New Zealand Certificate in Avalanche Risk Management (Level 5)

Program Overview

This Level 5 program from Otago Polytechnic provides a comprehensive understanding of avalanche risk management principles and practices. Through online learning and practical block courses, it equips students with the skills and knowledge to work safely in avalanche-prone environments. Graduates are prepared for careers in various sectors including ski areas, heli-ski operations, and road contracting. The program is offered in both Wanaka and Whakapapa with intakes throughout the year.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This programme provides the first level of professional training available in the field of avalanche risk management, enabling participants to work in all sectors of the avalanche industry. Taught by the most experienced provider of avalanche education in New Zealand, you’ll study theory online before solidifying these concepts in a supportive group setting on snow and in the classroom.

Objectives:

• To provide students with a comprehensive understanding of avalanche risk management principles and practices.
• To equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to work safely and effectively in avalanche-prone environments.
• To prepare students for a career in avalanche risk management, including roles in ski areas, heli-ski operations, cat-skiing operations, snow-mobile operations, road contractors, alpine and other outdoor guiding and instruction operations, hunting, trekking, Department of Conservation, alpine search and rescue, and education providers.

Teaching:

• The programme is delivered through a combination of online learning and practical block courses.
• Online learning modules are delivered over 10 weeks, requiring 20-30 hours per week.
• Weekly live online study sessions are held to interact, discuss questions, and refine concepts.
• Practical skills are refined during a one-week block course, either in Wanaka or at Whakapapa.
• The programme is taught by experienced avalanche professionals.

Careers:

Graduates may be employed or work as volunteers under (direct or indirect) supervision, in a range of operations actively assisting in the management of avalanche hazard and risk, including:

• Ski areas
• Heli-ski operations
• Cat-skiing operations
• Snow-mobile operations
• Road contractors
• Alpine and other outdoor guiding and instruction operations
• Hunting
• Trekking
• Department of Conservation
• Alpine search and rescue
• Education providers

Other:

• The programme is offered in both Wanaka and Whakapapa.
• The Wanaka-based programme has start dates in April, May, June, and July.
• The Whakapapa Ski Field-based programme has a start date in July.
• Students are advised of the programme specific risks posed during the block courses, including injury or death from avalanche, environmental exposure, or ski touring/motor vehicle accident.
• Students are required to provide their own personal outdoor wear and means of mountain transport suitable to a winter alpine environment.
• Students may be provided with avalanche safety gear and snow/weather observation kits upon request.
• Students will be required to pay for their ski pass.
• Students will need to organise their own lunch/snacks and pay for a discounted lift pass.
• The programme is a great next step for graduates of the New Zealand Certificate in Avalanche Risk Management (Level 6).
• The programme is open to both domestic and international students.
• The programme is offered on a full-time basis.
• The programme is 12 weeks long.
• The programme is offered at Level 5.
• The programme is worth 40 credits.
• The programme is delivered online with a block course.
• The programme is offered in both Wanaka and Whakapapa.
• The programme has intakes in April, May, June, and July.
• The programme is offered by Otago Polytechnic.
• Otago Polytechnic is a business unit of Te Pūkenga - New Zealand Institute of skills and technology.

• Domestic fees
Full tuition Standard $2,810
• International fees
Full tuition Standard $8,599
• Additional costs
You will need to provide your own personal outdoor wear and means of mountain transport suitable to a winter alpine environment. This may include adequate footwear, touring skis, split-board, climbing skins or snowboard/snowshoes and poles. A daypack capable of carrying your daily needs is also required (30-40 litre capacity). Although it is helpful for students to have their own avalanche safety gear and snow/weather observation kits, they may be provided by the Polytechnic upon request. You will be required to pay your ski pass – these are usually available at a significantly discounted rate. For the Whakapapa (North Island) residential course