Do you love skiing, or at least the idea of it? Do you feel that one or two weeks on the slopes just isn’t long enough to get your technique down, or long enough time to indulge in your passion?
No doubt you’re not alone. We suspect most winter sports addicts wish they could spend more time on the piste.
Putting aside for a second the kind of lifestyle enjoyed by international women and men of leisure, training as a ski or snowboard instructor is probably the easiest way to access the slopes for several months at a time.
Selecting the right instructor school is important. As well as choosing a fun and appropriate location to learn (guaranteed snow coverage is a must), it’s important to choose a reputable and recognised school. After all, it’s no good being certified if you can’t secure an instructor role afterwards.
The International Academy is worth throwing into your selection mix. When it started up in 1997, it was one of the first UK-based companies to offer ski instructor courses. Consequently, having got in the market early, they’ve acquired a strong reputation amongst ski schools in some of the best resorts around the world.
Their 10-week courses are based in Cardrona in New Zealand. With two basins Cardrona has plenty of wide, open pistes – ideal for practice and learning the best teaching techniques. The area’s variety of black runs and its freestyle park offer the opportunity for quick learners to pick up freestyle skills – a real bonus when applying for jobs.
All the instructors are NZSIA / SBINZ qualified, and in addition to skiing and instructor training, participants receive advice on securing employment in European and North American resorts.
Accommodation is in the resort town of Wanaka within easy reach of shops, restaurants, bars and Lake Wanaka.
Beginning on July 13 2013, the course costs £7950 and includes accommodation at the Apollo Lodge with breakfast and weekday evening meals. Return flights cost about £1500 from Heathrow to Queenstown.
Written by insider city guide series Hg2 | A Hedonist’s guide to…
(Featured image: Ola Matsson | www.skistar.com/trysil)
