The Snowsports industry is global and offers varied career paths within this dynamic and exciting industry. Opportunities exist for individuals to follow multiple career paths through the extensive network of internal departments operated by a Ski resort including: Marketing, Human Resources, Guest Services Retail, Race Events or Snowmaking

Queenstown is New Zealand’s premier Ski Resort and is widely recognised as a favourable destination on the professional and recreational international ski circuit

Indeed people who have gained experience and developed careers within the NZ Snowsports industry are highly sought after world-wide.

Senior positions are limited and in high demand as such those with a formal qualification have a competitive advantage over others.


Queenstown Resort College (QRC) is proud to deliver the only Diploma of Adventure Tourism Management specialising in Snowsport Business Management available in the Southern Hemisphere. The Diploma has been specially designed in association with NZSki Ltd and local industry to produce graduates who are not only passionate about the Snowsports Industry but who have strong business skills. Graduates will have a solid understanding of the day to day operations and seasonality of a ski resort and will be equipped with the skills, knowledge and attitude to progress to management levels at an accelerated rate

The programme features two fully paid positions up the mountain with NZSki Ltd. Since NZSki is involved in the selection process these positions are guaranteed for all successful applicants.

During their internship with NZSki Ltd students will also complete a National Certificate in Tourism with Strands in Snowsports under the award winning NZSki-U performance management programme in order to demonstrate competency within their role. This also leads to higher level industry awards.

Diploma of Adventure Tourism Management (specializing in Snowsport Business Management)
Level 5
2 years
Intakes: June, October, January


Entry Requirements: Please refer to the QRC website for entry requirements.


Study Pathway: Graduates of this diploma can continue their career with NZSki Ltd and gain further higher level qualifications via the NZSki-U programme or they can continue onto the Bachelor of Tourism Management at Thompson Rivers University (TRU), in B.C, Canada’s leading specialist in adventure tourism education and training. Alternatively they can complete their degree at the International College of Management Sydney, Australia