For the first time, we’re heading to Mt Dobson for the 2026 July School Holidays!
Initially, we have approximately 30 athlete spaces for the first two weeks of the camp, so we expect this camp to be fully-booked very quickly. Initially, we have 16 spaces reserved for junior athletes (Under 12 and younger), and 14 spaces reserved for senior athletes (Under 14 and older).
Please note that we are only accepting registrations for complete training blocks (as specified below). Due to athlete capacity and maximising the quality of the training programme, we will not be accepting registrations for partial weeks, except where there is exceptional justification.
Please see below an overview of our camp calendar, fees and athlete application process.
Athlete application process:
- Athlete applications are now open – See the ‘Apply Now’ link below
- Complete the athlete application form (the form allows you to include either one or two athletes in your application)
- For all athlete applications received by Midnight Sunday 3rd May, we will confirm receipt of your application by Midday on Monday 4th May. At this stage we may either:
- Confirm the athlete’s space on the camp, OR
- Confirm the athlete’s position on the camp waitlist (if all spaces are currently reserved in that camp for that athlete’s category), OR
- Suggest an alternative training option based on the athlete’s age and ability
- On confirmation of the athlete’s place, you will be invoiced the full athlete training fees (plus the $100.00 2026/27 Northern Ski Team Athlete Registration Fee, if not already paid).
Coaches
- Adrian Farnsworth
- Justin Stoddard
- Duane Barakat
- Coach 4 – TBC
- Coach 5 – TBC
Training Fees
| Week 1 (7 days) 5th - 11th July | $1,085.00 |
| Week 2 (6 days) 13th - 18th July | $930.00 |
| Week 3 (7 days) 20th - 26th July | $1,085.00 |
| Chaperone (per night) | $160.00 |
| Workshop Supplies Surcharge (for waxing/tuning) | $40.00/athlete |
Camp Calendar
Weeks 1/2
- Our first day of on-snow training will be Sunday 5th July.
- Our training plan has a scheduled rest day on Sunday 12th July (between weeks 1 & 2). This rest day is subject to change, depending on weather, snow and operating conditions.
- As per previous years, our Weeks 1 & 2 training blocks are suitable for all athlete age groups.
Week 3
During Week 3, we’ll be operating a training camp from The Remarkables, as well as continuing our training camp at Mt Dobson.
Our training at The Remarkables will be most suitable for our Junior Interfield (U8-U12) athletes who are wanting to remain in the Queenstown area for the period between the Cardrona Junior Interfield race and the National Junior Schools Champs at Coronet Peak. Our training courses at The Remarkables will be tailored in preparation for the National Junior Schools Champs event.
Our continued training camp at Mt Dobson will be tailored to National Points athletes (U14/U16) as we’ll have access to additional terrain on the mountain (as we are then outside of the busy July School Holidays period). Naturally, some of our U14/U16 athletes who are also in their intermediate years (year 7/8) may also decide to then travel south to still compete in the National Junior Schools Champs.
As such, there will be three training options to select from when completing the athlete application forms:
Week 3: Option 1 – Mt Dobson Training Camp
Recommended option for National Points (U14/U16) athletes who are ineligible for the National Junior Schools Champs (which is for years 1-8 school students) and who want dedicated National Points training during this week.
Week 3: Option 2 – The Remarkables Training Camp + National Junior Schools Champs
Recommended option for Junior Interfield (U8-U12) athletes who are wanting to compete in the National Junior Schools Champs (which is for years 1-8 school students).
Week 3: Option 3 – Mt Dobson Training Camp + National Junior Schools Champs
Recommended option for National Points (U14) athletes who are also eligible and wanting to compete in the National Junior Schools Champs (which is for years 1-8 school students).
**These recommendations only – You are welcome to apply for whichever option best suits your circumstances.
What's included?
- Training day coaching, which will consist of a combination of race lane training days (as conditions allow)
Race lane training days will consist of 2-3 hours of training in a race lane each morning (dependent on weather and snow conditions), followed by a combination of on-snow and off-snow activities in the afternoons. - Race day representation and coaching, which will consist of: representation of Northern Ski Team athletes at official meetings; collection of race bibs; race day briefings with athletes; course inspection with athletes; and assistance and support at the start gate. Following prize-giving, we may head back on-snow for some free-skiing together as time and conditions allow.
- Off-snow activities for bad weather days, off-snow afternoons and evenings will be arranged for athletes and families.
What's not included?
- Lift Passes
Mt Dobson have Earlybird Season Pass Pricing available until 10th May 2026 - Race event registration. Athletes will be required to register and pay via the appropriate race entry link when it becomes available.
- Flights. We recommend booking flexi-refund fares where possible which allow for the greatest flexibility in the event of cancellations of changes.
- Tekapo is located almost exactly half-way between Christchurch and Queenstown. As the drive from Christchurch is a bit smoother, as well as having more flight options (and often cheaper flights), Christchurch will like be the airport of choice for many, however Queenstown is definitely still a viable option.
- Accommodation during the camp.
- For accommodation options in this area, at the very least please check each of airbnb.com, booking.com and agoda.com as each of these sites have a differing selection of properties available
- Tekapo will be the most popular option for accommodation, however you may also find accommodation in other nearby towns, such as in Fairlie (although it looks like there is very limited accommodation available here)
- Meals throughout the camp.
- Transport throughout the camp. Where possible, we encourage families to share rental vehicles and we are happy to help facilitate this where possible. Please ensure that you include chain hire with your rental vehicles.
FAQs
We have a strict ‘no refunds’ policy for this camp (including for bad weather days). This policy is due to the fixed-costs associated with running these camps.
If the camp does not proceed for any reason, we will provide 100% refund on all payments made to Northern Ski Team.
In the scenario of bad weather days, we will run an alternative day of off-snow training and activities. This may include activities such as:
– Hikes and outdoor activities
– Trips to local attractions
For this camp, we are able to chaperone a maximum of 4 x athletes. However, chaperone is by application only and the final decision is at the sole discretion of the NST executive committee.
The chaperone cost for this camp is $160 per night, which includes:
– Accommodation
– Dinner, lunch & breakfast
– Ground transport
– Adult supervision throughout the camp
To discuss chaperone options, please email us at theteam@northernskiteam.co.nz and we will call you to discuss further.
Gear you NEED to bring:
– Helmet & goggles
– Slalom skis and/or GS skis. If the athlete only has 1 pair a kombi or slalom ski is best
– Poles. GS poles are not required but slalom pole guards should be removed for GS training days
– Properly fitting ski boots. If they are bugging athletes before we go, get them sorted
– Training suit and shorts
OPTIONAL gear:
– Chin guard (optional). Chin Guards should be removed for GS training
– Arm Guards (optional – soccer shin guards work well)
– Tuning equipment
– Snow boots (optional)
In the ATHLETE DAY PACK:
Athletes should bring a small pack each day. This pack will be left top of course each day, including: beanie, spare gloves, spare goggles, water, snack, money, sunscreen, medicine (if required) and an extra top/jacket in case athlete gets cold
