Ski & Snowboard Work & Train courses with SITCo, Queenstown, NZ.
Take your snowsports career further with SITCo’s Work & Train programs.
Gain real instructing experience at Coronet Peak and The Remarkables while advancing your qualifications.
Live the dream — work, train, ski and ride every day in Queenstown’s world-class resorts.

We’re all go for 2026!
The demand for travel, ski and snowboard instructing is showing no signs of slowing down!
After another incredible 2025 season, excitement is building as we look ahead to the 2026 winter season, kicking off this June.
Our ski and snowboard instructor training courses are locked in, along with our always-popular performance camps. We can’t wait to get back on the snow—and we can’t wait to see you here!
International Visitors to New Zealand
Thinking about coming to New Zealand to join one of our courses? That’s awesome! Before you book, it’s important to check which passport you hold and which course you’re planning to take.
Visitor Visa Courses
Most of our courses can be completed on a standard Visitor Visa — and many nationalities don’t even need to apply in advance. Check the list of visa waiver countries to see if you qualify.
Work & Train Courses
If you’re enrolling in a Work & Train course or plan to work while you’re in New Zealand, you’ll need a valid work visa or the right to work in NZ. The Working Holiday Scheme is a popular option for many participants and allows you to combine training with valuable work experience.
For the most up-to-date visa information and entry requirements, visit the official New Zealand Government Immigration website.
Work & Train in Queenstown
Join a Work & Train program in Queenstown for the ultimate blend of hands-on experience and professional development.
You’ll work as a ski or snowboard instructor while following a structured training plan designed to advance your skills, confidence, and career.
Gain invaluable real-world experience with the renowned Queenstown Snowsports Schools at Coronet Peak and The Remarkables — two of New Zealand’s most iconic resorts.
Program Requirements & Details
To participate, you must have the legal right to work in New Zealand, as the program includes a formal recruitment and interview process with the Snowsports Schools. You’ll be a paid employee during your time on snow.
A Working Holiday Visa is an excellent option for many participants. Please note that sponsored visas are not available for this program.
You’ll be scheduled to work during the peak holiday periods of the New Zealand ski season — giving you the chance to make the most of your time on and off the mountain.
Arrive in Queenstown before the season begins to experience the buzz and excitement of opening day at Coronet Peak and The Remarkables.
Program Benefits
- Accommodation options tailored to your course and needs
- Full-season lift pass for Coronet Peak and The Remarkables
- Access to resort transport throughout the season
- Expert coaching, mentoring, and ongoing training support
- And much more!
Program Options
- Rookie Program – Ideal for non-qualified skiers and snowboarders looking to gain practical experience and grow their skills.
- L3 Work & Train (Level 2 Qualified) – Designed for instructors already holding a Level 2 certification (NZSIA, CSIA, PSIA, BASI, IASI, etc.) who want to develop further through real-world experience.
- Level 3 Training Only – Focus purely on high-level training without work or visa requirements.
Scroll down to learn more about each program and find the best fit for your goals.
Looking for instructor training courses with out the need for a work visa?
Rookie Instructor Program
Kickstart Your Winter Season in Queenstown
Arrive in Queenstown and experience the excitement and energy of the winter season’s opening days.
Your journey begins with a comprehensive 10-day training program, designed to prepare you for a role on the Snowsports School Rookie Instructor Team. During this initial phase, you’ll learn how to teach and support beginner skiers and snowboarders, while developing both your instructional skills and your own skiing or riding technique.
Depending on your passport and visa, there are two ways to join the Rookie Program: a Domestic Program and an International Program.
Domestic Program
Ideal for participants who hold a New Zealand or Australian passport, or who are residents of either country.
After the 10-day training program, and based on your performance, you may be offered a casual contract with the Coronet Peak and The Remarkables Snowsports School. Once onboarded, you’ll step into the busy school holiday period, gaining valuable hands-on teaching experience.
Following this, you’ll have the opportunity to work toward your NZSIA Level 1 qualification. Exceptional performance may open further work opportunities and the chance to pursue your Level 2 certification later in the season.
International Program
Ideal for international participants holding a valid Work Visa, such as a Working Holiday Scheme Visa.
Following your 10-day training program, successful participants may also be offered a casual contract with the Snowsports School. After onboarding, you’ll join the team for the holiday peak period, followed by the chance to train for your Level 1 qualification.
From there, you can continue your journey with an optional 12-day Level 2 Training Program, designed to prepare you for your Level 2 certification and continued growth as an instructor.
Who the Rookie Program Is For
The Rookie Program is perfect for confident skiers and snowboarders who are comfortable on red and black runs and want to take their skills to a professional level.
With accommodation options included, you can settle into Queenstown easily and focus on what really matters — improving your skills, gaining experience, and having an unforgettable winter.
Check In 13th June 2026
Get settled in
Training: 14th June - 18th June, 21st June - 25th June 2026
Training from the best ski and snowboard trainers
Onboarding: 27th June - 28th June 2026
Get signed up with the Snowsports School
Work Starts: 29th June 2026
Working for the Snowsports School
Qualification : NZSIA/SBINZ Level 1
Sit the NZSIA/SBINZ Level 1 exams and gain the qualification
Right to work in NZ is required
Domestic or International Programs
Accommodation: 13th June - 8th Aug 2026
Accommodation included
International Program
NZD 13,999
Accommodation 13th June – 8th Aug 2026
10 days pre work training;
On-Boarding;
Work the busy holidays;
NZSIA/SBINZ Level 1; optional 12 day training towards Level 2
Domestic Program
NZD 12,499
Accommodation 13th June – 8th Aug 2026
10 days pre work training;
On-Boarding;
Work the busy holidays;
NZSIA/SBINZ Level 1; continued work possibilities
- Accommodation 13th June – 8th Aug
- Lift pass for the season
- Level 1 exam
- Transport for initial training period
- Pre employment interview and guidance
- Queenstown Orientation days
- “On the Job” Mentoring from highly experienced SITCo trainers
- 10 days on snow training
- On Snow Training from NZSIA/SBINZ trainers
- Evening/Night sessions
- Video analysis
- Full exam preparation
- Personal goal setting and progress
- NZSIA online manual
- 12-day training program
- NZSIA Level 2
- Heli ski/board trip
- Ski/Board tuning seminar
- Park and Pipe day
- Race training
- Freestyle Level 1 course
- Children’s Ski Teaching Certificate Course
- Food and beer money – accommodation is self catering
- Flights to Queenstown
- Personal Insurance
You will need to have the right to work in New Zealand.
You must have your own work visa.
For more information on the right to work in NZ, NZ Work Visas, NZ Working Holiday Visas (WHV) and their requirements visit www.immigration.govt.nz
You need to have your own ski and snowboard equipment.
No. Sorry to take part in the Rookie Program you must be in Queenstown and ready to ski or ride on the 14th June 2026.
To be accepted to work at the Snowsports School you will be offered a Casual Contract on completion of the initial 10 days training.
A face-to-face interview and an offer of employment will be offered to you, based on your performance during the 10 days of training.
If successful you will be a fully employed member of the Snowsports School, and you will get paid at the rate organised by the employer at the time of taking you on.
It is very hard to say exactly how much you will be paid as each instructor gets paid individually based on an hourly rate, based on their performance levels, and based on the type of work they are doing.
When you are an employee full terms and conditions of your employment will be in force.
First thing you need to do is to make an Online Application from the SITCo website.
Simply go to online booking page…
Once you have submitted an application a member of the SITCo team will be in touch and we will help you through the process.
Work & Train Program For Level 2 Qualified Instructors
L3 Work & Train in Queenstown: Level 2 Qualified Ski and Snowboard Instructors
Take your instructing career to new heights with this exclusive opportunity for Level 2 qualified ski and snowboard instructors to work with the prestigious Queenstown Snowsports Schools at Coronet Peak and The Remarkables.
Through SITCo’s Work & Train Program, you’ll gain hands-on experience teaching in a world-class international snowsports environment — developing your skills, confidence, and professional network.
Your season begins in June with onboarding and readiness training, ensuring you’re fully prepared to hit the ground running. After working through the busy holiday period, you’ll transition into full-time ISIA Level 3 training, designed to elevate your performance and advance your career in snowsports.
Make the most of this unique opportunity to build your experience, refine your technique, and take your expertise to the next level — all while living and working in Queenstown, New Zealand.
Check In: 20th June 2026
Get settled in
Onboarding: 24th June - 25th June 2026
Get signed up with the Snowsports School
Work Starts: 26th June 2026
Working for the Snowsports School
Training Starts: 26th July 2026
Training from the best ski and snowboard trainers
Structured Training Program
12 days training; 4 days a week, for 3 weeks
Accommodation: 20th June - 9th Sept
Accommodation Included
NZD 16,400
Accommodation for the majority of the season.
No need to worry about where to stay.
- Accommodation
- Lift pass for the Season
- Transport for training period
- Pre Employment Interview and guidance
- Queenstown Orientation days
- “On the Job” Mentoring from highly experienced SITCo trainers
- Structured On-Snow training program
- On snow training from NZSIA/SBINZ trainers
- On snow training is 4 days a week for 3 weeks
- Evening/Night sessions
- Video analysis
- Full exam preparation
- Personal goal setting and progress
- NZSIA online manual
- NZSIA membership
- NZSIA L3 Pre Courses
- NZSIA L3 Exam
- Heli ski/board trip
- Ski/Board tuning seminar
- Park and Pipe day
- Race Training
- Freestyle Level 1 course
- Children’s Ski Teaching Certificate Course
- Food and beer money – accommodation is self catering
- Flights to Queenstown
- Personal Insurance
You will need to have a recognised Level 2 Ski Instructor qualification. This can be NZSIA Level 2 or BASI, CSIA, PSIA, IASI Level 2 etc.
You will need to have the right to work in New Zealand.
You must have your own work visa.
For more information on the right to work in NZ, NZ Work Visas, NZ Working Holiday Visas (WHV) and their requirements visit www.immigration.govt.nz
You need to have your own ski and snowboard equipment.
To be accepted to work at the Snowsports School you will be required to enter into the employment process with NZSki (the employer) including filling in application forms and a job interview. We will guide you through this process.
When working you will be a fully employed member of the Snowsports School, and you will get paid at the rate organised by the employer at the time of taking you on.
It is very hard to say exactly how much you will be paid as each instructor gets paid individually based on an hourly rate, based on their performance levels, and based on the type of work they are doing.
When you are an employee full terms and conditions of your employment will be in force.
First thing you need to do is to make an Online Application from the SITCo website.
Simply go to online booking page…
Once you have submitted an application a member of the SITCo team will be in touch and we will help you through the process.
Specific Training Program Towards Level 3
ISIA Level 3 Training Program
Can’t commit to a full season or don’t have a work visa? No problem — you can still take your skiing or snowboarding to the next level with SITCo’s ISIA Level 3 Training Program in Queenstown.
This program is designed for passionate, high-performing skiers and snowboarders aiming to reach an internationally recognised qualification level. You’ll train in a focused, high-energy environment alongside like-minded athletes, guided by top trainers from New Zealand and around the world.
Enjoy five weeks of structured, intensive training dedicated to technical mastery, performance improvement, and exam preparation — with no visa or work requirements, just a full commitment to progress and results.
Push yourself, refine your technique, and experience professional-level coaching in one of the world’s most inspiring snowsports destinations.
Check In: 11th July 2026
Get settled in
Training : 27th July - 14th Aug 2026
Training from the best ski and snowboard trainers in NZ and the World.
Accommodation: 11th July - 9th Sept 2026
Accommodation for the season - no need to worry about where to stay.
Qualification Requirement
You need to have a recognised Level 2 Qualification
NZD 7,390 No Accommodation
Training, Lift Pass etc included, find your own accommodation
NZD 14,450
Accommodation 11th July – 9th Sept
Accommodation for the whole training program
Possible extended training Camps can be organised.
- Accommodation depending on option you choose
- Lift pass for the Season
- Transport for training period
- Queenstown Orientation days
- On snow training from the best trainers
- 3 weeks structured training program
- On snow training from NZSIA/SBINZ trainers
- On snow training 12 days – 4 days a week for 3 weeks
- Evening/Night sessions
- Video analysis
- Full exam preparation
- Personal goal setting and progress
- NZSIA online manual
- NZSIA membership
- NZSIA L3 Pre Courses
- NZSIA L3 Exam
- Heli ski/board trip
- Ski/Board tuning seminar
- Park and Pipe day
- Race Training
- Freestyle Level 1 course
- Children’s Ski Teaching Certificate Course
- Food and beer money – accommodation is self catering
- Flights to Queenstown
- Personal Insurance
Ideally you will have a recognised Level 2 Ski Instructor qualification. This can be NZSIA Level 2 or BASI, CSIA, PSIA, IASI Level 2 etc.
You only need a visitor visa.
If you are an international visitor to New Zealand and take part in one of our courses, you need to consider which passport you have and which course you are looking at.
Most of our courses can be done with a straightforward visitors visa. A lot of passport holders don’t even need to apply for a visa, have a look at the list of visa waiver countries.
Find the latest developments on the NZ Govt website.
First thing you need to do is to make an Online Application from the SITCo website.
Simply go to online booking page…
Once you have submitted an application a member of the SITCo team will be in touch and we will ask for evidence of previous qualifications, and your work visa.
You will then take apart in the training course that you have chosen. After that and depending on buisness levels the Snowsports School will be ready to take to you, and begin the formal employment process.