Frequently Asked Questions

• Becoming a member of the NZSIA/SBINZ means you can attend any of the courses or qualifications on offer. This is a mandatory fee, that will keep your qualification valid and entitles you to an array of member benefits.
• Member’s qualifications are maintained on a database which allows NZSIA to verify your certification to employers. You will be able to access the information using your login details.
• Your licence card is used as evidence of certification for employment and immigration purposes as well as proof of current membership. Membership is required by most New Zealand and overseas Snowsports Schools for insurance purposes prior to starting work.
• Your support of the organisation through your subscription ensures that the NZSIA can continue to maintain and develop courses which are recognised worldwide. As a member you have access to further courses to develop your career in the Snowsports Industry.
• NZSIA also represents the interests of Instructors at national and international organisations as well as maintaining the international standard of our certification.
• The NZSIA/SBINZ website provides information, news items of interest, as well as employment opportunities.
• The website shows special deals and benefits available to members.

Digital Membership Cards
You’ll receive a digital membership card once you become a full member — that is, after passing a Level One, Two, or Three exam.
To request your card, simply use the link in your member profile, or click here to request your digital membership card. Please make sure you have a photo uploaded to your profile, as this is required for the card.

A new digital card will also be issued each time your membership is renewed.

Physical Membership Cards
If you’d like a physical card, you can purchase one for $5 through the NZSIA online shop, accessible from your profile.

If you have outstanding membership fees, you can bring your NZSIA membership up to date by paying any money owed. Here’s how it works:

Reinstating Your Membership

• You can pay up to two years of missed membership fees, plus the current year’s fee, to reinstate your membership.

• Your total amount owing will be automatically calculated when you log into your member profile.

• Once the Outstanding Balance payment is made, your membership will be active again, and you’ll regain access to member benefits, including course registrations and your digital membership card.

If You Owe More Than $270
If your outstanding balance is more than NZD $270, please contact us at admin@nzsia.org before making payment, and we’ll assist you with the best way to get your membership back on track.

Any years that are not paid for and removed from your membership history will not count towards the 20 consecutive years required for Life Membership. So if, for example, you have a two-year gap, it will add an extra two years before you’re eligible for Life Membership.

Keeping your membership current ensures your qualifications remain valid and your path to Life Membership stays on track.

Life membership can be purchased at 20 times the annual membership – currently $1800. Members who have paid 20 years of subs may apply in writing to become Life Members.

Associate membership is $90 and is for non-members who wish to attend NZSIA/SBINZ courses. Successful Level One candidates receive full membership.

Yes you can. Non-members and current members start in the same place. To login, click here.

If you have already registered as a member, you must enter your username and password on the login page. If you do not know your username or password, it can be retrieved via the login page using your email address: retrieve username/password. If you have trouble, please email admin@nzsia.org.

If you’ve previously created a username and password, go to the Member Login page and use the “Forgot Username” or “Forgot Password” links. Your login details will be emailed to you—just make sure you’re using the same email address we have on file.

If you’ve changed your email address, or if you’ve never set up a login before, please contact us at admin@nzsia.org, and we’ll help you get access.

New Zealand Courses

• A full refund will be granted if written notice of withdrawal is received at least 10 days prior to the course start date.

• If you withdraw within 10 days of the course start date, course fees will not be refunded or transferred, except in the case of injury or illness.

  • In this instance, you must provide a valid medical certificate, and a 10% administration fee will be deducted from your refund.

• If you are registering with a pre-existing injury, you must decide whether to proceed no later than 10 days before the course begins.

Overseas Courses

• A full refund will be granted if written notice of withdrawal is received at least 30 days before the course start date.

• No refunds will be provided for withdrawals made within 30 days, including for injury or illness.

  • We strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance to cover unexpected cancellations due to injury.

• If you have a pre-existing injury, you must make your decision to withdraw at least 30 days prior to the course.

Course Cancellations by NZSIA/SBINZ

NZSIA/SBINZ reserves the right to limit, shorten, cancel, or postpone any course if necessary due to unforeseen circumstances.
In the event that a course is cancelled by NZSIA/SBINZ, a full refund will be issued.

Yes – NZSIA/SBINZ courses must be completed in a structured progression. You need to pass each level before moving on to the next.
For example, you must hold a Level One certification before enrolling in a Level Two course.

Higher-level courses (such as Level Three) may also have additional prerequisites, like:

• Specific module completions (e.g. Children’s Teaching, Freeski, or Race)

• A minimum number of logged teaching hours

Be sure to carefully review the prerequisites listed for each course. If you’re unsure about your eligibility, feel free to contact us at admin@nzsia.org for guidance.

No, we cannot reserve places without full payment.

Your course fees cover the administration and delivery of that course only. This does not include any transport to the resort, accommodation or food – this is your own responsibility.

NZSIA does not have direct access to discounted lift passes in New Zealand or overseas.If you are employed by a New Zealand resort but attending a course at a different resort, you may be eligible for a discounted pass—please check with your employer to see if this applies to you.

If you are unsure how you compare to the standard for level one we recommend you take a one hour private lesson at your local ski school. Ask for an NZSIA Examiner for that one hour as this will ensure you receive an accurate assessment and correct advice. If you still have some concerns then take some video footage showing your ability and email to admin@nzsia.org

If you were unsuccessful in both components of your course (e.g. Skiing/Riding and Teaching), you’ll need to resit the full course.

Some resits can be booked directly through your member profile, but it’s always best to check the Resits Pages for full details on availability, eligibility, and booking options. See the Ski Divsion Resit page here and the Snowboard Division Resit Page here.

Please complete the Resit Application Form and our Bookings Team will contact you via bookings@nzsia.org to assist with payment and any other necessary steps to secure your place during a scheduled course.

We understand it can be disappointing not to pass, but we’re here to support you. If you have other courses booked later in the season, get in touch with us—we’ll help you adjust your plan and find the best pathway forward.

Yes – if you don’t pass one component of your course (e.g. Skiing/Riding or Teaching), you may be eligible for a partial resit.

To apply, please complete the Resit Application Form. Once submitted, our Bookings Team will get in touch via bookings@nzsia.org with payment instructions and any further details needed to complete your booking.

To qualify for a partial resit, you must have successfully passed either the Skiing/Riding or Teaching section.
If both components were unsuccessful, a full resit of the course will be required.

Partial resits are scheduled based on availability and typically take place during another exam.

For more information, please visit our Resit Pages or get in touch with us directly.

• SKI Division Resit Page
• SNOWBOARD Division Resit Page

If you have other courses already booked this season, we recommend contacting us as soon as possible so we can help review and adjust your plan. We’re here to support your progress and ensure the best pathway forward.

• NZSIA has no direct access to lift ticket discounts in New Zealand or overseas.
• If you are employed by a New Zealand resort but attending a course at a different resort, you may have access to discounted passes – check with your employer.

NZSIA/SBINZ courses are conducted in English, unless otherwise specified. All candidates are required to have a conversational level of English proficiency, including comprehension of spoken English. It’s important to note that the course content and delivery will not be altered for individual participants.

If a candidate’s English proficiency is deemed insufficient and could potentially impede the group’s progress, NZSIA reserves the right to remove the candidate from the course, with no refund issued. This decision will be made at the discretion of the Division Manager or the Course Leader.

Accommodation is not included in course costs. NZSIA do not organise accommodation, this is something you will need to organise. The online accommodation booking sites can be very helpful for this, a good range of price options can usually be found:

www.booking.com

www.trivago.com

www.wotif.com

Please feel free to contact admin@nzsia.org if need some advice on the most appropriate town to book accommodation in to ensure you have the best access to resort and transport options. We do not recommend booking on hill accommodation. If there is a closed day you may have trouble getting off the mountain to attend the indoor sessions.

Please Note: Smoking and vaping are not permitted during NZSIA/SBINZ courses, out of respect for fellow candidates and trainers. During breaks or lunchtime, please follow the smoking/vaping guidelines set by the resort you are at.

NZSIA is restricted in its ability to take Japanese nationals on level one courses in Japan. If you are a Japanese national and interested in taking a level one course in Japan, please contact admin@nzsia.org to get the link for a survey to check for potential eligibility before booking on any courses.