Institute of Technology or Polytechnic

New Zealand Certificate in Snowsport Patrol (Level 4)

This course is available

On-Campus, Online

Level of Study

Certificate

Duration

28 weeks

Next start date

Expected Mar 2027

Campus

Dunedin Campus

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Summary

About the programme

If you have a passion for the snow and looking after the safety of people enjoying the ski field, this is the programme for you. This is the only Ski Patrol programme offered in New Zealand.

It has been operating for over 30 years and is well recognised and highly regarded in ski areas across the country. Our programme offers a balance of online learning, classroom-based theory, on-field practical learning and work experience.

You will gain the knowledge and skills to promote customer safety, follow snowsport area policies and respond to snowsport area incidents. After successfully completing this Certificate, you will be able to perform daily ski patrol functions working independently for periods of time as well as functioning as a member of a patrol team.

You can also choose to continue with your study or go directly into employment, with options to apply for work in the Northern hemisphere, opening up a whole world of opportunities in countries like Japan, Canada and France. Ski Patrol option If you are interested in a career in ski patrol, we suggest you enrol in both our New Zealand Certificate in Snowsport Patrol (Level 4) and New Zealand Certificate in Avalanche Risk Management (Level 5).

The New Zealand Certificate in Avalanche Risk Management (Level 5) is a pre-requisite to working within a professional ski patrol team and provides additional expertise in avalanche forecasting, snow science, and avalanche risk management. Together, the two separate qualifications comprise 120 credits and are delivered over 28 weeks of full-time study.

While the qualifications are currently enrolled and awarded separately, when you do study both qualifications, you will be part of an integrated learning experience that reflects the operational demands of the industry. Students who complete both programmes will graduate with qualifications in both Snowsport Patrol and Avalanche Risk Management, providing a strong foundation for a career in ski patrol, avalanche operations, and mountain safety.

Please reach out to central@op.ac.nz to chat about this option.

Delivery locations

Wānaka
Online

Entry criteria

Academic requirements

New Zealand University Entrance (UE) International students will be individually assessed to ensure they are ready for this study.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, you must provide: New Zealand University Entrance OR Overall IELTS 5.5 with no individual band score lower than 5.0 (achieved in one test completed in the last two years), or equivalent, OR Acceptable alternative evidence of the required IELTS (see here for internationally recognised proficiency tests and proficiency outcomes for international students).

If you need to improve your English Language skills, we offer a wide range of English programmes.

Course specific requirements You must meet the legal requirements to handle explosives.

Provide evidence that you meet or exceed the ability to confidently ski or ride in the majority of black runs on a large commercial ski area in New Zealand or overseas.

Evidence can be a video or an attestation letter from a ski instructor or industry professional.

You must hold a current first aid certificate (minimum nine hour course).

Selection process

After 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.

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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Please note that degrees and qualifications earned via remote or distance learning are excluded from the overseas credential evaluation and recognition services provided by the Chinese Service Center for Scholarly Exchange (CSCSE). For more information, please contact CSCSE directly: +86-10-62677800 (phone) or visit their website(external link that opens in a new tab).

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