Level 4 Instructor

Course Overview

By the time you are eligible to attend the Level 4 Instructor modules, you have invested considerable time in your personal and professional development. These modules will challenge your skills, and allow you the opportunity to further your understanding of snowboard teaching and technique to new heights.

CASI Level 4 Instructors enjoy many opportunities within the industry, including 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.

Successful candidates will display the highest level of teaching and riding proficiencies, in line with CASI’s techniques and methodologies. Leadership, communication, maturity, excellent understanding of concepts, originality, and a positive outlook are all characteristics of a successful Level 4 Instructor. The standard is high – but the goal is worthwhile.

To facilitate the best possible success rate on the course, the Level 4 is conducted in two phases – a mid-winter modular course phase, and a spring evaluation phase. The course portion allows for presentation of material in three separate modules, and the spring evaluations allow for training and development time following the course module prior to attending exams. The course module portion provides training with CASI’s top Evaluators, and focuses on advanced instructor training skills, expert teaching skills, and high-level technical riding skills (separate modules). Candidates will leave each course module with clear written and verbal feedback regarding their performance and potential, and strategies for exam preparation. Candidates must register for the modules and exam portions separately (per component – Teaching, Riding, Instructor Training).

Level 4 assessment staff are trained by the Director of Education & Programs, who also contributes to the delivery of Level 4 courses in the East and West to ensure a consistent standard across the country.

AM I READY?

RIDING MODULE
To prepare for success in the Riding Module, candidates should be confident, adaptable riders who can consistently perform at an expert technical level in all terrain and snow conditions. Answer Yes or No to the following questions to evaluate your readiness for the Level 4 Riding Module:

• Are you a certified Level 3 Instructor with strong, consistent expert-level riding skills in all-mountain advanced terrain, including steep black runs, tree runs, medium parks, and varied off-piste conditions?
• Do you ride regularly and maintain a high level of physical conditioning?
• Are you very familiar with all CASI Level 1 to 3 and Park 1 course content, methodologies, and reference materials?
• Have you built a broad base of knowledge and experience, including possible competition experience, snowboard coaching courses/training, or other sport-specific input?
• Have you used tools such as video analysis and peer feedback to refine your riding performance?
• Have you trained with a current CASI Level 4 Instructor or Evaluator to receive feedback on your riding in relation to the Level 4 technical standard? (Not mandatory, but strongly recommended.)

If you answered “Yes” to most or all of these questions, you’re likely ready to benefit fully from the Level 4 Riding Module.

TEACHING MODULE
The Level 4 standards require you to demonstrate expert teaching ability. Answer Yes or No to the following questions to evaluate your readiness for the Level 4 Teaching Module:

• Are you a Level 3 Instructor with extensive experience teaching beginner, intermediate, and advanced students in a wide variety of lesson situations?
• Do you consistently apply CASI teaching methodologies (Levels 1–3, Park 1) with confidence and accuracy in your lesson planning and delivery?
• Have you developed strong communication, group management, and leadership skills that allow you to adapt your lessons to different students’ needs?
• Have you worked with peers or mentors to refine your teaching demonstrations, technical explanations, and feedback skills?
• Have you used tools such as video analysis, peer feedback, or reflective practice to improve your effectiveness as a teacher?
• Have you observed or trained with a current CASI Level 4 Instructor or Evaluator to better understand the Level 4 teaching standard? (Not mandatory, but strongly recommended.)
• Do you have several seasons of experience as a full-time snowboard instructor, and a clear plan to advance your career in the industry?

*If you answered “Yes” to most or all of these questions, you are likely ready to benefit fully from the Level 4 Teaching Module.

INSTRUCTOR TRAINING MODULE
To prepare for success in the Instructor Training Module, candidates should be confident, knowledgeable leaders who can consistently demonstrate advanced teaching, training, and mentoring skills. Answer Yes or No to the following questions to evaluate your readiness for the Level 4 Instructor Training Module:

• Are you a certified Level 3 Instructor with extensive teaching experience across a variety of student levels and lesson types?
• Do you consistently apply CASI methodologies (Level 1–3, Park 1) with confidence and accuracy when planning and delivering lessons?
• Have you developed strong communication, leadership, and group management skills in diverse lesson environments?
• Are you comfortable giving clear, accurate demonstrations and technical explanations to both peers and students?
• Have you gained experience in mentoring or training other instructors, either formally or informally?
• Have you used tools such as video analysis, peer feedback, or reflective practice to refine your teaching and training techniques?
• Have you worked with or observed a current CASI Level 4 Instructor or Evaluator to understand effective approaches to high-level instructor training? (Not mandatory, but strongly recommended.)

*If you answered “Yes” to most or all of these questions, you’re likely ready to benefit fully from the Level 4 Instructor Training Module