Verbier ISIA Training

Course Structure

The first training phase intends to improve fundamental ski technique, improving how we align ourselves and move with the skis. We will use plenty of slow speed drills and exercises to help and guide you into the correct movement patterns. This block is a skills-based approach to skiing, and you will be encouraged to experiment and try new things with your ski technique. 

After the Christmas & New Year’s working period, we begin the second training phase and move into various environments, terrain, different slope angles, aspects, and snow conditions. The main block intends to continue developing those new movement patterns whilst skiing within the strands (Shorts, Long, Bumps, Steeps) and begin to expose and challenge them to different terrain. Generally, we experience the best winter snow conditions during this period and make good use of it and secure a lane on the Bruson Stade to introduce training in stubbies and gates. This is also a great time to explore the vast 4 Vallees sector and learn and practice how to travel safely off-piste, practice avalanche awareness skills, and familiarise ourselves with the essential kit for safe off-piste practice (transceiver, shovel, probe).

In the final training phase, the overarching goal is to refine movement patterns and exam preparation. We will gradually increase the tempo and performance outcomes during this training block. This training phase is geared towards skiing on Level 3 terrain and skiing at the Level 3 standard. Conditions permitting, we aim to secure some more time in gates/stubbies to improve our timing and agility.

Further Breakdown:

The training program is broken into three mesocycles, each with a specific intention and aim, as detailed in the chart below. 

Mesocycle 1 – Foundation Phase 

Key Focus: Balance, Coordination and Steering

The first training phase is slowed down and targets your balance, agility, and mobility. It’s an opportunity to develop and correct movement patterns and challenge the fundamental skills of skiing. A clear template of what is required at the ISIA L3 Technical and Teaching standard will be outlined. These critical foundation weeks will inform your training action plan that will aid your development throughout the course. You will be training in all mountain areas, including piste-performance, long and short turns and variable snow (off-piste), bumps, and steeps.

Instructing – Christmas Holiday & New Years

This busy period provides a perfect opportunity to work and deliver lessons to various customers. Also, a chance to shadow other full-time instructors and learn group management, interpersonal skills, drills, and exercises. This period is an invaluable knowledge sharing exercise with other experienced instructors and is very helpful for your ISIA Teaching exam.

Mesocycle 2 – Development Phase

Key Focus: Terrain Change, Performance Outputs, Racing Skills, Mountain Skills

The second training phase is the largest and allows focused and structured practice time to reinforce the new movement patterns. The purpose is to minimise ineffective movements and maximum movement efficiency (making sure the movements above your feet are connected to the skis and result in quality performance outcomes). Gradually, you will begin to ski exam criteria turns (shorts, longs, bumps) on the appropriate Level 3 terrain. 

Scheduled into this training phase is time in gates/stubbies. Each course set is designed with specific performance outcomes in mind, and this will be significantly influenced by the areas of development needed in the group. A Giant Slalom or Slalom course has set perimeters and tempo that promote effective movements and develop foot placement, rate of movement, and agility. – this has proven to be an invaluable experience.

With so much terrain and generally fantastic snow conditions, we will develop our comfort levels in the off-piste environment. The ability to ski off-piste will develop our piste skiing and is a great playground to challenge our fundamentals. We find this is a great way to develop a well-rounded skier who is comfortable in any terrain. It is also an opportunity to share methods of acquiring practical knowledge:

• Snow reports, 
• Avalanche safety 
• Safe travel practices
• Using avalanche equipment

Instructing – February Half Term

Perhaps the busiest period of the season and a great time to practice all your hard work during training. These work periods are a brilliant way to log the required teaching hours towards your qualification. Perhaps of equal importance is the structured periods of rest away training, which allows you to recover from training demands physically.  

Mesocycle 3 – Shaping Phase

Key focus: Refinement, Accuracy & Consistency, Exam Tactics &Preparation

The training shifts focus now, and it’s time to turn up the performance and tempo of our skiing. A typical day will consist of an off ski warmup, a few warmup laps, a task (short turns) and then skiing the set task whilst working on personal development, lunch break, and a new task (bumps) focusing on personal development. We intend on another short stint in gates/stubbies at this point as a complementary training exercise to piste performance.

The final phase allows for plenty of structured practice and consolidation time. We have found this to be an effective method in preparing people for their exams. It is a tried and tested; it aims to ensure that you enter the exam feeling prepared and confident in your physical and technical ability.