Avalanche Safety

Turn your passion for snow and adventure into a career with the Southern Alps as your classroom. Our Wānaka campus has the facilities and the expertise to help launch your future through our collaboration with Cardrona Alpine Ski Resort. 

Three avalanche safety students looking out over a mountain range

Taught by New Zealand’s most experienced and qualified avalanche professionals, our Avalanche Risk Management programmes will provide you with advanced knowledge in snow science to ensure the safety of people and assets in alpine areas.  

Programmes are taught via blended delivery, a combination of online self-paced lectures, weekly class lectures and a week-long block course in Wānaka, where you put all your learning into practice.  

The snowsport tourism industry grows, as does the emphasis on safe participation. Our certificates in Avalanche Risk Management are New Zealand Snow and Avalanche Committee (NZSAC) approved and are recognised around the globe. 

Avalanche Safety qualifications

Adventure & Tourism

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.

Duration

12 Weeks Full-time

Delivery

Online with a block course

Location

Wanaka

Career potential

(all under supervision and often with additional qualifications), Alpine Search and Rescue, Avalanche Controller, Cat/Snowmobile Operator, Ski Patroller

Adventure & Tourism

This certificate will provide you with the highest level of avalanche training available in New Zealand. You will enjoy being taught by the professionals and graduate with the ability to assume supervisory roles in all sectors of the industry. Your study will combine online theory with practical blocks comprising on-snow training and assessment.

Duration

2 Years Part-time

Delivery

Online with block course(s)

Location

Online, Wanaka

Career potential

Alpine Search and Rescue, Avalanche Controller, Heli/Alpine Guide, Ski Patroller

Contact us

If you’re not sure what to study and would like some guidance, we’re here to help. Feel free to chat to us directly about any questions you may have.