Why do a ski season in Turoa?
The North Islands unmissable giant Volcano in the Tongariro National Park is called Mt Ruapehu and is home to two unique ski fields, Whakapapa and Tūroa.
As an active volcano, the terrain features tonnes of natural jumps, expansive bowls and some of the most challenging riding in the country! On a clear day you can see all the way to Mt Taranaki, another famous volcano at the bottom of the North Island. For any Lord Of The Rings fans out there it’s directly opposite Mt Ngauruhoe AKA Mt Doom so you can reenact Frodo saving middle earth to your heart's content.
Tell me about Tūroa
Tūroa is situated in the centre of the North Island, New Zealand in the beautiful Tongariro National Park and offers incredible skiing and snowboarding!
With a South West facing orientation it is famous for holding snow late on in the season with epic spring skiing and riding. Our interns live in Ohakune - a bustling winter town. Towering over New Zealand's North Island and home to the largest vertical descent in Australasia, Tūroa is often referred to as 'The Giant'. Here you'll find 500 hectares of unique terrain, big natural halfpipes, secret and not-so-secret powder stashes, 3 terrain parks and New Zealand's highest chairlift!
Matt Britton, Tūroa Ski School Manager, gives an overview about Tūroa, the culture, & the EA Ski & Snowboard Training course
What it's like working at Tūroa?
Tūroa is a 30 minute bus trip from the town of Ohakune where you will be living. The ski season in New Zealand runs from June until October. The work position at Tūroa ski field begins after you complete the level 1 exam. This is generally in early August. From there you mix part time work with training towards the level 2. The contract runs until October but there is flexibility to leave earlier if needed.
Once you arrive in Ohakune, you will meet your EA Program Manager who will help you settle into your new home and introduce you to your fellow interns. You will then get straight into an intense training and exam period towards the level 1. Our program is designed to combine work, play and training, meaning your schedule is roughly based around 3 training days, 2 work days and 2 days off each week after completing the level 1.
Read What's a ski internship orientation like in Tūroa HERE
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Ski Instructor Story: Flavia
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"Tūroa 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.
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"
Read Flavia's Full Story HERE
Snowboard Instructor Story: Dan
“New Zealand is an amazing country and wildly different to Australia. It has amazing landscapes and culture surrounding the many places packed into such a small place. As for living in a ski town, like Ohakune, it is amazing how close the community is and how everyone surrounds each other in both good and bad times.
Since becoming an instructor, I have signed a contract to work at Tūroa while I continue to train for my level 2 SBINZ certification, which I have exams for at the end of the season. I have since applied for many jobs across Canada and Japan and am currently in contact with a few resorts that have shortlisted me for job opportunities"
Read Dan’s Full Story HERE
Whats it like doing a ski season in NZ? Watch the video below and get frothing
Want To Know How To Become A Qualified Instructor In New Zealand? Find Out How By Reading Our 10 Step Guides Below:
How To Become A Snowboard Instructor in New Zealand 10 Step Guide
How To Become A Ski Instructor in New Zealand 10 Step Guide
How To Make It All Happen?
The Next Step Is To Either DOWNLOAD OUR BROCHURE or See If You Qualify HERE
Join us and get trained and qualified to teach skiing, snowboarding and live in Tūroa . Fill out your details and we’ll send you a full info pack to get you frothing to become a instructor.
