Become a level 3 snowboard instructor in New Zealand

Advance your riding with our Level 3 snowboard instructor course in Queenstown

Do you want to turn your passion for snowboarding into a professional career in New Zealand? Imagine swapping summer vibes for alpine terrain, deep winter conditions and world-class resorts. This Level 3 snowboard instructor program in New Zealand combines advanced training with real on-snow experience, designed for riders ready to take the next step in their instructing journey.

With Snowminds, you can prepare for your Level 3 snowboard exam in the Southern Hemisphere while living in Queenstown. You will spend the season riding and working in Coronet Peak and The Remarkables, two of New Zealand’s most renowned mountain areas. Spaces are limited, so early booking is essential if you want to secure a spot on this exclusive Level 3 snowboard instructor course.

Please note: this program is for experienced instructors that already have a level 2 snowboard instructor certificate. If you are looking to do your first season, check out our 9 week level 1+2 snowboard instructor course in New Zealand.

Live the snowboard instructor lifestyle in Queenstown

Spend a winter in New Zealand and experience life as a snowboard instructor in Queenstown, a destination known for some of the best riding conditions in the Southern Hemisphere. Often called the World’s Adventure Capital, Queenstown attracts top freestyle and freeride snowboarders every season, creating a motivating environment for progression, learning and valuable connections within the snow industry.

Off the slopes, Queenstown offers a lively atmosphere with a wide selection of restaurants, bars and distinctive shops. When the winter season comes to an end – typically from mid-June to mid-August – you can travel around New Zealand or head to Australia with new friends from the course. Training usually finishes in late August, giving you the flexibility to continue your journey or stay a little longer.

Season planning – Level 3 snowboard instructor program

Combine advanced snowboard training, paid work and an unforgettable winter with our Level 3 work and train snowboard instructor program in Queenstown, New Zealand. Created for experienced snowboard instructors who want to refine their skills in a world-class mountain setting, this program delivers a well-balanced season focused on progression, experience and adventure.

Your winter typically begins around 20 June*, when you start working with a local snowboard school. This provides consistent teaching hours, valuable on-the-job experience and the chance to work with guests from all over the world during the busiest weeks of the season. These interactions support both personal development and long-term career growth within the snow industry.

Formal training usually starts toward the end of July* and runs three days per week over four weeks. Led by highly certified trainers, the 12-day snowboard training block runs from late July through late August. Sessions take place on weekdays with a mix of morning and afternoon riding, combined with off-snow activities such as fitness sessions and social events. Weekends are kept free for riding on your own or taking time to recover.

Training is planned during quieter periods on the mountain, allowing for focused learning and optimal conditions. The overall structure is designed to give you a full-season experience that blends skill development, practical work experience and the lifestyle Queenstown is known for.

Level 3 exam

If you want to take the next step, you have the option to sit the Level 3 snowboard instructor exam in mid-August. To participate in the exam, you must also complete two mandatory workshops, each lasting three days, focusing on riding and teaching, prior to the four-day exam*. In addition, to achieve the full Level 3 qualification, you must complete two of the following modules: Children’s Level One, Freestyle Level One, Alpine Level One, a second discipline Level One qualification (such as ski, telemark, adaptive or cross-country), or an approved international equivalent. Only one second discipline counts toward the final certification.

*The price of Level 3 modules and exam is approximately 1850 NZD and will be booked directly with the SBINZ.

Please note: The precise schedule is subject to change depending on business levels and weather conditions.

*Season dependent.

WHAT DO YOU GET FROM SNOWMINDS?

We’ve created a holistic experience, where you will work and train towards your level 3 snowboard instructor certificate in New Zealand and work as an instructor at Coronet Peaks and The Remarkables. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to experience other parts of New Zealand – such as its beautiful scenery and unique laid-back culture. Once your season has ended, you have the opportunity to travel on your own, with fellow instructors, or with others you’ve met during your time in New Zealand. It is also possible to plan hiking tours, skydiving and much more. In Queenstown, the World’s Adventure Capital, the possibilities are endless!

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

• A winter season in Queenstown, New Zealand
• Season lift pass for The Remarkables, Coronet Peak, and Mount Hutt
• 12 days of Level 3 SBINZ training
• Employment with a part-time contract with our ski school partners
• Assistance with visa applications and other practical matters
• Pre-Season fitness program
• Online Kick-Off Event before departure
• Ski school orientation
• 10 weeks of shared accommodation
• Transport to/from the mountain during training days
• Preparation guidance and tips regarding packing, insurance, etc., before, during, and 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’s not included?

• Transport to/from Queenstown, New Zealand
• Transport to the mountain on any days outside the training days
• Potential fees for SBINZ Level 3 exam
• Cancellation insurance, travel insurance, visa fees, and anything else not mentioned above

WHO CAN APPLY?

At Snowminds we pride ourselves in selecting the right people for our team of ski- and snowboard instructors. We are renowned amongst the ski schools for educating competent, energetic and highly motivated instructors. We will make sure you receive the necessary training before your exam so you’re set up to live out your winter dream as an instructor in New Zealand. 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 have obtained your level 2 or higher qualification in any organisation
• You are positive, outgoing and adventurous
• You are serious, responsible and top motivated
• You are driven to become a higher qualified instructor
• You enjoy teaching and love being challenged  
• You speak English at a conversational level
• You are 18 years or above and eligible for a Working Holiday Visa
• Participation is contingent on successful passed recruitment interview with SBINZ

When you have sent your application you will receive an invitation for an interview. During the interview we will evaluate your candidacy while you have the opportunity to get more information about our courses and your experience as a snowboard instructor in New Zealand. After the interview, we will let you know whether or not we can offer you a spot on our team.  

We have a big interest in 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 send in your application, the greater your chances are of joining the team and getting to your dream destination.

Apply here.