Core elements

Level 4 Snowsport Patrol

• Physiology and health
• Outdoor Pre-hospital Emergency Care (PHE)
• Mountain Skills
• Hazard Management

Level 5 Avalanche Risk Management

• Snow science and hazard evaluation
• Avalanche geography
• Meteorology and snowpack influences
• Avalanche search and rescue

Equipment list

A complete equipment list can be viewed here and will be included in your enrolment pack. Equipment costs will vary depending on what you already own and you will need all equipment on the list by the due date to take part in the programme.

Tai Poutini Polytechnic supplies the use of following equipment for training:

• A range of first aid equipment
• Ice axes
• Ropes
• Belay devices and karabiners
• Climbing helmets
• Rescue toboggans
• Crampons
• Climbing and industrial harnesses
• Snow and weather analysis equipment

Further study options

• New Zealand Certificate in Snowsport Patrol Leader (Level 5)
• Diploma in Outdoor Instruction and Guiding
• New Zealand Certificate in Avalanche Risk Management (Level 6)
• For additional qualifications and outdoor guide training options please visit the New Zealand Mountain Guides Association website

Career opportunities

Highly respected, the programme provides specialised training in the specific skills required for a first year ski patroller.

The programme allows for various careers, sets strong foundations for related careers in the outdoors, including the ski guiding and avalanche safety industries, a variety of adventure tourism, safety management, summer guiding and/or instruction operations, The Department of Conservation, alpine search and rescue, education roles, nursing, ambulance officer and/or paramedic and Mountain Bike patrol in summer (dependent on bike skills).

Many patrollers in fact balance their winter work with these types of careers, academic pursuits and/or trades such as building, accounting etc.

Programme structure and workload

The integrated approach of the programme allows for a combination of teaching, work experience and self-directed study to be delivered over a compressed timeframe.

The programme is guided by the needs of the industry, which looks for mature students who can work independently and have the ability to maintain work ethic for typically long workdays. This will include independent tutor guided learning for students and self directed learning.

Online learning, class lectures, small-group tutorials and/or practicals, on field training, scenarios, reflective practice, role play, presentations, demonstrations and independent learning all feature in the programme.

As the programme moves into the latter winter period, a six week work placement will enable students to put their newfound skills into action with a working New Zealand ski patrol.  This is full time for six weeks.

The programme includes the delivery and assessment of two national qualifications, which are taught concurrently - the New Zealand Certificate in Snowsport Patrol (80 credits at Level 4) and the New Zealand Certificate in Avalanche Risk Management (40 credits at Level 5). The level 5 qualification was previously known as Stage 1 Avalanche. Details of these qualifications can be found on the NZQA website.

The NZ Certificate in Avalanche Risk Management (level 5) will be awarded to students who achieve a passing grade in all four courses of the qualification.

The NZ Certificate in Snowsport Area Patrol (Level 4) will be awarded to students who achieve a passing grade in all courses of the level 4 Snowsport Patrol qualification.

Entry requirements

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Applicants for whom English is a second language must meet IELTS or equivalent Level 5.5 or above.
• Evidence, acceptable to the programme staff, that the applicant meets or exceeds the ability to confidently ski or snowboard in most terrain and snow conditions. i.e. The majority of black runs on a large commercial ski area in New Zealand or overseas.
• The above evidence is by letter of attestation from a minimum level 2 ski/snowboard instructor.
• Have successfully completed NCEA level 2 or equivalent and attained 42 NCEA credits at level 3.
• Special entry may be granted where evidence exists that the applicant can successfully complete the programme. Please contact the Polytechnic for details.

Additional costs

1. During the six week work placement section of the programme, both travel and additional or alternative accommodation will need to be covered by students posted outside of Wānaka.
2. A season pass is compulsory and paid for by students. TPP will facilitate the pass purchase at an industry rate in May.

Programme questionnaire

This programme requires a questionnaire to be submitted with your enrolment. Please view the questionnaire here. Complete the questions and return it with your enrolment form and any other supporting documents that are required.

Letter of attestation

This programme requires evidence, acceptable to the programme staff, that the applicant meets or exceeds the ability to confidently ski or snowboard in most terrain and snow conditions. i.e. The majority of black runs on a large commercial ski area in New Zealand or overseas. The evidence is provided by letter of attestation from a minimum level 2 ski/snowboard instructor.

Enrolments

When you apply to study with Tai Poutini Polytechnic, you will be enrolled with Te Pūkenga, the national network of vocational and applied education in Aotearoa New Zealand. You will learn in the same way, in the same place, and with the same people. The great news is that this enables us to share skills and knowledge across a network of passionate education providers, to better help you succeed. Enrolling in programmes with Tai Poutini Polytechnic, means that you will graduate with a Te Pūkenga qualification.