Snow Sports School FAQs

If you want to become a ski or snowboard instructor in Cardrona’s Snow Sports School, here are answers to a few commonly asked questions to help you out!

Cardrona's Snow Sports School is rated among the best in the world - our high calibre of instructors, combined with a fantastic training & development programme along with a friendly team working environment means that our team tend to return for many seasons. If you're a qualified instructor who loves working with people from all walks of life then join our Snow Sports School team this winter!

If you'd like to become a ski or snowboard instructor but you don't have any instructing qualifications, our Instructor Training Centre may be the perfect choice for you!

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Work Visas
A small number of Accredited Employer Work Visas are available each year to qualified & experienced overseas staff. If you are an international applicant and unable to obtain a working holiday visa, you should apply for the Visa role on our website.

The minimum requirements for new staff are:
- NZSIA/SBINZ Level 3 qualification or international equivalent
- 5 full time seasons’ instructing experience
Having your own working holiday visa before you apply is an advantage. It also means you can work for other employers as well as Cardrona if you choose to do so. Visit the Immigration New Zealand website for information on all visas.
Pre-Season Training

All new staff are required to complete our Cardrona ONboard Induction Training & returning staff our Reboard training.
A day in Cardrona’s Snow Sports School

Instructors work an average of 4 or 5 hours a day, 5 or 6 days a week, depending on business levels. Like every ski resort, our business is affected by snow conditions & weather. Subsequently adjustments to your working week will be made accordingly. For more details of the different types of products that you will be involved in teaching please check out our Lessons page.
On-Snow Training

There will be some compulsory on-snow training sessions within the first week of opening. Throughout the season we have an extensive training program for instructors. Both developmental & professional sessions are held throughout, with an aim to allow our instructors to continue to further their skills &/or qualifications.
Accommodation

Once you are offered a position we are able to assist in helping you find accommodation if you require. We work directly with some of the local letting agents. Our first priority is new hire instructors who are not from New Zealand. You will be placed with other instructors of (when possible) similar ages and interests in houses in Wanaka. We act as the go-between to introduce you to the letting agent at the start & then you will sign an agreement with the letting agent. You will be required to pay a deposit prior to your arrival to secure your position.
How do I apply?
For your application we will require the following:
- We will need you to fill out all the compulsory information on the online form
- Write us a cover letter in the space provided. (Remember we want to be dazzled. This is your chance to capture our attention)
- We will need contact details for 2 relevant references that we will contact for the purpose of your application. We are unable to move forwards with any application where we cannot reach two references.
- We need a job specific CV to be attached. Make sure it details your work history. If you have any relevant references you can add them also
Please only apply once. Only applications received via our online form will be accepted.
What happens after I submit my application?

When we receive your application we will send you an email confirmation.

Within 2 weeks of the recruitment period closing we will be in contact with you regarding the status of your application. At this time those who have been successful with the initial application will be asked to schedule a interview.

By the end of March agreements/contracts will be offered to successful applicants.
If I’m successful, what next?

If you are offered a position, we will require an answer within a week of the offer. You will then be required to provide some more information regarding visa requirements, proof of qualifications & experience, accommodation needs etc. You will also receive regular emails updating you on pre-season training, visas, accommodation, police vetting etc.