Course Overview
The CASI Level 1 course is an introductory course, designed to give successful candidates the skills necessary to begin their role as a new instructor in the industry. Beginner teaching methods, understanding of basic snowboard technique, as well as lesson planning and effective communication skills will be addressed.
Candidates will receive coaching on their snowboarding, as well as feedback on their teaching skills, with the goal of reaching the Level 1 standard in both of these areas. They will also receive suggestions and strategies for long-term development. The successful candidate is certified to teach beginner snowboarders up to the Novice Turn level.
Next Steps
This certification is a pre-requisite for the CASI Level 2 Instructor certification, as well as the Park Instructor course.
Videos
Quick Ride
FAQ
Who should take this course?
You should take this course if you love to snowboard, and have a desire to introduce new students to snowboarding. You should be confident and comfortable both communicating and demonstrating in front of a group.
Am I ready?
The Level 1 Instructor standards require you to pass both riding and teaching evaluations. In order to help you achieve success on the course, we suggest you take the following steps in preparation, if they are available to you:
- Spend time working as an assistant/apprentice instructor, in order to see a beginner lesson in action
- Book a lesson with a current CASI Level 1 Evaluator to get feedback on your riding ability in relation to the technical standard
- Complete the Level 1 course e-prep workshops
How old do I have to be?
You must be 15 years old by the first day of the course.
What if the weather sucks?
Courses will run regardless of weather conditions. The only time a course will be cancelled would be due to either no snow, or the hill being closed due to extreme weather conditions such as severe snow storms, lightning storms, intense high winds, etc.
How good do I need to be?
You should have solid intermediate riding skills. Be able to link turns easily and smoothly on both your toe and heel sides and be in control of your board at all times. Remember, this is a course that teaches you how to become an instructor therefore only half of your overall mark is for your riding skills. Check out the riding standards video above.
What are the specific riding skills required?
You should be able to ride in control. Keep a consistent speed regardless of terrain, pitch and snow conditions (on intermediate terrain – blue runs). Complete round, finished turns. Ride with your knees flexed. Have the ability to slowly demonstrate a big, wide turn. Have the ability to demonstrate at a very slow speed, basic snowboarding maneuvers such as side slipping & pendulum without losing your balance. The ability to change the size of your turns from large to medium to smaller. Make sure you review the Level 1 Riding Standards video above for more info on the riding requirements.
I’ve never taught before...
No problem – that’s what the course is all about. The Evaluators are there to teach you how to teach so you’ll be able to go out and give a great first lesson to new snowboarders. The teaching portion makes up half of your mark. As an instructor, your job is to teach and demonstrate. If you are outgoing, self-confident, and speak audibly and clearly, you are likely the type of person who will do well in the teaching portion of the course. It is also important to be on time, pay attention and ask questions when needed. Be involved and have fun!
How do I sign up for a Level 1 Course?
You can register online on our “Course Schedule” page. If you do not have access to the internet, or wish to have further information, you may contact the Level 1 Regional Coordinator directly in your region.
I took the course and failed both parts, now what do I do?
If you’ve failed both the riding and teaching components, you’ll have to take the full course over again.
I took the course and only passed part of it, now what do I do?
If you’ve failed either the riding or teaching components, you have 2 years from the date of the course to retake the portion that you failed. If it is riding, you’ll attend Day 1, and if it is teaching, Day 2.
I’ve passed my Level 1 and want to take another course...
Check out the other courses available on our website and as a member you can register online for a Level 2 Instructor course or Park Instructor 1 course.
Can I achieve the Level 1 and Level 2 certification in the same season?
Yes – there is no mandatory waiting time between taking the Level 1 and Level 2 courses. However, we strongly recommend that you obtain some teaching experience between the two courses, particularly if you have not been snowboarding for many years, and have limited or no teaching experience in other capacities. Please review the Level 1 and Level 2 Standards videos on our YouTube channel.
