Ski Instructor Training Courses 2009

What is the difference between the courses? What level of skier do I need to be?

What is the difference between the different courses?

For 2009 there are going to be a number of different courses available for both Ski and Snowboard;

Ski 11 week, Ski 8 week, Ski 6 week and Ski 5 week courses.

Snowboard 11 week, Snowboard 8 week, Snowboard 6 week, Snowboard 5 week courses.

If you are already a qualified ski instructor then there is also Level 3/ISIA/other certification training, esp BASI click here

The reason that we have different courses is that the 11 week course was our original idea, and we designed it to be more than just a course, it was a NZ experience, with a lot more involved rather than just training and exams. We have, on the 11 week course, more of a focus on making you a better skier with time being devoted to areas of your skiing that might not be directly examined but will make you a stronger skier all round. e.g. on the 11 week course we have more time to look at freestyle and freeride and racing. On the 11 week course there is also opportunity to Heli-Ski for a day, and take part in either a Avalanche Safety Course, or a First Aid course, or both.

With the 11 week course we found that a lot of people wanted to do the 11 weeks but were short of time, so we condensed things a little and created the 8 week program, which still requires you to ski to the same level, but it will be more intense and more to the point - training you to achieve the standard that is required to pass the NZSIA Level 1 and the NZSIA Level 2 qualification. The 8 week course will also have the Heli-Board day and the Avalanche Course OR the 1st Aid (we recommend that you only do one).

We also have the 6 week course which is more intense again, and we will really be suggesting that people have a stronger confidence in their riding ability if they are wanting to take part in the 6 week program. The 6 week program will have the Heli-Ski day but no other courses. We have found that the 6 weeks is intense enough as it is and these other courses can interfere with your skiing development.

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.

With the 5 week course, it is designed to give you the maximum improvement in a short period of time, while training you for the first level of qualification only - the NZSIA Level 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.

For the 5 week course we ask that you can link turns on all groomed terrain, with confidence, so riding green runs, blue runs, red runs and can take on a black run if groomed and easy conditions.

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).

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 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!

email us to get booking details or go to our booking page