIS Rules for the Conduct of Skiers and Snowboarders, the Skiway Code is a set of 10 simple guidelines to keep you safe on the slopes. Think of it as the highway code of snowboarding.
Respect for others
Be nice
A skier or snowboard must behave in such a way that he or she does not endanger or prejudice others.
Control of speed
Take it easy and ride to the conditions
A skier or snowboard must move in control. He must adapt his speed and manner of skiing or snowboarding to his personal ability and to the prevailing conditions of terrain, snow and weather as well as to the density of traffic.
Choice of route
People in front have right of way
A skier or snowboarder coming from behind must choose his route in such a way that he does not endanger skiers or snowboarders ahead.
Overtaking
Give people space
A skier or snowboarder may overtake another skier or snowboarder above or below and to the right or to the left provided that he leaves enough space for the overtaken skier or snowboarder to make any voluntary or involuntary movement.
Entering, starting and moving upwards
Look around before you set off
A skier or snowboarder entering a marked run, starting again after stopping or moving upwards on the slopes must look up and down the slopes that he can do so without endangering himself or others.
Stopping on the slope
Stop out of the way and where you can be seen
Unless absolutely necessary, a skier or snowboard must avoid stopping on the slope in narrow places or where visibility is restricted. After a fall in such a place a skier or snowboarder mush move and clear of the slope as soon as possible.
Climbing and descending on foot
Keep to the side
A skier or snowboarder either climbing or descending on foot must keep to the side of the slope.
Respect for signs and markings
Obey the signs
A skier or snowboarder must respect all signs and markings
Assistance
Stop and help
At accidents, every skier or snowboarder is duty bound to assist
Identification
Make yourself know
Every skier or snowboarder and witness, whether a responsible party or not, must exchange names and addresses following an accident.
As well as following the Skiway Code, as a snowboarder always remember to put your board upside down or stick it in the snow when you unstrap both feet. The last thing you want is to watch your snowboard sliding down the piste without you!
If you’re snowboarding in Avoriaz or Morzine this February, check out our tips for avoiding the half term crowds and have a fun, safe holiday!
Read the full FIS Rules for the Conduct of Skiers and Snowboarders here
Did you miss the pre-season announcements about changes to pistes and lifts in the Portes du Soleil? To help you plan for your upcoming holidays, here’s a quick summary of what’s new in Avoriaz, Morzine & Les Gets for winter 2019/20.
Avoriaz
- In Avoriaz, the old, slow Léchère chairlift linking the Lindarets bowl to the Mossette and Brochaux chairlifts has been replaced with a much faster, and comfier 6 man chair
- Linking from the top of Léchère is a brand new lift, Cases. This provides a quicker route over to Les Crosets, Switzerland
- If you want to stay in Avoriaz, from the top of the Cases lift there’s a new red piste, Vautna giving access to terrain above the existing blue piste Abricotine.
Morzine
- Over in Morzine, piste G / le Grizzli (blue) now starts from the Belvédère lift. From here you can choose to continue to the Pleney slopes, or make your way over to Nyon.
- In Nyon, the Aigle Rouge piste (red) has been rerouted giving more options from the top of La Pointe.
- Just at the top of the Nyon Gondola you’ll find les Aigles du Léman. This is a great place to have a coffee or lunch and watch the birds of prey displays. You can even go riding with them! It’s worth making a stop to have a look if you’re over that way.
Les Gets
- Splitboarding and ski touring are becoming more and more popular. So much so that now there’s a dedicated piste where you can earn your turns in the safety of the resort. Starting at the bottom of the Chamois piste, the 3km trail winds from the base of the gondola to the summit of Mont Chéry. It’s a great introduction for beginners and an ideal way to build fitness for more experienced splitboarders and ski tourers.
- In the Les Perrières area of Les Gets, Les Trembles is a new blue piste that will take you back to the car park. This is a great alternative to existing red run, Meleze.
As you can see, there are some great developments in resort this year. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced snowboarder, having some lessons can help you enjoy the mountain even more. Our guide to snowboarding levels and lessons is a great place to start.
February half term is nearly here. For thousands of
But whether you’re heading to the slopes for your annual snow fix or living in resort, here are some time tested tips on how to not only get through one of the most chaotic weeks of the season – but enjoy it too.
For the family heading out to the hills
Firstly, choose Morzine, Avoriaz or Les Gets! Not only are they fantastic family resorts, with brilliant terrain, but they’re insanely close to Geneva airport. This means transfer times are well under the 2 hour mark. When you have kids in the party, this can make all the difference.
Organise as much as you can in advance
The great thing about school holidays is that you know when they are, way in advance. This means you can plan your annual trip with plenty of time to spare, and avoid the inevitable ‘fully booked’ email responses.
Transfers, ski and snowboard rental, ski passes. Your chalet company, or your tour operator will often be able to arrange these so they are ready for you when you arrive, saving time and hassle once you’re in resort.
Our friends at Doorstep Skis will deliver your kit to your door, and take it back from your accommodation at the end of the week – no more trudging through resort with heavy snowboards or skis, and no more smelly ski basements trying on boots.
Most importantly, book your snowboard lessons in advance. School holidays are always busy and lessons are in high demand. Make sure you get the lessons you want by booking them as early as possible.
Packing Essentials
Family packing can be chaos. Try our ‘toes-up’ method for each person you’re packing for to make sure you get to resort with everything you and your family need.
It’s simple: start with your feet, and work your way up until you’re fully dressed with the kit you plan to take.
- Snowboard socks – we can’t stress how important the right socks are
- Boots – of the snowboarding kind but don’t forget boots for walking around the resort
- Thermal base layers
- Salopettes
- Tee shirts to use as under-layers
- Hoodie or riding shirt as a mid-layer for cold days
- Snowboard jacket
- Gloves or mitts
- Neck warmer or face mask
- Goggles – check out the latest Dragon goggles available this season for the best eyewear on the hill
- Sunglasses for apres action – always protect your eyes, snow blindness is no fun
- Beanie
- Helmet
- High SPF suncream and lip balm
Get up early, head to the edge of resort, and bring your lunch
The closer the slopes are to the nearest resort lifts, the busier they’ll be. Our advice is to get up early and head to the outer reaches of the resort where the crowds venture least.
Consider taking an early lunch and enjoy slightly quieter half term pistes while everyone else is sat eating their €20 spag bol. If you have your own picnic, find an awesome view, and stop when you want! You can also look for the green ‘salle hors sac’ icons on the piste map. These are sheltered picnic spots dotted around the resort.
Take a break
Yes, you’re on holiday to go skiing but there’s plenty of other things to see and do around Morzine. Swimming pools, skating rinks and bowling alleys are great for indoor fun. There’s also sledging, paragliding and a whole host of events running throughout the winter. Have a look at the Tourist Information site to see what’s on while you’re here.
For the seasonnaires
The lifts are going to have queues like Disney Land, your favourite bars will be full to the brim, and you’re going to trip over kids in the street.
Our advice? Get some rest. Between extra busy work shifts, half term week is the perfect time to give your body a break, so you’re ready to shred when the crowds die down. Catch up on sleep and hustle for your guests to make a little extra money. Above all, enjoy the down time without feeling the FOMO on the hill.
Heading out over half term? Book your snowboarding lessons with REAL Snowboarding and learn to snowboard the REAL way. Get in touch hello@realsnowboarding.co.uk
Photo credit: @samuelmcahon
Just like socks, good snowboard boots are more important than your board and bindings. You’re going to be in them ALL DAY LONG so take the time to find some that fit properly.
If you tend to rent your snowboard equipment and are thinking about making an investment in some kit then boots are 100%where you should put your money first. You can always keep renting a snowboard until you find one you like!
There are a lot of choices out there so here’s a quick breakdown of what to look for.
Styles
Laces, speed lacing, boa – these are all terms you’ll come across as you start looking into boots. Which one to go for is personal preference as there are pros and cons to them all. It all comes down to the best fit for your feet.
Boa
The boa lacing system is quick to do up and quick to release. It’s a loop of wire that you can tighten using a dial on the front of your boot. Great for speed, not so great if the wire breaks and you need to replace the whole system (not common but it can happen). The boa system tightens the same across the whole boot and won’t work its way loose throughout the day.
Speed laces
Another one for speed and ease, this system usually has two different zones allowing you to tighten your boots separately across the top of your foot and around your shin. Pull the lace up, click it into place and you’re good to go. Like the boa system, it can be awkward to replace if it breaks but, again, this is pretty rare.
Laces
The most straight forward of all. Pull them tight, tie them in a bow. Re-tighten at lunchtime when they’ve worked their way loose!
Liners
All snowboard boots will have some kind of liner. More expensive boots will usually have some kind of lacing system on the liners that is designed to work with the outer boot and hold your foot in place. It’s worth checking if the liners are removable so you can dry them properly if you don’t have access to boot dryers. Some liners can even be put in the washing machine but make sure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions before chucking them in for a spin!
Fit
Having good fitting boots means that the movements you make with your feet will transfer to the board more efficiently, make it more responsive and easier to ride.
Your feet
First thing’s first. Wear proper snowboard socks when you’re trying on boots. Your boots will feel really different with a pair of snowboard socks compared to thin trainer socks so take a pair of snowboard socks with you.
Once your feet are in, if you stand up straight you should feel your toes lightly touching the end of the boot. You don’t snowboard with straight legs (well, you shouldn’t!), so flex your knees. You should feel a bit of support on your shins from the boots and your toes should move away from the end ever so slightly. Wiggle your toes to make sure they’re not bunched up, and try to lift your heel. A good fitting boot will have minimal heel lift –adjusting the liners and lacing can help with this.
Flex
The flex of a snowboard boot refers to how soft it is. It’s a bit of personal preference again but generally a softer boot is better for beginners and a stiffer boot is better for performance riding. All boots will pack out and soften over time so it’s best to err on the slightly stiffer side to get the most life out of your boots.
Footbeds
A whole host of fit problems can be solved by using proper footbeds. Snowboard boots tend to come with flat footbeds so if you need extra support just swap them out for some proper footbeds.
Footbeds are also a really handy way to find the right fitting boot. Take the foot bed out of your trainers and measure the length of it in cm. This is your Mondo size, a universal sizing system used for ski and snowboard boots. It’s really useful to know this as different brands and models will size differently.
Here’s a quick video from Absolute-Snow explaining a bit more about it:
Of course, the best way to find snowboard boots is to try them on. Try different brands and different models until you find some that feel good.
The REAL boot of choice
Thirty Two are the boot of choice for the REAL Snowboarding team. This season we’re wearing the Mullair Boot. The traditional lacing system allows for the maximum comfort and adaptability whatever you’re looking to ride.
What next?
Working our way up, next time we’ll have a look at snowboard bindings. We’ll talk about what to consider when buying them, along with our recommendations. Keep an eye on our Instagram stories to find out when it’s out.
About ThirtyTwo
ThirtyTwo have been making snowboard boots and snowboarding outerwear since 1995 and remain true to their by snowboarders for snowboarders roots. They constantly push for innovation in all their products and we are delighted to partner with them. Visit www.thirtytwo.com to check them out.
Do I need a snowboard lesson? This is one of the questions we get asked a lot and our answer is always “Yes”
Now, we’re not just saying this because we’re instructors. We’re saying this because we love snowboarding and want you to love it too.
We believe that having snowboard lessons will make your snowboarding experience more enjoyable, safer and more fun than just giving it a go by yourself so we’ve put together this little guide to answer some of the questions we’re asked on a regular basis.
If you’ve got another then get in touch hello@realsnowboarding.co.uk
Can you snowboard without lessons?
Yes, of course you can. Will it be as much fun? Probably not.
Snowboarding looks easy. The video edits of people effortlessly cruising down the slopes make many people think “how hard can it be?”
This is awesome because we want everyone to get in on how much fun snowboarding is but you can’t see what they’re doing to make the board move.
Sure, you can take yourself to the slopes, watch what everyone’s doing and try to figure it out yourself but you’ll probably end up bruised, tired and frustrated. And possibly, even worse, tempted to abandon snowboarding and turn to skiing.
Getting a lesson or two will give you that all important foundation and make your snowboarding feel so much easier.
Are snowboard lessons worth it?
Think back to the last time one of your nearest and dearest tried to teach you something. Maybe learning to drive…
Chances are it started out well before descending into the levels of frustration and stress usually reserved for untangling the Christmas tree lights. It usually ends with crosswords and people not speaking to each other.
Just us? Didn’t think so.
Snowboard instructors have patience. They’re professionals. They know how to break snowboarding down and explain it in a way that will make sense to you.
What works for one person might not work for someone else. Your snowboard instructor will have a whole bag of tricks to get you progressing in a fun and safe way. They won’t (the good ones at least) just keep repeating the same instruction at you and expect you to do it.
Having snowboard lessons gives a structure to your learning. It will help you to progress easier and faster than figuring it out yourself.
How many snowboard lessons do I need?
If you’re a complete beginner then usually around 6 hours of snowboard lessons will get you to a point where you’re comfortable turning on the beginner slopes. That’s less than a day at work!
It is a good idea though to spread lessons out over a few days so that you can practice in between lessons and get the most out of them. It’s always worth speaking to your instructor after your first lesson to see what they suggest.
Of course, the number of lessons that you need will be different to your friends, your partner, and that guy at the bar. It comes down to what suits you and your way of learning.
Are snowboard lessons just for beginners?
Not at all! We are all always learning.
Once you’ve got the basics dialled you’ll be cruising around the slopes all day. If you’re happy with that, we’re happy with that. However, if you want to take your snowboarding up a notch then a lesson is a great way to progress quicker.
A snowboard lesson can be a really good idea on the first or second day of your holiday. That way, instead of spending all week getting frustrated because you’re slipping out on the steeps, or losing your confidence because something just doesn’t feel right, you can get some pointers early on and have a much more enjoyable week.
Shred the mountain, don’t slide it.
What kind of snowboard lesson should I book?
Similar to figuring out how many lessons you need, the type of snowboard lesson to book is down to personal preference.
Group lessons are great if you want to meet other people
These tend to run over a week and provide a really social way to learn and improve. Progression in a group will always be at the lowest level of the group however after the first couple of days this tends to even out and an experienced instructor will be able to make sure everyone is always improving.
Private lessons are great if you learn better in a one to one environment
Progression will always be at your pace, and in a private lesson you get to focus on exactly what your snowboarding needs. Although private lessons are usually one to one, you can normally add a second person so if you want to learn with your mate and can’t manage group lessons they can be a good option.
Another thing to consider when it comes to booking lessons is duration
You’ve probably seen intense ‘learn to ride in a day’ courses and, while they work for some, they’re too much for a lot of people.
Snowboarding is a physical sport and quite tiring when you’re starting out. There’s a lot of sitting down, standing up, skating around and dealing with lifts. Not to mention actually snowboarding!
Having a few more short lessons may suit you better than one long lesson. It also lets you factor in that all important practice time so you can get the most out of your next lesson.
Skill specific lessons
Another option is skill specific lessons such as freestyle, backcountry or training for competition or instructor exams.
These kind of skills can be done as private lessons but are often taught in week long snowboard camps. Camps combine the social element of group lessons with focused progression and supporting activities on and off the slopes.
As you can see, there’s a lot to consider when you are booking snowboarding lessons but there’s something for everyone. If you’ve got more questions or would like to book a snowboard lesson with us, please get in touch hello@realsnowboarding.co.uk and we’ll be happy to help.
Are you working towards the BASI Snowboard Level 3 qualification? REAL Snowboarding are running a technical training week designed for you.
Get the inside information
The BASI Snowboard Level 3 technical exam is one of the hardest snowboard exams out there. Lucky for you, REAL Snowboarding coaches Dave and Barry are current BASI trainers so they know first hand what you will be assessed on.
Between them, Dave and Barry have over 40 years instructing and coaching experience. As well as running REAL Snowboarding and being BASI trainers, they have coached GB Freestyle athletes, and are freestyle coaches to the RAF and British Army snowboard teams. You’re in good hands.
The training week will focus on developing your riding to match the actual performance indicators (PIA) of the BASI Snowboard level 3 Technical Exam.
Identify your faults and how to fix them
Throughout the week your riding will be assessed across the five strands and against the technical criteria that BASI trainers will be looking for. As a result, you’ll be able to identify your weakest areas and understand exactly where you need to focus your training.
The training week will be split into full and half day coaching sessions. Video analysis and honest feedback will be used to help break complex riding requirements into manageable stages. You’ll also have time to ride by yourself, or with others in the group, so you can practice and consolidate the new movement patterns.
At the end of the week, you’ll receive an individual action plan to continue your training throughout the season. This will help to ensure that you’re in the best possible condition for the BASI Level 3 technical exam.
If you’re working through the BASI Snowboard Instructor pathway you’ll already know the high standard of riding required. A focused training week like this is certainly a great way to boost your confidence and avoid repeating expensive exams.
Dates: 3 – 7 February 2020
Location: Morzine / Avoriaz
Cost: £400 per person
Contact us for more details or to book your space email hello@realsnowboarding.co.uk
Domes and drylsopes are fun but the REAL snowboarding happens in the mountains! If this is your first time snowboarding in a resort, here are some tips to make sure you’re mountain ready.
Check the weather
The weather can change a lot in the mountains. Just because it’s warm and sunny in Morzine it doesn’t mean it’ll be warm once you’re on the slopes or sitting on a chairlift.
A quick look out of the window is a good starting point although may be misleading. It might be gloomy in resort but sunny above the clouds. It’s always worth checking the mountain weather reports and webcams before setting off for the day.
Kit
Once you know what the weather’s expected to be, make sure you’re kitted out properly and your equipment is in good order. Spend a couple of minutes in the morning to make sure that your board and boots are in good condition.
If this is your first time snowboarding in the mountains then a simple hoodie won’t cut it. Layering and good socks are key to an enjoyable day snowboarding. It is also worth spending a little bit more money on clothing that is designed for snowboarding. This will help you stay warm and dry on the mountain, whatever the weather throws at you.
Remember: an extra layer is never a bad idea, don’t forget your googles or sunglasses, and always wear sunscreen!
Food & drink
It’s important to keep your energy levels up and stay hydrated when you’re snowboarding.
To keep you going throughout the day, start off with a good breakfast and then pack plenty of pocket snacks for a quick bite on the lifts.
If you’re stopping for lunch, there are picnic areas around the resort where you can take your own lunch if you’re keeping an eye on your budget. The newest one is in Lindarets bowl, near the top of the Ardent gondola.
You’ll also find loads of cafes and restaurants tucked away on the slopes if you fancy something hot. Whatever you do for lunch, just make sure you have some water in amongst the vin chaud or beers!
Map / location
Make sure you know where you’re going! It seems obvious but it’s too easy to follow other people or misread piste markers and suddenly you’re on a slope that’s too difficult or at a lift miles away from where you’re meeting everyone.
You can pick up piste maps at all the ticket desks in resort. You’ll also find big maps by some of the lifts. Remember the name of the lift you’re on, or heading to, and look out for the signs on your way down to keep you in the right direction.
You can also access the Portes du Soleil piste map online or download it to your phone from the official Portes du Soleil website.
Where to meet
Make sure you know when and where to meet your instructor so you can get there in plenty of time.
REAL Snowboard lessons start at the top of the Pleney Gondola in Morzine, or the top of the Prodains Express in Avoriaz. These lifts are both walk on so you can get to your lesson without worrying about getting on a chairlift!
When you book lessons with us, we will send you confirmation of the lesson time and location a week before your lesson date so you have plenty of time to plan your day.
Remember to arrange with others in your group where you’ll meet them after your lesson and make sure you all have a working phone, just in case something changes.
Now all that’s left to do is enjoy the stunning mountain scenery and have a fantastic snowboarding holiday!
If you don’t get your equipment right then life can be difficult when you’re up on the mountain. Over the years, people have turned up for lessons without gloves, goggles, helmets and even once, skis instead of a snowboard!
Equipment and clothing designed for snowboarders and the mountain environment helps to keep you warm, comfortable and dry.
Snowboard equipment is one of the most discussed topics in the REAL Snowboarding office so we’re starting a new blog series to share our expertise with you.
First up: socks.
Snowboard socks
Forget what your board looks like, what shape it is, or even what colour your jacket is. For us, socks are the most important bit of kit for staying happy when you’re snowboarding all day long.
The right pair of socks keep your feet warm and can also help with the fit of your boots.
Do you notice we said ‘pair of socks’? If there’s one piece of advice we want you to remember, it’s to never double up on socks! It might seem like a good idea but can actually restrict circulation to your toes making them feel cold, and cause friction which can lead to pressure points or blisters.
Not fun.
Technology has advanced a lot in the past few years. You can now get socks that provide support and cushioning to specific areas of your feet. Take the time to try different pairs and find the ones that are the perfect fit for you. The material is important too. Just like base layers, cotton is a bad idea. The best snowboarding socks are designed to wick moisture away from your skin and keep your toes cosy all day long.
We have to put our hands up here and admit that when we started snowboarding we didn’t really pay much attention to our socks. Turns out we all had some kind of issue with our feet or boots that disappeared once we started using socks that had a bit more to them than 3 for 2 at Costco.
The REAL sock of choice
For the REAL Snowboarding team, Stance Socks are our sock of choice and we’ve been wearing them for years. Stance Socks hold your heel, provide arch support and cushion your shins. They are the most comfortable socks to have ever existed, fact.
As well as being comfy, Stance Socks are some of the most stylish out there. Which, fair enough, isn’t as important as fit and comfort, but it comes a very close third, especially when you’re in the boot room or hopping in the car at the end of the day!
The style of choice in the REAL office this winter is the Launch Pad sock. If ever a sock could summarise REAL, this is it!
Not only is it bright orange but, to us, the rocket symbolises the core freestyle element of our snowboarding school. REAL was founded by two freestyle snowboarders, Barry Parker and Dave Crozier so having a rocket on our socks helps us to remember that we should always send it!
At REAL Snowboarding part of our role as instructors and coaches is to inspire others within snowboarding. We’re always progressing our ability and developing our style and it’s great when we find friends and partners to work with that share the same ethos. The team at Stance Socks are committed to innovation, somehow making our snowboarding socks better every winter.
Socks aren’t just for Christmas
Remember: take care of your socks and they will take care of you.
A decent pair of snowboarding socks may be more expensive than Costco but they will last longer and you will get so much more out of them. Stop and think before buying several pairs of cheap socks that will end up in the bin and landfill before long.
Wash at a low temperature and avoid putting them in a dryer as this can destroy the fibres that keep that perfect fit.
What next?
It has to be boots! Next time we’ll talk about what to look for in snowboard boots. We’ll also share our recommendations and details of what the REAL team are wearing this season. Follow us on Instagram to find out when it’s out.
About Stance Socks
Stance Socks’ snowboard specific collection is unbeatable in style and quality. Check them out, and their other collections here:
https://stance.eu.com/
Winter is just around the corner, and what better way to start the winter, by joining our Early Season Snowboard Camp, with Real Snowboarding and Hideout Hostel from 12th – 15th December 2019.
Early Season Camp for ALL levels!
We include 3 nights bed and breakfast accommodation at Hideout Hostel Morzine.
Shared airport transfersCoaching from the boys at Real snowboarding who are fully qualified. You will get your snow legs back after a long summer, improve technique, learn the ski area and find out about hidden gems.
Itinerary
Arrive anytime on the 12th December
13th, 14th and 15th December, ride with Real snowboarding. 2 hour lessons every day, with the rest of the day free to improve your riding ad practice new techniques with your new riding pals!
15th December free to leave in the afternoon after your morning lesson. Or why not extend your stay! Please ask for prices and availability for extending your stay when enquiring.
A snowboard camp is a fantastic way of making new friends and improving your riding, and getting the first taste of winter!!
There are different packages available depending on what room you would like to go for, these prices are based on a 3 night stay arriving on the 12th December and departing on 15th December 2019.
Shared dorm room
This is a bed in a 6 or 4 bed shared mixed dorm room, the perfect option for those of you on a budget or solo travellers wanting to meet new people. Has ensuite bathroom.
€360 including bed, breakfast, tourist tax, airport transfers and Real coaching.
A private room for friends or couples
€510 including bed, breakfast, tourist tax, airport transfers and Real coaching.
All rooms in our hostel are newly refurbished, with comfortable beds and private ensuite bathrooms.
Job Role : Office Manager/Marketing Whizz
Job Type : Part Time – Busier through the season.
Period : October – April (Oct/Nov Flexi Hours)(Dec – April Time to shred everyday!)
Location : Morzine
Pay : 20 – 25 hours a week – Dependant on experience and availability.
Benefits : Lift Pass – Fresh kit from our Sponsors – Free snowboard lessons – Mega discount on any snowboard gear.
Key Attribute : Becoming a part of the REAL snowboarding family.
Responsibilities: Manage the email and booking system to ensure a smooth flowing season. Build and maintain Business to Customer relationships.Be active in providing online content. Continue to push the brand both in town and online (fb, blogs, forums) Take REAL’s instagram game to the next level. Plan and execute a marketing strategy.
If you feel you are the person for this job then please get in touch and tell us why you think you are the right person for the job.
The end of the winter season here in Morzine, Avoriaz, and Les Gets, is in here. The mountain air is getting warmer, the snow is melting, and the goggle tans are in full effect.
And whilst we’re all looking forward to a little R&R at the end of an awesome, busy winter, we’re always thinking of the next opportunity to strap back in, and go riding.
Our friends and clients often ask how to get a snowboard fix during the long summers. So, we’ve prepared a little guide on how to make it through the warmer weather, as a snowboard addict.
Get to a glacier, stat!
Some of Europe’s higher resorts offer summer shredding on their glaciers. Because they’re so high up, usually above 2,500m, they benefit from cooler temperatures, so the snow remains in workable conditions year round.
Whilst these ski areas are fairly limited in size, they’re generally well groomed and cared for, and tend to provide brilliant snow parks for those looking to train during the off season – awesome!
Our favourite European glaciers
Stubai, Austria
Boasting one of the most famous snow parks in Europe, Stubai is also home to over 62km of piste – so you can spend the whole day riding without doubling back on yourself. A rarity for summer shredding.
https://www.stubaier-gletscher.com/
Dates: until mid-June, 8:30am to 4pm
Prices: One day €40, six days €190.40
Hintertux, Austria
Hintertux has an extensive ski area for your summer shred, and for those of you looking for some serious air-time, there’s even a 120m superpipe.
https://www.hintertuxergletscher.at/en/home/
Dates: May 12 to October 12, 8.15am to 4.30pm
Prices: One day €45, six days €215
Tignes, France
There’s good reason we take our Summer Camp to Tignes every year, with a well-shaped snow park and plenty of piste for progressive coaching, you’re hard pressed to find better snow in the summer.
https://www.tignes.net/
Dates: June 23 to August 5, 7.15am to 1.00pm
Prices: One day €25, six days €150
Les Deux Alpes, France
Served by 17 lifts, the Les Deux Alpes glacier offers 11 runs and a monster freestyle zone with two pipes (super and half), hips, rails, boxes, big air kickers, and a beginner area.
https://www.les2alpes.com/en/
Dates: June 23 to August 26, 7:15am to 12.30pm
Prices: One day €40.10, six days €200.50
Saas Fee, Switzerland
High up in the swiss alps is the Saas Fee Allalin glacier, with a double line of kickers in the snow park and enough features to keep even the keenest freestyle rider entertained.
https://www.saas-fee.ch/
Dates: July 14 to October 31, 7/8am to 12/3pm, depending on the date
Prices: One day 84CHF, six days 505CHF
REAL Snowboarding Summer Camp
Sound like fun? Keen for your summer fix? Why not join the REAL Snowboarding Summer Camp, and let us organise it all for you?
We takeover Tignes for the entire month of July to bring you snowboard addicts an awesome week of riding progression. It’s truly one of the highlights of our year.
We run one week for kids, one week for adults, and technical training weeks for specialist coaching.
We get up in the morning and enjoy a hearty breakfast before heading up to the glacier with the crew to throw down in the snow park, with your dedicated REAL Snowboarding instructors delivering world class freestyle coaching.
Then, in the lazy heat of the afternoon, enjoy a range of outdoor activities like mountain biking, skating, and trampoline training, or just send it into the (very) refreshing lake off the big air slide.
The entire week is built around bettering your snowboarding, with accommodation and tasty food included.
For more information, and to see exactly what goes on, head over here.
Book your place on the REAL Snowboarding Summer Camp now, and learn to ride the REAL way this summer.
Simple instruction. Stylish snowboarding.
Book your place on the REAL Summer Camp today: hello@realsnowboarding.co.uk
Photo credit: @samuelmcahon
Spring is the perfect time to progress your park laps. Warmer weather, forgiving snow conditions – it’s ideal. Learning freestyle though is something you can do throughout the winter. It’s also a great idea when there’s not been new snow for a while or you just want a new challenge. Give yourself the best chance at nailing your tricks safely, and stylishly with a freestyle snowboard lesson from REAL Snowboarding.
What can you learn in a freestyle lesson?
Freestyle snowboard lessons can teach you how to ride rails, kickers, flatland tricks, side-hits…the possibilities are endless!
Many people are surprised to find that freestyle lessons don’t always involve the park. You can learn the basic movements and skills needed for freestyle tricks on the slopes, away from the features you’re trying to hit.
This gets you prepped and confident so that when you approach a feature you’re confident in your ability and are able to just focus on nailing the trick.
Freestyle doesn’t always have to be about the park either. Once you start looking you’ll notice there are plenty of side hits on the pistes that you can play around on. A lesson can help you perfect the moves and then identify hits around the mountain.
It’s all about giving you the right tools to approach the trick, then building your confidence until you stomp it.
There’s still a lot to learn, regardless of your level
From learning the best way to take off on a kicker, to how to prep for a boardslide, it’s rarely as simple as just ‘giving it a go’.
YouTube and IGTV videos might break tricks down but nothing is as valuable as getting feedback and input from a qualified freestyle coach.
They can spot exactly what is holding you back and give you honest feedback. Sometimes what you think you’re doing doesn’t match the reality so using tools like video analysis can really help with your progression.
Why REAL Snowboarding?
One of REAL Snowboarding’s founding principles is to teach stylish snowboarding and help snowboarders to express themselves creatively. Freestyle plays a huge part in achieving creative snowboarding and we pride ourselves on delivering the most fun, and progressive freestyle snowboard lessons in Morzine, Avoriaz and Les Gets.
The REAL Snowboarding team have over 40 years combined instructing experience and have coached current GB Freestyle Team athletes. Dave and Barry both currently coach the RAF and British Army freestyle teams respectively, so you’re in good hands.
Whether it’s your first foray into the kicker line, or you’re looking for some professional help to stomp your spins some REAL freestyle snowboarding lessons will get you there.
Simple instruction. Stylish snowboarding.
Book your freestyle lessons today: hello@realsnowboarding.co.uk
Photo credit: @samuelmcahon
It’s a question many of our friends have asked over the years, and it’s something we answer again and again every season so, what, exactly, is a snowboard camp?
It’s everything you’ve come to expect from your favourite winter holidays
Relax, we’ll organise everything. From luxury accommodation, and smooth transfers, to wholesome breakfasts, tasty dinners and outstanding coaching, you just need to turn up.
It’s riding with people stoked on snowboarding
The wonderful folk who choose snowboard camps usually do so for one main reason – they’re completely hooked on snowboarding, and want to get better and better at it.
You’ll be supported to stomp your next trick, you’ll chat with people who know what they’re talking about, just like you, and you’ll share a drink at the end of the day with a shred crew to call your own.
It’s not just park laps
Whilst freestyle riding is a big part of a REAL Snowboarding camp progression takes place all-over the mountain! We spend all season hunting for good side-hits and spots to try new and creative things so you can be sure that you’ll be hitting plenty of fun, varied terrain.
It’s becoming the snowboarder you always dreamed of being
We all remember watching our first snowboard video, and dreaming of the day we’d catch that first floaty grab or charge through an untouched powder field with style. But how many of us actually got there? How many of us stopped ‘learning’ once we could happily cruise around the mountain with our friends?
Joining a snowboard camp is about progression. It’s about taking your snowboarding to the next level and learning to express yourself creatively on your snowboard. Most of all, it’s about having fun.
A REAL Snowboarding camp will establish confidence, progress your riding, and develop your style – guaranteed.
It’s damn good value
We understand that snowboarding is expensive. That’s why we work with selected partners to secure the best deals in resort and deliver an unforgettable week.
Join us for a REAL Snowboarding Camp this winter:
Early Season Camp with Hideout Hostel 12/12/19 – 15/12/19 FULLY BOOKED
Trifecta Camp: REAL x Nidecker x Absolute-Snow 12/01/20 – 19/01/20 ONE SPACE LEFT
REAL Winter Camp 15/03/20 – 22/03/20 FULLY BOOKED
