Level 1 Course Guide
Level 1 Course Guide
Level 1 Course
Introduction 3
Course Agenda 4
Evaluation 6
Marking System 8
Study Guides
1: CASI Overview 10
5: Teaching Children 13
Course Evaluation
Notes 17
What’s Next? 18
Canadian Association of Snowboard Instructors: Level 1 Course Guide 2023-24 | 3
INTRODUCTION
Welcome to the CASI Level 1 Course!
The CASI Level 1 Snowboard Instructor certification course is open to experienced intermediate
snowboarders, aged 15 years and older. This 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, safety and effective communication skills will be addressed through a combination of
presentation and role playing / practice-teaching sessions. Candidates on the Level 1 Course will
spend time developing snowboarding techniques and teaching strategies for beginner / novice
students.
Candidates will receive coaching and feedback on their snowboarding and 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 level.
The Level 1 certification is a pre-requisite for the CASI Level 2 Instructor certification, as well as the
Park Instructor 1 course.
Course Prerequisites
- 15 years of age at the start of the course
- Strong intermediate snowboarding skills
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:
- Book a lesson with a current CASI Level 1 Evaluator to get feedback on your riding ability
in relation to the technical standard.
- Spend time working as an assistant/apprentice instructor, in order to see beginner lessons
in action.
DAY TWO:
8:30 - 9:00 a.m. Registration (Teaching re-test candidates)
9:00 - 11:30 a.m. “QuickRide System” Presentation (continued)
11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Lunch
12:30 - 3:30 p.m. “QuickRide System” Presentation (continued)
3:30 - 4:30 p.m. Workshop Review
Daily Review & Evaluation
DAY THREE:
9:00 - 11:30 a.m. Practice Teaching Session
11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Lunch
12:30 - 2:30 p.m. Riding Skills Improvement Session #2
3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Presentation of Results
ONLINE WORKSHOPS
To prepare for this course, the online preparation workshop is a mandatory element of the
certification. To access the online workshop, check your course confirmation email following
registration for directions.
SESSION ONE:
4:00 - 4:30 p.m. Registration & Introductions
4:30 - 6:30 p.m. Warm-up
Riding Skills Improvement Session #1
6:30 - 7:00 p.m. Break
7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Riding Skills Improvement Session (continued)
“QuickRide System” Presentation
9:00 - 9:30 p.m. Daily Review & Evaluation
SESSION TWO:
4:00 - 6:30 p.m. “QuickRide System” Presentation (continued)
6:30 - 7:00 p.m. Break
7:00 - 9:00 p.m. “QuickRide System” Presentation (continued)
Practice Teaching Session
9:00 - 9:30 p.m. Daily Review & Evaluation
SESSION THREE:
4:00 - 6:30 p.m. “QuickRide System” Presentation (continued)
Practice Teaching Session
6:30 - 7:00 p.m. Break
7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Practice Teaching Session (continued)
9:00 - 9:30 p.m. Daily Review & Evaluation
SESSION FOUR:
4:00 – 6:30 p.m. Practice Teaching Session (continued)
6:30 - 7:00 p.m. Break
7:00 - 8:30 p.m. Riding Skills Improvement Session #2
9:00 – 9:30 p.m. Presentation of Results
EVALUATION
Course candidates will be assessed and updated daily on their performance and progress during
on-snow and indoor workshops. Results will be given to each candidate at the end of the course.
Candidates must pass both the teaching and technical (riding) components of the course to be
certified as a Level 1 Instructor.
MARKING SYSTEM
● Candidates must achieve “Meets Standard” marks in both a) Teaching and b) Technical
(Riding) components in order to pass the Level 1 Instructor course.
● The online workshop and associated quizzes are a mandatory part of the certification, and
should be complete prior to attending the course. Candidates who have not completed the
online workshop by the end of the course will not be eligible to receive the certification.
Retest Evaluations
In a situation where the candidate does not complete either of the riding or teaching components,
he/she will have to take the full course over again.
If a candidate is unsuccessful in either the riding component or the teaching component, they will
have two calendar years to take a retest for the component that is incomplete. If it is riding, the
candidate will attend Day 1 of a regularly scheduled Level 1 course, and if it is teaching, it will be
Day 2. Candidates will be trained and evaluated during those days only.
If the candidate does not complete the certification within the time limit stated above, they will have
to take the full course over again but will only be required to retest the portion remaining.
ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
Demonstrations:
Effective use of demonstrations.
Confidence inspiring and technically correct execution of
demonstrations.
Technical Content:
Presents basic snowboard lessons in accordance with CASI
techniques and methodologies, up to the novice level.
Professionalism:
Displays professional instructor traits.
MARKING SYSTEM
Guest Service & ➔ Terrain is generally safe and suitable to ➔ Chooses terrain that is either not safe, or
Safety this level of student or lesson topic. unsuitable for this level of student or
➔ Lesson is generally presented in a lesson topic.
positive and student-centred manner. ➔ Lesson is not presented in a positive,
➔ The learning environment is safe and student-centred manner.
secure. ➔ Safety is not a priority during the lesson,
or students are not kept in a safe
environment.
Analysis & ➔ Feedback consistently identifies the ➔ Feedback does not identify relevant
Improvement areas to be improved in relation to the areas for improvement, and lacks an
lesson goal, communicated in a clear individual focus.
manner. ➔ Feedback is not positive and/or relevant
➔ Feedback is generally delivered in a to student trial.
positive manner and includes reference
to why the chosen improvement is
important to the lesson goal or theme.
Technical Content ➔ Technical concepts are presented ➔ Technical concepts are presented
correctly and in a complete manner in incorrectly or in an incomplete manner in
relation to CASI methodology. relation to CASI methodology.
Centred & Mobile ➔ Consistently demonstrates the ability to ➔ Does not demonstrate ability to centre
centre weight equally over both feet in weight equally over both feet.
Position
most situations, in appropriate terrain. ➔ Is unable to maintain rotational alignment
➔ Maintains rotational alignment (shoulders, hips, knees, feet).
(shoulders, hips, knees, feet) ➔ Is not able to demonstrate uniform flexion
consistently in appropriate terrain. across joints (hips, knees, ankles), or
➔ Consistently demonstrates uniform clearly shows excessive flexion in one
flexion across joints (hips, knees, part of the body.
ankles) while turning.
Turning With The ➔ Uses the hips and knees to initiate ➔ Does not use the hips and knees to turn
direction change in the snowboard the snowboard (uses arm, shoulders,
Lower Body
consistently. and upper-body or a combination of).
➔ Consistently demonstrates use of ➔ Uses counter-rotation movements to
Canadian Association of Snowboard Instructors: Level 1 Course Guide 2023-24 | 9
Balance Along The ➔ Uses a combination of inclination ➔ Uses excessive or limited inclination
(leaning) and angulation (bending) to (leaning) or angulation (bending).
Working Edge
achieve reliable edge grip most of the Movements are not balanced.
time. ➔ Does not demonstrate reliable edge grip,
➔ Edge grip is apparent in suitable terrain in relation to Level 1 terrain, on groomed
and conditions consistently. slopes.
Mandatory ➔ Shows consolidation in the execution of ➔ Still acquiring the movements required
medium-sized sliding turns, in for the execution of medium-sized sliding
Maneuver:
applicable terrain. turns, in applicable terrain.
Intermediate ➔ Core Competency outcomes are evident ➔ Core Competency outcomes are not
Sliding Turns most of the time, movements are evident most of the time, and movements
generally fluid and consistent. Minor are generally not fluid or consistent.
occasional technical faults may be Major technical faults are apparent.
apparent.
Mandatory ➔ Shows consolidation in the execution of ➔ Still acquiring the movements required for
beginner sliding turns, in applicable the execution of beginner sliding turns, in
Maneuver:
terrain, in both directions (forward & applicable terrain, in both directions.
Beginner Turns switch). ➔ Core Competency outcomes are not
(Forward & Switch) ➔ Core Competency outcomes are evident evident most of the time, and movements
most of the time, movements are are generally not fluid or consistent.
generally fluid and consistent. Minor Major technical faults are apparent in one
occasional technical faults may be or both directions (forward or switch).
apparent in either forward or switch
direction.
Mandatory ➔ Shows consolidation in the execution of ➔ Still acquiring the movements required for
basic linked open carved turns, in the execution of basic open carved turns,
Maneuver:
applicable terrain, on both edges. in applicable terrain, on both edges.
Open Carved ➔ Core Competency outcomes are evident ➔ Core Competency outcomes are not
Turns most of the time, movements are evident most of the time, and movements
generally fluid and consistent from one are generally not fluid or consistent from
turn to the next. Minor occasional one turn to the next. Major technical
technical faults may be apparent due to faults are apparent on one or both edges.
changes in slope or snow conditions.
Mandatory ➔ Shows consolidation in the execution of ➔ Still acquiring the movements required for
hopping through the turns in applicable the execution of hopping through the
Maneuver:
terrain. turns, in applicable terrain.
Hopping Through ➔ Core Competency outcomes are evident ➔ Core Competency outcomes are not
Turns most of the time, movements are evident most of the time, and movements
generally fluid and consistent. Minor are generally not fluid or consistent from
occasional technical faults may be one turn to the next. Major technical
apparent due to changes in slope or faults are apparent on one or both edges.
snow conditions.
Canadian Association of Snowboard Instructors: Level 1 Course Guide 2023-24 | 10
STUDY GUIDE:
1: CASI OVERVIEW
References: CASI Reference Guide (pp. 7, 8)
5. Are you allowed to teach students at a resort if you are not a member of or employed by
their snow school?
1. List five skills and attitudes that will make you a more effective teacher:
1. What are some ways to ensure mutual respect between you and your clients?
3. What are some ways that you can start to build more return clients?
5. How do you ensure you are providing an appropriate level of care to your students?
1. In your own words, explain the goal for each step of the “QuickRide System”:
Basics:
Sliding:
Control:
Turning:
Flow:
3. How do you know when it’s time to continue to the next step in the progression?
GUEST SERVICE ● Keep the whole group ● Give clear direction. ● More freedom
active. ● Identify emergency possible/quicker pace.
& SAFETY
● Be very clear with meeting spots. ● Individualized goals.
meeting spots. ● Maintain visual contact at ● Lots of guided mileage.
● Choose terrain that all times (close proximity). ● Give a superior
keeps the group ● Be very aware of other product.
together. traffic. ● More control = more
● MILEAGE & SAFETY ● Ensure low intimidation choices.
factor. ● MILEAGE & SAFETY
● MILEAGE & SAFETY
ANALYSIS & ● Don’t need to get ● LOTS of positive ● Cater to student needs
everyone every time! reinforcement. and personality type.
IMPROVEMENT
● Feedback both ● Will likely need more ● Should be very specific
individual and group hands-on correction. to trial, and
specific. ● Fun: Like learning a new personalized.
game.
Consider how your approach to teaching might differ for each of the following types of
students? Consider elements such as communication, pace of lesson, assistance, class
management and safety.
5: TEACHING CHILDREN
Reference: CASI Reference Guide (pp.123-134)
1. What is the most effective way to introduce yourself to a child, or a group of children?
3. Give an example or two of a game or challenge that would be fun for kids:
Basics:
Sliding:
Control:
Turning:
Flow:
5. What are some things you can do to make your lesson safe at all times?
6. What are some considerations to remember when speaking with the child’s parents?
Canadian Association of Snowboard Instructors: Level 1 Course Guide 2023-24 | 14
TECHNICAL PRESENTATION:
OUTCOMES
By the completion of this session, you will have been exposed to the following points:
- Personal riding skill development, through individual feedback in relation to the Level 1
riding standard.
- General understanding of the Core Competencies and the Skills Concept (the five Riding
Skills).
- A general understanding of how some of the five Riding Skills and related movements
affect the three Core Competencies.
* Please refer to the CASI Reference Guide (chapter 4 – Skills Concept) for an
overview the Skills Concept and Core Competencies.
PIVOT
Maintain rotational
alignment (to allow lower Start with COM; shoulders “Switching Hands”
Turning With joints to turn). maintain alignment. Exercise
The Lower
Body Develop pivot Hips, knees and ankles
Garland Exercise
movements. initiate.
TECHNICAL PRESENTATION:
POSITIVE ELEMENTS:
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
POINTS FOR IMPROVEMENT (& PLAN):
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
DAY 2:
POSITIVE ELEMENTS:
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
POINTS FOR IMPROVEMENT (& PLAN):
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
DAY 3:
POSITIVE ELEMENTS:
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
POINTS FOR IMPROVEMENT (& PLAN):
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
Canadian Association of Snowboard Instructors: Level 1 Course Guide 2023-24 | 17
NOTES:
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
Canadian Association of Snowboard Instructors: Level 1 Course Guide 2023-24 | 18
WHAT’S NEXT?
We would like to thank you sincerely for taking the time to attend the Level 1 course.
Candidates who are unsuccessful in both the teaching and riding components of the Level 1 course
will need to return to re-do the entire course. Please consult the course schedule online to find a
date and location. Prior to returning for the full course, please take some time for practice and
development. You may consider a session with a current CASI Level 1 Evaluator to receive
additional tips and feedback. Check with your local resort’s snow school for more information.
Candidates who successfully complete either of the teaching or the riding components of the Level
1 course are eligible for the retest option. You may return for one day only to retest the portion of
the course that is remaining. You will have two calendar years to take advantage of this option, after
which time you will retain your completed component, but will be required to retake the course
before retesting the remaining component.
Following some time for practice and development, please consult the Level 1 Course Schedule to
schedule your re-test.
Now is the time to gain valuable experience – take the new skills you’ve obtained and use them in
teaching. Get involved with your local resort’s snow school as an instructor. Teaching lessons and
taking part in training sessions will help you to further develop the skills you’ve obtained on this
course, particularly if you are looking to further your certification as a Level 2 Instructor. Please
note, CASI recommends 45 hours of teaching experience prior to attending the Level 2 Instructor
course.
Also, please visit the CASI web site (www.casi-acms.com) to learn about all of the membership
benefits that are available to you. As a new Level 1 member, your CASI membership dues are
covered for the season in which you become certified. Following this season, you will receive a
membership renewal reminder at the start of the following season.
Geneviève Pilotto
Program Director
www.casi-acms.com