New Zealand Certificate in Introductory Snowschool Instruction (Applied) (Level 4) (Ski) or (Snowboard)
Sport & Recreation
A course by
Otago Polytechnic
Gain an entry-level qualification to teach or assist beginner skiers or snowboarders, with training from industry professionals at Cardrona in the Southern Alps.
In-person study
Face-to-face learning in a physical classroom setting
Wānaka, Wānaka
It will take a total of 17 weeks
This course requires 40 hours per week
Core skills this course teaches
Teach or assist beginner snowsport participants
Graduates will be able to teach or assist beginner skiers or snowboarders within a snowschool environment as an entry-level instructor or teaching assistant.
Apply snowsport teaching fundamentals
Demonstrate an understanding of teaching fundamentals and the snowsport instructional environment.
Demonstrate personal ski or snowboard competence
Display personal competence and safety on groomed blue terrain and act as a snowsport role model.
What You're Signing Up For
This 17-week, Level 4 certificate lets you develop your skiing or snowboarding and professional snowsport instruction skills in a snowschool environment. Led by Cardrona’s top trainers, the blended programme starts with classroom learning on teaching fundamentals and snowsport environment knowledge. You then shadow instructors, develop on-snow and teaching skills, and work towards the NZSIA/SBINZ Level 1 industry award. The final stage sharpens your ability to independently teach a range of beginners. Includes a staff season pass, mountain transport, and Level 1 exam fees. Ideal for those seeking entry-level work as snowsport instructors, with further progression to Level 5 and advanced specialist qualifications possible.
Course Content
- Snowsport Instructing & Snowsport Industry Induction (10 credits): fundamentals of teaching and the snowsports environment, with classroom and resort-based learning.
- Instructing Beginner Snowsport - Ski OR Instructing Beginner Snowsport - Snowboard (25 credits): work-based learning at Cardrona Resort, shadowing lessons, on-snow skills, NZSIA/SBINZ Level 1 assessment.
- Snowsport Instructing within a Professional Snowsport School (25 credits): independent beginner instruction, work-based on-snow teaching experience.
- Classroom-based and self-directed online learning.
- Physical and mental preparation for snowsport practices including awareness of risks.
- Optional training and assessment for NZSIA Instructors Level 2 available at extra cost.
What you need to know first
What sort of industry will this job lead to
Sport and Recreation
Ski and Snowboard Instruction
Tourism
Future employment opportunities might be
Entry-level snowschool instructor (ski or snowboard)
Teaching assistant in snowschool environment
Ski resort instructional roles
Otago Polytechnic is known for high quality, hands on learning that leads to strong outcomes. With excellent student satisfaction, high graduate employment rates, and a commitment to sustainability, it’s a place where practical skills meet purpose. Their award winning programmes span design, fashion, creative arts, trades, health, and business, giving you real experience and real confidence for whatever comes next.