The academy

'World class snow sports instructor training courses with Ruapehu Snow Academy'

Our goal is to provide a professional, fun and energetic learning environment, to ensure you as students have a sound knowledge of technical skiing/riding and teaching skills. This will further your employment prospects worldwide as recognised NZSIA or SBINZ qualified instructors.

Ruapehu Snow Academy offers you an opportunity to kick-start your career in the exciting and dynamic industry of snow sport instructing. Obtain these qualifications during the southern hemisphere's winter season of July to October.

One pass covering two resorts

Train on the North Island's premier winter playground, Mt Ruapehu. New Zealand's largest developed ski areas, Whakapapa and Turoa are operated by one single company; Ruapehu Alpine Lifts, meaning one pass covers both sides of the mountain.

Whakapapa has more than 1300 acres of varying terrain. With extensive beginner, intermediate and advanced skiing/riding, Whakapapa is renowned for its array of steep chutes, couloirs and superb off-piste terrain. Turoa, found on the south west side of Mt Ruapehu, is equally as impressive boasting the longest vertical drop (720m) in the southern hemisphere, alongside 1200 acres of ski and ride terrain. It encompasses natural bowls and chutes as well as wide-open slopes. Check out the Whakapapa and Turoa trail maps.

After hours and days off from training, there are a whole host of activities available to be enjoyed around the region, all set amongst the backdrop of the unique Tongariro National Park.

Ruapehu Snow Academy offers:

  • World class ski and snowboard instructor training
  • A season pass for Mt Ruapehu (full-time programmes only)
  • Training on New Zealand's two largest ski areas, Whakapapa and Turoa, the North Island's "premier ski areas"
  • The opportunity to train and earn (paid) as you work in conjunction with the Whakapapa snow school (subject to work visa eligibility)
  • Personable, friendly, and highly qualified staff to train and guide you through the duration of your course
  • Access to discounted products at our preferred ski & snowboard retail outlets, Urban edge and Gordons in Taupo
  • Train, live and play with like minded people and experience all that a southern hemisphere winter has to offer
  • Ski, ride and train on the volcanoes surrounded by the world heritage Tongariro National Park