QAST has been instrumental in setting up a sports academy at Wakatipu High School to enable committed athletes to train without compromising their education.

This option is available through Wakatipu High Schol and the New Zealand Sports Alpine Education Trust for students of Wakatipu High School.

Full time athletes training with the Queenstown Alpine Ski Team or TNT who attend Wakatipu High School may apply for the Academy.  Criteria - must have a sound background in snow discipline.

Contact Jo Grimmer, NZSAET on 03 442 5165 or to express interest.  Contact will then be made with the Academy co-ordinator at Wakatipu High School.

Applications are sent to interested athletes to complete.  Appointments are made for Term 2 of the school year.  Interviews are then held in Term 2 for all athletes, their parents, head coach and the Academy co-ordinator.  The decision to accept the athlete is generally made at the interview.

Academy and study time runs for 13 weeks for alpine skiers, 3 weeks prior to the end of Term 2, and all of Term 3.  Training time is Tuesday to Thursday mornings returning to school at lunch time for afternoon classes.  Academy study time is 3:45pm - 5:45pm on these days. 

TNT athletes' schedule runs for 10 weeks from the beginning of term 3 and is 2 days per week Tuesdays and Wednesdays.  The same criteria applies as the alpine athletes.

Annual School Cost:     $1100 Alpine Athletes
                                  TBA TNT Athletes

These costs are paid directly to NZSAET who in turn pays the school.  Academy costs do not go through QAST or TNT.