Canadian Ski Instructors Alliance
Canadian Ski Instructors Alliance (CSIA)
Founded in 1938, the CSIA has been responsible for the training and development of ski instructors across Canada
and around the world. The CSIA system has 4 levels of certification, with each stage becoming progressively demanding. Through one of our 12 week courses, you have the opportunity to attain both your CSIA Level 1 and Level 2 qualifications.
CSIA Level 1
CSIA Level 1 is the entry level certification and focuses on skill development and instruction methodology for teaching beginner to intermediate skiers. You must possess competent parallel skiing skills to undertake this course.
Content
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Safety rules in ski teaching
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Analysis and development of ski movements
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CSIA organisational structure
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Lesson planning
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Christie progression and fast track to parallel
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Age specific workshop for children
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Guest experience workshop
Exam = 4 days
Evaluation Technical Evaluation
Demonstrations will be evaluated on a daily basis during the exams and you must pass both skiing and teaching aspects. You will be evaluated on their ongoing participation and effectiveness on and off the snow. There are specific demonstration assessments that are 50% of the final ski results.
Performance criteria – Initial / Acquisition level
General
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Ski consistently parallel on intermediate terrain at moderate speed
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Show some ability to adjust their technique to a variety of turn types and different snow conditions
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Control speed
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Adjust their skill to provide technically sound demonstrations which are easily copiable
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Demonstrate at all levels, from beginner to intermediate
Specific
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Basic parallel turns – Control in symmetrical/rhythmical parallel turns on intermediate terrain (blue)
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Wedge turns – Rhythmical wedge turns on flat beginner terrain (green)
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Free run – Free skiing on intermediate terrain (blue)
Teaching Evaluation
The teaching is an evaluation of the delegates participation in workshops and sessions.
Performance Criteria – Initiation / Acquisition level
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Technical understanding
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Student centred method
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Guest service
Upon successful completion of a Level 1 course, instructors should be able to:
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Understand the mission statement of the CSIA
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Define goals and objectives of a ski lesson
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Plan the organizational needs of a lesson
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Demonstrate an understanding of the 3 basic skiing competencies and the skill system of the CSIA
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Know the structure of the CSIA
CSIA Level 2
CSIA Level 2 the next level up and enhances your skiing ability, understanding of ski technique, effective communication, group dynamics and teaching skills. You must have passed your CSIA Level 1 and the Level 2 exam fee (approx $500) would need to be paid in resort. The course covers:
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Techniques and strategies for effective communication, group dynamics, lesson planning and alternate teaching methods
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Training in selection of skills for the development of parallel skiers
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Developing strategies for effective analysis and development
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Workshops on teaching seniors
Content
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Terrain identification and interpretation
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Pressure control mechanisms
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Finding balance
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Involvement and movement of centre of mass
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Skiing vocabulary and terminology
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Movement and motion
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Preparing a ski lesson
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Christie progression and fast track to parallel
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Familiarizing with the equipment
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Rhythm, timing and coordination
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Fast track to parallel concept
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Safety rules in ski teaching
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Defining and understanding a ski radius
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Maintain leg independence
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The three phases of a ski turn
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Identification of the fundamental skiing skills
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The role of the ski instructor
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Organising a class
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Analysis, development and drills
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Mechanics of movement
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Organisational structure of the CSIA
Exam = 5 days
Evaluation
Technical Evaluation
You will have to demonstrate the use of skills in different situations
Performance criteria – Consolidation level
General
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Ski consistently parallel on intermediate terrain at higher speed
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Adjust their technique to a variety of turn types and different snow conditions
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Adjust technique and performance to be able to ski bumpy and varied intermediate terrain
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Adjust their skill to provide technically sound demonstrations which are easily copiable
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Demonstrate at all levels, from beginner to intermediate
Specific
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Basic parallel turns – Control in symmetrical/rhythmical parallel turns on intermediate terrain (blue/black)
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Wedge turns – Rhythmical wedge turns on flat beginner terrain (green)
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Free run – Free skiing on intermediate terrain (blue/black)
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Short radius turns – Round turns on intermediate terrain (blue)
Teaching Evaluation
The teaching evaluation requires the participation of the delegate in workshops and sessions, demonstrating that they can fulfil the following criteria:
Performance criteria – Consolidation level
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Technical understanding
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Student centred method
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Guest Service
Upon successful completion of a CSIA Level 2 course, instructors should be able to:
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Define goals and objectives of a ski lesson at this level
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Identify teaching strategies to be developed in order to ensure significant learning abilities
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Anticipate and plan the various elements linked to the organisation of a lesson
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Demonstrate a good understanding of the 3 basic skiing competencies and the skill system of the CSIA
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Understand strategies needed to teach children
Canadian Association of Snowboard Instructors (CASI)
Formed in 1994, the CASI system trains and certifies snowboard instructors and coaches, ensuring that a national standard of safe and efficient snowboard instruction is maintained. The CASI system also has 4 levels of certification and you have the opportunity to attain both the CASI Level 1 and Level 2 qualifications on a 12 week course.
CASI Level 1
CASI Level 1 is the entry level and covers skills and teaching progression for introductory snowboarding. The course is designed to introduce prospective snowboard instructors to the basic teaching and technical skills from beginner to intermediate level. You must be able to demonstrate competent and safe riding skills on intermediate terrain to do this course.
CASI Level 2
CASI Level 2 focuses on more advanced snowboarding skills and introduces the skills concept and progression for intermediate level snowboarding. The course will further strengthen your technical and teaching skills, and you must be able to ride on advanced terrain and carve controlled turns on intermediate terrain. You must have passed your CASI Level 1 and the Level 2 exam fee (approx $400) would need to be paid in resort.
