New Zealand Ski Instructor Qualifications – NZSIA
The New Zealand Snowsports Instructors Alliance (NZSIA) was established in 1971 to train, examine and qualify snowsports instructors and coaches to an internationally recognised standard.
As an authority of snowsports in the Southern hemisphere the New Zealand Snowsports Instructors Alliance comprises of 4 divisions. The Ski Division is responsible for certifying all Ski Instructors within New Zealand.
Membership is from 1st January to 31st December each year.
NZSIA Ski Instructor Qualifications
The Ski Level One qualification is an entry level course aimed at people interested in joining the snowsports industry. A Level One Ski Instructor is certified to teach first time skiers to advanced wedge turns.
The Ski Level Two qualification is for instructors wanting to progress within the snowsports industry to teaching students from wedge parallel turns to advanced parallel turns. To take the level two exam candidates must already possess a Ski Level One certificate or an equivalent foreign qualification. A level two instructor you can teach up to advanced parallel turns.
The Ski Level Three qualification is for instructors wanting to progress within the snowsports industry to teach in all mountain situations. A level three instructor is fully certified to teach all levels of skier up to advanced and expert, The minimum requirement to take part in the level three exam is ski level two or an equivalent foreign qualification.
Coaching Courses
These courses are for those interested in becoming a race coach or furthering their education as an instructor. There are on and off snow courses available and both are offered through a joint initiative with Snow Sports New Zealand.
Free Ski Level One Park Course is for instructors who want to learn how to teach free skiing using both natural and manmade features in the park and pipe. This is a one day course includes safety, group handling and etiquette and introduces you to skills and progression for free skiing.
The Avalanche Awareness course is for Ski, Snowboard and Telemark Instructors wanting to expand their knowledge of an all mountain environment.
For more info on NZSIA ski instructor qualifications, visit www.nzsia.org