New Zealand Certificate in Introductory Snowschool Instruction (Applied) (Level 4) (Ski) or (Snowboard)
Undertake ski instructor training or snowboard instructor training so you can teach or assist beginner skiers or snowboarders within a snowschool environment as an entry-level instructor or teaching assistant.
Domestic
About the programme
Practice your skiing and snowboarding skills in the heart of the Southern Alps and gain an entry level professional snowsport teaching qualification, while actually working in a snowschool environment.
This is New Zealand’s only opportunity to gain work experience while earning your qualifications from Cardrona’s top trainers, many of whom also actively examine for the NZSIA and SBINZ.
Initially, you’ll do classroom-based learning which will introduce you to the fundamentals of teaching and the snowsports environment. You will then start to shadow ski or snowboard instructors/lessons and develop your skills on-snow through work-based learning. At this stage, you’ll sit the NZSIA (Ski) or SBINZ (Snowboard) Level 1 industry award.
During the final part of the programme, you’ll further develop your skills within the snowschool environment so you can teach a range of beginner students on your own.
The cost of this programme 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).
Graduates will be able to teach or assist beginner skiers or snowboarders within a snowschool environment as an entry-level instructor or teaching assistant.
International
About the programme
Practice your skiing and snowboarding skills in the heart of the Southern Alps and gain an entry level professional snowsport teaching qualification, while actually working in a snowschool environment.
This is New Zealand’s only opportunity to gain work experience while earning your qualifications from Cardrona’s top trainers, many of whom also actively examine for the NZSIA and SBINZ.
Initially, you’ll do classroom-based learning which will introduce you to the fundamentals of teaching and the snowsports environment. You will then start to shadow ski or snowboard instructors/lessons and develop your skills on-snow through work-based learning. At this stage, you’ll sit the NZSIA (Ski) or SBINZ (Snowboard) Level 1 industry award.
During the final part of the programme, you’ll further develop your skills within the snowschool environment so you can teach a range of beginner students on your own.
The cost of this programme 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).
Graduates will be able to teach or assist beginner skiers or snowboarders within a snowschool environment as an entry-level instructor or teaching assistant.
What You Study
Courses
The programme will consist of classroom, and self-directed, online learning followed by the practical application of those skills.
The 17-week programme of study consists of three courses:
1. Snowsport Instructing & Snowsport Industry Induction (10 credits)
- Primarily classroom-based with some time spent at Cardrona Alpine Resort.
- Introduces you to the fundamentals of teaching and the snowsports environment and the concepts you will practice within the snowschool.
2. Instructing Beginner Snowsport - Ski OR Instructing Beginner Snowsport - Snowboard (25 credits)
- Shadow ski or snowboard lessons and develop your skills on-snow through work-based learning at Cardrona Alpine Resort.
- You will also be assessed for the NZSIA (Ski) or SBINZ (Snowboard) Level 1 Industry award during this course.
3. Snowsport Instructing within a Professional Snowsport School (25 credits)
- Further develop your skills to enable you to teach a wide range of beginner students independently. This block is also on-snow work-based learning at Cardrona Alpine Resort.
Programme specific risks
You must be aware that the practice and teaching of snowsports can be physically and mentally demanding and require a good level of health and fitness. Risks will be outlined in more depth during the programme.
Further study options
Graduates may pathway to the New Zealand Certificate in Advanced Snowschool Instruction (Applied) (Level 5) with strands in Ski, Snowboard, and Telemark, and optional strand in Business Development. This qualification also provides a pathway to more specialised qualifications in the field of alpine operations.
Workload
Your workload
Depending on the level of experience you bring to the programme, you can expect to spend approximately 40-80 hrs of self-directed study prior to the practical sessions and then 36-40 hrs per week of training or work for up to 17 weeks in duration.
Entry
Entry requirements
Academic requirements
- Open entry.
Other requirements
- To be able to successfully engage in the learning for this qualification, a candidate must be able to demonstrate personal competence on skis or board and be able to confidently and safely ski or ride a snowboard on groomed blue terrain.
- You must submit a logbook detailing your outdoor experience, particularly snowsport riding/skiing experience, and any formal instruction. Download the Excel version or PDF version.
- You'll need to complete a conviction declaration, and provide two references (who are able to provide evidence of your good character, your personal attributes, and your appropriateness to undertake the programme for snowsport instruction).
- You'll also need to have an interview.
English Language requirements
- If English is not your first language, you must provide:
- New Zealand University Entrance OR
- Overall IELTS 5.5 (academic, no 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 internationally recognised proficiency tests and proficiency outcomes for international students).
If you need to improve your English Language skills, we offer a wide range of English programmes.
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.
Pathways to this programme
If you don’t meet the entry requirements, there are a number of snowsport instructional programmes available worldwide that will provide the base and intermediate level riding/skiing skills required to gain the level of experience necessary to teach others.
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 central@op.ac.nz or call 0800 762 786.
Fees
Domestic fees
International fees
Additional costs
A jacket and pant uniform* is generally provided while training or working. You'll need to provide your own personal outdoor wear at other times and a means of mountain locomotion suitable to a winter alpine environment. 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. Prices can vary greatly depending on the accommodation type but, as a guideline, you can expect to pay $150-$250 per week for a room.
Additional NZSIA awards such as the Children’s Teaching Certification and Instructors Level 2 may be earned at an additional exam cost.
*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 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.
Application
A change for 2023 enrolments
When you apply to study with Otago Polytechnic in 2023, you will be enrolled with Te Pūkenga, the new 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, and you will graduate with a Te Pūkenga qualification.
