SITCo

SITCo

The Instructor Training Co

20 Rankers Reviews

0 Face-to-Face

3 Snow and Ice

14 Queenstown Township

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An adventure for life
ski and snowboard friends from around the world
powder in the southern alps
SITCo. the best ski and snowboard course in the world!

Details

Feature Value Info

Organisation

SITCo

Commercial organisation

Location

South IslandQueenstown RegionQueenstown Township

Categories

  • Activity__skiing_snowboardingSnow and Ice

Directions

To Office

Reviews

    • Loved it - everything.
    • The Ski Instructor Training Co.
    • Great course in a fantastic location.
    • Just the most fantastic 2 months!!
    • I did the 11-week course with SITCo.
    Rating Count Percentage
    10/10 17
    85%
    9/10 3
    15%
    8/10 0
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    6/10 0
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    5/10 0
    0%
    4/10 0
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    3/10 0
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    2/10 0
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    1/10 0
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  • 5.0/5

    This is a fantastic course that I would strongly recommend to anyone who wishes to further their ski certification or attain the higher qualifications.

    I found this opportunity perfect as the training program runs in the off season of the Northern Hemisphere.

    I was training for the NZSIA level 3 with Colin Tanner, The training program runs on a 3 day a week basis, over a 5 week period.

    Colin was my trainer for the whole 5 weeks. He is a very accomplished trainer, who is certified in almost every ski qualification. Gavin McAuliffe is the other trainer who runs SITCo training program, he knows a thing or about skiing, he's a true Kiwi with a very fun sense of humor, He has been an NZSIA examiner since wooden ski's. Ha, he's not that old!

    Queenstown is a very social town where you will meet many people and its very hard not to make new friends.

    Flying out to New Zealand and taking the opportunity to train with Colin the was one of the best decision I have ever made. New Zealand is stunning country and has a lot to offer. Go and get qualified and start teaching skiing, its the best job in the world.

    Reviewed about 14 years ago

    UNITED KINGDOM
    cartwright's avatar

    cartwright

    Customer

  • 5.0/5

    From my first enquiry into instructor courses SitCo were very helpful, as I was already in NZ they offered to meet up within the same week to discuss any worries I had and to check which course was most

    suitable. I decided to do the 8 week course and had such an amazing time in Queenstown! I felt very well looked after by Sitco, Colin Gavin and Jimbo were always there to help with anything on or off the mountain. Enjoyed every minute, met some great friends and managed to achieve both Level 1 and Level 2, something I always wanted but wasnt sure I could do. Definitely recommended!

    Reviewed about 14 years ago and experienced in August 2010

    UNITED KINGDOM
    clairewheels's avatar

    clairewheels

    Customer

  • 5.0/5

    Not only does Queenstown have the most beautiful scenery but it is home to the best instructor training company!

    The instructors are by far the best I have ever had in any country I have skied in. They genuinely want you to improve and gain the qualifications you set out to achieve, whilst making it fun! I did the 6 week course and it was very demanding but I managed to pass both the Level 1 and 2 exams, even after sustaining an injury, with the encouragement of Gavin and Colin.

    Jimbo trained me for the majority of the 6 weeks. He was concsiencious and I'm pretty sure he had as much fun training us as we did skiing with him! The training you also receive during the exam is second to none. The examiners are skilled and are highly certified but they have maintained a great sense of humour!!

    I met such fantastic people, friends for life, and SITco. really looked after me from the moment I arrived. I can thouroughly recommend this course and hope to go back very soon!

    Reviewed about 14 years ago

    UNITED KINGDOM
    sbi4alo's avatar

    sbi4alo

    Customer

  • 5.0/5

    The Ski Instructor Training Co.

    (SITCo.) was one of the best decisions i have ever made in my life. Not only have i gained qualifications but i have gained friends and mentors for the rest of my life. When you take this course you are not treated like a statistic or a youth but an equal member of society and in this day this means so much to an individual. When on this course you are in one of the most exciting places in the world and nothing can compare. Not only do you get to experience culture but you get to learn how to ski properly and better!! Gavin and Colin have been amazing in their encouragement and teaching, you couldn't ask for better, it may be tiring and it may be demanding, but what in life is worth having if the work for it is easy. This is an excellent opportunity to find out if skiing and the snow is what you want from life or even just to improve your skiing. Words cannot describe how grateful i am for all the help they have given me and for the friends i have acquired. Thank you SO much again and i definitely recommend this course to anyone with a love for skiing or snowboarding, you will be taken care of before you even touch down in New Zealand and gain so much from their teaching. SITCO MAAAAAN!!!

    Reviewed almost 13 years ago

    UNITED KINGDOM
    alshoo's avatar

    alshoo

    Customer

  • 5.0/5

    Have a look at the results for the first time Level 2 pass rates across the instructor training providers, and you'll immediately see why SITCo is a great choice.

    Gavin and Colin are deserved head and shoulders above the rest when it comes to the quality of training they provide; very perceptive on technique, patient as you get it wrong for weeks on end, and prepared to match the hard work you put in.

    But to limit a review to skiing would be to miss out on their excellent senses of humour (well, sort of) and the great atmosphere that they help instill in the group. Set in Queenstown, it's pretty much impossible not to have fun, especially with the odd heliski trip thrown in, and I was most impressed to be led into Lake Wakatipu by the aforementioned instructors - leading from (and with) the front throughout...

    Reviewed almost 13 years ago and experienced in August 2011

    UNITED KINGDOM
    alt's avatar

    alt

    Customer

  • 5.0/5

    My time in Queenstown was one of the most memorable experiences of my life.

    I did the 8 week snowboarding instructors course, and gained both my level 1 and level 2 certificates. Not to mention the amazing time I had experiencing Queenstown's infamous nightlife!

    I couldn't have done it without the SITCo team coaching and supporting me, helping me grow to become the rider that I am today. Ben was my instructor over the course, and was great at finding individual ways for each of us to improve and develop, more so then I’ve ever had with instructors in the past.

    My time with SITCo helped improve my riding ability to further then I ever thought it could go, and to become a qualified snowboard instructor! The best job in the world!

    Reviewed almost 13 years ago and experienced in August 2011

    AUSTRALIA
    L_mm's avatar

    L_mm

    Customer

  • 5.0/5

    I would like to thank Ben for all his hard work which ensured a 100% pass rate, over the winter, for the 2011 Snowboard crew, for both NZSIA level 1 and 2.

    Undoubtedly the best Snowboard instructor trainer at Coronet Peak for both his technical skills and his teaching knowledge (probably the best banter too). His professional attitude and love for the ‘job’ were inspiring throughout the 8 weeks, especially at 9am!

    Go with SITCo you won’t regret it.

    “Let’s ride”...

    Reviewed almost 13 years ago and experienced in August 2011

    UNITED KINGDOM
    Creepy90's avatar

    Creepy90

    Customer

  • 5.0/5

    I chose the 5 week course as I wanted to improve my skiing.

    Your instructors make the course, and Colin and Gavin were great trainers - supportive, fun and really really good skiers. I came away a much better, more confident skier as well as passing both Level 1 & 2. It was also great fun and I'd thoroughly recommend it. Now I just need to quit my job and put what I learnt into practise.....

    Reviewed almost 13 years ago and experienced in September 2011

    dwmc's avatar

    dwmc

    Customer

  • 4.5/5

    Was my first time living away from home so arrived a little bit nervous and worried about the next 8 weeks.

    Everyone at Sitco made me feel at home immediately and my nerves soon left me. Was an incredible summer and one of the greatest things i ever have taken part in.

    Reviewed about 14 years ago and experienced in July 2010

    UNITED KINGDOM
    camtomsmith's avatar

    camtomsmith

    Customer

  • 4.5/5

    I did the 5 week course this summer and passed both Level 1 and 2 as did pretty much the entire group.

    This was a direct result of there being great training, a great group and queenstown/coronet peak being the ideal place to train for your qualifications.

    Also (often ignored by other orgs) there has been help sorting out jobs afterwards and I've managed to get an instructing job in Canada through a Sitco contact.

    All in all recommend to anyone wanting to become a ski instructor (particularly if they are in a rush for next winter!)

    Reviewed almost 13 years ago

    UNITED KINGDOM
    handy437's avatar

    handy437

    Customer

  • 5.0/5

    I chose the 5 week course as I wanted to improve my skiing.

    Your instructors make the course, and Colin and Gavin were great trainers - supportive, fun and really really good skiers. I came away a much better, more confident skier as well as passing both Level 1 & 2. It was also great fun and I'd thoroughly recommend it. Now I just need to quit my job and put what I learnt into practise.....

    Reviewed almost 13 years ago and experienced in September 2011

    dwmc's avatar

    dwmc

    Customer

  • 5.0/5

    I would like to thank Ben for all his hard work which ensured a 100% pass rate, over the winter, for the 2011 Snowboard crew, for both NZSIA level 1 and 2.

    Undoubtedly the best Snowboard instructor trainer at Coronet Peak for both his technical skills and his teaching knowledge (probably the best banter too). His professional attitude and love for the ‘job’ were inspiring throughout the 8 weeks, especially at 9am!

    Go with SITCo you won’t regret it.

    “Let’s ride”...

    Reviewed almost 13 years ago and experienced in August 2011

    UNITED KINGDOM
    Creepy90's avatar

    Creepy90

    Customer

  • 5.0/5

    My time in Queenstown was one of the most memorable experiences of my life.

    I did the 8 week snowboarding instructors course, and gained both my level 1 and level 2 certificates. Not to mention the amazing time I had experiencing Queenstown's infamous nightlife!

    I couldn't have done it without the SITCo team coaching and supporting me, helping me grow to become the rider that I am today. Ben was my instructor over the course, and was great at finding individual ways for each of us to improve and develop, more so then I’ve ever had with instructors in the past.

    My time with SITCo helped improve my riding ability to further then I ever thought it could go, and to become a qualified snowboard instructor! The best job in the world!

    Reviewed almost 13 years ago and experienced in August 2011

    AUSTRALIA
    L_mm's avatar

    L_mm

    Customer

  • 4.5/5

    I did the 5 week course this summer and passed both Level 1 and 2 as did pretty much the entire group.

    This was a direct result of there being great training, a great group and queenstown/coronet peak being the ideal place to train for your qualifications.

    Also (often ignored by other orgs) there has been help sorting out jobs afterwards and I've managed to get an instructing job in Canada through a Sitco contact.

    All in all recommend to anyone wanting to become a ski instructor (particularly if they are in a rush for next winter!)

    Reviewed almost 13 years ago

    UNITED KINGDOM
    handy437's avatar

    handy437

    Customer

  • 5.0/5

    Have a look at the results for the first time Level 2 pass rates across the instructor training providers, and you'll immediately see why SITCo is a great choice.

    Gavin and Colin are deserved head and shoulders above the rest when it comes to the quality of training they provide; very perceptive on technique, patient as you get it wrong for weeks on end, and prepared to match the hard work you put in.

    But to limit a review to skiing would be to miss out on their excellent senses of humour (well, sort of) and the great atmosphere that they help instill in the group. Set in Queenstown, it's pretty much impossible not to have fun, especially with the odd heliski trip thrown in, and I was most impressed to be led into Lake Wakatipu by the aforementioned instructors - leading from (and with) the front throughout...

    Reviewed almost 13 years ago and experienced in August 2011

    UNITED KINGDOM
    alt's avatar

    alt

    Customer

  • 5.0/5

    The Ski Instructor Training Co.

    (SITCo.) was one of the best decisions i have ever made in my life. Not only have i gained qualifications but i have gained friends and mentors for the rest of my life. When you take this course you are not treated like a statistic or a youth but an equal member of society and in this day this means so much to an individual. When on this course you are in one of the most exciting places in the world and nothing can compare. Not only do you get to experience culture but you get to learn how to ski properly and better!! Gavin and Colin have been amazing in their encouragement and teaching, you couldn't ask for better, it may be tiring and it may be demanding, but what in life is worth having if the work for it is easy. This is an excellent opportunity to find out if skiing and the snow is what you want from life or even just to improve your skiing. Words cannot describe how grateful i am for all the help they have given me and for the friends i have acquired. Thank you SO much again and i definitely recommend this course to anyone with a love for skiing or snowboarding, you will be taken care of before you even touch down in New Zealand and gain so much from their teaching. SITCO MAAAAAN!!!

    Reviewed almost 13 years ago

    UNITED KINGDOM
    alshoo's avatar

    alshoo

    Customer

  • 5.0/5

    Not only does Queenstown have the most beautiful scenery but it is home to the best instructor training company!

    The instructors are by far the best I have ever had in any country I have skied in. They genuinely want you to improve and gain the qualifications you set out to achieve, whilst making it fun! I did the 6 week course and it was very demanding but I managed to pass both the Level 1 and 2 exams, even after sustaining an injury, with the encouragement of Gavin and Colin.

    Jimbo trained me for the majority of the 6 weeks. He was concsiencious and I'm pretty sure he had as much fun training us as we did skiing with him! The training you also receive during the exam is second to none. The examiners are skilled and are highly certified but they have maintained a great sense of humour!!

    I met such fantastic people, friends for life, and SITco. really looked after me from the moment I arrived. I can thouroughly recommend this course and hope to go back very soon!

    Reviewed about 14 years ago

    UNITED KINGDOM
    sbi4alo's avatar

    sbi4alo

    Customer

  • 5.0/5

    From my first enquiry into instructor courses SitCo were very helpful, as I was already in NZ they offered to meet up within the same week to discuss any worries I had and to check which course was most

    suitable. I decided to do the 8 week course and had such an amazing time in Queenstown! I felt very well looked after by Sitco, Colin Gavin and Jimbo were always there to help with anything on or off the mountain. Enjoyed every minute, met some great friends and managed to achieve both Level 1 and Level 2, something I always wanted but wasnt sure I could do. Definitely recommended!

    Reviewed about 14 years ago and experienced in August 2010

    UNITED KINGDOM
    clairewheels's avatar

    clairewheels

    Customer

  • 5.0/5

    This is a fantastic course that I would strongly recommend to anyone who wishes to further their ski certification or attain the higher qualifications.

    I found this opportunity perfect as the training program runs in the off season of the Northern Hemisphere.

    I was training for the NZSIA level 3 with Colin Tanner, The training program runs on a 3 day a week basis, over a 5 week period.

    Colin was my trainer for the whole 5 weeks. He is a very accomplished trainer, who is certified in almost every ski qualification. Gavin McAuliffe is the other trainer who runs SITCo training program, he knows a thing or about skiing, he's a true Kiwi with a very fun sense of humor, He has been an NZSIA examiner since wooden ski's. Ha, he's not that old!

    Queenstown is a very social town where you will meet many people and its very hard not to make new friends.

    Flying out to New Zealand and taking the opportunity to train with Colin the was one of the best decision I have ever made. New Zealand is stunning country and has a lot to offer. Go and get qualified and start teaching skiing, its the best job in the world.

    Reviewed about 14 years ago

    UNITED KINGDOM
    cartwright's avatar

    cartwright

    Customer

  • 4.5/5

    Was my first time living away from home so arrived a little bit nervous and worried about the next 8 weeks.

    Everyone at Sitco made me feel at home immediately and my nerves soon left me. Was an incredible summer and one of the greatest things i ever have taken part in.

    Reviewed about 14 years ago and experienced in July 2010

    UNITED KINGDOM
    camtomsmith's avatar

    camtomsmith

    Customer

  • 5.0/5

    Just the most fantastic 2 months!!

    Really really loved it... went too quickly!! The best instructors and such a fun group of people living in Pinewood doing the course. Queenstown is a fantastic place to be, there's so much to do there... if you can drag yourself away from the slopes! Which I rarely did... it was just so much fun being up on Coronet Peak or the Remarks whether you're in lessons or just up there in your free time. Would recommend the Sitco course to anyone, it turned me from a very average/bad skier to passing my level 2 instructors cert! Sitco is by far the best course in Queenstown... thanks a mill Colin and Gavin! Such a fantastic experience!

    Reviewed over 14 years ago and experienced in July 2008

    UNITED KINGDOM
    posgateo's avatar

    posgateo

    Customer

  • 5.0/5

    Fantastic Course, changed my life still in Queenstown 8 years later working as an NZSIA examiner.

    Sign Up now its World Class!

    Reviewed over 14 years ago and experienced in July 2002

  • 5.0/5

    I did the 11-week course with SITCo.

    on Coronet Peak in Queenstown, New Zealand in 2007 and gained my NZSIA Level One and Two certificates in Snowboard Instructing. I have to say, the weeks spent in Queenstown were some of the very best of my life. The course was demanding but the instructors did a great job of making sure we all knew what we needed to know. My riding improved dramatically over the 11 weeks and I made great friends from all over the world.

    Queenstown is an awesome place like no other with a buzzing night-life. A place I'll never forget.

    If you are someone looking at doing a course like this, gaining internationally-recognized qualifications whilst having a great time, look no further. Trust me.

    Reviewed over 14 years ago and experienced in June 2007

    greenmachine's avatar

    greenmachine

    Customer

  • 5.0/5

    Loved it - everything.

    And I passed! The whole thing was fantastic. Great instructors and people on the course. Very well organised. Good accomdation. No complaints at all. Look forward to coming back one day. Charlie

    Reviewed over 14 years ago

    HONG KONG
    charliecharls's avatar

    charliecharls

    Customer

  • 5.0/5

    SITCO was an absolutely awesome adventure.

    From the moment I touched down in QT to the morning I left, it was such an awesome time. Great people, excellent coaching, awesome accommodation and the perfect mix of work and play. All credit goes to the instructors who are by far the most qualified in town and it shows. I spent 6 weeks with Scotty, the examiners examiner. Failing was never on the cards.

    I recommend this to anyone, proven by the fact that 3 of my friends have done the course since, and my little brother is off to do it this season.

    Epic time.

    Reviewed over 14 years ago and experienced in July 2004

    UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
    jeztherez's avatar

    jeztherez

    Customer

  • 5.0/5

    This was an amazing experience, and it even has changed my life totally - I am now a full time Ski Instructor in NZ and Canada!

    Everything about this course was great, from the training, through location and including accomodation, extras and transport. Everything was great. Made some amazing friends on the trip and had an great time everyday during the weeks of the training. Would recommend to anyone, the guys who run it are awesome!

    Reviewed over 14 years ago and experienced in July 2007

    UNITED KINGDOM
    jonurp's avatar

    jonurp

    Customer

  • 5.0/5

    Great course in a fantastic location.

    Good mix of skiers and boarders from all over the world. All great craic. The guys running it are sound and super professional. Some great nights in Qtown and some great days on the hill, loved the heliboarding day. Learned sh*t loads , worth every penny.

    Reviewed over 14 years ago and experienced in July 2007

    IRELAND
    bigsteve's avatar

    bigsteve

    Customer

  • 5.0/5

    All the trainers are fantastic - they really know their stuff and have a great process to get you where you need to be for the exams.

    The great thing is that it's not just about the exams. It's also about ensuring you're the best skier / snowboarder (and instructor) that you can be. So if you're up to exam standard with three weeks to go, they'll just keep pushing you further. It's also really useful to have some insider's information if you're looking for work after the course is over - they helped a lot of people get work all round the world, and having the SitCo name on your CV really seemed to help, as ski schools know that doing these courses means you know what you're talking about.

    It's great fun, but a lot of work too; three days a week training sounds pretty relaxed, but it's very full-on, and you need at least another three days a week of practice or else you won't get the most out of the next round of training. There's also some theoretical work in the evenings, usually about once a week, that covers material for the exam, as well as some material to help you teach better. These sessions are incredibly helpful, and quite relaxed, but it all adds up to a full-time experience. Having said that, I left after both my trips wishing it were going on for longer!

    Queenstown is a great place, and it's really beautiful there. The accommodation SitCo provide is also really good value for money (I know a few people thought they'd save some money / find somewhere nicer themselves and ended up moving into our accommodation), plus it's fantastic to have everyone on the courses staying together. It generates a really good atmosphere and if you have thoughts / questions / something you've always wanted to try / learn to do, there are loads of people living with you to do all that with. The bus to the slopes comes to your front door (literally), so it couldn't be more convenient either.

    A superb experience, I’d thoroughly recommend it to anyone and everyone.

    Reviewed over 14 years ago and experienced in July 2008

    UNITED KINGDOM
    jmay's avatar

    jmay

    Customer

  • 5.0/5

    Brilliant experience....in terms of a training, fun, educational experience that encompasses the best of the New Zealand mountains and friendliness of the local people.

    If you want a career in the snowsports industry this is the best way to open those doors.

    Reviewed over 14 years ago and experienced in October 2003

    mikeyp's avatar

    mikeyp

    Customer

  • 4.5/5

    I had an amazing time doing my Level1 Ski instructors course.

    Gavin and Colin are brilliant trainers and we were fully prepped for the exams. Lots of free time as well to enjoy the snow and with the Queenstown pass we could choose whether to ski at Coronet or the Remarks on our days off.

    Off the slopes, the accommodation was great- Pinewood is in a really good location for getting into town and sharing a family room between 2 meant we had plenty of space. Queenstown was an awesome place to live! So much to do and see away from the mountains- it was absolutely stunning!

    Great people, great experience, great times!

    Reviewed over 14 years ago and experienced in July 2009

    UNITED KINGDOM
    annac's avatar

    annac

    Customer