New Zealand Certificate in Introductory Snowschool Instruction (Applied) (Level 4) (Ski) or (Snowboard)
Program Overview
This New Zealand Certificate equips you to teach beginner skiers or snowboarders in a snowschool setting. With practical on-snow training, you'll gain the skills to independently teach beginner students. Taught by experienced instructors who also examine for industry awards, you'll be well-prepared for your NZSIA or SBINZ Level 1 exam. Graduates can pursue careers as entry-level ski or snowboard instructors or teaching assistants in snowschools.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
This program is a New Zealand Certificate in Introductory Snowschool Instruction (Applied) (Level 4) offered in either Ski or Snowboard specialization. It is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to teach or assist beginner skiers or snowboarders within a snowschool environment as an entry-level instructor or teaching assistant. The program is delivered on-campus in Wanaka, New Zealand, and has a duration of 17 weeks full-time.
Objectives:
The program aims to:
- Provide students with practical experience in a snowschool environment.
- Equip students with the fundamental skills and knowledge of snowsport teaching.
- Prepare students to sit and pass the NZSIA (Ski) or SBINZ (Snowboard) Level 1 industry award.
- Develop students' skills to enable them to teach a wide range of beginner students independently.
Description:
The program offers a unique opportunity to gain work experience while earning qualifications from Cardrona's top trainers, many of whom also actively examine for the NZSIA and SBINZ. The program combines classroom-based learning with practical on-snow training at Cardrona Alpine Resort. Students will initially learn the fundamentals of teaching and the snowsports environment before shadowing ski or snowboard instructors and developing their skills through work-based learning. The program culminates in students further developing their skills to teach beginner students independently.
Teaching:
The program utilizes a combination of classroom-based learning and practical on-snow training. Students will be taught by experienced instructors from Cardrona Alpine Resort, many of whom are also examiners for the NZSIA and SBINZ.
Careers:
Graduates will be able to teach or assist beginner skiers or snowboarders within a snowschool environment as an entry-level instructor or teaching assistant.
Other:
- The program includes mountain transportation five days a week, a staff season pass, and the NZSIA/SBINZ Level 1 exam fees.
- Students with advanced skills may opt to also train and sit their NZSIA Snowsport Instructors Level 2 (at an additional cost).
- The practice and teaching of snowsports can be physically and mentally demanding and require a good level of health and fitness.
- Graduates may pathway to the New Zealand Certificate in Advanced Snowschool Instruction (Applied) (Level 5) with strands in Ski, Snowboard, and Telemark, and an optional strand in Business Development. This qualification also provides a pathway to more specialized qualifications in the field of alpine operations.
Domestic Full tuition Standard $3,894 International Full tuition Standard $13,076 Additional costs A jacket and pant uniform is generally provided while training or working. This may include adequate footwear, skis, snowboard and poles. The use of helmets and wrist guards are recommended and may be required by your employer.You are responsible for providing your own accommodation arrangements in Wanaka.
- Please note: You will be supplied with a Cardrona uniform for the duration of the programme for working in the ski school. This uniform will have to be returned at the end of the programme. Tuition feesThe tuition fees shown above are approximate only. There may be a slight fee increase per year once Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) rules and guidelines are applied. These fees also don’t include additional costs or living costs.
Otago Polytechnic
Overview:
Otago Polytechnic is a tertiary education institution located in New Zealand. It offers a wide range of qualifications and courses, from certificates to doctorates, across various fields. The institution emphasizes hands-on learning, providing students with practical skills and experience relevant to their chosen careers.
Services Offered:
Otago Polytechnic offers a variety of services to support students, including:
Accessibility and disability services:
Support for students with disabilities.Campus tours:
Guided tours of the institution's campuses.Accommodation assistance:
Guidance on finding accommodation options, including on-campus housing, flatting, homestay, and renting.Career advice:
Support in exploring career options and developing career plans.Fees and funding information:
Information on tuition fees and available funding options, including scholarships and government schemes.International student support:
Specific services and resources for international students, including information on English language requirements, entry requirements, and international partnerships.Māori and Pasifika culture and support:
Resources and support for Māori and Pasifika students.Student support services:
A range of services to assist students with their academic and personal well-being.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Otago Polytechnic provides a welcoming and inclusive learning environment with a focus on student support. Students can expect:
Friendly and inclusive atmosphere:
A supportive and welcoming community.Modern facilities:
Access to state-of-the-art equipment and technology.Real-world experiences:
Opportunities to gain practical experience through internships, projects, and industry placements.Flexible study options:
A variety of learning formats, including on-campus, online, and blended learning.Sustainability initiatives:
A commitment to environmental sustainability.Rainbow Tick Certification:
A commitment to creating an inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ students and staff.Key Reasons to Study There:
Educational excellence:
High-quality teaching and a strong focus on student success.Hands-on learning:
Practical, skills-based learning that prepares students for the workforce.Personal growth and support:
A supportive environment with a range of services to assist students.Flexible study options:
A variety of learning formats to suit individual needs and preferences.Free fees and scholarships:
Opportunities to reduce or eliminate tuition costs.Academic Programs:
Otago Polytechnic offers a wide range of academic programs, including:
Adventure & Tourism:
Programs in avalanche safety, bike mechanics, hospitality, outdoor education, snowsports, and tourism.Agriculture & Animal Healthcare:
Programs in animal care, avian wildlife, beekeeping, high-country farming, and veterinary nursing.Art:
Programs in ceramics, digital media and photography, and visual arts.Business:
Programs in accounting, administration, applied management, event management, human resources, professional development, and sales & marketing.Community Services:
Programs in addiction, disability support, Hauora Māori, mental health, and social services.Construction:
Programs in architecture, carpentry, construction management, and stonemasonry.Design:
Programs in architecture, communication design, digital media, fashion design, game design and development, and product design.Education & Culture:
Programs in English language, outdoor education, teaching, and Te Reo & Tikanga.Engineering:
Programs in civil, electrical, and mechanical engineering.Food & Hospitality:
Programs in brewing, cooking, culinary arts, and hospitality.Hair & Beauty:
Programs in beauty therapy and hairdressing.Health:
Programs in health pathways, massage therapy, mental health, midwifery, nursing, and occupational therapy.Horticulture:
Programs in amenity horticulture, arboriculture, fruit production, gardening, groundskeeping, nursery, and winemaking.Information Technology:
Programs in computing, game development, and information technology.Sport:
Programs in groundskeeping, gym & personal training, massage therapy, outdoor education, sport science, and snowsports.Trades & Pre-trades:
Programs in automotive, bike mechanics, carpentry, electrical trades, mechanical engineering, plumbing, and transport.Other:
- Other requirements:
- Demonstrate personal competence on skis or board and be able to confidently and safely ski or ride a snowboard on groomed blue terrain.
- Submit a logbook detailing your outdoor experience, particularly snowsport riding/skiing experience, and any formal instruction.
- Complete a conviction declaration.
- Provide two references who can attest to your good character, personal attributes, and suitability for the snowsport instruction program.
- Attend an interview.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
- If English is not your first language, you must provide:
- New Zealand University Entrance
- Overall Academic IELTS 5.5 with no individual band score lower than 5.0 (achieved in one test completed in the last two years)
- Acceptable alternative evidence of the required IELTS (see here for NZQA proficiency table and here for list of recognised proficiency tests).
- **If you need to improve your English Language skills, we offer a wide range of English programmes.
