Tai Poutini Polytechnic - Mountain Education Centre of New Zealand

Mountain Education Centre & Ski Patrol
The following qualifications are available:

Certificate in Ski Patrol

Certificate in Ski Patrol

Many skiers and snowboarders dream of working in the ski industry and following the winter season around the world. One of the most desirable and challenging jobs on any ski area is ski patrolling. Our Mountain Education Centre of NZ, based in Wanaka, provides quality, specialised training in all of the skills required of modern, professional ski patrollers. This Ski Patrol Training Course (Level 3) has its own classroom on the slopes of Treble Cone.

Patrolling skills are developed both in the classroom and at the Treble Cone ski field. As part of the programme, you may also visit another ski area in New Zealand for a four-week work placement to put into practice the skills you have learned and to gain the experience you need to enter the ski patrolling profession.

Upon successful completion of this programme you will receive the Tai Poutini Polytechnic Certificate in Ski Patrol and credits towards the National Certificate in Ski Patrol (Level 4).

Core Elements Include

Meteorology and mountain weather
Pre-Hospital Emergency Care first aid
Avalanche Hazard Management Level 1
Snow blasting training
Rescue taboggan use
Snow sports area hazard management
Ski patrol daily routines
Rope rescue techniques for use on snow sports areas
Mountaineering techniques for use on snow sports areas
Skiing/snow boarding improvement lessons
Safe backcountry travel
Pre-season fitness training

Career Opportunities

This programme is a respected training programme for those looking for a career in the ski patrolling industry. A number of our graduates are enjoying successful careers patrolling on New Zealand snow sports areas as well as on areas in Canada, the USA and Europe. Other graduates have chosen this course, after several seasons patrolling, as a stepping stone to the mountain and ski guiding industry. .

Entry Requirements

Successfully completed NCEA Level Two English and Mathematics IELTS (or equivalent).
A basic First Aid Certificate (valid for the duration of the programme).
For snow blasting, applicants must be over 18 years of age as of May 1 of the year they enter the programme.
Verification by a New Zealand Ski Instructors Alliance (NZSIA) certified ski or snowboard instructor that the applicant meets or exceeds NZSIA level 5 or better in skiing or snow boarding.
International candidates maybe selected if they can provide equivalent international verification of their skiing or snow boarding standard.
Applicants for whom English is a second language must meet IELTS IELTS (or equivalent) Level 5.5.

Selection Criteria apply. Please contact the Polytechnic for details.

Special Entry may be granted where evidence exists that the applicant can successfully complete the programme. Please contact the Polytechnic for details.

Note: Some courses within this programme require specific levels of physical ability.

Level 3

Award/s Tai Poutini Polytechnic Certificate and Mountain Education Centre of New Zealand Certificate in Ski Patrol

Location Wanaka/Treble Cone Ski Area

Study Full time

Start Date 1 March 2010

End Date 24 September 2010

No of Places 16 only

Applications Now open

Programme Co-ordinator Russell Braddock

Course Fees $5,710 (2010 Cost) (NZ/Aust Students)
$14,349 (2010 Cost) (International Students)

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