Queenstown is the ultimate destination for a winter gap year. Many people travel here for a week or two and wind up staying for years. Queenstown is a welcoming, friendly place that you can't help falling in love with. Everything is within walking distance in town and there is an abundance of public walkways, cycle-ways and tracks to explore. The town buzzes in the daytime with tourists and goes off at night with a huge number of bars and music venues. To rest your weary legs, sit by an open fire and recap the powder days

Ski & Snowboard Instructor Training Courses

EA Ski & Snowboard Training have both ski and snowboard training courses available in Queenstown, alongside an internship program. Training for both internship and training program courses is primarily based at Coronet Peak, but you will also have access to The Remarkables ski field and may train there on certain weeks – on your days off you can enjoy both resorts.  On a 5-week training course or internship program, you will train towards your Level 1, while on a 10-week course or internship plus program, you will also receive Level 2 training, first aid training and avalanche safety training. You can find a list of inclusions above. There is also an option if you already hold a level 1 certification, to do a 5 week training course focused solely around level 2, as well as a level 3 internship course for those already holding a level 2 certification (please contact us for more details).

Working in Queenstown

For those on the internship program, work at Coronet Peak/Remarkables lasts for the school holiday period in July, approx. 2-3 weeks. This program works slightly differently to our other internships, as there is no job offer guaranteed as part of the program, instead you are given the opportunity to make a good impression during the initial training period, which will also include some interview elements. If you are deemed to meet the appropriate standard you will be taken on for work over the holidays, however this is down to your personal performance, alongside business levels. The schedule for this course involves a period of training, followed by the opportunity to work over the holidays with the level 1 assessment coming after this work period – this is a great way to have practical hands on experience to benefit you for the exam, and is quite a unique set up. If you are doing the internship plus program, level 2 training then begins immediately after and will keep you busy through until mid September.

For those doing training only with no internship, you will still have the opportunity to undertake an interview for a job position with NZSki for the following winter season – this will take place around the time of the level 2 exam. This forms part of the program for anyone interested in future employment. There are no guarantees here beyond an interview, but you will be given a great opportunity to put yourself forward.

In addition, If NZSki are on the look-out for employees after your level 2 exam for the final few weeks of the season we will let you know. This is seasonally dependent based on business levels and does not form part of the program, you will simply have the advantage of being present and available if opportunity arose, alongside having hopefully made a good impression with your trainers/NZSki staff.

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What else can you do in Queenstown & Local Areas?

1. Explore the 4 World-Class Ski Fields

You will find Coronet Peak, The Remarkables Ski Area, Cardrona Alpine Resort & Treble Cone Ski Area all within a 30-90 minute drive from the town centre.

Coronet Peak is the only ski area in New Zealand with night skiing. Not only is night ski a fun experience, it’s also a fantastic opportunity to meet and mingle with the locals, who love to hit the slopes under the spotlights after their day at work.

2. Discover the Queenstown Nightlife

Hang up your skis for the day and head to the waterfront to check out Queenstown's nightlife. Choose from stylish bars, sophisticated clubs, kiwi pubs, and craft beer bars. Queenstown’s après-ski atmosphere is second to none.

3. Go Sightseeing & Exploring Around The Alpine Landscapes

• Biking and walking are still possible in winter. There may be snow on the mountain peaks, but the valley floor stays snow-free for most of winter. Some trails can be muddy and unstable at this time of year, so check the conditions before you go. Check out our guides to cycling and hiking, which include seasonal suggestions for trails.
• Head to Arrowtown, Gibbston, Glenorchy or Kingston for some sightseeing & exploring. We’re also the gateway to Fiordland, one of the Southern Hemisphere’s great wilderness regions with World Heritage Status.
• Discover local history & stories by exploring winter activities in Arrowtown at the Lakes District Museum, try gold panning, or take a heritage tour to learn about Queenstown’s rich history along the way.

4. Relaxation & Wellness

• Visit the local hot pools amid awe-inspiring natural beauty. You can literally soak in a hot tub and stare out at the snowy mountains and ranges. It's stunning!
• If you’re more of an active relaxer, Queenstown yoga studios are the perfect place to stretch and recharge.
• A bit sore and muscles a bit tight from all that skiing or snowboarding? Queenstown offers massages and relaxing treatments in serene settings! Zen!
• Literally find a nice spot to sit and admire the surroundings by Lake Wakatipu. The surrounding views are absolutely stunning & energizing!

5. Try the Food & Local Cuisine

When it comes to eating out, Queenstown’s award-winning cafés and restaurants pack a delicious bite. Queenstown is home to a huge range of different restaurants with everything from fine dining to takeaway burger joints.

6. Get an Adrenaline Fix

If you’re wanting an adrenaline fix, Queenstown is the place to be. Many adrenaline activities were actually first invented here. Today, many of Queenstown’s famous adventures are pushing new boundaries by giving back to people and place. Check out this guide to adrenaline adventures to plan your winter fix of fun.

7. Connect with the Locals at Queenstown & Other Local Events

Queenstown's winter calendar is packed full of events that showcase the best of our place, from art installations to music festivals on the slopes. Celebrate culture, connect with locals and fuel your appetite for adventure. Queenstown winter event highlights include:

• Winter Games: The biggest snow sports event in the Southern Hemisphere, held from late August to early September.
• Snow Machine: Skiing, music, accommodation and adventure. Four days of après events at The Remarkables, Coronet Peak and in Queenstown in September.‍
• Winter Pride: The Southern Hemisphere’s biggest pride festival, held from late August to early September.