Become a ski instructor in New Zealand - full winter experience!

A winter season in New Zealand

Do you dream of becoming a ski instructor and spending a full winter season in New Zealand? Want to trade the European summer for snow-covered mountains and world-class skiing during the Southern Hemisphere winter? Then this might be exactly what you are looking for.

We are proud to introduce a unique opportunity: a full ski season in Queenstown from July to September, combining a Level 1 + 2 ski instructor course with work opportunities. You will complete 24 days of professional training and have the chance to work up to 4 weeks during the high season in July at one of the most competitive ski resorts in the world. Training and work take place in Queenstown at The Remarkables, one of the absolute top ski areas in the Southern Hemisphere. Places are limited, so we recommend securing your spot early.

The course is also available for snowboarders.

Psst. Check out our reviews on Trustpilot to learn more about Snowminds from our instructors!

A winter in ski heaven “down under”

Arriving in Queenstown in mid-June, you will be part of a full ski season running from July through to September. During the season, you will train with some of the best ski instructors in the world while working towards your New Zealand Ski Instructor Association (NZSIA) Level 1 and 2 certifications. The program includes 24 structured training days and takes place during the peak of the Southern Hemisphere winter at one of the most competitive ski destinations globally.

The season begins with the first 12 training days, focusing on developing your skiing technique, teaching skills and professional approach. During this period, you will also go through both the Snowminds recruitment process and an on-snow assessment by the ski school. Your performance, professionalism, guest service mindset, time management and social skills will be evaluated, and this assessment plays a key role in determining your work opportunities during the July high season.

Following this, you continue with additional training days while enjoying life in Queenstown, exploring the surrounding mountains and skiing The Remarkables’ renowned terrain. The season finishes with your NZSIA Level 2 certification, which allows you to pursue future ski seasons in destinations such as Canada, Japan or Europe, or return to work in New Zealand in the following years.

The course program is the same for snowboarders – but you get to skip wearing skis 😉

What is included?

We’ve created a complete experience where you get your New Zealand Level 1 and 2 ski instructor course and have the opportunity to experience other parts of New Zealand, such as the beautiful nature and the unique New Zealand laid-back culture. At the same time, after your stay in the ski area you will have the opportunity to travel around on your own, either with the other ski instructors or others you meet during your time in New Zealand.

The following is the same for the snowboard instructor course.

With this course package, you can look forward to the following benefits:

A full winter season in Queenstown, New Zealand
Shared accommodation in Queenstown from mid June – September
Season lift passes to The Remarkables, Coronet Peak and Mount Hutt
A total of 24 days of technical ski training in preparation for NZSIA level 1 and 2
NZSIA level 1 + 2 ski instructor certifications, including course fees, materials and membership
Shadow and potential work opportunities at a local ski school during the season*
Bus transport to the mountain on work, training and exam days**
Online assistance with New Zealand visa application, and all other practical formalities
Preparations with support, advice, tips, and tricks for packing, insurance etc. before, during, and after the trip
Possibility get our help to look for work e.g. Canada, Japan or Switzerland after the season
Social activities planned during the course & season
Snowminds Team Leader to support you during the course
Invitation to Kick-off event prior to departure (online attendance)
Invitation to Snowminds Reunion Party after your season ends
A dedicated team to support you before, during, and after the winter season
Preparation material and pre-season fitness program
Pro-deals at Snowmindsstore
Travel protection with Snowminds Money Back Guarantee and membership of the Danish Travel Guarantee Fund
A strong community with fellow Snowminders
A total experience where all the practicalities are arranged for you

What is not included?

Flight ticket to Queenstown, New Zealand*
Cancellation insurance, travel insurance, and visa costs
Food, money, and other items that aren’t mentioned above
Bus transport to the mountain on days off (not training or exam days)**

With the above, we take care of all the practicalities and coordinate with our skilled partners in New Zealand. You’ll always be surrounded by our partners, ensuring you experience exactly the peace of mind and security we’re known for!

*Employment depends heavily on your performance during the training and is based on business levels and demands from ski school.

**The bus transport from town to the mountain is included on your training + exam days as well as the days you are working. On any free days of skiing, the return ticket price for season pass holders is 21 NZD.

***We will be happy to assist you with offers for flights, possibly with round trip, as well as airport transfers, if desired.

WHO CAN APPLY ?

At Snowminds we pride ourselves in selecting the right people for our team on our ski instructor courses. We are renowned amongst resorts around the world for educating competent, energetic, and top motivated instructors. The most important thing for you is to be positive, outgoing, adventurous, and ready to work hard to get the memory of a lifetime as a part of the Snowminds team.

What we expect from you:

You feel comfortable skiing or snowboarding on red slopes
You are positive, responsible, and top motivated
You speak English at a conversational level
You are 18 years or above
You are eligible for a working holiday visa in New Zealand

When you have sent your application, we will give you a call to discuss your course choice and hear more about why you want to become an instructor. You will then be invited to an interview where we will evaluate your candidacy. This also gives you the opportunity to get more information about our courses and your experience as a ski instructor. After the interview, we will call you and let you know whether or not we can offer you a spot on our team.

We receive a lot of applications for our courses and the spots fill up quickly. Therefore we have a “first come, first serve” principle with an application deadline each month. This means that the earlier you apply, the greater your chances are of joining the team and getting a spot at your dream destination.

Further information about course dates and prices can be found below, where you can also hit the button to apply now.

Are you not eligible for working in New Zealand? Then check out our 9-week instructor course with level 1 + 2, which you can do on a tourist visa.

Certification

You will be certified through the New Zealand Ski Instructor Association (NZSIA), one of the most respected ski instructor certifications in the world. The NZSIA Level 1 and Level 2 qualifications allow you to work as a ski instructor internationally, depending on local requirements.

Work opportunities

The program includes the opportunity to work as a ski instructor during the July high season, but work is not guaranteed. To be eligible, all participants must successfully pass both the Snowminds recruitment process and an assessment from the ski school during the first 12 training days.

During this period, the ski school evaluates your skiing ability, teaching potential, professionalism, guest service mindset, time management, communication skills and overall attitude. The ski school places a strong emphasis on guest experience and how you represent the resort. Your performance during training plays a major role in whether you are offered work, and how many days you may work.

Participants who are offered work can work up to 4 weeks during the July high season. The exact amount of work depends on resort demand, operational needs and your individual performance. Work takes place at one of the most competitive ski resorts in the world, located in Queenstown.

More interested in training than working?

If your main focus is training and certification rather than working during the season, we recommend our 9-week Level 1 + 2 ski instructor course in New Zealand, which is designed specifically for those who want to focus entirely on development and exams without the pressure of work assessments.