Student Story
Kelsi Mackay
Kelsi chose a career in Ski Patrol
After years of constantly checking the ski report from her office, Kelsi Mackay had a “what if” moment and enrolled in Tai Poutini Polytechnic’s Ski Patrol programme in 2021.
“I’d completed my Masters and worked in different sport-related jobs. I knew I loved being in the mountains, skiing was part of my youth and I liked helping people.
“On a whim, I had a bit of a “what if” moment and decided to take a risk and head for the hills to see if I could tick all the boxes in one (pretty sweet) job.”
“Go all in – the course will give you as much as you put into it.”
Kelsi Mackay
2021 Ski Patrol Graduate
Kelsi says the Wanaka-based ski patrol training was a challenge that made a real difference to her life, but the best part about her decision was the people she met. Her “crew” who always had each other’s back.
“It was an investment, both in time and financially, but to have walked straight into a full-time patrol position with a commercial field the following season made it well worth it.”
Kelsi credits the skills gained in training as well as the industry connections with getting her started. She encourages anyone thinking about enrolling to “go all in – the course will give you as much as you put into it”.
