What level of riding skill is required?

Candidates should be comfortable on green, blue and black trails and able to consistently perform foundation maneuvers; the course targets intermediate riders.

The meeting point for the course is Cardrona Alpine Resort; specific times and meeting logistics are provided after registration.

Class 1 e‑bikes are normally not permitted unless pre‑approved for accessibility; contact info@pmbia.bike before registering to discuss accommodation.

What if the course is cancelled?

Courses are confirmed two weeks prior; only severe weather or trail-damaging events will cause rescheduling—do not book non-refundable travel until confirmation.

Can I get a refund if I’m injured before the course?

Injury or illness before the course may be eligible for a 50% refund if you provide a doctor’s note within five business days of the original course date.

What are retest options?

Riding retests can be completed by attending day two or submitting a video; teaching retests require attending day two and must be finished within two years.

PMBIA Level 1 Mountain Bike Instructor Course at Cardrona Alpine Resort, Queenstown | Workshop | Bike Tour

The PMBIA Level 1 course at Cardrona Alpine Resort sits high above Queenstown in Otago, New Zealand. Over three concentrated days you’ll build the coaching skills and ride consistency needed to teach both cross‑country and downhill riders. Delivered on mountain slopes that shift from tussock and schist outcrops to machine-cut singletrack, the program combines riding drills, teaching theory, practice-teaching and workshops on bike set-up, risk management and first aid.

Each day runs to mid‑afternoon — typically finishing between 4 and 5pm with a one‑hour lunch — and demands full attendance for certification. Instructors move from demonstration to hands‑on feedback: you’ll be observed delivering short lessons, then reteach using targeted corrections. The course expects intermediate riding competence; candidates should be comfortable on green, blue and black trails and able to perform foundation maneuvers consistently. Modern helmet and knee pads are mandatory; gloves and elbow pads are strongly recommended.

What makes this course stand out is its teaching-first focus. Rather than only polishing line choice or drop technique, PMBIA Level 1 treats coaching as a separate discipline — structuring sessions, managing groups and scaffolding skills progress so new riders actually learn. That, combined with Cardrona’s high‑country setting — wide valley views, exposed schist rock, and purpose-built trail features — creates a practical laboratory for real-world guiding. The certification is globally recognised, which makes it useful whether you plan to guide in New Zealand’s southern lakes or teach at trail networks elsewhere.

Logistics are explicit: the meeting point is Cardrona Alpine Resort. Pre-course reading and a mandatory Level 1 worksheet (about two to three hours) must be completed. All participants sign the PMBIA waiver online. Class 1 e‑bikes are normally not permitted unless pre‑approved for accessibility; contact [email protected] before registering. Courses require minimum numbers to run and are confirmed two weeks before the start date — don’t book non‑refundable travel until you receive confirmation.

Weather rarely cancels; only severe trail‑damaging rain, heavy snow, lightning or extreme heat will force rescheduling. Cancellation without notice forfeits payment; injury/illness before the course may be eligible for a 50% refund with a doctor’s note submitted within five business days. Once the course begins there are no refunds. Retests are available: riding retests via attending day two or video submission; teaching retests require attending day two within two years.

For adventurous riders who want to turn technical skill into teachable moments, PMBIA Level 1 at Cardrona is both a challenge and a credential — a pragmatic, hands‑on route into professional mountain bike instruction. Beyond certification, the course connects you with local trail builders and guiding operators, offering pathways into seasonal work around Queenstown and practical networking that often leads to guiding shifts and mentorship opportunities.

About TreadmarkNZ

TreadmarkNZ is a Queenstown‑based mountain biking operator delivering guided e‑bike adventures, private coaching, youth lessons and shuttle transport across Central Otago.
The business runs a varied schedule of half‑day and multi‑session experiences, including high‑end e‑bike rides toward lakeside routes and Arrowtown, skills sessions on trails like Bush Creek, shuttle services for Coronet Peak, and venue‑based lessons at Cardrona Alpine Resort and 7‑Mile Recreation Reserve.
Coaching covers beginner to advanced topics, with structured focus on body positioning, cornering, jump technique and downhill gravity skills. Women’s courses and progressive multi‑week programs include video feedback and tailored lesson plans. Youth sessions emphasise safety, gears, braking and terrain reading and are designed to build confidence and teamwork during school holiday programs.
Private lessons provide one‑on‑one instruction, route selection and take‑home resources such as skills PDFs; some sessions include unlimited chairlift access where available. Shuttle and transport offerings include custom pickups, premium bike handling and local trail advice to simplify the riding day.
TreadmarkNZ works with experienced local guides and instructors who focus on clear communication, professionally maintained equipment and rider safety. As a Queenstown operator featured on The Adventure Collective, TreadmarkNZ provides tailored experiences for casual riders, families, groups and committed cyclists seeking coached progression on Queenstown trails. Flexible group and private options. Booking details, availability and equipment inclusions are listed online; secure reservations recommended during peak seasons to guarantee preferred dates and guide availability.