Canadian Snowboard Instructor Qualifications – CASI
The Canadian Association of Snowboard Instructors (CASI) is the governing body for snowboard instructor qualifications in Canada. Formed in 1994, it is the professional snowboard teaching body in Canada with its head office in Montreal, Quebec.
The aim of CASI is to train and certify snowboard instructors. It maintains a national standard of safe and efficient snowboard instruction to serve the Canadian snowboarding public and the ski/snowboarding industry.
People who wish to become a member of CASI must attend and pass a Level 1 instructor certification course. These are held at various locations across Canada each winter. Upon becoming a member, each person can receive the latest information on technique and teaching methods via regular newsletters and clinics.
For more information on CASI qualifications, visit CASI-ACMS.com
CASI Snowboard Instructor Qualifications
CASI certification is comprised of four levels and all snowboard instructor qualifications are recognised internationally.
An introductory course for trainee instructors to learn how to introduce snowboarding to beginner riders. Over the course you will cover:
- Beginner teaching methods
- Basic snowboard technique
- Lesson Planning
- Communication skills
Snowboard coaching will be given to participants will as part of the course in addition to feedback on teaching skills. To successfully complete level 1 the candidate must reach the level 1 standard in both riding and teaching.
Throughout and upon completion of the course participants will receive feedback for longterm development.
Upon successful completion of level 1 the candidate is certified to teach beginner snowboarders up to the Novice Turn level.
CASI Level 1 course exam takes place over 3 days at the end of level 1 training.
The CASI Level 2 is for level 1 certified instructors who are able to ride on advanced terrain, this includes un-groomed pistes and carving in a controlled manner on intermediate terrain. Over the course you will cover:
- Skills-based teaching approach for intermediate snowboarding
- Understanding CASI technique & methodology
- The role of snowboard teaching within the industry
- Practical teaching methods
- Technical understand & development
- Guest interaction
- Technical analysis
As part of the course exam participants will receive coaching on riding and teaching skills, with the goal of reaching the Level 2 standard in both areas. The course evaluator will provide suggestions & strategies for long-term success. Upon successful completion of level 2, instructors are able to teach snowboarders up to the intermediate level.
CASI Level 2 course exam takes place over 4 days at the end of level 2 training.
The CASI Level 3 is for level 2 certified instructors who are confident on all types of terrain, including basic freestyle and snowpark terrain. Over the course you will cover:
- Skills-based & situational teaching approach for high-level snowboarding
- Teaching advanced students
- Training other instructors (Pedagogy)
- Practical teaching methodology
- Technical understanding & development
- Development of Analysis
- Session & lesson planning
Over the 5 day pre-course coaching is given on riding and teaching skills. The aim is to reach the Level 3 standard in three areas: instructor training skills, riding skills (all-mountain freeriding and basic freestyle) and teaching skills. Participants will leave the course phase with clear feedback regarding performance and potential and when prepared can book the level 3 exam. Successful participants are certified to teach snowboarders up to the advanced level and lead level 1 instructor training sessions.
CASI level 3 takes place over 2 phases. Phase 1 is a 5 day pre-course run by CASI. Phase 2 is a 2 day evaluation. Both phases are covered during the CASI level 3 training.
The CASI level 4 is for experienced certified level 3 instructors who are expert on all terrain. Level 4 takes many years to achieve and candidates invest a lot of time in personal and professional development to reach this well-respected level of certification. The course focusses on expert riding, teaching and pedagogy. A successful level four candidate should display:
- Highest level of riding proficiencies
- Highest level of teaching skill & experience
- Expert understanding of CASI’s techniques & methodologies
- Leadership & originaility
- Understanding of concepts
After the course phase level 4 candidates will leave with clear written and verbal feedback regarding performance and potential, and strategies for exam preparation.
Upon successful completion of the CASI Level 4 exam, instructors have huge opportunities within the industry, such as training and professional development, course evaluating, professional advancement, and international representation. CASI’s Level 4 members play a key role in determining training, technical, and policy standards for all of CASI’s programs.
CASI level 4 takes place over 2 phases. Phase 1 is a 6 day pre-course run by CASI during mid-winter. Phase 2 is a 4 day evaluation which takes place in spring.
The CASI Park Instructor 1 for CASI level 1 certified instructors who are able to ride on intermediate terrain and safe and comfortable on basic terrain park features. Over the course you will cover:
- Snowboarding technique – terrain park & freestyle
- Teaching methods – in relation to introductory freestyle & park riding
- Safety of students
- Progression-based teaching methods
- Understanding basic freestyle technique
- Lesson planning
- Communication skills
As part of the course exam participants will receive coaching on riding and feedback on teaching skills, with the goal of reaching the standard of Park Instructor 1 in both areas. The course evaluator will provide suggestions & strategies for long-term success. Upon successful completion of CASI park instructor 1 instructors are certified to teach introductory and basic manoeuvres on beginner terrain park features.
CASI Park Instructor 1 course exam takes place over 2 days at the end of level 1 training.