The Originals
The originals – SITCo is Queenstown’s original snowboard and ski instructor training company, and we’ve been leading the way since day one.
We’re a community of internationally connected ski instructors, examiners and snow lovers. And just like you, our best days are any day we get to spend on the snow.
Train with the best
From the moment you arrive in Queenstown, you will be under the care and guidance of the highly experienced and respected SITCo trainers and examiners.
Utilising the epic ski fields of Coronet Peak and The Remarkables, you’ll train towards your NZSIA Levels 1 and 2 Ski Instructor or SBINZ Levels 1 and 2 Snowboard Instructor. Level 3 qualifications are also an option.
SITCo graduates leave with an NZSIA qualification and the ability to work just about anywhere in the world doing what they love.
The SITCo family is a vast network, connecting trainers, trainees, and friends with snow sports schools and ski resorts worldwide. As part of our community, you’ll have access to valuable industry contacts across the globe. And don’t forget to stay in touch—we love hearing about where our trainees are living out their snow-filled dreams!
There’s a saying that goes,
“Do what you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life.”
Going by that logic, we haven’t worked a day since, well, forever.
What’s
important
to us
Understanding that most of our students are young people away from home—maybe for the first time—we ensure we are here to guide and support our trainees on and off the mountain.
Everyone experiences new surroundings and new challenges differently. That’s why we are a hands-on team, and our duty of care is just as important as the quality of our training. We’re always available to help you navigate your new surroundings, whether it’s up on the hill, during daily life in Queenstown or as you prepare for your next steps after completing training.
Work towards your dream career in the snow sports industry.
SITCo’s graduates and instructors are found at ski resorts around the world doing what they love – and doing it well. We have worked hard to develop our well-rounded instructor programs that deliver the teaching and analytical skills required to become a world-class instructor. As part of our intensive instructor programs, we also include freestyle, freeride and racing options.
Every aspect of our training programmes is under our control, and our hands-on approach ensures every SITCo student not only walks away with the best qualification but having had the best time.
MEET SITCo
Our Story
Founded in 2002 by the two of the most dedicated trainers in the business, SITCo was established to bring professionalism, passion and fun to the ski training industry in New Zealand.
READ MORE ABOUT GAVIN & COLIN - SITCo FOUNDERS
SITCO FOUNDERS
Gavin McAuliffe
Founding Owner of SITCo, Senior Trainer
Gavin is a Kiwi whose ski career began on the Queenstown ski fields in the late eighties. By the early 2000s he had clocked up more than ten years of back to back winters between Europe, Japan, the US and New Zealand, with stints teaching at Keystone and Beaver Creek in the US. With a clear ability to help skiers identify and improve their technical abilities on the snow, Gavin became an NZSIA examiner in 1999.
Since then, Gavin has continually sought ways to improve his knowledge so he can help others improve theirs. Gavin became a senior examiner for NZSIA in 2007 and since then has increasingly become involved in the development of the ski and snowboard industry in New Zealand, having represented NZ at the 2011 Interski Congress in St Anton, and writing the 2019 edition of the NZSIA manual. Gavin served many years on the NZSIA Ski Committee & Board and still trains the instructors at Coronet Peak, The Remarkables and other ski resorts around New Zealand and around the world.
Gavin currently has the role of NZSIA Course Manager in New Zealand.
Gavin has a Postgraduate Diploma in Sports Management. SITCo has given Gavin an avenue to become an advocate for a sport he loves at the same time as spending his winters on the snow with high-level skiers from around the world.
Colin Tanner
Owner & Director of SITCo, Senior Trainer
Colin was born in Scotland, however, these days he’s a fully-fledged New Zealand citizen. Truly dedicated to the sport of skiing, Colin has clocked up around two decades of back-to-back winters. During that time, he has gained his qualifications as a BASI trainer (British system), NZSIA trainer (New Zealand system) and the Euro Test (French system).
Colin arrived in New Zealand in 1995, bringing extensive skills and experience to a budding industry. His dedication to the sport and the profession has made him instrumental in the development of New Zealand’s ski instructor training sector. Colin’s remarkable commitment includes an impressive 30 winter seasons (as of 2024) at Coronet Peak and The Remarkables.
Colin cut his teeth on the Scottish ski fields while completing his LLB Law Degree at Edinburgh University. However, since then, his career path has taken him away from the courtroom and into the white room. Forging a strong connection with NZSIA, Colin has represented New Zealand at the 2019 Interski Congress in Bulgaria and serving as an NZSIA examiner since 2000.
With a clear preference for winters, Colin still helps to run his French ski school, TDC Ski in Val d’Isere, and is active in training and running courses in Japan and China.
Our Training Team
Colin Tanner
Colin brings over three decades of experience to Coronet Peak and Remarkables Snowsports School, where he serves as a senior trainer with in the Snowsports School and with the NZISA. His extensive career has spanned New Zealand, Europe, and beyond, with a ten-year tenure as a BASI trainer before he established his roots in Queenstown.
A co-founder of TDCski – The Development Centre in Val d’Isère, France – Colin maintains close ties to the ski school he helped establish. He frequently returns to Europe and has also spent time coaching in Japan and China.
Alix Shoosmith
For over a decade, Alix has been a valued member of the Coronet Peak Snowsports School team. She earned her Level 1 and Level 2 certifications through SITCo, then progressed to achieve her Level 3 and the esteemed NZSIA Trainers Certification. Today, Alix is an active NZSIA trainer and a lead trainer within the Coronet Peak and Remarkables Snowsports Schools.
Alix has also expanded her expertise internationally, coaching in Japan and at leading U.S. resorts such as Steamboat, Northstar, and Mammoth Mountain.
Alex Lange
Alex has held a leadership role at Coronet Peak Snowsports School for many years, bringing over a decade of experience in New Zealand since completing his NZSIA Level 1 and Level 2 certifications through SITCo. He later advanced through NZSIA Level 3 and achieved the Trainers Certification, becoming an active NZSIA Trainer and a lead trainer at both Coronet Peak and Remarkables Snowsports Schools.
Internationally, Alex has worked in Switzerland at renowned resorts such as Saas Fee and Verbier. He is now based in Niseko, Japan, where he manages the NBS Snowsports School.
Gaz Smith
Gareth “Gaz” began his journey as a snowboard instructor nearly 20 years ago at Coronet Peak. Over the years, he has honed his skills across all levels of riding, steadily rising through the ranks. With SBINZ Trainer Certifications and a passion for snowboarding, life, and the world around him, Gaz is a key member of the training team.
After gaining international experience during seasons in UK, Canada, USA, Switzerland, Japan and China, Gaz has become a trusted lead trainer at The Remarkables and Coronet Peak Snowsports School.
Gavin McAuliffe
Owner & Director of SITCo, Senior Trainer
Gavin is a Kiwi whose ski career began on the Queenstown ski fields in the late eighties. By the early 2000s he had clocked up more than ten years of back to back winters between Europe, Japan, the US and New Zealand, with stints teaching at Keystone and Beaver Creek in the US. With a clear ability to help skiers identify and improve their technical abilities on the snow, Gavin became an NZSIA examiner in 1999.
Since then, Gavin has continually sought ways to improve his knowledge so he can help others improve theirs. Gavin became a senior examiner for NZSIA in 2007 and since then has increasingly become involved in the development of the ski and snowboard industry in New Zealand, having represented NZ at the 2011 Interski Congress in St Anton, and writing the 2019 edition of the NZSIA manual. Gavin served many years on the NZSIA Ski Committee & Board and still trains the instructors at Coronet Peak, The Remarkables and other ski resorts around New Zealand and around the world.
Gavin has a Postgraduate Diploma in Sports Management. SITCo has given Gavin an avenue to become an advocate for a sport he loves at the same time as spending his winters on the snow with high-level skiers from around the world.
Colin Tanner
Owner & Director of SITCo, Senior Trainer
Colin was born in Scotland, however, these days he’s a fully-fledged New Zealand citizen. Truly dedicated to the sport of skiing, Colin has clocked up around two decades of back-to-back winters. During that time, he has gained his qualifications as a BASI trainer (British system), NZSIA trainer (New Zealand system) and the Euro Test (French system).
Arriving in New Zealand in 1995 with considerable skills and experience, Colin soon became involved in helping shape the development of New Zealand’s ski instructor training industry. There are few as dedicated as Colin and his track record of 28 winter seasons teaching at Coronet Peak and The Remarkables attests to this.
Colin cut his teeth on the Scottish ski fields while completing his LLB Law Degree at Edinburgh University. However, since then, his career path has taken him away from the courtroom and into the white room. Forging a strong connection with NZSIA, Colin has represented New Zealand at the 2019 Interski Congress in Bulgaria and became an NZSIA examiner in 2000. He is currently a senior examiner for NZSIA, a member of the NZSIA Tech Team, a member of the NZSIA Ski Committee, Ski Rep to the NZSIA Board and Board Member, and a co-author of the next edition of the NZSIA Ski Manual.
With a clear preference for winters, Colin leaves the Kiwi summers each year to head north to run his French ski school, TDC Ski in Val D’Isere.
Where we train
Located not far from the Southern Alps, Queenstown is a spectacularly beautiful alpine town on New Zealand’s South Island.
Located not far from the Southern Alps, Queenstown is a spectacularly beautiful alpine town on New Zealand’s South Island. It is also a paradise for snow lovers with four major ski fields nearby and a few smaller club fields further afield. Often referred to as the adventure capital of New Zealand, Queenstown is a high energy town that inspires many to head out and explore an incredible natural playground. From the SITCo office in Queenstown, we welcome trainees and friends to come and experience something we have known for decades; Queenstown is an incredible place to live, ski and ride.
Coronet Peak
Coronet Peak is one of the oldest and most established ski areas in New Zealand. It has been a popular playground for skiers and snowboarders since 1947.
In recent years there have been multi-million dollar developments to the resort. With these new facilities and the most advanced snowmaking system in the Southern Hemisphere, if not the world, Coronet Peak is a ski resort of world-class standing.
Coronet Peak offers skiing and riding for all levels from beginners through to advanced off-piste riders. Coronet Peak is famous for its undulating terrain that creates a natural alpine playground.
Coronet Peak’s chairlift system has been updated over the years, so if it’s been a while since you’ve skied here you’ll now be enjoying high-speed express chairs over the entire mountain.
NZSki’s ticket system is linked to your online account, so you can check out your stats at the end of the day or the end of the season. For us, what makes Coronet Peak something special is the view. There’s nothing better than staring down your run and taking in the sublime scenery of the Wakatipu Basin, Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables.
The Remarkables
The Remarkables by name and The Remarkables by nature. When you look up at this magnificent snow-covered ridgeline glowing in the pink hue of a stunning alpine evening, the only thing that comes to mind would have to be, “that is remarkable”.
It was hard to ignore the incredible potential of the terrain on the other side of this impressive ridgeline. A ski resort at The Remarkables was created in the 1980s.
The Remarkables is a fantastic ski area that can be enjoyed by all levels of skiers and boarders. There are fantastic beginner areas if you’re still gaining confidence and building up your skills. There is also plenty of incredible park and off-piste skiing, including long open powder fields and steep and challenging chutes. For experienced skiers and boarders, we think The Remarkables offers some of the best runs in New Zealand.
There is always something happening at The Remarkables. Currently, there are plans to expand the skiable terrain, so watch this space.
Our courses
Ski Performance Camps
Take your skiing to the next level. A three or five-day intensive progression programme to advance your technical skills and confidence.
Snowboard & Ski Instructor Training
Develop your skills, find your tribe and spend a winter in Queenstown, one of the world’s best ski towns. Train for your Level 1 or Level 2 NZSIA qualification.