New Zealand Certificate in Avalanche Risk Management (Level 6)

Providing the highest level of professional training available in New Zealand, enjoy the chance to be taught by pros and graduate with the ability to assume supervisory roles in all sectors of the industry. 

As the Snowsport tourism industry grows and the emphasis on safe participation increases, there is a steady demand for qualified snow safety personnel around the world. Your expertise could lead to exciting employment opportunities in tourism ventures, numerous ski-field roles, guiding or roading operations.

The online nature of this programme ensures that you can fit your study around other commitments as we have flexible start dates for the theory courses and applied snow studies. The field training and integrated practical assessment have fixed dates.

To discuss the programme, please contact the Programme Manager, [email protected]

Entry requirements 

• New Zealand Certificate in Avalanche Risk Management (Level 5) OR equivalent.
• If English is not your first language, you must provide:
  • New Zealand University Entrance OR
  • Overall Academic IELTS 6.0 with no individual band score lower than 5.5 (achieved in one test completed in the last two years), OR
  • Acceptable alternative evidence of the required IELTS (see here for NZQA proficiency table and here for list of recognised proficiency tests).

If you need to improve your English Language skills, we offer a wide range of English programmes. 

Additional documentation

You must supply certified copies of proof of residency (where appropriate).

Selection procedure

All applicants who meet the entry criteria are eligible for selection. If the number of applicants exceeds the number of places, students will be placed on a waiting list in the order that they applied.  

Links to useful websites

• Canadian Avalanche Association
• New Zealand Avalanche Centre 
  
• American Avalanche Association
• International Snow Science Workshop (ISSW) Papers

Student loans/allowances

Student loans and allowances are for domestic students only. For information about student loans and allowances please visit the Studylink website. It is important to apply for your student loan/allowance at the same time as you apply for this programme, due to the length of time Studylink take to process. Loan/allowance applications can be cancelled at any time if you decide to withdraw your programme application or if it is unsuccessful. 

Recognition of prior learning

If you have extensive knowledge and skills due to practical experience in this area, enquire about our recognition of prior learning process at Capable NZ. You may have already gained credits towards this qualification.