Level 1 and 2 snowboard instructor course in New Zealand

A winter season in New Zealand

Do you dream of becoming a snowboard instructor and spending an entire winter season in New Zealand? Imagine swapping the European summer for deep winter conditions, alpine terrain and riding every day during the Southern Hemisphere winter – all while building a professional career on snow.

This program offers a full winter season in Queenstown from July to September, combining a Level 1 + 2 snowboard instructor course with the opportunity to work during the peak season. You will complete 24 days of structured snowboard training and may be offered up to 4 weeks of work during the busy July period at one of the most competitive winter resorts in the world. Both training and potential work take place in Queenstown at The Remarkables, a world-renowned destination for progression and freestyle terrain. Availability is limited, so early booking is recommended.

The course is also available for skiers.

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

A winter in snowboard heaven “down under”

Arriving in Queenstown in mid-June, you will step into a full winter snowboard season running from July through to September. Throughout the season, you train alongside some of the world’s leading snowboard educators while working towards your New Zealand Snowboard Instructor Association (SBINZ) Level 1 and Level 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 demanding and respected winter destinations globally.

The season starts with the first 12 training days, where the focus is on developing your riding technique, teaching methodology and professional conduct on snow. During this phase, you will take part in both the Snowminds recruitment process and an on-snow assessment conducted by the snowboard school. Your riding performance, professionalism, guest service mindset, time management and communication skills are assessed, and this evaluation plays an important role in determining potential work opportunities during the July high season.

After this initial phase, you continue with further training days while enjoying life in Queenstown, exploring the surrounding mountains and riding The Remarkables’ diverse and progressive terrain. The season concludes with your SBINZ Level 2 certification, opening doors to future snowboard seasons in destinations such as Canada, Japan or Europe, or the possibility to return to New Zealand in the coming winters.

The course program is the same for skiers – but you get to skip wearing snowboard 😉

What is included?

We’ve created a complete experience where you get your New Zealand Level 1 and 2 snowboard 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 snowboard instructors or others you meet during your time in New Zealand.

The following is the same for the ski 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 snowboard training in preparation for SBINZ level 1 and 2
• SBINZ 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 Snowminds Store
• 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 snowboard 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 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 snowboard 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.