A Head Start on Your Instructing Career
You don’t have to wait until winter to become a ski or snowboard instructor. You could be one by winter. But you do need to be prepared to spend some time on a plane.
If you are thinking about getting into the snow sports industry, then getting qualified as an instructor in New Zealand offers some great advantages. The main one being you be teaching in the Northern Hemisphere straight after your course in NZ.
The Rookie Academy have been running full and part-time instructor training courses in Wanaka New Zealand for 16 years. Courses offer 3 qualification systems (NZSIA, British BASI or Canadian CSIA) to choose from. So you have the opportunity to match your qualification to where you would like to teach in the Northern hemisphere winter.
Where the True Experts Seek Out Summer Snow
The reputation of New Zealand’s Southern Alps as an off-season training venue for race teams, pro teams and instructors has grown over the last 10 years.
New Zealand is now considered by some as the Southern Hemisphere’s premier training location. The Austrian, U.S. and Norwegian ski teams are annual visitors. And some of the best snowboard and ski instructors in the world choose to spend their northern summers on South Island ski hills.
They go to enjoy a winning mix of reliable snow, resort options, ski and ride terrain, and welcoming locals. Add in the stunning backdrop of the Southern Alps (as seen in the Lord of Rings films) and vibrant ski towns and you’ve got a pretty good spot to spend some time.
Where in New Zealand?
Wanaka, near neighbor of Queenstown, is a friendly town with a passion for snow sports, Wanaka is a complete snow sports destination. You’ll find all sorts of accommodation options, plentiful après ski options, multiple off-mountain activities and four alpine resorts.
The resorts might be small by North American and European standards but they offer something for everyone. Well-groomed beginner slopes. Thrilling off piste chutes and powder bowls. World-class park and pipe features. And cross country skiing trails.
Where better to learn to turn your passion into your profession? How else could you ski or ride for your entire gap year or career break?
More Ski and snowboard courses down under