Wanaka

Wānaka is a small but stunning alpine resort town situated on the eastern shores of a stunningly beautiful lake, surrounded by the breathtaking Southern Alps.

A World Heritage listed National Park with two international ski areas and the largest heli-skiing area outside North America, Lake Wānaka offers something for everyone.

Lake Wānaka is the perfect base to experience some of the best skiing and snowboarding available in the Southern Hemisphere.

Treble Cone offers long uncrowded slopes, legendary off-piste terrain and unrivalled views.

The ski area covers two basins – the Home and Saddle basins. Both provide some of the best free-riding in New Zealand and are famous for putting you on top of the Southern Alps, with the outlook to match.

With 550 hectares of skiable terrain, Treble Cone is the largest ski area in the South Island of New Zealand and has the longest vertical drop at 700 meters.

The terrain you train on plays a crucial role in developing your ski instructing skillset and with 45% of the terrain at Treble Cone rated as advanced or expert, it’s the ideal resort to push your abilities.

Cardrona is ‘New Zealand's ultimate mountain playground’.

Founded in 1980, Cardrona Alpine Resort is still New Zealand’s most popular ski area, attracting all kinds of snow enthusiasts – from beginners & families, to Olympic & X Games athletes.

Take a short drive from Queenstown or Wanaka & be welcomed with genuine Kiwi hospitality to NZ’s ultimate winter playground.

Snowplanet is New Zealand’s only indoor snow park – so you can enjoy the snow 365 days a year. It offers skiing, snowboarding, tubing and tobogganing all in one place, and all year round whatever the weather. Located 30 minutes north of Auckland's central city, the indoor resort is the perfect place for snow lovers.

Treble Cone is where Rookie Academy all started, in 1992.

Enquiry

Options for Instructors

If you want to become a ski instructor or are already qualified and seeking higher qualifications
Here is more info - SKI Qualification Course
This camp is essential for qualified instructors aiming to reach the next level. There is no exam involved, giving you the freedom to grow your knowledge and truly explore what great skiing is all about!
Here is more info - SKI Instructor/Elite Camp
This program, built on over 30 years of expert experience from our world-class trainers, is designed for ski instructors ready to take the next step in their careers by becoming trainers within the industry.

Here is more info - Rookies Trainers Pathway
Whether you’re on a gap year, craving a career change, or seeking a new life challenge, training to become a snowboard instructor is a great opportunity to improve your technique while experiencing the fun and excitement of living in a resort town.
CASI-ACMS (Canadian Association of Snowboard Instructors - Association Canadienne des Moniteurs de Snowboard) is internationally acclaimed for producing professional and knowledgeable snowboard instructors.
Here is more info - Snowboard Instructor Course

Options for Public Skiers

Rookies Original Camp
A Solid Foundation for Your Skiing Journey
Our Original Camp is the perfect starting point for skiers who are looking to build a strong foundation. Whether you’re aiming to achieve your first instructor certification or simply enhance your skills, this camp is designed to help you progress efficiently and confidently.
What to Expect:
Personalised Training: Small group sizes (maximum 6 participants) ensure individualised attention and a tailored approach to your development.
Expert Coaches: Work with our highly experienced Rookie Trainers, who are passionate about helping you succeed.
Skill Development: Focus on the core principles of skiing mechanics - Rookies fundamental - effective teaching strategies, and building confidence in all snow conditions.
Supportive Environment: Be part of a community of like-minded skiers, all working towards similar goals.
By the end of the Original Camp, you’ll have the tools, knowledge, and confidence to take the next steps in your skiing career or personal goals.

DATES 2025
Original Camp 1: 21st July to 25th July
Original Camp 2: 28th July to 1st August
Original Camp 3: 4th August to 8th August
Original Camp 4: 11th August to 15th August
Original Camp 5: 18th August to 22nd August
Original Camp 6: 25th August to 29th August
Original Camp 7: 1st September to 5th September
Original Camp 8: 8th September to 13th September

PRICING
4 Full-Days Camp NZ$1,600
Training on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, between 9am to 3pm with approx 1 hr break
*Fee is for training only
Follow this link to find your own accommodation
PREREQUISITES15 years old and above, an intermediate skier that can ski blue runs and have your skis in a parallel most of the time
Note:
• Maximum of 6 people per group
• With less than 3 people in a group, it will become a half day camp
• Lift Tickets not included
Pushing Boundaries and Reaching New Heights
For those who are already experienced and looking to refine their skills to an expert level, the Advanced Camp is the ultimate challenge. This camp is ideal for advanced skiers who want to push their boundaries.
What Makes It Exceptional:
Intensive Training: A focused program that dives deep into advanced techniques, high-level teaching methods, and performance optimisation.
Customised Approach: Each participant receives personalised feedback and strategies tailored to their specific strengths and areas for improvement.
Real-World Application: Learn how to adapt and apply your skills in diverse conditions, preparing you for real-life teaching and skiing challenges.
Elite Mentorship: Our world-class trainers bring a wealth of knowledge and experience, helping you reach your peak potential.

DATES 2025
Advance Camp 1: 21st July to 25th July
Advance Camp 2: 28th July to 1st August
Advance Camp 3: 4th August to 8th August
Advance Camp 4: 11th August to 15th August
Advance Camp 5: 18th August to 22nd August
Advance Camp 6: 25th August to 29th August
Advance Camp 7: 1st September to 5th September
Advance Camp 8: 8th September to 13th September

PRICING
4 Full-Days Camp NZ$1,600
Training on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, between 9am to 3pm with approx 1 hr break
*Fee is for training only, lift tickets is not included
Follow this link to find your own accommodation
PREREQUISITES
15 years old and above, an advanced skier that can ski black runs.
If you are unsure of your level, please send us a video of yourself skiing.
Note:
• Maximum of 6 people per group
• With less than 3 people in a group, it will become a half day camp
• Lift Tickets not included
Elevate Your Skills
Rookies Elite Camp is the ultimate training program for expert skiers. It focuses on advanced techniques, personalised coaching, and real-world challenges. Designed for Level 3 and above instructors, this camp helps you refine your skills and reach the top of your profession. With world-class trainers, small group sizes, and stunning location, Wanaka and challenging terrain of Treble Cone, the Elite Camp provides an unparalleled learning experience. Push your limits, grow your abilities, and achieve greatness with Rookie Academy.

DATES 2025
Elite Camp 1 : 28th July to 1st August
Elite Camp 2: 4th August to 8th August
Elite Camp 3: 11th August to 15th August
Elite Camp 4: 18th August to 22nd August
Elite Camp 5: 25th August to 29th August
Elite Camp 6: 1st September to 5th September

PRICING
4 Full-Days Camp NZ$1,800
Training on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, between 9am to 3pm with approx 1 hr break
*Fee is for training only, lift tickets is not included
Follow this link to find your own accommodation

PREREQUISITES
You need to have a Level 3 ski qualification and above or signed off by Dean Hunter / Josh Duncan-Smith to join this camp.

Note:
• Maximum of 6 people per group
• With less than 3 people in a group, it will become a half day camp
• Lift Tickets not included
Push yourself beyond your comfort level into ski terrain you wouldn’t normally try on your own.
This camp helps women achieve their highest performance levels, boosted by the camaraderie of skiing with a group of women, trained by our top female Rookie Trainers.

Ski, Grow, Connect
Rookie Women’s Camp empowers female skiers to build confidence, develop skills, and connect with a supportive community. Tailored for women at any stage of their skiing journey, it’s perfect for those advancing technical skills or be more confident with skiing.
Learn from expert - our Rookie female trainers in small groups. Receive personalised coaching, improve your skiing, and thrive in a welcoming, collaborative environment. Train in stunning location like Wānaka while refining your technique and building lasting connections.
This camp offers an inspiring space to grow your abilities and gain confidence on the slopes. Discover your potential and take your skiing to the next level with Rookie Academy.

DATES 2025
Women’s Camp 1 : 28th July to 1st August
Women’s Camp 2: 11th August to 15th August
Women’s Camp 3: 1st September to 5th September
*All Camps will start on Cardrona on Monday
Training will be full day and we will move to Treble Cone through the week
PRICING
4 x Full-Day Camp NZ$1,600
Training on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, between 9am to 3pm with approx 1 hr break
*Fee is for training only
Follow this link to find your own accommodation
PREREQUISITES
15 years old and above, an intermediate skier that can ski blue runs and have your skis in a parallel most of the time
Note:
Maximum of 6 people per group
With less than 3 people in a group, it will become a half day camp
Lift Tickets not included
A half day option
Our half day camps allowing you to get the most out of your day with a 3hr training session followed by plenty of time to enjoy other activities!
We get it - either you have limited time in the day, pressing family time, your fitness is not quite there yet or you're just a little overwhelmed by Treble Cone… so this is the perfect option for you.
This is a Rookies social introduction to training - the biggest focus is getting skillful and comfortable on Treble Cone and/or Cardrona terrain and having fun developing some consistency and ski discipline through the Rookies fundamentals.
DATES 2025
Original Camp 1: 21st July to 25th July
Original Camp 2: 4th August to 8th August
Original Camp 3: 18th August to 22nd August
Original Camp 4: 25th August to 29th August
*Cardrona and Treble Cone Brunch Camps available on request, minimum of 5 people of similar skiing level - on any week
PRICING
4 x Half-Day Camp NZ$1,200
Monday start 10:00am to 1:30pm

PREREQUISITES
16 years old and above, an intermediate skier that can ski Main street with their skis in a parallel most of the time.

Follow this link to find your own accommodation
Note:
required minimum of 4 people to run the camp
Fee is for training only, lift tickets are not included
Join our talented Rookies trainers, raised in our backyard, and become a great skier on all terrain. Through guided self-analysis and personal development with our expert Rookie trainers, you will achieve lasting improvements in your skiing performance. Set up a solid technical base with our Rookie fundamentals, work towards your personal goals, and grow a fun social network of passionate local skiers.
Back to the origins of how we started
We began the Weekend Rookie Course in 1992, initially catering to the Wanaka community and extending it to people from all over the Otago region.
The course back then was designed for enthusiastic individuals, like Otago University students, who came up on weekends to chase Dean Hunter and his crew all over TC, many of them going on to getting their instructor NZSIA stage 2.
We have listened to your feedback and are thrilled to announce that we are bringing back our original Rookie program.
A refresher course is always beneficial, no matter your skill level. Most of you local skiers of Treble Cone, certainly need some development to easier skiing. We will take you on an adventure of what is great skiing on TC, through a technical way, using the Rookies fundamental skills.
Come join the talented, Elite Rookies Trainers.
The Weekend Camp consists of three Saterday mornings (3hrs), whether you want to brush up on your skiing skills, prepare for the next level, or learn how to master more of the fun TC terrain.
Focused On - "All Terrain Skills, skiing Treble Cone" - Rhythm and Flow
Master skiing on Treble Cone and you can ski "Anywhere" in the world
DATES 2025
Weekend Camp 1 - 19th July, 26th July and 2nd August
Weekend Camp 2 - 23rd August, 30th August and 6th September
*3 consecutive Saturdays, training between 9am to 12pm.
PRICING:
NZ$390 for 3 x Saturday morning sessions
PREREQUISITES
16 years old and above, an intermediate skier that can ski Main street with their skis in a parallel most of the time.

Note:
required minimum of 4 people to run the camp
Fee is for training only, lift tickets are not included
Take this opportunity to train with Rookie Academy at SnowPlanet and prepare yourself to arrive ready and motivated for the 2025 winter season.
One on One sessions also available. This is the start of a life-changing experience.
Stay tuned