What level rider do I need to be?
You need to be an intermediate rider, comfortable linking turns on intermediate trails. Leave the rest to us!

Is the New Zealand qualification recognised internationally?
The NZSIA qualification is highly regarded internationally with many instructors working in North America, Europe, Japan and here in New Zealand. The NZSIA Stage One is equivalent to AASI Cert 2 (USA) and CASI Level 2 (Canada). The NZSIA C.S.I is equivalent to AASI Cert 1(USA) and CASI Level 1(Canada).

What type of accommodation do you provide?
Your accommodation is located in central Queenstown with spectacular views over the town and Lake Wakatipu from the communal kitchen and dinning area. Rooms are typically three and four share with plenty of space for your gear. There is a large shared bathroom, laundry facilities, internet access and storage for boots and equipment. The building is centrally heated, communal areas are cleaned daily and fresh linen is provided weekly. Please contact us should you have any specific accommodation requirements.

What is the difference between the NZSIA Certificate of Snowboard Instruction (C.S.I) and the Stage One qualification?
The C.S.I qualification is an introductory instructor qualification aimed at providing the necessary skills to teach beginner and novice snowboarding. The NZSIA Stage One qualification is a more comprehensive qualification focused on attaining skills to instruct beginner to intermediate snowboarding (ability levels 1 to 4). The Stage One qualification requires you to complete the C.S.I before sitting the Stage One. We include this as part of our 10 week program.

What is the success rate?
The success rate of our students sitting the the NZSIA C.S.I exam is %100. The NZSIA Stage 1 is a difficult exam which is why it is so highly regarded. Participants of our program have a pass rate of about 75% or better, as they are trained by the examiners themselves.

How much money will I need to live on?
All you need to pay for while on the course is your food and the occasional beer! You can quite easily live on NZ$20 a day but if you like going out for dinner and partying a lot then budget for a little more.

Why aren't flights included?
We don't include flights for a number of reasons. Some people want to travel before or after the course so this gives them the flexibility to do so. Others can find cheaper fares in their home countries than we can provide and others use frequent flyer points.

How do I get to Queenstown?
The major airlines for international and domestic travel are Air New Zealand and Qantas. You can fly to Queenstown from most major airports within New Zealand (recommended) or bus from Christchurch (6-8 hours). Other airlines also fly to New Zealand less frequently so it is worth checking out discount travel sites such as Travelocity and STA to find the best deal. When you get here we will be there to meet you, get you settled in and show you where the pub is.

Is there an age limit?
You must be 18 by the start date of the course.

If I am unsuccessful can I retake my exam?
Yes, as long as there are positions available and your travel dates are flexible you can retake your exam at a later date.

Do I need a visa?
Most visitors do not need a visa to come to New Zealand. If you intend to work you will need to apply for a work visa before you leave. For more information check out Immigration New Zealand.

How easy is it to find a job instructing once I finish the course?
New Zealand qualified instructors are in demand in Canada and the USA. There are also opportunities for instructors to work in Japan and Europe. We can assist you with job placement and applications through our network of overseas contacts.

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