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New Zealand Snow Safety Institute

Mountaineering, Climbing, Avalanche Safety, Backcountry Ski and Snowboarding Courses

Based at Temple Basin Ski Area, the New Zealand Snow Safety Institute runs a series of courses throughout the year on aspects of climbing, mountaineering and mountain safety. Some of the courses are for skiers, climbers and trampers who want to improve their understanding of the mountain environment in order to be safer in it. Other courses are for experienced skiers who wish to train as ski patrollers and gain ski industry qualifications.

All courses are led by experienced, qualified instructors.

Course Details

2-Day Avalanche Awareness Course
This course is an ideal introduction for those wishing to gain a basic level of understanding about avalanche safety. Content covers terrain, weather, avalanche classification and formation, snow pack analysis, route finding and emergency procedures.
For course information click here

5-Day Backcountry Avalanche Course
You are looking to upskill your knowledge of avalanches and feel more confident making your own decisions in the backcountry. You should have a basic knowledges of avalanches and how they work as well as previous backcountry touring experience. A reasonable level of fitness is highly recommended.
For course information click here

2-Day Introduction to Ski Touring
You want to get out and explore the backcountry and need a place to begin. The course will give you the tools and knowledge required to make basic decisions on your own, and make you aware of how to increase your knowledge in the future.
For course information click here

5-Day Mountain Skills for Skiers and Riders
This course is designed for skiers and snowboarders who wish to develop experience and technical expertise in the back country.
For course information click here

5-Day Mountain Skills for Trampers and Climbers
This course is designed for trampers who wish to develop experience and technical expertise in the mountains.
For course information click here

2-Day Introduction to Mountaineering Course
You have previous experience tramping/trekking and are looking to gain the basic skills to continue your trips during the winter in the alpine environment.
For course information click here

7-Day Intermediate Mountaineering Skills Course
You have previous basic mountaineering experience and want to improve upon this knowledge. This is designed to build upon the 2-day intro to mountaineering course with similar learning outcomes to the 7-day mountaineering course. You should have previous experience using an ice axe and crampons, as well as basic summertime rope and climbing skills. You should also have a reasonably high level of personal fitness and a good understanding of the gear required to keep yourself warm in the mountains.
For course information click here

7-Day Comprehensive Mountaineering Course
You have previous experience tramping/trekking and are looking to gain the skills necessary to venture safely on your own into alpine environments. This course is designed for the aspiring mountaineer and covers all topics necessary to get you into the mountains to make decisions for yourself, and point you in the right directions to continue learning!
For course information click here

Private Courses
If you are looking for specialist tuition for your alpine adventures but can’t find exactly the course you’re looking for then our private courses might be just what you’re looking for. Please feel free to contact us with what you’d like cover and we can create a specialised course just for you or your group.

St John - Pre Hospital Emergency Care

The St John Pre Hospital Emergency Care course is designed to motivate and train you so you’re capable of providing immediate advanced first aid assistance in any situation. The course uses tutor and peer assessment to ensure a high standard is reached and graduates receive a certificate of competence. Because gaining confidence and becoming skilled in using the techniques taught is key, more than 50% of the course is practical. You will become familiar with basic emergency care equipment, airway care and respiratory support.

This course is ideal for people who require advanced first aid skills or a pre hospital emergency care qualification for their work, for instance mountain guides and ski patrollers. NZQA unit standard 29321 (Level 3).