New Zealand Certificate in Avalanche Risk Management (Level 5)
This programme provides the first level of professional training available in this field, 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.
Domestic
Whakapapa
May
June
July
About the programme
Study professional avalanche risk management with the most experienced provider of avalanche education in New Zealand.
This programme provides the first level of professional training available, enabling you to work in all sectors of the avalanche management industry.
From any location, your online study will allow you to gain a sound understanding of the underpinning theory. You will then solidify these concepts in a supportive group setting during an on-snow/classroom practical week.
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, and education providers.
Start dates
Our Wanaka-based programme has start dates in April, May, June and July.
Our Whakapapa Ski Field-based programme has a start date in July.
International
Whakapapa
May
June
July
About the programme
Study professional avalanche risk management with the most experienced provider of avalanche education in New Zealand.
This programme provides the first level of professional training available, enabling you to work in all sectors of the avalanche management industry.
From any location, your online study will allow you to gain a sound understanding of the underpinning theory. You will then solidify these concepts in a supportive group setting during an on-snow/classroom practical week.
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, and education providers.
Start dates
Our Wanaka-based programme has start dates in April, May, June and July.
Our Whakapapa Ski Field-based programme has a start date in July.
What You Study
Courses
| Course name | Credits |
| Snow Science and Hazard Evaluation | 15 |
| Avalanche Geography | 10 |
| Meterology and Snowpack Influences | 10 |
| Avalanche Search and Rescue | 5 |
Programme specific risks
You are advised of the programme specific risks posed during the block courses. These include injury or death from avalanche, environmental exposure or ski touring/motor vehicle accident.
Further study options
A great next step is the New Zealand Certificate in Avalanche Risk Management (Level 6) with optional strands in Advanced Avalanche Hazard and Mitigation Planning, Advanced Avalanche Forecasting and Data Management, Advanced Avalanche Search and Rescue Planning, and Avalanche Education.
Workload
Your workload
The programme is 12 weeks long. Ten modules will be delivered via online study for 10 weeks (requiring 20-30 hours per week). During this time, you'll be expected to attend a weekly, live, online study session where we will interact, discuss questions and refine concepts. During this period, you will also be asked to practise some on-snow skills.
You will then complete a one-week block course (either in Wānaka or at Whakapapa) that refines your practical skills, followed by assessment. Finally, during week 12, you'll reflect on key learning points, identify your next steps and/or plan any re-assessment as required.
Intakes and block courses
April intake
Block course: 1 - 7 July 2024
May intake
Block course: 3 - 9 August 2024
June intake
Block course: 17 - 23 August 2024
July intake (1)
Block course: 14 - 20 September 2024
July intake (2)
Block course: 21 - 27 September 2024
Please note: July intake 2 is the only intake that will cater for students not on skis or snowboard during the practical week.
Entry
Entry requirements
Academic requirements
- There are no academic entry requirements for this programme.
Other requirements
- You must be able to demonstrate evidence of basic ability to use avalanche transceivers, shovels, and probes through a document signed and dated by a graduate of this programme (or recognised equivalent programme at this level or higher) stating that you meet the following criteria:
- techniques for the correct and efficient use of a transceiver are demonstrated
- a buried transceiver is found in accordance with timeframes and depths specified in industry good practice.
Download the Basic Transceiver Competence Attestation
Please note: It's highly recommended that you are capable of safely negotiating all mountain terrain and snow conditions normally encountered at a ski field in an alpine environment. If you're unable to do this using skis or a snowboard, please apply for the intake that's for those that don't yet have this ability (see which intake this in within the Workload tab). To successfully complete this programme, you also need adequate fitness and skill to move quickly over all snow conditions to perform a rescue and dig out of an avalanche victim (potentially metres deep in the snow).
English Language requirements
- If English is not your first language, you must provide:
- New Zealand University Entrance OR
- Overall Academic IELTS 5.5 with no individual band score lower than 5.0 (achieved in one test completed in the last two years), OR
- 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.
Online learning requirement
You will require access to online computing facilities to undertake the distance learning packages.
Selection process
After the entry level requirements have been met, selection is based on a first-come, first-served basis until the maximum course numbers have been met.
Don't meet the entry requirements?
If you don't meet the entry requirements, there are a number of recreational level courses (historically, at least four days' in length) available worldwide that will provide the base-level of rescue skills required.
Want your existing skills recognised?
If you have extensive knowledge and skills due to practical experience in this area, please ask us about our recognition of prior learning process. You may have already gained credits towards this qualification and could achieve it in a shorter timeframe. Please email info@op.ac.nz or call 0800 762 786.
Fees
Domestic fees
International fees
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
There is an additional fee of $750 to cover shared accommodation (at Levin Waiopehu Ski Lodge), breakfast and dinner. You'll need to organise your own lunch/snacks and pay for a discounted lift pass (if you don't have a season pass).
Tuition fees
The 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.
Studylink
Domestic full-time students can apply for a student loan through Studylink.
Some support may be available for domestic part-time students if this programme offers a part-time study option.
Apply at the same time as you apply for your course (you can withdraw your application anytime).
Student Services Fee
For most students, your tuition fee shown above includes a Student Services Fee – also known as the Student Levy. This compulsory fee covers your access to the student services we offer. This cost is tailored depending on how you're studying.
The international tuition fee does not include your Student Levy. This will be calculated when you enrol with us.
Click below to find out more about the Student Levy costs and services provided.
Fees Free
The Government has announced that Fees Free for the first year of study or training will finish at the end of 2024. A final-year Fees Free policy will replace it, starting from 1 January 2025.
If you are a first-time tertiary learner in 2025, you may be able to get Fees Free for your final year of study or training. If you are eligible, you will need to apply for your entitlement through IRD from 2026 onwards.
For more information about the transition from first-year Fees Free or the final-year Fees Free policy, visit FeesFree.govt.nz.
Study Grants for international students
We have a range of Study Grants to support our international students.
