Education & Program Updates for CASI Members

Get ready for a new season of learning, progression, and time on snow. From certification changes to new tools and fresh approaches, here’s what’s ahead for 2025-26 and beyond.

New! Stay Current By Completing Your Online Update

Starting this season, member profiles will include an indication of whether the Online Update workshop has been completed or not. Keep yourself up to date by logging in and completing this online course!

This isn’t about ticking a box… It’s about staying connected to the high standards that define you as a professional in our community. When you complete your update, you’ll get:

  • A direct line to evolving CASI-ACMS standards
  • Access to new training info and tools
  • Guidance on your certification journey

Once your membership dues are paid, you can access your Online Update anytime through your member profile.

Carving Instructor Course: Now 3 Days

The Carving course now runs three full days (18 hours) to give more time for deeper technical development, space for coaching-based learning, and personalized feedback.

Designed for instructors with carving experience and passion, this course helps you to teach intermediate and advanced carving, build long-term strategies to continue developing your carving game and even prepare for Level 3 or 4 (especially long turns). Successful candidates earn the CASI Carving Pin and the title of Carving Specialist.

This course will also be offered internationally by our International Course Providers.

Level 1 & 2: Retest Days

New! In busy resort areas, your best option to retest might be a dedicated retest-only day. Check the Course Schedule this fall for available dates and locations.

You can still retest during most regular courses. 

Level 3 Certification: New Modular Format

There are some big changes for Level 3 this season. Certification now runs in a modular format:

  • Three 2-day training modules: Instructor Training, Riding, and Teaching
  • Separate exams for Riding and Teaching
  • Evaluation is on-going during the Instructor Training Module

You can complete the modules in any order, at your pace,  giving you time to reflect and grow before tackling exams.

Reminder: Park 1 is required before attempting the Riding or Teaching Modules.

New this year in the Level 3 exam:
A Park task has been added to the Riding Exam. It builds on the Park 1 standard, with the same expectations in terms of manoeuvres evaluated at a more refined level than Park 1. 

Notes:

  • If you’ve already completed the Level 3 Instructor Course in the past you can go directly to the exams.
  • If you need to retest the Instructor Training component, you’ll need to register for your retest (2 days) on the two-day session module, which includes ongoing evaluation.
  • The exam and retests for the Instructor Training component take place during the regular two-day module, through continuous assessment.
  • Level 3 candidates can attend the training modules as many times as they wish, allowing them to revisit specific components of the certification as needed.
  • A new Level 3 Standards Video drops this fall!

Level 4 Freestyle Task — New Jam Format

The Level 4 freestyle evaluation is moving to a ‘jam-style’ format. Candidates will be able to choose from a list of required maneuvers and ride them in a continuous, adaptive environment while being evaluated at the creation of variation level (I.A.C.R.CV). 

This change brings more flow, realism, and clarity, while keeping expectations high.

Park Instructor 1: Now 3 Days

The Park 1 Course has been expanded from 2 to 3 days. More time on snow = more progression. Updates also include even clearer freestyle task expectations and refined descriptions and evaluation guidelines.

New! Online Module: Teaching Children

Perfect for those new to working with kids or looking to level up.

Launching in 2025–26, this 2–4 hour online module gives Level 1 instructors tools to work more effectively with kids and includes a certificate of completion. This will include learning about how kids move and learn; strategies for safety, fun, and building confidence, and practical teaching tips. All self-paced and flexible.

Minimum AGE changes for Level 1 & 2 Instructor courses

Level 1 – The minimum age to attend the Level 1 Instructor course was reduced to 14 (previously 15), allowing younger participants to get started on their teaching journey earlier. Teaching beginner lessons as a high school student is an amazing opportunity for personal growth and long term success in and outside the snowboard industry!

Level 2 – To encourage more experience in teaching prior to enrolling on the Level 2 Instructor course, we’ve implemented a minimum age of 16.

On-Snow Member Sessions – More topic-specific sessions 

Our on-snow member sessions will continue to be offered across the country. Dates and locations will be added on an ongoing basis throughout the season. 

Check the schedule regularly to stay in the loop and make sure to check the topic of the session you are registering for as well as the prerequisites.

Online Member Sessions

Short and focused, these sessions will feature guest speaker interviews, tech chats with the National Technical Team, analysis and improvement tips as well as ideas for season prep and exam readiness. 

The full schedule will be announced soon on our socials and newsletter.

Instructor Mentorship Program

The IMP will be back for another season after a successful pilot. We’re currently reviewing feedback from both mentors and mentees to help improve and continue to grow the program. 

New! Rookie Evaluator Development Module (REDM)

The evaluator pathway is getting an update and will include the new REDM (Rookie Evaluator Development Module). 

You’ll find full details in the Evaluator Training section of the website.

Scoop! Coming in 2026: Big Mountain Course

Something big is dropping next year… We’re building a new experience that blends freeride technique, alpine safety and group management in technical terrain.

Launching as an invite-only pilot in 2026, then open to all members in 2026–27. This course is designed for in-resort and slackcountry environments. 

Stay tuned!

Questions?

Complete course details will be available in the updated Course Guides all available this fall.

We will discuss these changes in one of our coming Online Member Sessions. 

Here’s to a season of learning, progression, and great turns!

Geneviève Pilotto, CASI Director of Education and Programs