Graduates of this programme are able to apply skills and knowledge to be able to: contribute to a supervised professional Ski Patrol department, perform the functions of a ski patroller in the ski industry and have the ability to work in a team environment, demonstrate knowledge and skills in the principles and practise of pre-hospital emergency care and an understanding of the human body and its response to trauma and illness, demonstrate knowledge and skills in the principles and practise of avalanche hazard evaluation and control and have the ability to perform as a team leader or team member in an avalanche rescue, demonstrate an understanding of meteorological systems including synoptic and satellite map interpretation, carry out and record standard snow pack, avalanche and meteorological observations, identify and control hazards within a ski area, to assist in chairlift evacuation and rescue work using ropes and toboggans, ski or snowboard at an advanced standard so that they can safely and efficiently carry out ski patrol work in varying terrain and/or difficult snow conditions. Use basic mountaineering equipment and techniques to safely access difficult terrain or move across hard snow/ice surfaces which make skiing or snowboarding unsafe, assist in ski area emergency and rescue procedures, describe the components and operations of ski lifts. Please note that graduates of the programme also gain a significant amount of credits toward the National Certificate in Ski Patrol (level 4) however completion of the National Certificate in Ski Patrol (level 4) requires considerable work experience prior to assessment. The National certificate in Ski Patrol is the minimum qualification required for a person working un-supervised in the ski industry

Applicants will have successfully completed NCEA Level Two English and Mathematics (or equivalent). A basic First Aid Certificate (valid for the duration of the programme). Due to the programme content, which includes training in the use of explosives for snow blasting, applicants must be over 18 years of age as of May 1st of the year they enter the programme. Applicants will have one-year work experience or further education within the ski industry, verification by a New Zealand Ski Instructors Alliance (NZSIA) certified ski or snowboard instructor that the applicant meets or exceeds NZSIA level 5 or better in skiing or snow boarding. International candidates maybe selected if they can provide equivalent international verification of their skiing or snow boarding standard. Applicants for whom English is a second language must meet IELTS (or equivalent) Level 5.5 or above. Selection Criteria apply. (Selection criteria will be determined through application documents, character referee statements and interviews, written candidate questionnaire and an interview by the Programme Co-ordinator). All candidates will supply contact details for two character referees. The following will be considered advantageous for candidate selection: favourable referee statements, prior experience in the ski industry, extensive post education work experience, ski touring, ski mountaineering or mountaineering experience, prior tertiary education qualifications. Pease contact the Institution for details. Special Entry may be granted where evidence exists that the applicant can successfully complete the programme. Please contact the Institution for details.