Turn advanced riding skills into a professional offering with this four-day PMBIA instructor course in Queenstown. Ride, teach, and be assessed in lift-accessed terrain with mentor feedback and a progressive two-level assessment.
Turn advanced riding skills into a professional offering with this four-day PMBIA instructor course in Queenstown. Ride, teach, and be assessed in lift-accessed terrain with mentor feedback and a progressive two-level assessment.
Book with TreadmarkNZ
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by TreadmarkNZ · Queenstown, Otago
On the slopes above Queenstown, Otago, New Zealand, the PMBIA LEVEL 2 - AIR INSTRUCTOR course teaches riders to become confident, capable coaches of intermediate and advanced mountain-bike skills. Over four intensive days, participants meet at the Skyline Queenstown main entrance and move into lift-accessed bike-park terrain where jumps, drops, steep descents and rock rolls are taught, practiced, and evaluated.
This PMBIA instructor course focuses on applied teaching as much as on riding. Candidates ride daily, practice-teach with peers, complete pre-course reading and a worksheet, and receive continuous mentor feedback. The syllabus emphasizes cornering, descending, steeps, rock rolls, pumping and the introduction of jumps and drops, using PMBIA lesson templates to structure repeatable, safe progressions. The program runs a progressive two-level assessment offering either Level 2 or Level 3 outcomes, which reduces single-assessment stress and mirrors real-world teaching scenarios.
Logistics are straightforward but strict: arrive punctually at Skyline Queenstown main entrance; expect full days that typically include a one-hour lunch and finish between 4:00–5:00pm. PMBIA Level 1 certification and a current PMBIA membership are mandatory before attending, and candidates must complete pre-course study (about 2–3 hours). The course confirms two weeks prior and runs in most weather—only severe trail-damaging events prompt rescheduling. Note the minimum age for Level 2 is 17 and full attendance is required to be eligible for certification.
Why Queenstown? The town’s proximity to lift-accessed parks, lake-shelf singletrack and the dramatic rise of the Southern Alps gives this instructor course immediate, varied terrain to teach on. Practicing in a high-traffic, tourism-oriented hub prepares instructors to lead in commercial bike parks as well as local trail centres. The format trains not only technical riding but also the people skills needed to design lessons, manage groups, and make sound on-trail decisions—vital in a destination where riders range from nervous beginners to aggressive park regulars.
Expect structured days that mix short on-trail micro-lessons, coached runs and verbal debriefs; mentors guide you through sequencing, risk management, and adapting progressions for different riders. If you need more time, retest options exist—candidates have two calendar years to complete retests via 2-day AIR/TECH modules or specified course days—so progression can fit a working season. Queenstown’s modern bike-park scene grew alongside its 1860s gold-rush origins and decades of outdoor recreation development, making it both historically grounded and uncompromisingly practical as a place to learn to teach.
challenging.
4 days.
You should be in strong aerobic and technical riding condition, able to complete multiple coached runs per day and demonstrate control on intermediate–advanced features.
Yes. PMBIA Level 1 certification and a current PMBIA membership are mandatory prior to attending the AIR course.
The meeting point is Skyline Queenstown main entrance; arrive punctually as sessions start promptly.
Full attendance is required for certification; non-attendance without approved notice forfeits payment and eligibility.
The listing does not specify bike provision—bring your own reliable mountain bike unless instructed otherwise by the course operator.
The course uses a progressive two-level assessment for Level 2 and Level 3, combining teaching and riding components across the four days.
Yes. Candidates have two calendar years to complete retests via 2-day AIR/TECH modules or specified course days as outlined in course policies.
Queenstown’s modern outdoor scene developed from its 1860s gold-rush era into a global adventure hub, creating rich terrain and an instructional culture for mountain sports.
Respect trail closures and stay on designated lines; local trail associations rely on riders to follow leave-no-trace principles and report damage promptly.
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.
Book with TreadmarkNZ