The Tukino Ski Patrol provides on field volunteer work force to make the ski field run smoothly and safely. It is a voluntary group of members of the Aorangi, Desert Alpine and Tukino Alpine Sports Clubs, all of which have lodges at Tukino.

Any member of the three clubs or other persons who are interested in becoming a ski patroller at Tukino can apply to join the patrol, read the minimum requirements before applying.

To be on Tukino Ski Patrol you are required to be a member of one of the three clubs at Tukino.

The minimum requirements for a Tukino Ski Patroller are:

  • Be the holder of a current Workplace First Aid Certificate or equivalent.

  • Have at least an intermediate skiing / boarding ability.

  • Have a reasonable fitness level.

  • Have a genuine desire to help people have a good time on the slopes

  • Have a good sense of adventure and humour.

  • Be teachable and have a genuine desire to learn

  • Be able to work as part of a team

  • Desirable that you have your own transport (4x4 vehicle)

  • Be 18 years of age or older

Patrol Duties

All Ski patrollers are placed on a roster to be on the mountain, the roster is managed by the Volunteer Ski Patrol Coordinator.

A typical day could look like;

  • Attend morning briefing by Ski Filed Manager (8.15am)

  • Complete pre-opening routines, ie. Checking tow line, de icing

  • Putting out and monitoring compliance with safety signs

  • Checking tow safety circuit operation

  • Teach skiers and boarders the correct (and safe) use of the nutcracker tows

  • Checking for safe skiing and tow use

  • Public relations with the skiers and boarders at Tukino

  • Attending any accidents on slopes

  • Providing medical treatment and transporting if required

  • Assisting the Snow Safety Officer with avalanche safety work

  • Closing “Sweep” of the skifield when the tows close for the day

A normal day would start at 8.15am and finish at 4.30pm with the closing of the tows and a short break for lunch.

Training and maintaining patrol skills usually occurs at the end of the day or on specifically designated training weekends.


Personal ski or snowboard and good cold/wet weather clothing in case of wet or cold conditions is required. Remember that you may be patrolling in conditions that are less than favourable.

As a Tukino Volunteer Ski Patroller there are opportunities available to you to gain higher qualifications and experience in the Snowsport Industry. This is encouraged as part of being a patroller.

There is no payment for patrolling at Tukino, however Ski Patrollers do not pay any tow fees, accommodation, or food while rostered to be on the mountain for a weekend.

Regular on field training and exercises are run to ensure that all patrollers are familiar with the patrol duties, equipment and emergency procedures at Tukino. It is in you best interests to make yourself available for these.

Formal Training

Training is an important part of Tukino Ski Patrol, be it maintaining existing skills or learning new ones, there are lots of opportunity to do this.

As a Tukino Ski Patroller there are several opportunities available to you to increase your formal Snowsport qualifications.

There are a number of qualifications;

MEDICAL - Provide Basic Emergency Care - Unit Standard 39321 (Level 3). (Equivalent to the old PHEC qualification).

SKI FIELD - New Zealand Certificate in Snowsport, Patrol (Level 4). An industry standard qualification for a Professional Ski Patroller. Click here for more information.

AVALANCHE - New Zealand Certificate in Avalanche Risk Management (Level 5). (Equivalent to the old Avalanche Stage 1 qualification). If you have an interest is Snow Science then this is the course for you. Click here for more information.

The Tukino Skifield operates largely on the efforts of a bunch of enthusiastic volunteers. Without the help of Volunteers, the Tukino Skifield could not operate.

Selection Weekend

A Training and Selection Weekend is normally held on the weekend closest to the planned opening of the field weekend where you will have a chance to see what becoming a Tukino Ski Patroller is all about. Any changes to the date of the weekend will be advised. For prospective members of the patrol, and returning patrollers, attendance at this Training and Selection weekend is compulsory especially if you had only a few weekend patrolling last season.

2024 Season Update for Selection and Training

Selection weekend for the 2024 season will be June 28 to 30, Friday night start, optional training preceding this weekend will be made available to returning patrollers and will be advised ahead of time.

Positions on Tukino Ski Patrol are usually limited due to returning patrollers so get in early. The closing date for registering interest is Friday 14 June 2024 at midday.

Interested in becoming a Tukino Volunteer Ski Patroller?

Contact the Tukino Volunteer Ski Patrol Coordinator:

Email: ski_patrol@tukino.org