All-day skiing the pull

Remarkables ski instructor Courtney Blann, originally from California. Photo by Ben Kien/The...
Remarkables ski instructor Courtney Blann, originally from California. Photo by Ben Kien/The Remarkables.
In this week's Off Piste, Remarkables ski instructor Courtney Blann (25), from South Lake Tahoe, California, shares the highs and lows of her job.

 

What do you do each day?

I spend my entire day skiing! I will teach a variety of different clients on any given day. Some days I teach children, adults, group lessons, private lessons, beginners, experts, making each day unique and special.

What skills or experience do you need?

Generally, you need previous experience teaching skiing before you are hired to work. There is a rookie programme at NZSki for NZ residents. Another way to become a ski instructor is to take a level one alpine ski exam through the NZSIA or other respective ski associations abroad.

What were you doing before the job with NZSki?

Before working for NZSki, I was working on the North Island of NZ as a canoe river guide.

Highs of the job?

I get to ski every hour of every working day. Enough said.

Lows of the job?

Sometimes I fall asleep on the long bus ride.

Most memorable skifield moment?

In Whistler. It snowed 40cm overnight. I will never forget that day of waist deep powder, steep cliffs. There was so much snow there were moments I couldn't move.

Best part of living in Queenstown?

The disc golf course, the Queenstown Hill hike,''fish 'n' chips'' shops and the Remarkables crew.

Worst part about living in Queenstown?

I can't find an avocado under $3.

Best piece of advice for people who come here for the season?

Come a month early; get a job, house and locals cards sorted. Go to Fergburger.

Add a Comment

 

Advertisement