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