Another off-season is wrapping up, and the CASI team has been hard at work since last spring in updating and improving our programs. We’re excited and optimistic for the coming season. Read below for some key information regarding technical updates and changes!

NEW! Level 3 Course Prep Program

New for 2021, Level 2 members can take advantage of a 2-day program geared towards introducing the skills and concepts from the Level 3 certification course. This development course is suitable for Level 2 instructors who: 

- are aiming to complete the Level 3 certification at some point in the future, or;

- who may not ever pursue the Level 3 certification, but would like some additional information and training to enhance their teach­ing and technical skills.

Think of this as a Level 3 course “teaser”. This program will provide an overview of Level 3 teach­ing, riding, and instructor training concepts. Check out the course schedule for dates in your region!

NEW! Park 2 Certification Is Back

Starting this season, watch for the revamped Park Instructor 2 course on the schedule. The Park 2 course has been re-designed, and is geared towards instructors who are teaching intermediate-level students in freestyle terrain and want to up their skills in presentation, demonstration and providing feedback.

New Video Resources

Be sure to check out our YouTube channel, where we keep our video resources. New for 2021, the Level 1, Level 3 and Level 4 riding standards videos have been updated to reflect course adjustments.

Updated Reference Guide

As a CASI member, you have access to the latest teaching resources and materials, and our Reference Guide acts as the teaching manual for all of our courses. The current Reference Guide is available as a PDF download from your Member Profile (search under Resources).

Evaluator Training

Last season we implemented a change in format on all Evalua­tor Training programs, including an updated mandatory online component, as well as altered on-snow training requirements.  In addition to the online training, current Evaluators are required to attend one day of on-snow training for each level of certification they wish to teach that year (e.g.: Level 1 Evaluators will complete a one-day update; Level 2’s will be two days, etc.). 

New for 2021, Level 3 members who wish to begin the new Level 1 Evaluator training process are first required to apply to attend Rookie Evaluator Training (two days). More information is available on the Evaluator Training page.

Note: Evaluator Training is open only to those who are able to teach CASI courses this winter. All others are encouraged to attend our Trainer Update days, which will provide Level 1 and 2 course overviews for resort trainers and GAP-style program instructors.

Member Sessions

CASI offers free training sessions to current members. These sessions come in a couple different formats:

1. Topic-Specific Sessions: Full-day training sessions catered to specific skills and topics. Examples include all-mountain freeriding, freestyle skills, women’s ses­sions, and corridor training. New this year watch for new topics, include Level 2-specific Toolbox Days aimed at improving your knowledge of the skills and drills for intermediate riders. These training days are scheduled by your Regional Coordinator, and will be available on the Course Schedule. Session Duration: full day (5 hours)
2. QuickRide Update Sessions: Get the latest info on be­ginner teaching methods, using the QuickRide System with COVID-19 considerations, and some general riding improvement training. These sessions are offered to Snow Schools looking to update your snowboard staff with the latest info. These sessions are typically requested and arranged by snow schools via your Regional Coordinator. Session Duration: half-day (2.5 hours)

Members are entitled to attend one free training session per season, and additional sessions are available for a fee of $50.

Level 4 Exam Prep Changes

The Level 4 Exam Prep program has been altered slightly, and will allow participants to choose either a single day geared toward the riding component only, or a single day geared towards the teaching and pedagogy component of the Level 4 Exam. Participants can register for one or both days depending on preference. Check the course schedule for additional Level 4 Exam Prep dates and locations.

National Technical Team Selections 2022

The National Technical Team is assembled to act as a liaison between resorts and CASI, and provides crucial input and guid­ance on our course content, techniques, and methodologies.

The current Technical Team’s term will expire at the end of the 2021-22 season. Team selection events will be held during the 2021-2022 season. Details regarding the selection procedures are available now on our web site.