Verbier - Warren Smith Ski Academy
Recommended time and time again by those across the ski industry, it's easy to see why skiers keep on coming back to the Warren Smith Ski Academy (WSSA).
Warren Smith is one of Britain’s leading professional freeskiers and an Internationally Qualified Performance Coach and Instructor. A sponsored Volkl freeski athlete for over ten years, Warren has always been highly respected across the snow sports industry. Warren has a huge amount of coaching experience and has been at the forefront of ski technique development for many years now, so we are delighted to have him on board with the Snow Academy.
Having skied with Warren and the team ourselves (and come out of it raving fans) we can say first-hand that they seriously know their stuff. Whether it’s your first time with the Academy or your fiftieth, you’re in for a treat, and here at Ski Weekends, we will be there every step of the way to make your Academy experience a breeze.
WSSA have a great range of courses for skiers looking to improve their skills on the snow, including:
Masters and Seasonal Training Courses
The Masters and seasonal training courses are, in our opinion, two of the crowning jewels of the WSSA programme.
For those that do not wish to do an instructor training course, but would still love to spend the season (or most of it!) in the mountains and drastically improve their ski skills, you’ll be hard pushed to find a better option.
Beginning with the first Masters seasonal academy in 2019, the WSSA now run three seasonal programmes, including a condensed 6-week programme and a weekend-only option.
These extended courses mean that you have more time to truly get into the details of your development, engrain good habits and enjoy a winter in the mountains. You will receive personalised advice and attention from the moment of booking, with targeted training and advice on fitness, mobility, flexibility, and equipment, to get you started with your best foot forward!
Weekend Courses
Designed to fit into the busy lives of many skiers, as well as to make the most of Verbier’s accessibility as a ski resort, the Academy’s weekend courses are a more condensed version of the 5-day programmes.
These two days of intense training will see you work on your skills and techniques across a variety of terrain and explore Verbier’s world-class ski area. You will work on ankle flex, ski symmetry, thigh steering, left and right differences, and pole planting, to name just a few areas this course covers!
Weekend courses are available in six different group levels, from Basic all the way through to Expert and even Athlete.
5 Day Academy
There’s no better way to improve your skills in a short time than the WSSA 5-day Academy. The schedule generally runs from Sunday to Thursday with a day off on Friday and provides the perfect opportunity to
The courses will develop your skills and confidence, with time spent on different terrains including Moguls, Steeps, Variables and Powder, as well as direction on how to carve effectively on piste.
Each member of the course will benefit from individual coaching, with a focus on identifying and developing the different strengths and weaknesses of each skier. Video analysis will also be done throughout the course, with an evening session allowing you to really understand the areas you need to develop.
The courses are ideal for skiers who are looking to develop their skiing on a regular basis and not have to wait for the Winter season. Groups are a maximum of 6 per instructor.
5 Day Off Piste Supergroup
Those looking to explore new areas and push themselves even further this winter should look no further than WSSA’s dedicated off piste supergroup.
Devised upon requests from Academy clients who wanted more of a challenge, this course improves your skills in more challenging terrain. Of course, all skiers in this group will be skiing with full avalanche kit and protective clothing.
The 5-day course will aim to enhance your performance off piste as you move towards making higher speed, controlled off piste turns and master the art of skiing narrow, steep couloirs. Mogul training and tree skiing will also be covered in detail.
The Supergroup course has been designed for skiers who have attended Academy ski courses before and therefore have the foundation, technical skills and knowledge in preparation for the Supergroup. It is not intended for first time skiers to the Academy, regardless of level.
Ski Instructor Courses
The WSSA run a variety of ski instructor courses throughout the season to ensure you get the best possible start in your instructing career! Indeed, the Academy is famous for its high quality instructor training, having successfully trained over 500 ski instructors over the past 15 years.
View All The WSSA Course Dates
Stay with Skiweekends in Verbier
Let the WSSA sort out your skiing and let us take care of your holiday. Prepare to learn, to have fun, and to enjoy hearty food and a decent bed at the end of each action-packed day!
What’s more, when booking a WSSA course alongside a holiday with Skiweekends, you will also be treated to a bag full of Helly Hansen goodies! Just let the WSSA know at the time of booking and it will be ready and waiting when you reach your resort.
It may surprise you to know that we don't just do weekends either! We offer 100% flexible hotel stays in Verbier, whether you want to stay for a few days, a weekend or a week or more.
As the experts in maximising your ski time, we can sort transfers, hotels, lift passes, all you need to get straight on the slopes.
Indeed, if you want to get to the slopes early, or stay on for a time after your course, we’re happy to help. Or if you've got your heart set on another resort, we can of course make that happen too. Simply get in touch and we'll do the rest!
