18+ ADULT ALL-INCLUSIVE WINTER GATHERING - NEW ZEALAND
SOUTH ISLAND - CARDRONA, WANAKA, QUEENSTOWN
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 - SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2026
HOST: BLAISE ROSENTHAL (5.0), AND SPECIAL GUESTS
About: Gatherings are organized independently by snowboarders trusted by HCSC. #HCSCxBLAISEBOOTCAMP
Blaise Boot Camp™ INTERNATIONAL
NEW ZEALAND Gathering 2026
Snowboarding, Local Culture, and Full Kiwi Experience
READY TO RIDE, CHILL, AND LIVE THE NEW ZEALAND DREAM?
This isn’t just a trip -- it’s a journey into the heart of Kiwi shred culture with the best crew. Join us on New Zealand’s stunning South Island for an epic adventure! We’ll depart the U.S. on the 11th, land on the 13th, and dive straight into a week filled with authentic Kiwi vibes, wild experiences, and memories that’ll last a lifetime.
DATES
September 11–20, 2026 | South Island - Cardrona, Wanaka, Queenstown
Heads Up: You'll leave the U.S. on Friday, September 11, and touch down at Queenstown Airport on Sunday, September 13. Arrive Queenstown by 4:00 p.m. local time.
PRICE
$5,899 USD: single private room, all listed inclusions
IKON PASS HOLDRES
Receive $200 off your registration! We will provide a discount of $200 after registration is complete in the form of a refund. Please let us know before you register.
RETURNING BLAISE BOOT CAMP™ CAMPER DISCOUNT
Have you joined us for a Blaise Boot Camp™ before? As a thank you, returning campers receive $150 off their registration. Contact us to get your exclusive registration code.
DEPOSIT - SECURE YOUR SPOT TODAY!
Reserve your spot with a 50% deposit at registration, and pay the remaining balance 60 days before the trip kicks off.
lock down your sPOT WITH A DEPOSIT today!
What’s the Experience Like? Our Mission
Our mission is to create an unforgettable experience of riding, learning, and connecting in one of the most breathtaking snow destinations on the planet. You’ll leave New Zealand not only a better snowboarder but part of a global community that rides hard and lives fully.
This is your chance to dive into New Zealand’s one-of-a-kind shred scene, where epic landscapes meet laid-back Kiwi energy -- and the journey is just as fun as the ride.
Designed as an immersive snowboarding adventure, this camp brings together like-minded riders to celebrate the unmatched beauty of New Zealand’s mountains. This isn’t your average snowboard trip -- we’re turning it up with authentic Kiwi adventure every step of the way.
You’ll stay in modern shared houses nestled in the stunning Cardrona Valley, just a short stroll from the iconic Cardrona Hotel. Enjoy your own private room, unwind after big days on the mountain, and make lasting memories with new friends. Local hosts, good vibes, and non-stop fun are all part of the deal.
Are You Ready? Ability Level
Able to ride intermediate runs (blue squares). You don’t have to go BIG to join in the fun or be adept going switch or have ever jibbed something. Let’s ride, explore, connect -- and make this the trip you’ll talk about forever.
WANT THE FULL SCOOP?
We’ve got all the exciting details waiting for you. Shoot us an email at info@blaisebootcamp.com if you have questions.
WHAT’S THE EXPERIENCE LIKE?
Shred Culture, Elevated: Ride with local snowboarders and experience the real Kiwi community.
Après, the Kiwi Way: Whether it’s trampolines in Wanaka, cruising through Gibbston Valley Wineries by e-bike and sipping on local wine, dining with a view atop the Skyline Queenstown Gondola, or soaking in a mountain-view hot pool, après is part of the experience.
Stay Like a Local: Sleep in beautiful modern 3-bedroom houses with your own private room and shared living space to vibe with your snow fam.
Adventure Add-On Options: Craving more adrenaline? Add heliboarding or take the plunge with a bungy jump for the bold. Payment to be made directly to operator.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
Private room in a shared modern home at the base of the Cardrona Valley
Connecting deeply with a like-minded snowboarding community
Exploring local Kiwi culture through food, wine, and unforgettable activities
Local hosts, good vibes, and non-stop fun guaranteed
5-days riding with resort lift tickets
Site Trampoline après + Wanaka Skatepark visit
Cruise through Gibbston Valley Wineries by e-bike and sip on local wine
Dine atop the Skyline Queenstown Gondola and get rowdy on the luge
Adventure add-on options include heliboarding, onsen spa, and bungy jumping for the bold (not included)
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Transportation to/from Queenstown Airport (arrive before 4 PM local time)
8-day fully hosted trip, local hosts + pro riders on hand throughout the trip
7 nights in private rooms in shared houses (jacuzzi included!)
Transportation with 4x4 vans
5-days riding with resort lift tickets
7 breakfasts
2 group dinners (Welcome + Skyline Send-Off)
E-bike winery tour, tasting + cave visit
Site Trampoline après + skatepark visit
Pro filmer/photographer capturing all the action!
Session recap video
Tasty local Kiwi snacks and drinks in every frig
Welcome swag package
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
Flights: To/from Queenstown
Alternative early arrival or longer stay to Queenstown
Travel Insurance (required)
Equipment
Lunches & Dinners: All lunches, 5 dinners and additional meals
Drinks: Alcohol & bar tabs
Adventure, Après, or Evening Fun Add-On Options: Things like bar covers, hot springs or spa visits, some evening activities, bungy jumping and heliboarding
Snowboard Gear: Bring your own board and gear.
Late Arrival Transport to Queenstown: If you roll in late, make sure you’ve got transport sorted. We can help, just ask.
Medical Care: We will support you as much as you need but you will need to take care of this bill.
Blaise Boot Camp™ is an exclusive experience designed specifically for registered campers. Family members, spouses, and children are not included in camp activities or accommodations, and additional travelers cannot be accommodated unless they are registered. This way, every camper can fully enjoy and benefit from the experience. We’re happy to explore options with you and kindly ask that you discuss them with us before registering.
Blaise Boot Camp™ is an exclusive experience designed specifically for registered campers. Family members, spouses, and children are not included in camp activities or accommodations, and additional travelers cannot be accommodated unless they are registered. This way, every camper can fully enjoy and benefit from the experience. We’re happy to explore options with you and kindly ask that you discuss them with us before registering.
SNOW CONDITIONS
In September, the South Island’s mountains serve up classic spring conditions - it's common to experience mornings with fast groomers that soften to buttery slush by afternoon. However, a surprise cold front might drop some fresh snow to keep the stoke alive.
WEATHER + FLEXIBILITY
We ride with the rhythm of the snow! The order and timing of activities may switch around to make sure you get the best experience possible. Once you're in NZ, we may need to shake things up based on weather/snowfall, local happenings, or other fun factors. But don’t worry—we’ll keep you in the loop with any changes as the tour unfolds!
NEW ZEALAND’S SOUTH ISLAND: QUEENSTOWN & WANAKA
Queenstown: Queenstown offers snowboarders an unforgettable mix of big mountain terrain and rolling slopes framed by dramatic peaks rising from Lake Wakatipu. Off the slopes, adventure thrives with adrenaline-pumping activities and Queenstown’s legendary nightlife.
Wanaka: Nestled on the shores of stunning Lake Wanaka at the base of New Zealand’s Southern Alps, this charming alpine town is the gateway to two world-class resorts. Treble Cone and Cardrona, each with their own unique character, are both just a 40-minute drive from the heart of Wanaka.
Cardrona Valley: Tucked between Queenstown and Wanaka, the historic Cardrona Valley is a place where New Zealand’s gold-rush past meets alpine adventure. The valley is best known for the iconic
Cardrona Hotel, one of the country’s oldest and most photographed buildings, which still welcomes visitors with hearty food and a cozy atmosphere. Rolling hills, rugged high-country landscapes, and the meandering Cardrona River make the area as scenic as it is storied. Today, the valley serves as both the gateway to Cardrona Alpine Resort.
RESORTS
The Remarkables: Known for some of the South Island’s deepest snowpacks, often exceeding 200 cm. The Remarkables offer varied terrain for all ability levels, excellent terrain parks, and consistently reliable snow conditions.
Coronet Peak: Only minutes from Queenstown, Coronet Peak is renowned for its versatile terrain and extensive snowmaking system, guaranteeing reliable conditions even when natural snowfall is lighter.
Cardrona Alpine Resort: Positioned between Queenstown and Wanaka, Cardrona is a family-friendly favorite with diverse terrain. It typically enjoys solid snow coverage through September, making it an ideal choice for all levels.
Treble Cone: Just outside Wanaka, Treble Cone is beloved by advanced riders for its challenging slopes, steep off-piste terrain, and generous snowfall, ensuring superb conditions through September.
YOUR HOSTS
BLAISE ROSENTHAL
With a timeless style and an unmatched love for snowboarding, Blaise Rosenthal sets the pace at every one of our events. And though he’s been shredding since ‘89, and had a storied professional career, there’s not a jaded bone in this guy’s body. He’ll be the first one on the hill, the last one off it, and he’s always stoked to ride. no matter what the conditions or terrain, he’ll be riding hard all day long, doing everything he can to keep you as stoked as he is. In fact, the concept behind these camps came from seeing how Blaise interacts with a diverse group of riders. A subtle nudge here, a suggestion there, Blaise is constantly looking for opportunities to gently push every member of the crew to be their best and expand their sense of their own potential. Whether you want to get better at snowboarding, or just have a great time doing it, you couldn’t ask for a better guide.
@blaiserosenthal
KELLIE WRIGHT WHITLOCK
As our Executive Director Kellie puts to use decades of experience working with @highcascade as a Coach and Adult Camp manager. Her dedication to perfection is applied to every Blaise Boot Camp™ event resulting in seamless schedules that ensure all of our guests have a great time, both collectively and with consideration of each rider’s individual needs. In addition to running Blaise Boot Camp™, Kellie has been involved in numerous nonprofit campaigns, with the project closest to her heart being the Rocker Memorial Skatepark in Truckee. As a founding member, Kellie played a crucial role in securing approval for this state-of-the-art 25,000 square foot skatepark by the Recreation and Park District. Kellie is also currently an active board member of the Boise Skateboard Association, tirelessly advocating for the construction of skateparks in Boise and nearby towns. Kellie's dedication to her skate and snow shred communities is driven by her love for the outdoors and her belief in the positive impact that shared outdoor spaces and experiences can have on our individual lives and our collective story.
@MUYKELLIENTE
SHARON WHITE
Sharon is a snowboarder, skater, and all-around legend who’s been shaping the shred scene for decades. As the owner of High Cascade New Zealand, she brings her deep passion for snowboarding and community to life every season. Owner of the Cardrona Valley Apartments, and lifelong rider, Sharon has built her life around the mountains and ocean -- splitting her time between her homes in New Zealand and Japan, where the snow, surf, and stoke never stop. Having once run her own snowboard camps in New Zealand, Sharon knows exactly how to blend fun, progression, and connection on and off the hill. True to her roots, she’s a snowboarder and skater to the core --authentic, fearless, and absolutely one of a kind.
OLIVER DIXON
Freestyle wild man, one-foot master, excellent Hula Hooper, straight out of Detroit (Pine Knob local), Oliver might be the most unique human in snowboarding, having made it an art of his own, and if you haven’t yet gathered from all the descriptives here — he’s fun to be around. LET’S GO!
For his sensitive side, he’s a very giving coach with endless patience and really celebrates the victories and accomplishments of his riders. He brings an unmatched character and charisma to our trips.
@OLIVERDIXONCIDER
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
*Click to expand
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Depart USA: Friday, September 11
Arrive Queenstown, NZ: Sunday, September 13 (must arrive before 4:00 PM local time)
Return to USA: Sunday, September 20
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Must cover: Personal accident, medical expenses, snowsports, and emergency repatriation
Strongly recommended: coverage for cancellation, curtailment, personal liability, and loss of luggage/personal effects
Please send us your policy number and the 24-hour emergency contact number before the trip
Options to explore:
Allianz Travel Insurance (used by the Olympics)
Contact your personal insurance broker
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Prep for winter yet think spring when packing. We hope for perfect, bluebird days but will, of course, hit it whatever conditions present at this time in the season. Here’s a good, foundational checklist to consider:
Freshly waxed snowboard, boots, and bindings
Spare parts for your bindings (just in case!)
A solid waterproof jacket and pants
Lightweight insulated layers
First layers (merino is highly recommended!)
Waterproof gloves
Balaclava and beanie
A helmet (although not required)
Goggles (don’t forget both low light and sunny-day lenses)
Hand warmers
Non-slip, waterproof shoes
Board shorts or swimsuit
Sunscreen
Water bottle
New Zealand power adapters
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Q: Do I need travel insurance?
A: Yes, comprehensive travel insurance is required for all guests joining the tour. Once your registration is confirmed, we highly recommend securing your travel insurance as soon as possible.
Q: Want to arrive early or stay longer
A: If you’d like to arrive a bit early or hang around after the trip, it’s totally up to you - we’re more than happy to provide some help! We can point you toward the best local spots, fun things to do, and maybe even introduce you to a friendly face or two along the way.
Q: May I bring a partner or spouse who doesn’t ski or ride?
A: Blaise Boot Camp™, is an exclusive experience designed specifically for registered campers. Family members, spouses, and children are not included in camp activities or accommodations, and additional travelers cannot be accommodated unless they are registered. This way, every camper can fully enjoy and benefit from the experience. We’re happy to explore options with you and kindly ask that you discuss them with us before registering.
Q: What if I have dietary restrictions?
A: If you have any dietary restrictions, please let us know, and we will do our best to accommodate them.
Q: What if my flight is delayed?
A: If your flight gets delayed, give one of us a call! You’ll need to hop in a taxi to Cardrona or arrange other transportation.
Q: What happens after I Register?
A: At least two weeks before the trip, we’ll send an email with all of the details, including a detailed itinerary and other trip information to ensure a smooth and well-organized experience.
Q: Do I need a power adapter?
A: Yes, you will need an adapter in New Zealand.
Q: What is a “host”? I thought HCSC had “coaches”?
A: Our Gatherings feature Hosts who are accomplished snowboarders with extensive knowledge and will get the whole crew pumped to ride! While these Hosts may also be able to help you with your riding technique, Gatherings like this do not serve to replace formal instruction. If you seek that formal instruction and want a world-famous HCSC coach, then come ride with us this summer at Mt. Hood!
Q: Do I need a visa for my trip?
A: Some countries require travelers to have a visa before arrival. After you’ve booked your trip, we will send you a pre-trip checklist by email so you will have all of the information you will need.
Q: How much is the deposit?
A: A 50% deposit per person is due at registration.
Q: Does this gathering include my flight?
A: The trip does not include flights.
Q: What is the age requirement for this gathering?
A: The age requirement is 18.
Q: Do you allow skiers and snowboarders?
A: Yes, but be aware that these trips are led by snowboarders.
Q: Can I choose my roommate?
A: Yes, send us an email and let us know who you would like to room with.
Q: Have questions? -- Contact us
A: Email: info@blaisebootcamp.com
