LEVEL 2

COURSE GUIDE
2023-24
 Canadian Association of Snowboard Instructors: Level 2 Course Guide 2023-24 | 2

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Level 2 Course

Course Introduction 3

Course Agenda 4

Course Agenda - Extended Course 5

Evaluation 6

Marking system 8

Study Guides

1: Advanced Teaching Theory 10

2: Analysis & Improvement 10

3: Physics & Biomechanics in Snowboarding 10

Lesson Planning Tool 11

Technical Presentations

Rider Improvement Presentation 12

QuickRide Teaching Presentation 13

Introducing New Skills Presentation 14

Developing Intermediate Skills Presentation 16

Daily Notes & Feedback 17

Notes 18

What’s Next? 19
 Canadian Association of Snowboard Instructors: Level 2 Course Guide 2023-24 | 3

INTRODUCTION
Welcome to the CASI Level 2 Course!

The CASI Level 2 Instructor certification is for any snowboarder that has passed the Level 1 certification,
and has an interest in teaching more experienced snowboarders. The goal of the Level 2 course is to
develop a skills-based teaching approach for novice and intermediate snowboarding. It combines
practical snowboard teaching methods, technical understanding and development, as well as
development of guest service and technical analysis skills.

It is recommended that Level 2 candidates have prior experience teaching snowboarding in a snow
school setting (approximately 40 - 60 hours) before attempting the Level 2 certification.

Candidates will receive coaching on their riding and teaching skills, with the goal of reaching the Level 2
standard in both areas. They will also receive suggestions and strategies for long-term development.
The successful candidate is certified to teach snowboarders on intermediate (blue) and terrain. Technical
content will cover developing turning, proficiency up to an intermediate level of carving, and basic terrain
adaptation and freestyle skills. Level 2 is a prerequisite for the level 3 certification.

Who Should Take This Course?

You should take this course if you are a Level 1 Instructor with some teaching experience, a love of
teaching, and a desire to take your teaching skills to the next level. You should be confident and
comfortable demonstrating intermediate riding in corresponding terrain (groomed and ungroomed).

Am I Ready?

The Level 2 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 instructor, honing your communication, analysis and group
management skills with a variety of students.
- Attend a session with a current CASI Level 2 Evaluator to get some feedback on your riding
ability in relation to the technical standard.
- Complete the Level 2 course preparation workshops, available in this guide, and online at
www.casi-acms.com.

Course Duration: 4 days totalling a minimum of 24 hours (including evaluations).

★ Attendance and participation in the entire course presentation is mandatory.

★ Candidates who are note present for any portion of the training will not be considered eligible to
receive an evaluation at the completion of the course.
 Canadian Association of Snowboard Instructors: Level 2 Course Guide 2023-24 | 4

LEVEL 2 INSTRUCTOR - AGENDA

DAY ONE:
8:30 - 9:00 a.m. Registration & Introductions (including Riding Re-Tests)
9:00 - 11:30 a.m. Warm-up / Guest Service & Guiding
Riding Skills Improvement Session #1
11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Lunch
12:30 - 3:30 p.m. Analysis & Improvement Presentation
3:30 - 4:00 p.m. Daily Review & Evaluation

DAY TWO:
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. ‘QuickRide Teaching’ Presentation
12:00 - 1:00 p.m. Lunch
1:00 - 3:30 p.m. ‘Introducing New Skills’ Presentation
3:30 - 4:00 p.m. Daily Review & Evaluation

DAY THREE:
8:30 a.m. Registration (Teaching Re-Tests only)
9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Practice Teaching: Introducing New Skills
11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Lunch
12:30 - 3:30 p.m. ‘Developing Intermediate Skills’ Presentation
3:30 - 4:00 p.m. Daily Review & Evaluation

DAY FOUR:
9:00 - 11:30 a.m. Practice Teaching: Developing Intermediate Skills
11:30 - 12:30 p.m. Lunch
12:30 - 3:30 p.m. Riding Skills Improvement Session #2
3:30 - 4:00 p.m. Course Results Presentation

ONLINE WORKSHOPS
To prepare for this course, the online preparation workshop is a mandatory element of the
certification. Access the prep workshop via our website, or check your course confirmation email
for directions.

★ Due to various mountain conditions, times may vary.

★ To ensure that the course runs smoothly students should arrive 10 minutes before the above times.
★ The wearing of helmets is mandatory for all CASI courses.
 Canadian Association of Snowboard Instructors: Level 2 Course Guide 2023-24 | 5

LEVEL 2 INSTRUCTOR (EXTENDED COURSE) - AGENDA

SESSION ONE:
4:00 - 4:30 p.m. Registration & Introductions
4:30 - 6:30 p.m. Warm-Up / Guest Service & Guiding
Riding Skills Improvement Session #1
6:30 - 7:00 p.m. Break
7:00 – 9:00 p.m. Riding Skills Improvement Session (continued)
Analysis & Improvement Presentation
9:00 - 9:30 p.m. Daily Review & Evaluation

SESSION TWO:
4:00 - 6:30 p.m. Analysis & Improvement Presentation (continued)
‘QuickRide Teaching’ Presentation
6:30 - 7:00 p.m. Break
7:00 – 9:00 p.m. QuickRide Teaching Presentation (continued)
9:00 - 9:30 p.m. Daily Review & Evaluation

SESSION THREE:
4:00 - 6:30 p.m. Introducing New Skills Presentation
6:30 - 7:00 p.m. Break
7:00 – 8:30 p.m. ‘Introducing New Skills’ Presentation (continued)
Practice Teaching: Introducing New Skills
8:00 - 9:30 p.m. Daily Review & Evaluation

SESSION FOUR:
4:00 - 6:30 p.m. Practice Teaching: Introducing New Skills Presentation
6:30 - 7:00 p.m. Break
7:00 – 9:00 p.m. ‘Developing Intermediate Skills’ Presentation
9:00 - 9:30 p.m. Daily Review & Evaluation

SESSION FIVE:
4:00 - 6:30 p.m. Developing Intermediate Skills Presentation (continued)
Practice Teaching: Developing Intermediate Skills
6:30 - 7:00 p.m. Break
7:00 – 8:30 p.m. Riding Skills Improvement Session #2
8:30 - 9:30 p.m. Course Results Presentation

★ Due to various mountain conditions, times may vary.

★ To ensure that the course runs smoothly students should arrive 10 minutes before the above times.
★ The wearing of helmets is mandatory for all CASI courses.
 Canadian Association of Snowboard Instructors: Level 2 Course Guide 2023-24 | 6

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 2 Instructor.

MARKING SYSTEM
● Below Standard / Meets Standard / Above Standard
● Candidates must achieve “Meets Standard” or “Above Standard” marks in both Teaching and
Technical (Riding) components in order to pass the Level 2 Instructor course.

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 the candidate is unsuccessful in either the riding or the teaching component, they will have two
calendar years to take a retest for the portion failed. If it is riding, the candidate will attend Day 1 and 2 of
a regularly scheduled Level 2 course, and if it is teaching, it will be Day 3 and 4. Candidates will be
trained and evaluated during those days only.

If the candidate does not take a retest within the time limit stated above, then they will have to take the
full course over again, but will only be required to retest the portion remaining.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
TEACHING COMPONENT ASSESSMENT
Teaching Evaluation Criteria: Specific Teaching Outcomes

Teaches effective Guest Service & Safety:

snowboard lessons from ● Chooses terrain that is both suitable and safe for novice and
beginner to intermediate intermediate students.
levels. ● Creates a positive, safe, and student-centred learning environment.

Communication & Lesson Structure:

● Communicates effectively (provides clear explanations) in a coherent
and positive manner.
● Demonstrates effective lesson organizational skills (lesson structure).

Demonstrations:
● Clearly demonstrates all relevant manoeuvres, including sliding turns,
basic carved turns, basic terrain adaptation, and basic freestyle
manoeuvres (switch riding, flatland tricks, small straight airs).

Analysis & Improvement:

● Recognizes causes of difficulty in student trials.
● Provides positive, relevant feedback to students to achieve basic riding
competencies.

Technical Content:
● Presents basic snowboard lessons in accordance with CASI techniques
and methodologies, up to the novice level.

Professionalism:
● Displays professional instructor traits.
TECHNICAL (RIDING) ASSESSMENT
Riding Evaluation Criteria: Specific Technical Outcomes:
 Canadian Association of Snowboard Instructors: Level 2 Course Guide 2023-24 | 7

Demonstrates refined ● Displays a centred & mobile position in intermediate and advanced
intermediate-level riding terrain:
skills in intermediate ○ Weight is generally centred over feet equally
groomed, and ungroomed ○ Maintains a mobile / relaxed position in varied terrain
○ Uniform flexion in joints
terrain.
● Uses the lower body to turn the snowboard in intermediate and
advanced terrain:
○ Uses knees and feet to turn the snowboard
○ Demonstrates a centre pivot point in short radius turns
○ Turns show round shape and symmetry
● Shows ability to balance along the working edge in intermediate and
advanced terrain:
○ Managed pressures in snowboard while edging
○ Engages edge above the fall line
○ Ability to use a pure edge to achieve carved turns

● Mandatory Maneuvers (M = Meters CW = Corridor Width) :

Candidates must display consolidation of riding outcomes in each of the
following maneuvers:
1) Short Radius Sliding Turns - 3-5 M CW: Short-radius sliding
turns on applicable groomed blue / black* (intermediate /
advanced) terrain, demonstrating speed control, round turn shape,
intensity, symmetry, rhythm and control of both pressure and edge.
*Conditions dependant.
2) Novice Turns (forward and switch directions) - 4-6 M CW:
Demonstration of novice-level turns, at low speeds on groomed
green (beginner) terrain. Turns should be initiated with the lower
joints, show minimal edge performance and speed, and display
vertical movements as required to control pressure. Demonstration
is required in both forward and switch directions.
3) Intermediate Carved Turns - 7-10 M CW: Performed on green or
mellow blue terrain, candidates must demonstrate a series of
carved turns with round turn shape and speed control on both toe
and heel side edges, showing a pencil-line track (no pivot or
skidding).
4) Ollie (with proper landing on two-feet) : Performed on green
(beginner) terrain, candidates must demonstrate an ollie from a
flat-based snowboard, utilizing effective fore/aft and vertical
movement and pressure control and balance skills.
 Canadian Association of Snowboard Instructors: Level 2 Course Guide 2023-24 | 8

MARKING SYSTEM
TEACHING SKILLS Meets Standard (Pass) Below Standard (Incomplete)

Guest Service & Safety ➔ Terrain is generally safe and suitable ➔ Chooses terrain that is either not safe, or
to this level of student or lesson topic. unsuitable for this level of student or
➔ Lessons are generally presented in a lesson topic.
positive and student-centred manner. ➔ Lesson is not presented in a positive,
➔ The learning environment is generally student-centred manner.
safe and secure. ➔ Safety is not a focus of the lesson, or
students are not kept in a safe
environment.

Communication & ➔ Effectively communicates ➔ Does not effectively communicate

(explanations are generally clear), and (explanations are not clearly understood).
Lesson Structure
use a What, Why, How format. ➔ The lesson is not presented in an
➔ The lesson follows a clear structure. effective building block or
whole-part-whole format.

Demonstrations ➔ Technical skill demonstrations are ➔ Technical demos are not adapted to the
adapted to the skill level of students, skill level of students, or are unclear.
and are clear.

Analysis & ➔ Feedback consistently identifies the ➔ Feedback does not identify relevant areas
areas to be improved in relation to the for improvement, and lacks an individual
Improvement
lesson goal, communicated in a clear focus.
manner. ➔ Feedback is not positive and/or relevant
➔ Feedback is generally delivered in a to student trials.
positive manner, and includes
reference to why the chosen
improvement is important to the
lesson goal or theme.

Technical Content ➔ The instructor effectively presents the ➔ The instructor doesn’t effectively present
technique-based portion of the lesson the technique-based portion of the lesson
(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).

RIDING SKILLS Meets Standard (Pass) Below Standard (Incomplete)

Centred & Mobile ➔ Demonstrates the ability to centre ➔ Does not demonstrate ability to centre
Position weight equally over both feet in most weight equally over both feet.
situations, in appropriate terrain. ➔ Is unable to maintain a relaxed position in
➔ Maintains a mobile and relaxed varied terrain.
position as terrain becomes more ➔ Is not able to demonstrate uniform flexion
challenging / varied. across joins (hips, knees, ankles), or
➔ Consistently demonstrates uniform clearly shows excessive flexion in one
flexion across joins (hips, knees, part of the body.
ankles) while turning.

Turning With The ➔ Uses the knees and feet to initiate ➔ Does not use the knees and feet to turn
direction change in the snowboard the snowboard (uses arm, shoulders, and
Lower Body
consistently. upper-body or a combination of).
➔ Is able to demonstrate a centred pivot ➔ Is unable to demonstrate a centred pivot
point in the snowboard during point in the snowboard during
shorter-radius sliding turns shorter-radius sliding turns.
consistently.
 Canadian Association of Snowboard Instructors: Level 2 Course Guide 2023-24 | 9

Balance Along The ➔ Consistently manages pressure in the ➔ Cannot manage pressures in the
snowboard to control chatter. snowboard while edging, resulting in
Working Edge
➔ Can demonstrate carved turns chatter or bouncing.
consistently on appropriate terrain. ➔ Cannot consistently demonstrate carved
➔ Engages new edge above the fall-line turns, on appropriate groomed terrain.
(at approx. 2 and 10 o’clock). ➔ Is unable to engage the new edge above
the fall line during sliding or carved turns.

Mandatory Maneuver: ➔ Shows consolidation in the execution ➔ Still acquiring the movements required for
of short-radius sliding turns, in the execution of short-radius sliding turns,
Short Radius Sliding
applicable terrain. in applicable terrain.
Turns - 3-5 M* CW* ➔ Core Competency outcomes are ➔ Core Competency outcomes are not
evident most of the time, movements evident most of the time, and movements
are generally fluid, consistent and are generally not fluid, consistent and
incorporate power and intensity. Minor don’t show power and intensity. Major
occasional technical faults may be technical faults are apparent.
apparent.

Mandatory Maneuver: ➔ Shows consolidation in the execution ➔ Still acquiring the movements required for
of novice sliding turns, in applicable the execution of novice sliding turns, in
Novice Turns (Forward
terrain, in both directions. applicable terrain, in both directions.
& Switch) - 4-6 M CW ➔ Core Competency outcomes are ➔ Core Competency outcomes are not
evident most of the time, movements evident most of the time, and movements
are generally fluid and consistent. are generally not fluid or consistent. Major
Minor occasional technical faults may technical faults are apparent in one or
be apparent in either forward or switch both directions (forward or switch).
direction.

Mandatory Maneuver: ➔ Shows consolidation in the execution ➔ Still acquiring the movements required for
of round carved turns, in applicable the execution of round carved turns, in
Intermediate Carved
terrain, on both edges. applicable terrain, on both edges.
Turns - 7-10 M CW ➔ Core Competency outcomes are ➔ Core Competency outcomes are not
evident most of the time, movements evident most of the time, and movements
are generally fluid and consistent. are generally not fluid or consistent. Major
Minor occasional technical faults may technical faults are apparent on one or
be apparent due to changes in slope both edges.
or snow conditions.

Mandatory Maneuver: ➔ Shows consolidation in the execution ➔ Still acquiring the movements required for
of ollies. the execution of an ollie.
Ollie (with proper
➔ Core Competency outcomes are ➔ Core Competency outcomes are not
landing on two-feet) evident most of the time, movements evident most of the time, and movements
are generally fluid and consistent. are generally not fluid or consistent. Major
Minor occasional technical faults may technical faults are apparent on the
be apparent on some attempts. majority of attempts.

*M = Meters *CW = Corridor Width

 Canadian Association of Snowboard Instructors: Level 2 Course Guide 2023-24 | 10

STUDY GUIDE:
ADVANCED TEACHING THEORY
References: CASI Reference Guide (pp. 15-35) & “Advanced Teaching Theory” Video

1. What are the Practical Teaching Skills?

2. What are some ways to ensure that you manage the following aspects of any lesson…

➔ Choice of Terrain
➔ Creating a positive learning environment
➔ Managing risk in a lesson

3. What are some strategies for communicating effectively?

4. How can we set effective goals for our lessons?

5. What is a Whole, Part, Whole method of presenting a lesson?

6. When demonstrating intermediate-level skills and techniques, what are some important things
to remember?

ANALYSIS & IMPROVEMENT

Reference: CASI Reference Guide (pp. 24-28)

1. As an instructor, what is the reason for developing your Analysis & Improvement skills?

2. What are some outcomes of watching your students ride from various vantage points?

➔ Below (watching them ride toward you)

➔ Above (watching them ride away from you)
➔ Following the student
➔ At the side of the run (watching them approach and pass you)

3. Describe an effective sequence of events when analysing riding skills.

4. What are the Core Competencies and how can we use them to assist us in analysing riding
skills?

5. What are some goals in delivering the feedback / improvement to students?

6. How can questions be used to facilitate Analysis & Improvement?

PHYSICS & BIOMECHANICS IN SNOWBOARDING

Reference: CASI Reference Guide (pp. 137-150)

1. Describe “Centre of Mass”.

2. Describe “Base of Support”

3. How can a snowboarder aid balance, or increase stability, while riding?

4. Describe the differences in body position on the toeside vs. heelside edges.

5. How do novice vs. advanced riders utilize range of motion as they progress in skill?
 Canadian Association of Snowboard Instructors: Level 2 Course Guide 2023-24 | 11

LESSON PLANNING TOOL

Use the following tool to help plan your lessons:

Name: Time:
Snow Conditions: Number of Students:
Student Level: Terrain:
Competency & lesson Goal:  Introducing New Skills  Developing Skills

Skill Focus:  Position & Balance  Pivot  Edging  Pressure  Timing &
Coordination

Method of
Presentation:  Building Block  Whole-Part-Whole
Drills, Tactics, Exercises:

Analysis & Improvement (points to look for):

Questions:
 Canadian Association of Snowboard Instructors: Level 2 Course Guide 2023-24 | 12

TECHNICAL PRESENTATION:

RIDER IMPROVEMENT PRESENTATION

COMPETENCY / TACTIC / DRILL /
GOAL MOVEMENT
OUTCOME “WHY” “HOW” EXERCISE
“WHAT”

POSITION & BALANCE

Enhance balance & Challenging balance skills
Switch Riding
adaptability. through unfamiliar movement.
Centred &
Mobile Position Development of centred Two-footed take-off and landing. Sideslipping 180 Hops
weight distribution.
Develop balance while
Lower COM for stability. Sliding 360’s
spinning.

PIVOT
Develop centre pivot point. Equal displacement of nose & X-Turns
tail. Static exercise.
Increased involvement of Initiate direction-change with Garland Exercise
lower joints in turning. knees & feet.
Turning With
The Lower Body Use of feet to fine-tune Guide the snowboard through Twist the Disks
turning. turns with foot movements.

EDGING
Develop use of lower joints
Flexion of hips, knees, ankles. Static Edging Exercise
in edging.

EDGING

Early edge engagement. Hops at edge change. Hop Carves

Development of balance Use of ankles to create an edge

Stop-n-Hop’s
Balance Along over the edge. platform.
The Working PRESSURE
Edge Board contact with snow. Loose, mobile lower body. Absorb varied terrain
Development of foot Weight shift + push board
separation and board forward (back) + pop. Absorb Ollies & Nollies
loading. landing.
Extend at take-off and absorb
Pressure release. Small jumps/airs
landing with both legs.

Develop adaptability. Eyes look ahead, anticipate. Follow The Leader

Timing & Develop adaptability in Experiment with nose/tail shift,

Flatland Tricks
Coordination movement sequences. plus rotation and varied edges.
Gradually reduce the Sideslipping to Short
Develop quickness.
intro/completion phase of turns. Radius Turns
 Canadian Association of Snowboard Instructors: Level 2 Course Guide 2023-24 | 13

TECHNICAL PRESENTATION:

QUICKRIDE TEACHING PRESENTATION

Reference: CASI Reference Guide (pp. 57-84)
Online Reference: www.quickride.ca

GOALS
At the end of the session, you will have explored the following points:
➔ Review of the QuickRide System for teaching new snowboarders
➔ The Whole, Part, Whole method of structuring lessons.
➔ Exploring Novice teaching tactics

THE QUICKRIDE SYSTEM

GOALS PROGRESSION SUGGESTED SUPPORT TACTICS

I. BASICS Equipment ● Introductions

To learn to use the equipment, Mobility ● Equipment: Parts Of The Board
and gain comfort moving around ● Attaching The Front Foot
on the snowboard with one foot ● Equipment Familiarity & Mobility
attached. ● “The Neutral Position”
● Skating
● Climbing & Descending

II. SLIDING Straight Running ● “Push-Push-Glide”

To become comfortable standing ● Straight Running
on the snowboard while it is ● Experiment With Varied Body Positions
sliding. ● Toe/Heel Drag
● J-Turns

III. CONTROL Sideslipping ● Intro To Edging (Gas Pedal Exercise)

To learn to control both speed Pendulum ● One-Foot Attached Sideslipping & Drift Left /
and direction with both feet Right
attached to the snowboard ● One-Foot Attached Traverse
● Attaching The Board On A Slope
● Sideslipping (two feet attached)
● Pendulum (two feet attached)
● Power Pendulum

IV. TURNING Beginner Turns ● Static Rotation Exercise (board off)

To learn to turn (changing edges ● Garland Exercise
in the fall line). ● J-Turns (revisit from Sliding)
● Walking Through Turns
● Beginner Turns

V. FLOW Novice Turns ● Add Traverse Between Turns

To learn to explore the mountain ● Traverse with Flexion/Extension
safely. ● Novice Turns (flex after fall line)
● Speed Control: 4 S’s (Speed = Shape, Size,
Slope)
● Sliding 360’s
● Hopping in Traverses

*Note: During the Level 2 course, candidates may be asked to perform many of the above maneuvers
“switch” (opposite of their natural stance).
 Canadian Association of Snowboard Instructors: Level 2 Course Guide 2023-24 | 14

TECHNICAL PRESENTATION:

INTRODUCING NEW SKILLS

Reference: CASI Reference Guide (pp.93-99)

GOALS
At the end of the session, you will have explored the following points:

➔ The use of the Building Block method of presentation for structuring intermediate lessons.
➔ Tools and tactics for introducing intermediate riders to new skills (including un-groomed or
variable terrain / basic terrain adaptation, basic freestyle skills, and carving).

SAMPLE PROGRESSIONS
INTRODUCING TERRAIN ADAPTATION SKILLS→ Focus: Exploring varied terrain, and developing
absorption skills.
SKILLS SUGGESTED PROGRESSION

Position & Balance 1: Static: On flat terrain, ensure upper/lower body alignment to ensure mobility
in the lower body. Exercise: Slow up/down movement with eyes directed
forward, and back hand over the tail.
2: Active: Apply this position to a slow traverse across a bumpy section of
terrain. Exercise: Slow Traverse – eyes forward, back hand over tail, mobile
lower body.
3: Free: Practice and mileage.
4: Experimentation: Continued practice and mileage, experiment with toe vs.
heel side edges, and varying speeds and size of bumps.
------ ------
Pressure
1: Static: On flat terrain, practice up/down movements for absorption. Exercise:
Slow up/down movement with eyes directed forward, and back hand over the
tail. Ensure a large range of motion.
2: Active: Apply this movement to a slow traverse across a bumpy section of
terrain. Exercise: Slow Traverse with absorption – eyes forward, back hand
over tail, mobile lower body. Goal is to maintain contact with snowboards on
snow.
3: Free: Practice and mileage on toe and heel side.
4: Experimentation: Continued practice and mileage, experiment with toe vs.
heel side edges, and varying speeds and size of bumps. Direct eyes forward to
anticipate changes in pressure.

INTRODUCING FLATLAND TRICKS → Focus: Introducing students to basic flatland manoeuvres.

SKILLS SUGGESTED PROGRESSION

Position & Balance Nose & Tail Presses

1: Static: Move COM (hips) both down (to enhance stability) and fore/aft over
Pivot nose and tail. Experience the range of motion required on flat terrain.
Pressure 2: Active: Apply these movements of the COM to moving on easy terrain. Keep
eyes up and looking ahead to anticipate changes in balance.
3: Free: Practice and mileage.
4: Experimentation: Try nose and tail presses on different edges (toe and heel
sides), on different slopes, and at different speeds.
 Canadian Association of Snowboard Instructors: Level 2 Course Guide 2023-24 | 15

Nose & Tail Presses With Rotation

1: Static: Move COM (hips) both down (to enhance stability) and fore/aft over
nose and tail. Add rotation with head, eyes, arms (shoulders) and hips.
2: Active: Apply these movements moving on easy terrain. Keep eyes up and
looking ahead to anticipate changes in balance, and use the COM to execute
rotation.
3: Free: Practice and mileage. Focus on single tasks (e.g.: frontside rotations
only).
4: Experimentation: Try different combinations of rotations (frontside /
backside), as well as nose / tail presses.

INTRODUCING JUMPING → Focus: Introducing students to getting air.

SKILLS SUGGESTED PROGRESSION

Pressure Pop
Pop: Using the quick 1: Static: Move COM down, and extend by “pressing” through the snowboard.
extension of both legs to With increased force of extension, riders will begin to “hop” off the snow.
assist in getting air. Pressure 2: Active: On easy terrain without bumps/jumps, practice popping. Focus on
release happens due to soft landings.
vertical movement loading
the legs and the snowboard. 3: Free: Use terrain features to assist with the pop (small bumps).
Legs retract in the air and
4: Experimentation: Using different features to challenge the skill of popping.
extend to absorb landing.
Timing & Coordination plays a role here in timing when to lower COM, when to
extend, and how quickly to extend.
Ollie: Using the energy
stored in the tail of the
snowboard to propel the Ollie
rider into the air. 1: Static: Move COM down, and shift the snowboard forward (placing weight on
the back foot). Extend the back leg rapidly (similar to popping). In the air,
retract both legs, and land softly.
2: Active: On easy terrain without bumps/jumps, practice ollies off of a flat
base. Focus on soft landings on both feet.
3: Free: Practice ollies with varying timing / speed.
4: Experimentation: Practice ollies off of a flat base, as well as off of each
edge. Experiment with changes due to edging.

INTRODUCING & DEVELOPING CARVING → Focus: Introducing students to carving and developing
their carving.
SKILLS SUGGESTED PROGRESSION

Edging INTRODUCING CARVING

1: Static: Discuss sidecut and edging, and removal of pivot in carving.
Exercise: Static Edging Exercise – use of hips, knees, ankles in edging. Equal
weight between front and back foot.
2: Active: Create a pure edge (pencil line) in a traverse. Exercise: Carved
Traverse – in a shallow traverse, on flatter terrain, practice pencil line
traverses.
3: Free: Practice traverses with added speed, and gradually increase the
starting angle of the traverse to add additional downhill / uphill travel
(remember risk management!).
4: Experimentation: Experiment with adding edge change during traverse to
create carved turns. Exercise: Basic Carved Turns – on very forgiving terrain,
have students link pencil lines by making round, pencil line turns.
 Canadian Association of Snowboard Instructors: Level 2 Course Guide 2023-24 | 16

—-
Edging DEVELOPING CARVING
1: Static: How to get a turn shape vs riding the sidecut?
Exercise: Static Edging Exercise – use of hips, knees, ankles in edging. Equal
weight between front and back foot.
2: Active: Create a pure edge (pencil line) with the emphasis on the entry of the
turn. Exercise: Edge roll and set at the top of the turn .
3: Free: Roll and set the edge at top of the arc then add flexion through the
turn. Break carve at end of the arc as terrain/speed dictates.
4: Experimentation: Carved Turns - on various terrain / pitches. Link pencil
lines by making round, pencil line turns.
 Canadian Association of Snowboard Instructors: Level 2 Course Guide 2023-24 | 17

TECHNICAL PRESENTATION:

DEVELOPING INTERMEDIATE SKILLS

Reference: CASI Reference Guide (pp. 89-92)

GOALS
At the end of the session, you will have explored the following points:

● The use of the Whole-Part-Whole method of presentation for structuring intermediate lessons.
● Tools and tactics for developing riding skills in intermediate lessons.
● Exercises to assist in developing skills, using the Skills Concepts.

WHOLE-PART-WHOLE SEQUENCE
● Whole: Analysis of existing skills. Use of the Core Competencies to establish the goal.
● Part: Skill-focused refinement, through the use of tactics / exercises. Experience new
movements and sensations.
● Whole: Re-introduce new movements into riding skills in similar terrain.

DEVELOPING SLIDING & CARVED TURNS

Sliding Turns Focus: Adding board performance and reducing turn size of sliding turns.
Carved Turns Focus: Increasing ability of students to create carved turns in easy terrain.

SKILL & SKILL &

COMPETENCY / SUGGESTED TACTICS: SUGGESTED TACTICS:
OUTCOME REFINING SLIDING TURNS REFINING CARVED TURNS
POSITION & BALANCE / EDGING
POSITION & BALANCE
● Static Edging Exercise (Inclination
● ‘Switching Hands’ Exercise
vs. Angulation)
CENTRED & MOBILE (alignment and use of core)
● Hopping in traverse
POSITION ● Sliding 360’s (centred position,
lower COM for stability)

EDGING
PIVOT / EDGING
● Arms Restricted (crossed, on
TURNING WITH THE ● ‘Headlight on Knees’ Exercise
hips, etc).
LOWER BODY ● Garland Exercise
● ‘Sidecut Turns’ / ‘Rail To Rail’
● ‘Spray The Trees’ Exercise Exercise

POSITION & BALANCE / EDGING

EDGING / PRESSURE
● Stop n’ Hop’s
● ‘No High-backs’ Analogy
(heelside only) ● Drinks on Shoulders Analogy
BALANCE ALONG
● Clock Face Analogy ● Cowboy Knees
THE WORKING EDGE
● ‘Spray The Trees’ ● Carved traverse with slow vertical
movement
● Hop to change edges (flex in turn)
● Traverses with flexion

TIMING & ● Counting for symmetry and quickness

COORDINATION ● Follow the Leader for coordination challenge
(SKILL)
 Canadian Association of Snowboard Instructors: Level 2 Course Guide 2023-24 | 18

DAILY NOTES AND FEEDBACK

DAY 1:

POSITIVE ELEMENTS:
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POINTS FOR IMPROVEMENT (& PLAN):

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DAY 2:

POSITIVE ELEMENTS:
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POINTS FOR IMPROVEMENT (& PLAN):

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DAY 3:

POSITIVE ELEMENTS:
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POINTS FOR IMPROVEMENT (& PLAN):

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DAY 4:

POSITIVE ELEMENTS:
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POINTS FOR IMPROVEMENT (& PLAN):

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 Canadian Association of Snowboard Instructors: Level 2 Course Guide 2023-24 | 19

NOTES:

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 Canadian Association of Snowboard Instructors: Level 2 Course Guide 2023-24 | 20

WHAT’S NEXT?
We would like to thank you sincerely for taking the time to attend the Level 2 course.

If you have not completed either component of the Level 2 course...

Candidates who are unsuccessful in both the teaching and riding components of the Level 2 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 2 Evaluator to receive additional tips and feedback.
Check with your local resort’s snow school for more information.

If you have completed one component of the Level 2 course...

Candidates who successfully complete either of the teaching or the riding components of the Level 2
course are eligible for the retest option. You may return for one day only to re-test 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 National Course Schedule to
schedule your re-test.

If you’ve successfully completed the Level 2 Instructor certification...

Congratulations! On behalf of the Canadian Association of Snowboard Instructors, we would like to

congratulate you on your successful completion of this certification.

Now is the time to gain valuable experience – take the new skills you’ve obtained and use them in
teaching. To expand and develop your skills, take advantage of CASI’s development programs, or look
toward further levels of certification, including the Level 3 Instructor course.

Please visit the CASI web site (www.casi-acms.com) to learn about all of the membership benefits that
are available to you.

All the best!

Geneviève Pilotto
Program Director
 www.casi-acms.com

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