10 Week NZSIA Level 1 & 2 Ski Instructor Course

Course Type Ski Instructor
Dates 23rd June-3rd Sept
Price From £10000
Venue New Zealand - Queenstown
Qualifications NZSIA level 1 & 2 certification
Add Flights? Enquire at booking

About the Trip

10 WEEKS – QUEENSTOWN, NEW ZEALAND

On this summer ski instructor course, you’ll spend 10 weeks in the iconic Queenstown, New Zealand, training for internationally recognised NZSIA level 1 & 2 certifications. Training takes place during the northern hemisphere summer, meaning you will be qualified in time to apply for winter instructor jobs in Canada, Europe and Japan.

Over 10 weeks, you will be trained and mentored by experienced pro-NZSIA instructors of SITco. Training is geared for fast-track improvement, and your skiing will improve quickly. As a result, you’ll be prepared to take NZSIA Level 1 in week four. We’re so confident in your progression that both level 1 and level 2 exam fees are included in the price

Towards the end of the course, you’ll get to push your new skills to the limit on a once-in-a-lifetime Heli-ski adventure day, where you will explore remote, untouched runs like a true pro.

You will live in the vibrant world-renowned Queenstown and train at the nearby resorts of Coronet Peak and The Remarkables. Queenstown is a short bus ride from the ski resorts, a year-round tourist hotspot buzzing with atmosphere. There is always something going on, so you’ll have plenty of entertainment and activities to make the most of your days off from training.

Money-Back Guarantee:

Your deposit will be refunded if your trip is cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Level Required: Intermediate

Features

Level 1 WSC Training Program

CASI Level 1 Exam and Membership

Ski In/Out Accommodation

Breakfast and Dinner

Season Lift Pass

Resort Rep on site 24/7

Benefits

Flexible early and late start dates

3-5 week options

Guidance with insurance

Advice about equipment and clothing

Support with Visa applications and future job opportunities

Further bolt-ons available

Click to see what the fuss is about!

Pinewood Lodge

Within walking distance of the bustling centre and easy access to Coronet Peak and Remarkable bus routes, the Pinewood Lodge is ideally located for a season in Queenstown. The self-catering accommodation at the Pinewood Lodge has all the amenities you require to make it a home-from-home.

Facilities

  • Close to bus stop & short walk to the town centre
  • Lounge & communal area with TV
  • Kitchen/Dining facilities
  • Jacuzzi Spa
  • Ski/Snowboard Storage
  • 24 Laundry Facilities
  • Iron & Ironing Board

Resort Amenities

  • Ski-in ski-out
  • Shops – including a supermarket
  • Bars/Clubs
  • Restaurants
  • Leisure Centre
  • Activities: night skiing, jet boat tours, hiking, bungy jumping, skyline

 

Queenstown

Queenstown is home to New Zealand’s best ski fields. Offering one of the longest seasons in the Southern Hemisphere, with four ski areas within easy access, quality snow and terrain for all levels of skier and snowboarder!  Queenstown welcomes skiers and snowboarders from June to October, with an average seasonal snowfall of 2 metres.

Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation
About the location
Meal Plan
Testimonials

Training Package

Level 1 Training

Instruction and mentoring take place 6 days per week. 3 days a week, structured lessons are provided by pro-NZSIA instructors. 3 days a week are directed practice and ski school shadowing.

Level 2 Training

Instruction and mentoring take place 6 days per week. 3 days a week, structured lessons are provided by pro-NZSIA instructors. 3 days a week are directed practice and ski school shadowing.

NZSIA Level 1 & 2 ski instructor exam

Both exams with NZSIA are included in the price paid.

NZSIA Membership & Instructor Licence.

As part of your course, we enrol you with the NZSIA. Membership for the year is included, and you will be provided with a login to the NZSIA website. Upon completion of level 1, you will be a licenced instructor.

Shadow Teaching

Shadowing is included in the schedule as part of training. Shadowing real lessons helps prepare trainees for exams and provides observational experience in a mountain environment.

Additional Training Option

Further certifications are available throughout the programme. Including Freestyle Level 1, Children’s Certificate and Avalanche Awareness.

Visa Assistance & Job Opportunities

“We have partnerships and connections with several sports schools worldwide and can offer guidance to help you find employment as an instructor once qualified.

We provide comprehensive advice and assistance when applying for working holiday visas.”

Snow Ready Fitness Plan

Created for Winter Sports by a personal trainer & snowboard instructor, this 8-week pre-season fitness programme targets the muscle groups used in skiing & snowboarding. It will make sure you are snow-fit in time for the start of your course.

Weekly Schedule

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NZSIA pro-instructor provides professional coaching at least 3 days a week, sometimes more. You will work with your fellow trainees twice a week doing directed practice following the advice and techniques given during lessons. Video analysis sessions will take place on some evenings. Every week, there will be at least one evening theory session indoors.

Week One

Resort orientation and introduction to NZSIA methods. Personal ski improvement teaching absolute beginners and shadowing.

Week Two

Ski Improvement, teaching controlled turns and demonstrations for beginners. Shadow teaching and pre-exam review.

Week Three

Ski improvement. Teaching children levels 1 & 2. Turn shape demonstrations. Exam preparation.

Week Four

NZSIA Level 1 exam – held over 5 days.

Week Five

NZSIA level 2 preparation. On and off-piste ski improvement. Level 3 turns and teaching.

Week Six

Ski improvement with varied turn shapes on and off-piste. Teaching level 4 lessons, turn shape demonstrations and diagnosis.

Week Seven

Varied turns, short and intermediate radius, advanced parallel on and off-piste. Lesson preparation.

Week Eight

Personal pre-exam review. Ski improvement. Teaching level 4 lessons. Turn shape demonstrations, analysis and lesson planning.

Week Nine

Refine all skills. Shadow lessons of choice. Personal ski improvement with turn shape refinement. Teaching practice and lesson planning.

Week Ten

NZSIA Level 2 exam & End of course celebrations.

Skiing is the next best thing to having wings

Name in bold

Other title in regular

Monster Cat X

Cat skiing is a form of backcountry exploration, taking you away from the borders of controlled ski areas to ride through untouched powder. Take a ride to the top of The Taynton Bowl at Panorama Mountain Resort.

Sled Mobile

Enhance your CV and give the resort director another reason to hire you. Opportunity to gain your BCSF smart sledding course certificate and use it for future employment, or just enjoy a great day out on the neighbouring mountain getting to grips with your sled and enjoying aBBQ lunch up on the mountain lodge.

Nordic Skiing

The silence of the wilderness and the almost spiritual experience of gliding through a winter world leaving nothing but tracks in the snow is an irresistible combination.

CSIA Park Level 1

The CSIA Park level is a 3 x day-long course that covers the teaching and technical aspects of switch skiing, snow-park awareness, boxes/rails and air. You will learn the teaching principles and safety needed for instructing in the park. You will learn development strategies and teaching approaches, how to navigate students in the park, communicate clearly, and spot hazards in the park. In the end, you will be assessed, and you must be able to show clear park demonstrations and teaching abilities. CSIA SnowPro

Tree Wells & All Mountain Safety

An absolutely serious must-do, one-day course for all skiers and snowboarders who venture off the groomed runs. In our opinion, everyone should do this course; they are some of the closest dangers and yet the most overlooked. Learn about how tree wells form and safe riding through the trees.  What action to take if you fall into a tree well, and how to rescue someone. Additionally, this course will introduce you to often overlooked hazards that one may encounter, such as cold exposure injuries, variable snow conditions and more.

Intro to Backcountry Skills

During this 2-day course, you will spend time doing both on & off-piste technical training. You will develop a strong understanding of advanced technical concepts and learn about tactics and tools for developing off-piste skiing/riding skills in various environments. You will ski steep terrain, deep snow, glades, un-groomed conditions, bumps, and low visibility, to help gain knowledge in terrain adaptation and awareness in a changing mountain environment. Over the course, you will become familiar with your equipment and will be assessed in terrain analysis, hazard analysis, and trip planning to ensure safety when skiing the backcountry. Equipment (powder skis, skins, snowshoes, split board) are not included. You must have also completed the AST 1 & Companion rescue to take part in this.

Entry Level Race Coach

ACA-CSC coach education program links directly with Alpine Canada's Long Term Athlete Development stages of growth and skill development. At each program level, coaches acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to meet the athlete's growth and skill development needs. During the course, you will learn how to reduce the risk of accidents and how to coach ski racers. This course promotes continuous improvement and life-long learning for coaches and coaching excellence at every level in the Canadian development system. Race Coaching ACA-CSC.

NUEC I (Level 2)- Emergency Response First Aid

The two or four-day first aid course will provide the necessary training for those working in remote areas giving them the knowledge and skills to evaluate medical emergencies, decide the best course of action and triage, treat and evacuate the patient. Perfect for those working as instructors, guides, safety patrollers, and forestry. Topics will include but are not limited to life-limb-threatening injuries, CPR, survival skills, critical decision-making, stretcher use and other common scenarios experienced in these industries. Great to have on your CV and a fantastic introductory skill set for becoming a ski patroller or backcountry guide aiming for their NUEC Level 3.

Dog Sledding

The resort and nearby terrains offer an exhilarating dog sled adventure. You will meet the team and learn everything you need to know about dog sledding tours in Canada before heading out for a thrilling experience across beautiful landscapes. All sleds are guided, and the tour allows 30 to 40 minutes of sled time through majestic lodgepole pine trees. In return, you will get to thank the dogs by giving them lots of cuddles and snacks.

Paragliding

We offer a serene experience; you'll get to experience Panorama from a completely different perspective. You can take off from 2 different spots (depending on the weather conditions). Summit takeoff gives you an 1110 m or 3650 ft flight height difference, and Champagne Express takeoff is 770 m or 2560 ft flight height difference. You will then land at the bottom of Little Dipper, where your pilot will teach you how to roll the Parachute back up safely. They also provide a camera you can hold to film your adventure, so bring a storage chip to put in it!

Sled Mobile

With over 32,000 acres of terrain, experience the exhilarating feeling of driving a sled mobile. Make your cv shine & take your BCSF certification online prior to taking the experience if you want to gain a certificate. Practice handling your new sled in the snow field, then you head up to the Silver mining town remnants at 8000ft up at the top of the mountain, stunning views of Panorama, old-growth forests, spectacular icefalls and lots of free time blasting around the open bowl with your friends. Fuel up with a mountain-size lunch in the cosy cabin and then head down back to base.

Banff Blow Off

It's not Ibiza, admittedly, but it's a great vibe and the best that the infamous Banff can offer. One night and two days on the slopes of the big mountains surrounding the iconic Banff town. Includes accommodation, transport, and lift passes. Relax and take some time out from Panorama, do some shopping, and get up on the big mountain of Sunshine, Lake Louise or Norquay. Then put your party face on and have a big night out with your mates before calling it a day and heading back to HQ. This either happens after your exams or at the end of your winter season.  

Ice Skating the Worlds Longest Trail

Enjoy a skate with your pals on the Biggest Lake trail in the World, according to the Guinness Book of Records! Armed with a bbq, burgers, beers,  tunes, hockey sticks and a bunch of your friends. A great day out just cruising around doing something different for the day, or for those wanting a more physical challenge, then why don't you attempt the full 35km skate ring around the lake?

Ice Hockey Match

Watching ice hockey is a must for anyone spending significant time in Canada. As the national sport, you'll be hard-pressed to avoid it. It is on screens in bars and restaurants everywhere you turn! So, as a group, we will take a bus trip down to watch the game and get a bite to eat. It will be a fun night out that you won't want to miss! This is organized in the resort, and if you are in Panorama or Revelstoke, it's a weekly event. If you are at Sun Peaks, it's a once or twice a season event. Check out a previous Ice Hockey trip. 

Heli Ski Trip

Heli-skiing is, quite simply put, the ultimate off-piste experience - perfect for freeskiers/riders, thrill-seekers and powder lovers. The adrenaline rush as you board the helicopter is nothing compared to the breathtaking views as you fly over the mountains. 3-5 runs into pristine powder fields. It's enough to put a grin on your face for months. Ultimate bragging rights. Make sure you take a Go-pro or pay for extra footage. Equipment is included, but make sure you have insurance to cover you. Extra insurance can be arranged. Sun Peaks clients must do the Revelstoke trip to do this.

First Tracks & Best Bits

You could spend all season in the resort and still miss these little gems. Your guide for the day knows every nook and cranny of the mountain. This is a non-training day, but by the end of it, you will know all the local knowledge on every section of the mountain. Knowing which slopes are best in certain conditions. Knowing what the local dangers or difficulties are in each area of the mountain. Finding the best runs through the trees. It's best done early in your programme so that you can get the most out of your time in the resort armed with a new sense of your surroundings. There is no better way to start the day than as VIPs and being the first ones up the lift for some First Tracks.

Ski & Board Tech Tips

Learn how to get the most out of your equipment from the pros. An evening in the workshop. Makes a great present for someone and gives them the knowledge on how to look after their equipment, tune it for the conditions and cover the overall safety aspects of your settings.

Steep n Deep at Revelstoke

Please take a peek at one of the world-class resorts in our books. Revelstoke is a monster of a resort and a pilgrimage everyone must make in their lifetime. It has the highest vertical in Canada and is consistently voted in the top #3 as the best resort in Canada. A must-see alternative for all those wanting to experience industrial amounts of snow, steep exciting terrain and incredible backcountry terrain. It's hard not to fall in love with the place; we will think you'll agree. It is a great place to spend with your feet up and relax on those days off, with grand entertainment areas, comfortable bedrooms, spacious bathrooms, a jacuzzi on the balcony, log fireplaces and plenty of storage. Choose between the lodge or the hostel. Either way, it's a real once-in-a-lifetime venue. Includes accommodation for three nights, three days. Transport to and from Revelstoke & Lift passes for three days of some unforgettable skiing/riding.  

Off-Piste Tactical Training

This course offers a blend of coaching geared towards boosting your technique off-piste, allowing you to charge through the conditions and terrain confidently. It includes a basic understanding of the terrain's pitfalls and how to choose a successful track, taking into account the local dangers. You will also understand how to alter your stance and commitment when carving a path off the beaten track. We try to run this on a powder day but cannot guarantee this. This often books up early.

CASI Park Level 1

In this 2 days long park course, you will explore snowboarding techniques and teaching methods, as they relate to introductory terrain park. Allowing you to gain an understanding of basic freestyle techniques, as well as lesson planning and effective communication skills. During the course, you will receive coaching, feedback and strategies for long-term development.  Course candidates will be assessed and updated daily on their performance and progress and by the end of the course, you will have the skills necessary to safely introduce students to the terrain park and freestyle snowboarding. CASI Park  

Canadian Adaptive Snowsports

This certifies instructors to teach skiers and snowboarders with disabilities personal ski/snowboard improvement. You will develop skills to provide opportunities for people with disabilities to experience adaptive snow sports safely. You will learn how to use teaching aids, adaptive equipment and carry out basic safety procedures. Depending on which resort you go to, this will increase your hourly wage at your next chance of employment as you will be considered a Dual Instructor. The most affordable and effective course to enhance your pay rate. Canadian Adaptive Snowsports Level 1

AST Level 1: Avalanche Skills Training & Companion Rescue

Do you enjoy backcountry skiing or heading off-piste? If so, AST level 1 & Companion Rescue are a must! During the course, you'll learn to recognise avalanche terrain, understand the avalanche forecast, plan your trips, and perform a companion rescue with a variety of search and rescue techniques with single or multiple casualties. Understanding the landscape, especially as a backcountry skier, is essential to support yourself when skiing, to stay safe, and to avoid danger. Three days of vital learning to understand how to be a valued member of your group when things go wrong. Check out our AST page to find out more.

What is included

Pinewood Lodge

Within walking distance of the bustling centre and with easy access to the Coronet Peak and Remarkable bus routes, the Pinewood Lodge is ideally located for a season in Queenstown. The self-catering accommodation at the Pinewood Lodge has all the amenities you require to make it a home-from-home.

Flights

For maximum flexibility, internships can be booked with or without flights.
Flights normally depart from London, UK. Flights from alternative airports can be arranged, please contact us for a quote for this service.

Transfers

Transport 7 days a week to either mountain

Season Lift Pass

Your lift pass is season long, this means if you decide to add additional weeks your lift pass will be valid.
Lift pass benefits include discounts up to 20% in selected shops and restaurants as well as on some activities, equipment rentals, maintenance and repairs.

Lift Pass for 2 ski areas – Coronet Peak and The Remarkables

Accommodation

Accommodation in Queenstown

Training Package

Training from an SBINZ trainer.

NZSIA Level 1 and Level 2

NZSIA exams
NZSIA membership
NZSIA manual

Socials

Park and Pipe day
BBQ
Fun race

Resort Representative

A rep is in the resort to oversee the course. Reps are knowledgeable about the resort, qualifications and training, and have often taken part in the course previously.

NZSIA Membership

Regular Members enjoy a wide variety of Member Benefits, including Pro Deals, General Liability Insurance, Accident, Death and Disability coverage.

Not Included

FLIGHTS
MEALS (Food and beer money – accommodation is self catering)
INSURANCE
ANCILLARY BOLT ON COURSES
EQUIPMENT OR RENTAL
HELI SKIING (Add Heli Skiing for an extra £600)
BACKCOUNTRY (3-14 day Backcountry experiences are also a possibility at the end of this course.)
OPTIONAL EXTRAS:
Freestyle Level 1 course
Children’s Certificate
Avalanche Awareness
Heli Ski Trip

Book Your Course Today

Achievement, fun and snowboard improvement condensed into a 3-4 week schedule. This programme is designed for snowboarders who want to make the most of their limited time off. To become a snowboard instructor in a short time requires a degree of dedication and commitment to the course. With your fellow trainees, you will work hard and play hard. This is the holiday of a lifetime and is a great way to improve your snowboarding across all-terrain in an open mountain environment.

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FAQ

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