Announcing the All-New CASI Performance Camps for 2026!

Get ready to elevate your riding, teaching, and overall skills! We are thrilled to announce  a dynamic new addition to the CASI calendar: the CASI Performance Camps!

What are the Performance Camps?

NEW for 2026, the Performance Camps offer three dedicated days of intensive and lively training directed at your overall abilities as a snowboard instructor and rider.

This is all about pure skill development not tied to any specific course certification standard. It’s an  uplifting opportunity to gather with colleagues and fellow CASI members, sharpen your riding technique, refine your teaching methodologies, and enhance your analysis and instruction (A & I) skills.

What to Expect

 The camps are designed to push your limits and maximize your learning — both on and off the snow — all while keeping things fun and motivating:

• Intensive High-Energy On-Snow Sessions: Focus on practical, outcome-based techniques and feedback.
• Off-Snow Inspiring Workshops: Dive deeper into topics in an indoor setting.
• Social Activities: Connect and share insights with the CASI community, including an après party!
• Limited Edition Swag: Everyone registered gets a piece of camp history!

Featured Fun Session Topics:

Get ready to tackle specialized terrain and skills with our expert staff:

• Freestyle: Jump & Jibs!
• Carving: Turn & Burn!
• Freeriding: Steeps, Bumps & Trees!

Meet the Experts

You’ll be training with the best in the business! The camps will be staffed by leading CASI Evaluators, members of the National Technical Team, and key CASI Staff, including Director of Education & Programs, Geneviève Pilotto, and Executive Director, Jeff Chandler. This is a rare chance to learn directly from the experts who shape CASI standards.

Our Host in 2026: Big White Resort, BC

We are kicking off the very first Performance Camp at a world-class venue: Big White Resort in beautiful British Columbia! Known for its amazing selection of terrain and epic mid-season snow conditions, Big White is the perfect place to level up.

*Keep an eye out for next season’s location — we’re planning to offer the camps out East.

Exclusive Deals for Participants:

• Lift Tickets: Enjoy 50% off lift tickets for the duration of the camp!
• Accommodations: Take advantage of accommodation deals at this link.

Key Dates & Agenda Snapshot

Mark your calendars! The inaugural CASI Performance Camp runs over four days:

Don’t Miss Out—Register Today!

Spots are limited, and this premier event is expected to sell out quickly. Ensure you secure your place to train with the best, ride amazing terrain, and take your skills to the next level.

Registration will officially close on January 15, 2026.

We can’t wait to see you on the snow!

As the off-season draws to a close, the CASI team has been diligently working to enhance and refine our programs. We’re eagerly anticipating the upcoming season!

Below, you’ll find key details about technical updates, upcoming changes, and a few important reminders.

COURSE STANDARDS CLARIFIED & UPDATED 

Each year, we update all our course guides, incorporating new details on standards and expectations.

You can access the latest course guides in your member profile under the “Resources” section, specifically within the “Course Resources” option.

NEW! CARVING INSTRUCTOR COURSE

We are pleased to launch our new carving instructor course, which will be a 2-days course accessible for all members Level 2 and up who are interested in refining their carving teaching and riding skills. 

The goal of this course is to improve understanding of safe teaching strategies for Carving and refine carving techniques beyond the intermediate level.

Stay tuned and sign up for your purple pin!

NEW! LEVEL 1, LEVEL 4 AND PARK 1 STANDARDS VIDEOS 

Have a look at our new standards videos on our YouTube channel!

NEW! RETEST DAYS FOR LEVEL 1 & 2

Candidates who need to retest a component on a Level 1 or Level 2 course will now have two options for retesting: they will be able to register for a retest during a regular course, or they can sign up for a retest day (if available), offered at certain resorts (please refer to the course schedule).

If they do their retest during a regular scheduled course:

• Level 1: The riding retest takes place on the first day of a Level 1 course and the teaching retest on the second day.

• Level 2: The riding retest takes place on the first two days of a Level 2 course and the teaching retest on the last two days of the course.

MEMBER SESSIONS 

Resort snow school employees will now have priority access for their one free annual member session. We will also continue to schedule our regular member sessions in different locations with our different topics. 

For more information, consult the member session section of our website. 

LEVEL 4 MEMBERS SESSIONS 

CASI Level 4 Members also have the option to take part in special Level 4 only members sessions (gathering, riding and informative sessions).

Geneviève Pilotto, CASI Director of Education and Programs

A New Chapter for CASI-ACMS

Collingwood, Ontario – June 19, 2024 – The Canadian Association of Snowboard Instructors (CASI), a leader in snowboard instructor training and certification, announced today a strategic restructuring of its operational framework aimed at improving efficiency, enhancing member/industry relations and program development as well as better supporting CASI’s strategic initiatives as they fulfill their mission statement of “inspiring the world’s best snowboard instruction”.

As part of this reorganization, CASI will be realigning its operational staff to augment its focus on the Three Trails of Excellence as outlined in the 2023-26 Strategic Plan. The key changes include:

1. Leadership Appointments: CASI is pleased to announce the following leadership updates:

• Geneviève Pilotto, previously Program Director, will now serve as Director of Education & Programs.
• Cathy Genge, previously Senior Manager, Admin & Operations, will now serve as Director of Admin & Finance.
• Andrew McCraney, previously Regional Coordinator (Ontario / Manitoba / Saskatchewan) will now serve as Director of Program Operations.
  

2. Operations Team Updates: The restructuring will also involve updating operational roles to enhance efficiency and provide optimal member service and programming:

• Rob Whelan, previously Communications Coordinator, will now serve as Communications & Engagement Manager.
• Adam Gardner, previously Regional Coordinator, Alberta / BC-East, will now serve as Program Manager (West).
• Lisa Corcoran, previously BC Admin Coordinator, will now serve as Program Admin Coordinator (West).
• Luc Bélanger, previously Regional Coordinator (Quebec / Atlantic), will now serve as Program Manager (Quebec / Atlantic).
• Lewis Hopps, previously National Membership Administrator, will now serve as Membership Admin Coordinator.
• To round out the new structure, recruiting for a third Program Manager (Ontario / Manitoba / Saskatchewan) is underway. Please visit this link for the job posting.

“This restructuring marks an exciting next chapter for CASI,” said Jeff Chandler, CASI’s Executive Director. “Realigning our operational staff will enhance our ability to provide our members and resort partners with the best in snowboard instructor training and certification programs. This change will grow the value that we can provide to our 8,000+ members and allow us to continue providing world-class snowboard instructors to resorts in Canada and abroad.”

About CASI

CASI is a professional, not-for-profit organization founded in 1994. CASI trains and certifies snowboard instructors across Canada and internationally and provides trained instructors to resorts worldwide. Our members can be found working at resorts across Canada and around the globe. Our mission is “to inspire the world’s best snowboard instruction” and our vision is “to be the global leaders in instructor education, innovation and professional development that is synonymous with a thriving, diverse and accessible snow sports industry”. 

For further information, please contact:

Rob Whelan

Communications & Engagement Manager (Email: rob@casi-acms.com)

CASI-ACMS
Canadian Association of Snowboard Instructors
Association canadienne des moniteurs de snowboard

Email: info@casi-acms.com

Website: www.casi-acms.com

Fast forward to the pandemic 12 years later, a shift was happening once again. Indigenous stories were on the rise, support was coming back, but this time it feels stronger. We have support for multiple sports now, it’s not just snowboarding. Today, Indigenous Life Sport Academy (ILSA) runs programs for snow, mountain bike, skateboarding and climbing. We have youth excelling in so many different sports now. We have programs for women through Indigenous Women Outdoors, where we create a safe, trauma informed space for Indigenous women to excel in the outdoor industry. With this we are starting to see women getting certified to become guides in a multitude of sports.

These are the opportunities that I never had growing up and I hope that another youth doesn’t have to go through the hardships that I did. Until we can run an entire program with full Indigenous staff, the work is not done.

By Sandy Ward, CASI Instructor & Evaluator

To support ILSA or IWO, please visit:

https://www.lifesportcanada.org
https://www.indigenouswomenoutdoors.ca

Photo Credits:
IWO group shot: n/a
Green jacket in front of Parliament: Zoya Lynch @zoyalynch
2 riding shots: Kieran Brownie @brownie.likethefood
Portrait: Ben Girardi @bengirardi

Every year we refresh all of our course guides and add some details about the standards and course expectations in all of our course guides. This year we added a visual reference average number of Meters (M) and Corridor Width (CW) for all of our turns mandatory manoeuvres from Level 1 to 4. 

You can find all the course guides with these new details from your member profile in the section “Resources” under the “Course Resources” option.

NEW! LEVEL 4 COURSE MODULAR FORMAT

We are pleased to announce that our new format for the Level 4 course will now be a modular course, delivered in three separate modules of three days each. The adoption of this new format will therefore include an 18-hour module for each of the assessment components (technical (riding), teaching and instructor training).

This will allow greater flexibility and more training opportunities for Level 4 candidates just starting out in the process, or for those already in the process.

Candidates must register separately for the modules and the exams. 

It is possible to register for a single training module and then register for the corresponding portion of the exam. 

In the event of three consecutive attempts to test the same element at the exam, the candidate will have to repeat the corresponding training module. Anyone who is currently in the process (eligible to attend the Level 4 exams) can carry-on their process and register for the exams or any of the modules that would help them succeed.

NEW LEVEL 4 EXAMS FORMAT

The Level 4 Exams are now run as separate components / exams, with one day allocated for the Teaching and Instructor Training part of the Level 4 certification and two days for the Technical (Riding) part. Candidates will have the option to register for all three components, or just one or two, depending on which parts they wish to be evaluated on. In general, Level 4 exam components will be scheduled together, to allow candidates to complete all three if they wish over a four day period. When registering candidates will need to register for each component separately.

NEW LEVEL 3 EXAMS FORMAT

The Level 3 Exams are now run as separate components / exams, with one day allocated for each part of the Level 3 certification (Teaching, Riding and Instructor Training). Candidates will have the option to register for all three components, or just one or two, depending on which parts they wish to be evaluated on. In general, Level 3 exam components will be scheduled together, to allow candidates to complete all three if they wish over a three day period. When registering candidates will need to register for each component separately.

LEVEL 1 & LEVEL 2 MANDATORY MANOEUVRES REVIEWED

We have reviewed and updated the list of mandatory manoeuvres for the Level 1 and the Level 2 courses.

Level 1
Our goal was primarily safety concerns at busy resorts and allowing a better mobility component assessment. We therefore have modified the “Carved traverse” to “Open Carve Turns” and we also added “Hopping Through Turns” to the list of mandatory manoeuvres that are being assessed during our Level 1 course :

• Beginner Turns – Forward & Switch (Green Terrain) – 3-5 M CW*
• Intermediate Sliding Turns (Green/Blue Terrain) – 5-7 M CW
• Open Carved Turns (Easiest Green or Cat Track) – 3-6 M CW
• Hopping Through Turns (Green/Blue Terrain)- 5-7 M CW

*M = Meters CW = Corridor Width

Level 2
For the Level 2 we wanted to clarify the carving task’s expectations, so we’ve modified the “Basic Carved Turns” to “Intermediate Carved Turns”. We also reviewed the description and expectations of the short radius turns task to emphasize the “dynamism parameters”, or intentions that are expected for this specific task :
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.

• Novice Turns – Forward & Switch (Green Terrain) – 4-6 M CW*
• Ollie with proper landing on two-feet (Green Terrain)
• Intermediate Carved Turns (Green/Easy Blue Terrain) – 7-10 M CW
• Short Radius Sliding Turns (Steep blue/Black Terrain) – 3-5 M CW

*M = Meters CW = Corridor Width

PARK 1 & PARK 2 COURSE GUIDES

There will be no changes in the course content, standards and presentation of these courses. We are currently reviewing our Park 2 course guide to simplify its reading. If you haven’t seen it already, last season (2022-23) we reviewed our Park 1 course guide to bring some clarifications in the mandatory manoeuvres and features sizes and expectations for the riding standards.

APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM

TO BECOME AN EVALUATOR
Step 1: Submit a complete rookie application to the Program Director.

Step 2: If invited, participate in a virtual Interview with the Program Director and the Regional Coordinator.

Step 3: Complete the yearly Online Evaluator Update module.

Step 4: Rookie Evaluators may begin the apprenticeship program where they will be invited to join regularly-scheduled courses to continue their training with an experienced Evaluator on the course Level they are shadowing.

Step 5: When apprentice courses are completed (and the rookie is signed off) they must complete the Evaluator Development Module on-snow training within 12 months before teaching their first course (if they didn’t do it already in that season).

*Visit the Evaluator Training section of our website to get more detailed info.

TO EVALUATE AT THE NEXT LEVEL
Step 1: Current evaluators wanting to move up to the next Level of Evaluator need an endorsement from a Mentor Evaluator. They can contact their local Regional Coordinator to arrange for a mentor to visit a course they’re scheduled to work.

Step 2: Submit a complete Rookie Application Package to the Program Director

Step 3: If approved, rookie applicants will be contacted to coordinate upcoming courses that are available for them to shadow.

*Visit the Evaluator Training section of our website to get more detailed info.

MEMBER SESSIONS

Resorts’ snow school employees will now have priority access for their one free annual member session. We will also continue to schedule our regular member sessions in different locations with our different topics.

For more information, consult the member session section of our website.

SPECIAL LEVEL 4 MEMBERS SESSIONS

CASI Level 4 Members also have the option to take part in special Level 4 members only sessions (riding and informative sessions).

Genevieve Pilotto, CASI Program Director

In April 2022, CASI was pleased to announce the latest group selected to help represent our association, and guide the technical direction of our programs and courses. Big congratulations again to:

• Adam Gardner, British Columbia
• Mellen Jay, British Columbia
• James Hyland, Ontario
• Dom Oshanek, British Columbia
• Michelle Clifford, Ontario
• Breen Trott, Ontario
• John Smiths, Alberta (RC Representative)

Interski Team

From this group, six members will proudly represent CASI at Interski in Findland, in March 2023:

• Adam Gardner
• Mellen Jay
• James Hyland
• Dom Oshanek
• Jeff Chandler
• Geneviève Pilotto

Click here, to find out more about the Interski Team members.

New Evaluator Training System

• Evaluators will be able to start teaching courses when their yearly Online Evaluator Update module is completed.
• NEW! On-snow Evaluator Development Module will include two days of training for all Rookie, Level 1 and 2 Evaluators.
• There will be an extra one-day on snow training day for Level 3 (Evaluator Advanced Module) and Park Evaluators (Freestyle Evaluator Module).
• Each on-snow training day will cost $50 per day. This is a reduced cost from previous years.
• Two years rotation system starting in 2023-24: For this season (2022-23) every Evaluator will need to attend the on-snow training that corresponds with their certification and courses being taught. Starting next season (2023-24), the on-snow training will be required at the minimum every two years.
  • Level 3 and Park Evaluators could attend all required modules in one year, or alternate and attend Evaluator Development module one season and Freestyle and/or Advanced modules the next season.
  • Evaluators are also permitted / encouraged to attend the on-snow training every year.
  • Note that failure to complete the on-snow portion this season (2022-23) will result in not being able to start teaching courses in 2023-24 season until it’s completed.
  • Example scenario: If you are a Level 1 & Park evaluator, you will attend the on-snow training this season and then you could attend the Evaluator Development and Freestyle Evaluator Modules in 2024-25 or you could also alternate every year and do Evaluator Development module in 2023-24 and Freestyle Evaluator module in 2024-25.
• There will be more opportunities offered during the season (November to April) to attend on-snow Evaluator Development Modules.
• CASI Level 4 Members have these options to receive technical updates this season:
  • Presenter Training – for those Level 4’s who are hired to present Evaluator Development Module training in various locations.
  • Evaluator Development, Advanced and Freestyle modules – for those Level 4’s who plan to teach Level 1 – 3 and Park courses this year.
  • Level 4 Member Sessions – Info-only sessions catered to Level 4 members.
• Level 3 CASI instructors who wish to become Evaluators must first submit a rookie application, and if approved, they must then complete the yearly Online Evaluator Update module.
• Following the completion of the online module, Rookie Evaluators may begin the apprenticeship program where they will be invited to join regularly-scheduled courses to continue their training with an experienced Evaluator on the course Level they are shadowing. Click on “NEW EVALUATORS” above for more info.
• When apprentice courses are completed (and the rookie is signed off) they may begin teaching courses at the new level, and must complete the on-snow training within 12 months, if they didn’t do it already in that season.

Level 3 & 4 Exams Registration by Component

It is now possible to register to test only one component (riding, teaching or Instructor training) at a time for both the Level 3 and 4 exams.

Course Standards Clarified & Updated 

We have refreshed all of our course guides and added details about the standards and course expectations for Park 1, Park 2 and Level 4 certifications. You can find all the courses guides from your member profile in the section “Resources” under the “Course Resources”.

Level 4 Course Agenda Updates

Take a look at our revamped agenda for the Level 4 course that includes some changes in the schedule.

Member Session Changes 

We added the QuickRide update theme to the other Member Session topics available to our members. Remember that each member as access to a FREE Member Session per season and can register for an unlimited number other sessions for a fee of just 61.50$.

Luc will be based in Chelsea, Quebec, and in this role will manage the Level 1, 2, 3 and Park Courses, as well as Member Sessions and Evaluator Mentoring for the Quebec / Atlantic region. He will assume the role on September 1, 2022.

Welcome, Luc!

Jeff Chandler                                       Genevieve Pilotto
Executive Director, CASI-ACMS          Program Director, CASI-ACMS

Please join me in congratulating Geneviève, and wishing her the best of luck in his new role!

Jeff Chandler
Executive Director, CASI-ACMS

Your Board of Directors