Level 1 and 2 Snowboard Instructor Course
Riding on the North Island of New Zealand is a surreal experience unlike almost anything else on earth. We have created the best possible out there, highlights include:
For more information see the resort page, and click through all the above tabs. If you would like to run through the courses in any further detail call us on 0208 789 9055, or chat on live chat.
Basecampers will be picked up and dropped off from/to Auckland on the start and finish dates of the course.
On the Mountain
Your full moutain experience is hard to put into words, but here's a basic overview.
Weeks 1 – 3 – Focused Level 1 Training and Personal Development
Week 4 – NZSIA Level 1 Exam
Weeks 5 – 9 – Focussed Level 2 Training and Extended Personal Development – First Aid Course
Week 10 – NZSIA Level 2 Exam and Job Interview
Employment Opportunities
Each Basecamper has a guarenteed job interview with the Lake Turora Ski School with the aim of returning the following season to work as an instructor..
Accommodation & Food
Breakfast 7 days a week and filling home cooked meals 5 night a week.
Extras
You will receive Salomon Ski Kit for your training, as well as a Basecamp jumper. New Zealand is the adventure capital of the world and North Island has all sort of exciting entertainment on offer which you will have the chance to experience!
NZSIA Level 1
The entry level Snowboard Instructor qualification for teaching novices and young children how to ski.
The New Zealand Ski Instructors Association (NZSIA) level 1 is an introduction NZSIA technique and methodology, and the role of ski teaching within the ski industry.
NZSIA Level 2
Having completed the Level 1 award, Level 2 is the next level for skiers in the New Zealand system looking to start teaching intermediate snowboarders out on the mountain. Both the training and final examination for this award require dedicated training and a high level of skiing. Historically Basecamp students have enjoyed a high level pass rate, and this is something we pride ourselves on. Whilst the NZSIA award enables you to teach all over the world. We have excellent relations with the Canadian ski resorts, so travelling from Northern Hemisphere and Southern Hemisphere is a real possibility!
Why should I do this course?
As well as gaining worldwide recognised qualifications you will also have the time of your life! The places you'll see, the people you'll meet, and the good times you have will change you and your life forever, you simply won't look at things in the same light again!
We have been running these courses since 2002 so we do know a thing or two about how to create the perfect mountain experience, and didn't gain our widespread industry reputation as market leaders overnight!
What airport do people need to fly in to?
You will need to fly into Auckland international Airport.
Where's the qualification recognised?
It is recognised worldwide, so is a great one to take to other countries.
Is it possible to work in the same season?
Not in the same season that you qualify, but a lot of people will do the course in anticipation of working in the following season, and with our guaranteed job interview you are in an excellent position to do this.
Are there Working visa issues?
You will not need a working visa to take the course, if you are coming from the UK you can simply get a visitors permit upon arrival.
If you want to work there, then the working holiday visa scheme in New Zealand is easy! You can get more informtion here.
Applications should be made directly through the NZ immigration department rather that dealing with a visa organization, and you can apply for a 12 or 23 month visa.
How far is the accommodation to the mountain?
The accommodation is 17 km/s from the base of the lift, it’s about 20 minutes drive on a good weather day. Transport will leave from the lodge.
Got more questions?
Great! Just drop us a message, or get chatting away on the Live Chat!
Travel Insurance
Insurance is compulsory on all Basecamp courses and as all payments are non-refundable we recommend you take out insurance before the time of the first invoice. Basecamp recommends World Nomads insurance, the details of which are available on request. Though recommended by us for its comprehensive nature it does not cover every eventuality and you should be happy with the policy yourselves – please make sure you read and understand the policy details thoroughly before purchasing. We would also emphasise the insurance policy is a personal arrangement between you and the insurer.
Please make sure you have read and fully understand the policy before the start of he course. If you wish to arrange your own insurance Basecamp will require proof of cover, and full details before you start the course. Any such cover must be no less favourable than World Nomads policy.
BOOK TRAVEL INSURANCE WITH WORLD NOMADS
Flights
Deals on flights are best found by booking early, so if you have booked your course early then you are more likely to get a cheaper fare. You will need to arrive in Auckland International Airport on the start day of your course where we will meet you at the aiport and transfer you over to Mt Ruapehu.
Where to buy a flight?
We reccommend STA Travel. STA (Student Travel Association) are great at finding good deals on flights, round the world trips and much more. They offer flexibility with changing flights and will be able to offer you support whilst you are away. Please see below for contact details of the STA Basecamp Travel Agent:
Claire Purvis
Tel – +44 (0)1618 308758
Email – [email protected]
STA WEBSITE
Expedia and Opodo are always places to look for cheap flight options. Whilst they may come in cheaper than STA they may not offer as much flexibility on changing flights/destinations. However if you are set on arriving and departing on set dates have a look at either website.
What happens if I want to stay out in resort longer?
We reccommend that you buy a return flight for the finish date of your course and then you can change it whilst in Mt Ruapehu. Please check the flight change flexibility options before you purchase your flight.
Transfers
Transfers are provided on all courses strictly on the arrival and departure dates only. Please make sure you are in Auckland International Airport early afternoon so we can pick you up at the airport.
Arriving in Resort
Transfers are included on our Courses, to resort on the start day of the course, a Basecamp representative will be at the information desk in the arrival hall with a Basecamp sign and a Basecamp jacket. Please see travel details above.
If you are arriving before the course starts then we can arrange for you to pick up your ski pass. We will try and help you best we can to settle in but we are unable to offer full support in resort as we are concentrating on preparing for the course. Please make sure we have all your details particularly your photo and date of birth as these can cause delays.
Please submit the travel information Rider information sheet as soon as possible. It is very important to make sure that your details on the form are correct, as this is the information upon which we base our transfer itineraries, etc.
Depending on timings (whether flights are delayed etc) there will be a short social drinks in the evening of the first day of the course. Most courses will start the next day with an introductory talk after breakfast from our Ski Director and Resort Manager. We will also make sure that each person is fully equipped with lift pass and ski or snowboard equipment so that you can head up the mountain for a couple of hours practise that afternoon if you wish.
Coaching will begin early on the first or second morning of the Course or Camp and there will be various events planned during that first week where you will have a chance to get to know your way around the resort and meet everyone on the course. Please be patient as we settle everyone into the resort over the first few days and weeks – there will be people from all across the world, with very different needs and requirements and we will do our best to help everyone get the most out of the course as quickly as possible.
Accommodation Deposit
We will need to take an accommodation damage deposit before you arrive in Mt Ruapehu. We will be in touch with the finer details before you leave. The damage deposit will be £250. This is refundable at the end of the season once inventories have been completed. It can take between 4-6 weeks to finalise everything, however we will do our upmost to have it finalised as soon as possible.
Kit List
Below is a brief list of some essentials we advise you to bring but please try and keep your packing to a minimum as much as possible – you will value the additional space, less clutter and it will leave room for the inevitable in-resort purchases! Please also be aware that many airlines now have quite strict regulations in place regarding excess baggage. We very strongly recommend you check these before you fly – excess baggage fees have risen substantially, particularly on budget airlines.
Footwear
Comfortable indoor shoes
Walking boots or tough trainers
Casual Clothes
Socks
Trousers/Skirts
T-shirts/Tops
Shirts
Pullovers/Jumpers
Jacket
Scarf
Wash bag
Towels
Ski / Snowboard Clothing
Socks
Thermals
Vests
Pullovers
Ski/Snowboard Jacket & Pants
Hat
Neck Warmer/ Face Protector
Goggles
Gloves
Sunglasses
Sun Tan Cream
Other things to bear in mind
Small Notepad to fit in Coat Pocket & Retractable Pencil (Pens will freeze)
Plug Adaptor
Mobile Phone – internationalise. See client FAQs.
Ipod
PC/Mac
Music
Camera – plus chargers, etc.
Books
DVDs
Card
Lots of clients choose to bring laptops but we don’t recommend travelling with many valuables.
Pre Season Information Pack
We will be sending you a pre season information pack nearer the time of the start of your course. If you have any questions in the meantime please just let us know.
