Leading NZ college launches first snowsports business management course in Southern Hemisphere

Leading education institution Queenstown Resort College has launched the first Snowsports Business Management course in the Southern Hemisphere.

The award-winning college is now offering New Zealand’s only Diploma of Adventure Tourism Management specialising in snowsports management, aimed at producing graduates who are not only passionate about the industry but who have strong business skills.

Graduates of the two-year course will have a solid understanding of the day-to-day operations and seasonality of a ski resort and will be equipped with the skills and qualifications to progress in career pathways in a competitive, challenging and exciting global industry.

QRC CEO Charlie Phillips said the diploma was being offered in partnership with NZSki Ltd, the company that operates Coronet Peak, The Remarkables and Mt Hutt ski areas.

“It’s a great partnership because as part of this tertiary qualification, they’ll be offering guaranteed winter seasonal placements to students who successfully apply for the course, “he said.

“NZSki has identified that it needs to employ skilled and trained middle to senior managers, and by partnering with us on this course they’ll hopefully end up with students who are their future leaders.”

Mr Phillips said QRC had been working towards offering this diploma specialization for the past two years.

The first students will start this winter, doing their internship with NZSki from June before heading into campus-based learning. Further intakes will be taken on in October 2010 and January 2011 and each student will complete 900 hours of placement with NZSki, over two seasonal placements.

NZSki Ltd CEO James Coddington said the company was proud to be working with QRC.

“We take the responsibility of professional development very seriously and have created a programme that will create an environment of fun, accomplishment and personal growth,” he said.

“We’re looking for employees who are passionate about the snowsports industry and who are committed to delivering exceptional customer service and demonstrating inspiring leadership throughout their career.”

Mr Phillips said the course was expected to attract students from around New Zealand, Australia and further afield.

“We’ll take up to 24 students on any one intake and as I know of only one other similar course in the world, we’re anticipating strong demand.

“Not only are there the value-added benefits of free ski passes and uniforms to students on this course, but they’ll be able to apply for work and travel visas as QRC students that will enable them to apply for seasonal employment at North American ski resorts when they’ve finished their diploma.

“If they want to take their learning further, they can take their diploma to degree level thanks to QRC’s partnerships with the International College of Management in Sydney or Thompson Rivers University in Canada.”