Before we get started…

What is CASI?

CASI is the the Canadian Association of Snowboard Instructors, the certification body for snowboard instruction in Canada. Globally, CASI is recognized as a leader in snowboard instruction, and the name is synonymous with Canada’s thriving, diverse and accessible snow sports industry.

As an instructor trainee, you will become well acquainted with CASI techniques and terminology. In a WSC Program, your trainer is an active evaluator with CASI who will cater the training to the CASI-specific teaching and riding standards of the course. When certified in Canada, you become a CASI member and gain access to benefits like pro deals and further opportunities for personal development with the organization.

Your launch pad…

The CASI Level 1

The CASI Level 1 is the foundational course for becoming a snowboard instructor in Canada. While this is an introductory course, you must learn to walk the walk and talk the talk. The course aims to produce industry-ready professionals who can communicate and demonstrate with confidence to beginner snowboarders. On the Winter Sports Co training program, you will enter the Level 1 with a comprehensive understanding of what’s required to meet the course standard.

Aside from a love of snowboarding and a desire to teach, CASI recommends ‘strong intermediate’ riding skills on intermediate groomed terrain before taking the course. Along with being a competent rider, candidates must become comfortable presenting short sample lessons in front of a small group.

Beyond the Level 1…

On successful completion of the Level 1, instructors are certified to teach beginners up to novice snowboarders. If you’re hungry for more, the sky is the limit and Winter Sports Company can help you achieve your goals. On the Internship and Hybrid program you will be focused on the Level 2 once you’ve ticked off the Level 1 but you can also work towards other goals. The CASI certification pathway consists of Instructor Levels 1-4 and two levels of Park (freestyle) qualifications.

Level 2

As the intermediate-level certification, the Level 2 aims to give experienced instructors in-depth knowledge and training that prepares them to teach intermediate riders.

Level 3

Considered a professional-level certification, the Level 3 aims to give advanced instructors the ability to teach advanced students as well as train new instructors. Note: the Level 2 Instructor and Park 1 are pre-req.

Level 4

As the top level of certification within CASI, this expert-level course aims to provide high-level tools and training that prepares professional instructors to teach expert riders and train advanced instructors.

Park 1

An intro to teaching freestyle, the Park 1 gives instructors the skills to teach in the terrain park and basic freestyle with an emphasis on safety.

Park 2

A step up from the Park 1, this intermediate course aims to give instructors who love to teach freestyle the ability to teach effectively in intermediate freestyle terrain. Note: the Park 1 is a pre-req.

Pre-Season Training

One of the biggest perks of Panorama is world-class snowmaking that enables us to start training before the season begins for our guests. Panorama is revered as a pre-season training centre for athletes worldwide, so the slopes can sometimes be buzzing. Still, it is not uncommon for our Winter Sports Co programs to be sliding around solo on slopes like Skyline, Rollercoaster or Showoff. Private ski runs to practice on? Yes, please.

Note: Typically, the first two weeks of your training program will occur in what’s called ‘pre-season’. The remainder of your training days generally fall after all the thrills and spills of opening weekend.

Week One

Your first day is about finding your feet and learning to think like an instructor (which is a little different to recreational riding). It’s not all icebreakers and introductions; you’ll be snowboarding and settling into the groove of the training program. The first week will be focused on having some fun while methodically working through how you’re riding in relation to the Level 1 Riding Standard (and potentially beyond). The most important thing to bring to Week 1 is a desire to learn and incorporate CASI snowboarding technique into your personal riding style. The big focus is learning the 5 skills and achieving the 3 core competencies. Given it’s the first week on snow, the emphasis will be on quality over quantity. Your trainer will work with the group to find a sustainable  pace of learning and riding to ensure each session is as productive as possible. There is zero emphasis on speed or ‘sending it’ – you have a whole season to let loose (should you be so inclined). This is where we build the foundation that sets you up for success.

Week Two

After the excitement of the first week and a much-needed rest day, the second week will tend toward the teaching aspect of becoming an instructor. Typically, the pace of the riding slows to reflect the task at hand, i.e. teaching beginner snowboarders from ‘never-ever’ up to making connected turns. The format will generally follow a ‘present then practice’ format where your trainer presents a sample lesson and unpacks it into the key points. From there, you’ll break into one-on-one or small groups to practice teaching the sample you just participated in. Bring an open mind and respect for the learning environment. Expect to walk in the shoes of a beginner and break things down into bite-size pieces. Pack a little patience and embrace the vulnerability of teaching for the first time. This is a stress-free chance to make mistakes, have some fun and share a few laughs as we learn the ropes of beginner teaching.

Week Three

The last few days of the training program will revisit the riding standard and mandatory manoeuvres for the upcoming Level 1 course. If the group dynamic allows, there may be a chance to explore more of the mountain and have some fun on new terrain after pounding the pre-season piste for the previous 2 weeks. Ultimately, the final days are reserved for the wants and needs of the group on a collaborative basis. Trainers will work with the trainees to create the most effective plan for utilizing the available training time. There could be a deep dive into a particular core competency or a video analysis session. The goal is to ensure your hard work culminates in feeling calm and confident leading into the course.

The First Test

The CASI Level 1 Course

To gain the certification, you must pass both the teaching and riding components of the course. The evaluations on the Level 1 are conducted on an ‘ongoing’ basis across 3 days. For some, the rolling assessment avoids the notion and associated stress of an ‘examination run’ or ‘marked teach’. Only the CASI Level 3 and 4 are conducted in a format considered an ‘exam’ whereby the course is separate to the examination. Remember, it’s progress not perfection and the end goal is to be a competent instructor for beginner snowboarders.

Across the three days, candidates are given multiple opportunities to practice their teaching, demonstrate their riding and incorporate feedback. A consolidated understanding of the teaching content and consistent application of the riding technique is required to meet the course standard. Considering your performance across all aspects of the course, the Evaluator must be confident you are ready to enter the profession and start teaching lessons to paying guests.

Life after the Course

You did the work and hours of training; now, you’re qualified as a CASI Level 1 instructor. The real fun starts now. A day or two after the Level 1 course (and celebrations), you’ll have your Ski+Ride induction. This will be led by senior management of the ski school and will walk you through the operations of the ski school and essentially everything you’ll need to know to start work the day after. This orientation is held on and off snow. You’ll also be presented with your uniform on this day. This training is separate from the training received before your exam and is specific to the operations of the ski school.

You’ll be busy! Stepping head first into the Christmas period, you can expect to be busy from the get-go! However, you won’t be without lots of support from management and senior members of the ski school. Your first day or two will likely see you shadow some lessons. This is your opportunity to see how it’s done in an authentic setting. You’ll observe another pro’s lesson and learn how to manage a real lesson. Please take advantage of this opportunity, as it will soon be your turn to lead a class.

Work And Level 2 Training

If you are on our Internship programmes you will be exposed to season work within the Snow School. As you settle into life as an instructor you’ll come to know the workings of the snow school and will soon feel like one of the team. You’ll make many friends outside of the WSC group, and the season will really kick off. Once you’re through the busy Christmas and New Year period, you’ll start your Level 2 training. This will be run by the same trainers you had for your level 1 and will run alongside your regular work week. Your schedule will depend on whether you’re in the intern or hybrid program. As you work and train each week, you’ll see your skills really develop. The ski school also offers additional training to ensure you’re well prepared for your Level 2 come the end of the season.

Level 2 & What To Expect

 

After the Level 1:

For that ‘What’s next?’ moment when the dust settles on post-course celebrations, we’ve compiled this to-do list to help bridge the gap between ticking off one achievement and undertaking the next part of your journey:

  1. Go snowboarding J.F.F. (Just For Fun): The weight of the course is gone for now! Get off the groomers, explore the mountain, find some powder, and do what you came here to do – have fun! Alternatively, if you’ve been living, breathing and eating snowboarding and nothing else, perhaps diversify your diet with something different and give your muscles a chance to recover.
  2. Make the phone calls: We get it—you’re in a new country and living your best life. You’re soaking up the moment and living in the present. Don’t forget your family and friends want to live vicariously through your adventures—call them and spill the tea!
  3. Post the pics: Capture the moment and spread the stoke! You’re living out your dream and should feel proud to document it! If nothing else, a quick ‘So this happened..’  or ‘It’s official’ caption underneath a photo of your instructor pin will save you time on the aforementioned WhatsApp calls. Don’t forget to tag us – we want to follow along and share in your success, too!
  4. Login to your CASI account: Read the comments from your course evaluator and let them guide your development. Oh, and you now have access to your PRO DEALS portal!
  5. Take a moment to prepare for the next step: Reflect on the whirlwind of your first few weeks! Were you thriving or just surviving? Have you been burning the candle at both ends trying to get ‘First Chair, Last Call’? Were you snoozing the alarm and missing the odd training session? Was your equipment holding you back? Should you see a physio about that niggling knee pain? Can Winter Sports Co. do anything to support your next steps? Now is the time to recalibrate your compass.

 

 

snowboarder in red jacket

 

Starting the Level 2:

Whereas the short and sharp Level 1 preparation is heavily scripted by design and necessity, the longer, more comprehensive Level 2 program invites a training schedule that is more exploratory and improvisational. There is a large amount of content to cover. Still, it is less of a checklist and more of a journey through real-world teaching scenarios for intermediate riders.

 

With Level 1, there is a formula to follow – the 5-step Quickride system. When teaching beyond the beginner level, there is less rigidity and more flexibility. Hence, weekly plans for Level 2 training allow for a little deviation from the plan to adapt to the conditions and wants or needs of the group (e.g. if it snows, we’ll use a powder day to explore terrain adaptation and ‘riding to the conditions’ even though the schedule called for carving or short turns).

 

Both teaching and riding days will involve more ‘actual snowboarding’ than Level 1. This reflects the intermediate to advanced student who benefits from more ‘mileage’ and a broader spectrum of terrain and conditions than a beginner to novice level student. This style of guided learning allows trainees to discover ‘feelings’ in their riding that can lead to personal breakthroughs and act as another teaching method to the ‘building block’ approach used in Level 1.

 

Teaching approach on the Level 2:

The most significant difference between the Level 1 and Level 2 teaching is what CASI calls the ‘Whole, Part, Whole’ approach. The training program will dive deep into this teaching methodology, and the trainer will deliver extensive sample lessons highlighting the method in real-world scenarios for intermediate-level students. With the trainer, you will develop thoughts and ideas that will lead you to create simple yet effective lesson plans you can use on the course and in real-life teaching.

 

Often overlooked by training programs (distinct from teaching experience in a snow school), a vital component of the W.S.C. Level 2 Training Program is learning and practising the skill of Analysis and Improvement. Analyzing intermediate students’ riding and improving their riding with relevant feedback, thoughts, or ideas is critical to success on Level 2. Developing the analysis eye is not something that can be taught quickly – it needs to be worked on frequently throughout the training program so that candidates can draw on their knowledge of CASI’s skills and competencies to provide feedback that improves intermediate riders.

 

If everything from the Level 1 went in one ear and out the other, don’t worry. There is plenty of time to review the Level 1 content at the start of the training program so it can be built on and added to Level 2. Expect to review CASI’s Skills framework in greater detail and begin to understand how the skills (movements) affect the Core Competencies (outcomes). As we work through the content, we will build our instructor toolbox so we can call on a wide range of tactics, analogies and terrain options to react to teaching any intermediate student in the corresponding terrain.

 

Riding approach on the Level 2:

Now that you’re a fully-fledged instructor, it’s time to explore the mountain and progress your riding to the next level with the Level 2 Training. You won’t be jumping in the deep end, but you will be dipping your toe in black diamond terrain and even doing some entry-level freestyle. As with Level 1, the approach will be gradual, but the scope is much larger. The goal is to be comfortable riding in advanced terrain, learn how to adapt to changing conditions and consolidate our riding on-piste to the point that we can confidently demonstrate carving and short turns.  

 

Getting off the groomers into the ungroomed terrain is one of the most exciting parts of Level 2 training. Adapting to varied terrain is a trademark of strong intermediate/advanced riding. Bumpy terrain is an excellent venue for self-analysis of riding technique as it highlights our weak spots and those harder-to-reach flaws in our riding that we might need to see riding predictable groomed terrain.

 

Everything we learned about skills and competencies in Level 1 applies, but switching the practice court opens up a whole new chapter of the learning process. Whether you love them or hate them, you’ll learn to see moguls as an opportunity to demonstrate your teaching and riding skills rather than an annoying obstacle to bypass for you or your students. Trust us: if you can ride moguls with a smile, your legs will thank you on your next powder day.

 

Aside from the bumps, your training will include some jumps. Think gentle side hits or small park jumps – don’t worry, this isn’t a freestyle course. If you are interested in gaining the introductory freestyle certification, we can help you make that happen . Level 2 instructors might be unable to teach in the park (without the Park 1 cert). Still, it’s widespread to have students who want to learn simple tricks like an ollie or a tail press, so we’ll spend some time having fun with simple flatland manoeuvres. Other things we’ll work on include switch riding and adapting our turns to control speed on steeper slopes.  

 

Exam prep for the Level 2:

The final weeks of Level 2 preparation focus on building your foundation for success in the upcoming course. We’ll leave no stone unturned as we systematically prepare and practice teaching the types of lessons you may be asked to present on the course. While the group will be riding and learning together, each individual will receive tailored advice highlighting their strengths and improvement areas.

The riding focus in the final weeks will focus on the mandatory manoeuvres and the overall riding standard required to pass Level 2.

 

Nothing will be new at this point, but feedback from the trainer will become more course-standard-focused than general rider improvement. With the Level 2 course being 4-day, there is more opportunity to showcase your teaching and riding. Still, the required scope is understandably more rigorous than Level 1. With the ongoing assessment, a simple slip-up here and there won’t preclude someone from passing, provided they show a consolidated understanding of what’s required most of the time.

 

The best mindset to approach the course is an opportunity to show what you know and demonstrate your commitment to teaching at the intermediate level. In order to sign a candidate off as a Level 2 instructor, the evaluator needs to be satisfied with the professionalism and credibility of the candidate as well as the teaching and riding components. Level 2 instructors enter the industry with the presumption by snow schools that they are ready to teach intermediate-level riders. Attaching that distinction to a level 1 instructor is optional by participating in a training program. Committing to the training and staying engaged in the course guarantees the best chance of success.

FAQ

Find out all of the most frequently asked questions