2011 Secondary school instructor course

Ruapehu Snow Academy is now offering entry-level instructing courses specifically for secondary school students. These 10/12-day long courses (5/6-consecutive week ends, depending on exam dates) are designed to train you for the Level One in Ski/Snowboard Instruction previously known as the Certificate in Snow Sports Instruction or CSI. Whilst they focus primarily on the technical elements required to pass the Level One exam, your personal skiing/riding is guaranteed to see a dramatic progression.

2011 dates: 16th July - 21st August

2011 course cost:  NZ$1,799 (per person)

All courses are quoted in NZ$ and are inclusive of GST. Course costs include the Level One exam and registration fee for one year as well as the NZSIA alpine or SBINZ snowboard instructors manual. However, course costs exclude travel, accommodation, food and your day passes/season pass.

Who is this course for?

This course has been specifically designed for mature secondary school students studying some form of physical education or outdoor recreation. This is not an alternative to our Part-time weekend courses as the training does not extend to covering Level Two material. This is an excellent introductory course for students looking to gain some entry-level instructing experience and a qualification. Ultimately, through this course we can help you begin an alternative career path as a snow sports instructor or just simply add an extra string to your bow.

Course prerequisite

No formal ski or snowboard training is necessary, all we ask is that you be an intermediate or above level skier/rider at the minimum. We define this as skiing parallel or riding with balance and control on all groomed terrain. This extends to performing varying sized turns, plus showing confidence on black runs and some off piste areas. You must be 16 years of age upon course commencement and have the ability to present information in front of a group. You must also own appropriate equipment and, most importantly, have the willingness to learn.

The Secondary school CSI-prep course includes:

  • 10 days of ski/snowboard-specific training (5 consecutive week ends)
  • 5hrs per day of on-snow training
  • Personal improvement, demonstration practice and freeskiing/riding progression
  • Self video analysis
  • Teaching of NZSIA/SBINZ levels 1-2 progressions and class handling skills (see ski exam information or snowboard exam information)
  • Lesson planning, video analysis and technical knowledge sessions
  • Lesson shadowing in conjunction with Whakapapa Snow Sports School
  • Level One exam registration, NZSIA or SBINZ membership and an instructors manual and DVD
  • Access to discounted Ruapehu Snow Academy sponsored products, equipment and hardware
  • Possible employment opportunities with Whakapapa Snow School

There is limited availability for these courses so please encourage your school to book early. For any further information or for a PDF brochure explaining the course in more detail please contact us.

For more information about the qualifications available see NZSIA ski exam information or SBINZ snowboard exam information.