Flavia decided to move to New Zealand to fulfil her dream of becoming a ski instructor. She lived in a place renowned for its carrots, skied on a volcano, and lived in a town with two pubs. Read her kiwi experience in the blog here. 

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“ My experience participating in the EA Ski & Snowboard Training program has been unforgettable. The program made it super easy for me to travel to New Zealand from overseas, and already had everything set up: accommodation, training, and even a guaranteed job offer. I have met the loveliest people and grown close with the others that are participating in the program, even being the only girl out of 8:). The ski training has been extremely valuable, and all of us have improved our skiing and teaching skills massively. Being involved in the mountain community and being welcomed as a new staff member, without having to apply for the job, has been insane and I feel very lucky to be a part of the Mount Ruapehu team! I have also made many contacts that have helped me secure a future instructor position on another mountain. The work experience, beautiful country, and guaranteed connection to lovely people has made the cost of the course worth it”

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We caught up with Flavia who is now working as a ski instructor in the Swiss alps. Read her Q&A here

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What was it like living in Ohakune?

Initially was a little bit scared going to Ohakune as I come from a city and Ohakune barely has three streets but is was really unique to be in such a cozy little spot where everyone is super tight. The Kiwis are so generous and lovely. It was nice to be in a town where everyone knows your name. It's a small bubble, where can get to know people really well and everyone gets into the mountain life. I loved it and can't beat the Ohakune carrots! It is mostly the people that made my ski season so special. The town attracts a certain type of person, whose super down to earth and froths skiing.

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What's the highlight of my ski season?

Highlight was the powder days. Turoa is such a unique mountain. You are skiing off a volcano and the terrain is so different from the alps of the US where I am from. I loved the slush, the width of Turoa, and lapping pow with friends were some of the best days of my life! The stoke levels are awesome. We also had a weekly thing with the crew, where we played indoor football at the school which was a bunch of fun.

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Where do I want to take my ski instructing?

So initially I just wanted to have a break from studying. I graduated in July 2023 after 3 years of uni and I wanted to do a ski season. I have always wanted to be a ski instructor and that's why I did the EA Ski & Snowboard Training program as it's the easiest way to get my qualification and a job in the same season. And thankfully it worked out as I had a beautiful year. I am now working as a ski instructor in the Swiss alps. I do love instructing and it is something I would want to keep in my life. I want to improve my skiing technique, and instructing skills, and all that good jazz. 

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What is the day in the life like as a ski instructor in Turoa?

For the first month we lived in Hobbiton lodge. Was a little different but was much more fun when we moved into the house.

I would always wake up and check the snow forecast. Turoa has a lot of closed and windy days. I would have breakfast, sprint to the bus stop, ride up 30 minutes to the mountain. This was always a good time to chill and make lesson plans and get myself in the mindset for the day. Once on the mountain, everyone goes into our little staff room for our meeting. Lessons start at 9am, and run for 2 hour lesson increments. We had three of these lessons a day. Buses would leave at 5pm, and we all had a rotation of cooking with our crew so we could have wholesome group dinners. Sometimes we would go to Kings for a beer or if the quiz night is on. The Powder Keg has a lot of social nights. We loved movie nights and silly shenanigans.

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What was it like being the only girl surrounded by a bunch of male instructors?

I remember at the beginning of the season being slightly intimidating being the only chick. I got more comfortable over the weeks and we all become super close!  In the entire ski school there were roughly 6 girls in a team of 35. But all the guys were super nice. Lots of youngins and had a super sweet group of ski mad pals.

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What was the EA Ski & Snowboard Training process like?

I really enjoyed the EA Ski & Snowboard Training process. Tim was a great trainer and I really enjoyed learning specific skills and terms and obviously getting trained as a teacher too. I remember the first lesson I gave was so arse, I was super nervous, and felt weird to be in the position to be talking to be, have a lot of tension at the start. After practice things got way easier and the confidence grew. 

We skied a lot! The trainer was always positive, boys were also stoked, and it was a great environment to learn and rip around. The EA Ski & Snowboard Training process was great, Tim set us up well for our level one exam. It was a piece of cake and everyone passed. The examiners were super nice, the exam was a week of training. For level one it is easy as you get evaluated the whole week and if a good skier will pass, no worries. For level two, we were all a little nervous but Tim set us up really well to pass. The process was really good to get into the ski world, acquire all the qualifications that you need.

‍My dream ski destination?‍

I think the grass is always greener. I always wanted to ski in New Zealand, and really want to ski the south island. Zermatt, Switzerland has such sick terrain, off piste, mountain safety and touring. I would love to go to Japan to see the hype for the Japow. Maybe Argentina for cultural purposes mainly. This lifestyle is living the dream I guess.

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Want To Become A Ski Instructor In New Zealand Like Flavia?

If you are interested in an epic job as a ski instructor in one of our  resorts in New Zealand then Download Our Instructor Guide And Get Frothing HERE