Picture yourself leading a group through pristine alpine terrain, navigating through a whiteout, or teaching clients how to safely tour backcountry slopes. If you're ready to turn your passion for the outdoors into a professional career, our Alpine Bushwalking and Ski Touring course could be your gateway.
What Makes This Course Special?
This isn't your average outdoor skills workshop. Our 10-week Certificate IV in Outdoor Leadership program is specifically designed for people serious about working in the ski guiding, touring, and outdoor recreation industry. You'll spend 26 days immersed in the Snowy Mountains during peak winter, developing the advanced skills that separate hobbyists from professionals.
The best part? You don't need to be an expert skier to start. We provide comprehensive ski training as part of the course, taking you from foundational techniques to leading others on intermediate cross-country terrain.
Real Skills in Real Conditions
Forget classroom theory disconnected from reality. After completing online preparation in June, you'll spend nearly a month living and learning in the alpine environment. Here's what you'll tackle:
Week 1-2: After orientation days at our Jindabyne headquarters, you'll head straight into a four-day snowshoe expedition, camping overnight in field conditions. This is where you'll start developing the snowcraft, navigation, and survival skills that define professional alpine guides.
Week 2-3: Six days of Alpine Touring (AT) skiing around Charlotte Pass, including multi-night expeditions camping in the snow. You'll master everything from equipment fitting to field repairs while carrying up to 25kg backpacks through difficult terrain.
Week 3-4: Cross-country (XC) skiing instruction followed by another six-day expedition. By this point, you'll be navigating in poor visibility, leading small groups, and demonstrating the technical proficiency expected of certified outdoor instructors.
Throughout the program, you'll also complete critical units in avalanche search and rescue, emergency response coordination, and environmental impact minimization.
Who Should Apply?
This is not an entry-level course. We're looking for people who already have foundational outdoor experience through a Certificate III in Outdoor Recreation or equivalent industry background. You'll need to demonstrate:
- Previous outdoor recreation qualifications or relevant experience
- Physical capacity to bushwalk and ski tour in advanced terrain
- Ability to work in small teams under challenging conditions
- Emotional resilience and leadership potential
Successful candidates will carry heavy packs, sleep in tents in sub-zero temperatures, and maintain performance when conditions get tough. But if you're up for the challenge, the rewards are substantial.
Nationally Recognised Qualification
Upon completion, you'll earn a Certificate IV in Outdoor Leadership (SIS40621), recognised nationwide under the Sport, Fitness and Recreation Training Package. This qualification opens doors to careers as alpine guides, outdoor instructors, and leadership roles in adventure tourism.
You'll complete 27 units total, including core competencies in:
- Search and rescue operations
- Weather interpretation for outdoor activities
- Risk assessment and hazard management
- Group facilitation and client care
- Emergency response coordination
Plus specialized electives covering everything from river crossings to advanced navigation in untracked environments.
Subsidised by the NSW Government
We're committed to making professional outdoor education accessible. Smart and Skilled eligible students may qualify for government-subsidised places, though availability is limited.
If you're 15 or older, no longer in school, living or working in NSW, and an Australian citizen, permanent resident, humanitarian visa holder, or New Zealand citizen, you could study with government funding.
There is a $1,400 ancillary fee covering equipment rental, including all your skiing gear (XC skis, AT skis, snowshoes), over-snow transport, and lift tickets. Additional costs include national park passes, accommodation, food, and personal equipment.
Choose Your Dates
We're offering two identical cohorts to give you flexibility:
July Cohort: Practical training from July 1-25, 2026
August Cohort: Practical training from August 1-25, 2026
Both include the same June 1-30 online preparation period for theory and planning.
What Happens After?
This qualification is your foundation for a career in outdoor leadership. Many graduates continue with specialised training, work placements with outdoor recreation providers, or move directly into guiding roles. We'll help connect you with work placement opportunities if you need additional field experience.
The skills you develop—leadership under pressure, technical expertise in challenging environments, client safety management—transfer far beyond the mountains. You're not just learning to ski or navigate; you're becoming the kind of professional people trust with their safety in uncontrolled environments.
Ready to Apply?
Spaces are limited, especially for government-subsidised places. If you're ready to invest 26 days this winter in building a career you're passionate about, we want to hear from you.
Click the links below to enrol: Have your VET transcripts and current CV ready—we'll review your application and confirm your eligibility.
July Course
August Course
If you have any questions you can contact our team on 02 47222471 or info@5startraining.com.au.
The mountains are waiting. Are you ready to make them your workplace?
5 Star Training & Consulting - RTO ID 91664
.jpg)
