Winter Sports Programme

The Mountain as a Classroom

During the winter months, the mountains become an extension of the VIS classroom. In place of regular PE lessons during the week, students take to the slopes on skis or a snowboard, following a programme matched to their ability and their ambitions.

This is not an optional extra bolted onto the school week. It is part of how we teach. Verbier sits at the heart of the 4 Vallées, with more than 400 kilometres of terrain and some of the finest winter sports facilities anywhere in the world, and our students spend the season learning to use it well.

Every student is placed in a group according to ability and coached by qualified professionals, so a complete beginner and an experienced racer can both be properly challenged in the same week.

Three Winter Mountain Programmes

Piste Performance

Piste Performance

All year groups For skiers and snowboarders of every level, from first turns through to confidently tackling black runs. Beginners build strong technical foundations and progress through the Swiss Snow League levels, while more advanced groups work on carving, short turns, moguls, steeper terrain, variable snow and elements of freestyle.

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Ski Racing: Years 5 to 13

Ski Racing: Years 5 to 13

For advanced skiers who want to train and compete. Sessions take place on the racing slopes of Savoleyres with specialist race coaches from the École Suisse de Ski Verbier, covering both Slalom and Giant Slalom, supported by dedicated ski-fitness training. Our racers compete in SGIS and other interschool races through the season.

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Freeride: Years 5 to 13

Freeride: Years 5 to 13

For strong riders ready to go beyond the piste. Students work in small groups on powder, variable snow, tree skiing, steep terrain and natural features, alongside avalanche and mountain-safety training. Verbier is known worldwide for its freeride terrain, and this programme teaches students to read it as well as ride it.

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Going Further: The Ski Instructor Programme

Eligible students can take the Ski Instructor Programme alongside their chosen winter programme, working towards the internationally recognised IASI Level 1 and Level 2 qualifications with training delivered by the Verbier-based Warren Smith Ski Academy.

It is a serious qualification, not a badge. Students develop their own technique and their understanding of biomechanics, then learn what it takes to teach someone else: communication, lesson delivery, group management and how to spot what a skier needs. For older students in particular, it is a recognised route into ski instruction and the wider snowsports industry.

How to apply

We warmly guide families through every step of joining VIS, ensuring a smooth transition into life in Verbier for both day students and boarders.

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Ski Racing Programme

Freeride Programme

Become a Ski Instructor