Questions 2010

Questions that are often asked

1) What level of skier do I need to be?

For the 11 week and the 8 week programs we ask that you can ski a red/black run in control, with confidence.
You don't need to be able to do this with any super style, just as long as you can deal with the terrain.
For the 6 week course we ask that you can ski all groomed runs with confidence, and that you can take on the challenge of an off trail run, consistently linking your turns in most conditions. A few short turns and the ability to ski in the fall line on varied terrain would be excellent.
These levels of skiing are a starting point and from this point development will be required to achieve the required standard for the NZSIA qualifications (Level 1 and Level 2).

For the 5 week course we ask that you can ski parallel on all groomed terrrain, with confidence, so skiing green runs, blue runs, red runs and can take on a black run if groomed and easy conditions.

During the 11, 8, 6, 5 weeks there is a lot to learn so that we ask that you have this minimum level before you arrive.
If you feel that you are an athletic person that could improve quickly then there is the possibility for you to be below this level, although we would hesitate to recommend it for everyone.

If you are wondering which ski course is the best for you, then we would recommend that you make this decision based on how much time you have available. Just because you feel that you are a better skier, does not mean that the shorter courses are better suited to you. The qualifications are set at a high standard and because of this they are well respected once you have achieved that standard. The very fact that you are considering the course means that you must enjoy your skiing so get down here as early as you can and get the most out of it!
We do ask that if you are doing the 6 week course that you are very confident of your skiing level as you will be getting "thrown in at the deep end" quite quickly after you arrive.

2) Are flights included?

In order to allow for freedom, and to allow people to integrate other great travelling opportunities the cost of travel to and from New Zealand is not included in our price.

3) Is food included?

The accommodation is self catering, and you will have a full kitchen facility. Because of this we have not included food in order to give you a freedom and flexibility when it comes to eating preferences, and dietary choices.

4) How much would I need to live on?

We have asked all of our past participants to consider how much they felt was required to live on, and the general consensus is that NZ$200 -NZ$ 250, is a good amount to live on per week.
That amount allows you to eat and to have a few drinks and cover some of the little costs, of daily living.
If you want to enjoy some of the excitement that Queenstown enjoys such as, Bungy Jumping, or Jet Boating, or Skydiving, then those things would definitely require an extra budget.

5) Why is there only 3 days a week training?

3 days a week is the perfect balance. It is enough for you to get good quality training and at the same time it gives you time to free ride and practice with out having someone watching you. It will give you time to take some of the things that you have been working on within your own personal performance and play/work with them in your own time.
Any more than 3 days a week can be too intense, and therefore counter productive to your development.

6) Do I need my own equipment?

Yes you do. You will be required to have your own ski equipment, i.e. boots, skis and bindings and poles. You will also need to bring with you your ski clothing.
As a participant in The Instructor Training Co. program you will have the opportunity to purchase skis and boots etc. at discounted prices when in Queenstown.
We work with Fischer Ski’s, and we also work with Brown's ski shop in Queenstown.
We recommend that for skis you are looking to have a good quality pair of on-piste carving skis. You do not need to have race skis, but something with a little bit of a side cut which is performance orientated will be best suited for your training.
If you are considering buying new equipment before you come to NZ, then we do advise that you contact us for advice before you buy. The reason that we ask this is because we have found in the past that people have been "ill advised" and on arrival this has caused quite a few problems, with the end result being that another new pair of skis and boots needed to be purchased.
Please feel free to ask as many questions as you need to. Remember you are going to be training for a professional qualification; you will need to have "professional" equipment. 

We have found, from personal experience, that travelling with ski equipment is not a problem.