Tell me about Mt Ruapehu 

Mt Ruapehu is home to the best natural skiing terrain in New Zealand, 

big bowls, loads of cliff drops, and epic powder stashes for the avid powder
hunters. Mt Ruapehu is situated in the centre of the North Island,
New Zealand in the beautiful Tongariro National Park.

It is made up of two world-class ski field areas, Whakapapa and Turoa making it New Zealand's largest winter playground! Instructor Interns are supplied accommodation in the National Park Village, 92Km's away from the popular Lake Taupo and a short train ride Ohakune, home of the famous New Zealand Mardi Gras! 

Becoming a Ski Instructor at Mt. Ruapehu 

We offer two ways to become an instructor at Whakapa: A Ski Instructor Internship and a Snowboard Instructor Internship. You don't have to worry too much about these now, our team can help you choose the right one based on your season goals and skills - but check out some of the inclusions and benefits! 

Living and working at Mt. Ruapehu 

Mt Ruapehu has two world-class ski field areas, Whakapapa and Turoa making it New Zealand's largest winter playground! On the EA Mt Ruapehu Internship, you will train and work at Whakapapa, a 25-minute bus trip from your accommodation in National Park Village. The season starts as early as June and can run all the way to late October. Teach in one of the biggest beginner areas in New Zealand and play in one of the biggest terrains in the Southern Hemisphere.

Once you arrive in the National Park you will meet your EA Program Manager who will help you settle into your new hometown, introduce you to your colleagues at Whakapapa and show you around the National Park Village. Week 1 starts with 5 days enjoying level 1 training and working with top trainers from around the globe. During your second week, your management team will take you through a two-day company induction and 3 days of shadowing lessons. If you are feeling confident you can start working as an instructor teaching beginner lessons on the Happy Valley slopes. After 3 weeks teaching, you will have 1 more week of Level 1 training, preparing you for your level 1 examination!

All going well you will have a shiny new certificate to show all your mates on Facebook.

What about accommodation? 

Accommodation will be provided for the first 4-weeks at Pukenui Lodge - home to one of the best views of Whakapapa ski resort in the National Park.

There will be 3 or 4 people to a 4-bed dorm room. Pukenui Lodge itself is centrally located, plus the manager is an ‘ex-fastest skier in the whole of NZ’, so he's bound to have a few tips for you. In National Park Village there is an excellent climbing wall, small gym, shop (mini-mart style with the majority of things you need to get by), alongside one main bar/restaurant and a number of ski lodges (Hobbit sightings very real possibility). As Mt. Ruapehu is located within the Tongariro National Park, National Park Village itself is not large, being fairly remote in the central North Island, but there is a very tight-knit community there that will make you feel very welcome. Mt Ruapehu regularly put on staff buses to enable local staff to go to the larger towns of Taupo/Taumauranui for day trips and visits to the large supermarkets there (Taupo is a great town to explore with a lot of fun activities).

Accommodation facilities:

• Waxing and tuning set up and drying room. 
• Large common lounge complete with table tennis table
• Communal kitchen
• Views of Mordor
• Linen-included

There is flexibility to continue your stay at the end of the training period for the remainder of the program and beyond.

Certification Overview 

Our Ski and Snowboard Internship at Whakapapa, Mt. Ruapehu allows you 
to obtain a globally recognised qualification with the NZSIA (New Zealand Ski Instructors Alliance).

The NZSIA has a long-standing history and has been training and qualifying ski instructors in its system since 1971. It is internationally recognised as a well-established, professional provider and has a reputation for high-quality and knowledge. This means that NZSIA instructors are able to competently perform and teach on snow in many cultures and conditions. This qualification can truly take you anywhere.

Program Manager 

EA Ski & Snowboard want you to have the best season possible at Mt. Ruapehu. This means that we have someone on the ground, who is easily contacted and there to offer advice and support at all times. Not only are they familiar with Whakapapa and Turoa, but they also work for the ski school and will be a familiar face to make your gap year and first winter season that much easier.