New Zealand Certificate in Snowsport Patrol (Level 4)
Sport & Recreation
A course by
Otago Polytechnic
Become an entry-level ski patroller with New Zealand's only Snowsport Patrol programme, learning alpine safety, emergency response, and hazard management skills for ski area employment.
NZ$6,468
inc GST
Enquire about international pricing
Core skills this course teaches
Promote and apply snowsport area safety
Gain knowledge and skills to promote customer safety, follow snowsport area policies and respond to incidents.
Perform emergency care as a first responder
Provide emergency care during snowsport client emergencies as a first responder.
About This Course
The New Zealand Certificate in Snowsport Patrol (Level 4) is for those passionate about the snow and keeping people safe in alpine environments. This well-recognised programme combines online and classroom theory with on-field practical learning and work experience. Graduates gain the skills to perform daily ski patrol functions, respond to incidents, and work independently or as part of a patrol team—opening up opportunities both in New Zealand and internationally.
Course Content
- Mountain skills: Safely moving around the alpine environment
- Physiology and health: Knowledge and attitudes applied to a snowsport environment
- Outdoor pre-hospital emergency care: Managing alpine first aid scenes
- Hazard management: Identifying and managing hazards on a snowsport area
- Professional ethics, personal fitness, and patrol teamwork
- Skiing/snowboarding and tobogganing for patrol purposes
- Mountaineering techniques: Including rope rescue and ski touring
- Ski patrol emergency response systems
- Customer and public safety systems
- Work placement and practical in-field training
Entry Requirements
New Zealand University Entrance (UE)
Build towards these roles
Ski PatrollerJunior Ski PatrollerSnow Safety Team MemberPatrol Team MemberOutdoor Recreation Instructor
Build skills in these industries
Sport & RecreationTourism
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.
