Institute of Technology or Polytechnic
Otago PolytechnicNew Zealand Certificate in Introductory Snowschool Instruction (Applied) (Level 4) (Ski) or (Snowboard)
Level of Study
Certificate
Summary
About the programmePractice your skiing and snowboarding skills in the heart of the Southern Alps and gain an entry level professional snowsport teaching qualification, while actually working in a snowschool environment.
This is New Zealand’s only opportunity to gain work experience while earning your qualifications from Cardrona’s top trainers, many of whom also actively examine for the NZSIA and SBINZ.
Initially, you’ll do classroom-based learning which will introduce you to the fundamentals of teaching and the snowsports environment. You will then start to shadow ski or snowboard instructors/lessons and develop your skills on-snow through work-based learning. At this stage, you’ll sit the NZSIA (Ski) or SBINZ (Snowboard) Level 1 industry award.
During the final part of the programme, you’ll further develop your skills within the snowschool environment so you can teach a range of beginner students on your own.
The cost of this programme includes mountain transportation five days a week, a staff season pass and the NZSIA/SBINZ Level 1 exam fees. Students with advanced skills may opt to also train and sit their NZSIA Snowsport Instructors Level 2 (at an additional cost).
Graduates will be able to teach or assist beginner skiers or snowboarders within a snowschool environment as an entry-level instructor or teaching assistant.
Entry criteria
Entry Entry requirements Academic requirements- There are no academic entry criteria for this programme.
- To be able to successfully engage in the learning for this qualification, a candidate must be able to demonstrate personal competence on skis or board and be able to confidently and safely ski or ride a snowboard on groomed blue terrain.
- You must submit a logbook detailing your outdoor experience, particularly snowsport riding/skiing experience, and any formal instruction. Download the Excel version or PDF version.
- You'll need to complete a conviction declaration, and provide two references (who are able to provide evidence of your good character, your personal attributes, and your appropriateness to undertake the programme for snowsport instruction).
- You'll also need to have an interview.
- If English is not your first language, you must provide:
- New Zealand University Entrance OR
- Overall Academic IELTS 5.5 with no individual band score lower than 5.0 (achieved in one test completed in the last two years), OR
- Acceptable alternative evidence of the required IELTS (see here for NZQA proficiency table and here for list of recognised proficiency tests).
If you need to improve your English Language skills, we offer a wide range of English programmes.
Selection processAfter the entry level requirements have been met, selection is based on a first-come, first-served basis until the maximum course numbers have been met.
Pathways to this programmeIf you don’t meet the entry requirements, there are a number of snowsport instructional programmes available worldwide that will provide the base and intermediate level riding/skiing skills required to gain the level of experience necessary to teach others.
Want your existing skills recognised?If you have extensive knowledge and skills due to practical experience in this area, please ask us about our recognition of prior learning process. You may have already gained credits towards this qualification and could achieve it in a shorter timeframe. Please email central@op.ac.nz or call 0800 762 786.
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