What qualifications will I gain and how difficult is the qualification to pass?  
You will gain instructing qualifications from the New Zealand Snowsports Instructors Alliance (NZSIA) or the Snowboard Instructors New Zealand (SBINZ).  With the 5 week course can attain the Level One qualification, with the 10 week course you can attain Levels One and Two. The 12 weeks course includes Levels One and Two but also includes the Coaches level.  

NZSIA and SBINZ qualifications are of a very high standard and recognised internationally for being so. Over the past 3 years Transition Snowsports (formally NZ Snowsports Academy) has had a 100% pass rate with our Level One exam and around a 90% for the Level Two. In 2008 we achieved a 100% pass rate for both the Level One and Two, to our knowledge we are the only training company to have achieved this.    

What is the difference between the levels?  
Level One is not considered an international qualification but is used as an entry-level qualification in New Zealand.   Level Two is and internationally recognised qualificatio, which can be used to work in many countries around the world.   The Coaches One concentrates on competitive snow sports coaching. It gives you grounding in all competitive disciplines and will allow you to coach competitive teams.    

Are the qualifications from New Zealand recognised internationally?  
New Zealand Snowsports Instructors Alliance (NZISA) is the educational body that governs both ski and snowboard instructor qualifications within New Zealand. The NZSIA is a member of the International Snowsports Instructors Association (ISIA), which has 37 nations as members. All NZSIA and SBINZ qualifications are recognised within these countries as long as you can gain entry to the country to work as an instructor.    

What happens if I do not pass my exam on the first try?  
There are a number of chances to re sit the exams before the end of the season. You will need to pay for the extra exams.    

Am I guaranteed a job after the course?  
Although we will help you make the contacts we cannot guaranteed that you will be selected by any particular resorts. Like any job, employment as an Instructor is focused torwards the merit of the individual applying, not just the qualifications they have.    

How much extra money will I need to live during the course?  
This will depend on how much you indulge in the after-hours activities... We suggest that people have $200nz per week to cover food and the odd drink. The hungrier (and thirstier) you are the more you will need.    

What is not included in my course?  
Flights, food, equipment and insurance are not included in the price of the course.    

Do I need insurance?  
Yes! Travel and medical insurance is essential.    

How do I get to New Zealand and Wanaka?  
Auckland International Airport is the most common entry point into New Zealand. From here it is a short domestic flight to either Wanaka (suggested) or Queenstown. We will organise a ride for you from either of these airports. If you like long scenic bus rides there is also a complete domestic bus system, however from Auckland to Wanaka would take around 3days. The view from the plane is unbeatable.   Christchurch is also one of NZ’s major international airports and is much closer to Wanaka, especially if travelling over-land. It takes about 4 hours to drive to Wanaka form Christchurch, and is 5-6 hours by bus.    

What is the accommodation like?  
You will be staying in a very comfortable house or apartment with other people from the course. You will also be sharing a bedroom but can request your own room for an added cost.    

What equipment should I bring?  
You will be coming to winter in New Zealand and will be spending most days up in the mountains, so warm clothes and full ski/board outerwear are essential. This should include hats, thermal underwear, ski/board socks, jackets, pants and goggles. A helmet is also a good idea.  

Ski and snowboard boots: These should be professionally fitted to ensure they perform well and do not create foot problems. Your boots are the most important part of your equipment – you will be spending long days in them so they need to be comfortable. The boots are what connects your feet to the bindings and the skis or snowboard, so if your feet are slipping around in the boot you will find it hard to get the performance.  

Skis: It is recommended that you have an average-length pair of piste/carving skis for you instructing course and exams. This type of ski will perform best for the varied tasks you will perform. Twin-tip skis will perform well in the park when freestyle training, but will not perform as well during the instructing exams.  

Snowboards: A mid-length, mid-flex board will suit this course best. The tasks are varied and you do not want to be caught with a board that is too short, too soft or too stiff.   Snowboard Bindings: It is suggested that you use a standard two-strap binding. Stay away from any ‘convenient’ strapping or step-in systems, these generally restrict ankle movement and can create unwanted boot movement in the binding, which hinders board performance.    

Please contact me if you have any other questions that are not answered above.