Every four years the Interski Internaltional Congress facilitates the gathering of the world’s best ski & snowboard instructors from forty nations. This is truly a global event designed to exchange knowledge about education in snow sports and inspire the overall growth of the industry. Put simply, this is the Olympics of ski & snowboard instruction and technique.

RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

There are many reasons that CASI will be attending this International event but the main one is heavily about staying true and fully committed to our Mission Statement. We are there to share our model with the world and dive in to those of other countries. It’s all about research and development. We’ll learn about how snowboard instructors around the world are approaching the same goals we’re striving for in teaching and riding, and use that fuel to make our own approach stronger.

Inspiring the world’s best snowboard instruction.

CASI has been attending Interski every 4 years since the 1990s and have earned a solid reputation among community peers. Out seminars, sessions and on-snow demonstrations are always well attended and thus we take our duty to the global community of snowboard instructors serioulsy.

MEET THE TEAM

Your National Technical Team will be in Vail for the congress, representing the membership and our association with the utmost pride. As a team that was assembled to develop and innovate our already solid system, who better to share with and learn from the world’s best instructors.

WHAT TYPES OF EVENTS OCCUR

Over the course of the week-long congress, the team will both attend and host:

• on-snow clinics
• off-snow educational sessions
• inspiring keynote speakers
• technical riding demonstrations from national teams
• ongoing opportunities to network and exchange ideas with peers from around the world

CASI is honoured and thrilled to be participating at this event and dive headfirst into the “ALL IN” theme of congress.

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!

Be mindful when free riding

As skilled riders, instructors often move quickly and confidently around the mountain. But when freeriding, speed and line choices can set the tone for others. Slowing down in busy zones, adapting to conditions, and riding predictably all show leadership. Staying aware of those around you is just as important—keeping your senses fully engaged (and avoiding distractions like earbuds) helps you respond quickly to what’s happening on the hill.

TEACH AND RIDE WITH AWARENESS

Lessons often involve frequent stops and students riding in groups. These patterns can increase the chance of collisions. For snowboarders, blindside awareness and choosing predictable lines are important skills to emphasize at every level. As instructors, being deliberate about shoulder checks, group positioning, and where classes pause can significantly reduce risk for you, your students, and those around you.

Reinforce the Code

The Alpine Responsibility Code (ARC) is the foundation of safe skiing and riding in Canada. Instructors are the best messengers to embed it in every lesson. Key points to highlight include:

• Always stay in control.
• People ahead of you have the right of way.
• Stop in visible, safe places.
• Look uphill and yield when starting or merging.

These simple reminders build habits that protect both skiers and snowboarders.

A shared national effort

The speed and collision safety initiative will be active at ski areas across the country this season. It complements the Snow Angel Foundation’s programs, which provide additional tools and stories to help promote safe choices on the slopes.

By supporting this initiative, snowboard instructors help shape a culture of responsibility and awareness that keeps riders safe and the sport thriving in Canada.

This important message is brought to you in collaboration with the Canada West Ski Areas Association.

1. To receive the financial statements of CASI for the year which ended May 31, 2025, together with the report of the Directors and the Auditor thereon.
2. To appoint the Auditor and authorize the Directors to fix the remuneration of the Auditor.
3. To announce the results of the elections to fill the vacant seats on the CASI Board or Directors.
4. To transact such further business as may properly be brought before the meeting or any adjournment thereof.

The official meeting notice and proxy voting form is available at this link.

Members must register BEFORE Nov 7th, 2025 for the meeting at:

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/KC4K72ozR86lemV6fbDpMQ

QUESTIONS?

If you have questions you’d like us to review during the meeting, or other topics to discuss, please submit them in advance on this FORM and we’ll answer them during the open forum at the AGM!

The most significant change to the CASI programming for the upcoming season is to the Level 3 course, moving to a modular format, similar to our Level 4. Detailed in this blog post are the key changes to the course format, prerequisites and exam structure. Here’s Geneviève Pilotto, Director of Education & Programs, taking you through the update!

The following is a detailed breakdown of the video and everything you’ll need to know as you begin or continue your journey towards being a certified CASI Level 3 Instructor!

Program Structure

• 3 Training Modules: One per component (Riding, Teaching, Instructor Training). Each is 2 days.
• Flexible Pathway: Modules can be taken in any order. Start with any of the 3 components.
• Exams:
  • 1-day Riding Exam
  • 1-day Teaching Exam
  • No separate exam for Instructor Training (evaluation is built into the 2-day module)
• Note: The full 2-day IT Module attendance is mandatory for all candidates; first-time participating, testing for the first time or retesting (on-going 2 days evaluation).

Prerequisites

• Level 2: Required for all modules
• Park 1: Required to attend Riding and Teaching modules
• Freestyle (Park) Evaluation: Now part of the Riding exam; focuses on confident Park 1-level skills (refinement level). *Consult Level 3 Riding module and Park 1 course guides for more details.

Getting Started with Level 3?

• Register via CASI Course Schedule
• Start with any module—Teaching, Riding, or Instructor Training
• Consider doing IT Module + Park 1 to begin
• International Candidates: register through an International Course Provider (ICP)

Previously Completed the Level 3 Course?

• You’re eligible for exams of any component.
• Riding & Teaching Exams: Register for each exam day separately
• Instructor Training: Register for a retest, even if testing for the first time

Need More Training?

• You can re-register for any module as many times as you wish if more prep is needed.
• We also offer level 3 training member sessions. Check out the member sessions schedule in your region. Spots are limited.
• If you feel ready, it’s a great idea to register for the Level 3 exam prep. This gives you the chance to ask questions, clear up any doubts before exam day, practice on some of the terrain, and get more familiar with the resort where the exam will take place.

Course Schedules

• Canada: Schedule now available
• International (Japan & China): Check ICP schedules
• All ICP-run programs this season include full Level 3 modules + IT evaluation

Exam Availability

• Canada: Riding and Teaching exams available in 2025–26. Register via the CASI Course Schedule
• International: Aiming for 2026–27 return (possibly sooner at some locations, registrations will be through CASI website)
  • CASI will announce updates when finalized

Have Questions?

If you’re unsure where to start or need clarification about prerequisites, modules, or exam registration, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our team is here to support you and help you find the pathway that best fits your goals. Reach out to our Program Managers or ICPs.

Geneviève Pilotto
Director of Education and Programs

By: Rob Whelan, CASI Communications & Engagement Manager

Every year, at the end of September, Canadians take a brief pause in their hectic schedules to acknowledge Indigenous Peoples on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This recognition is important and necessary, but let’s dig into why we do this and how to send it with meaningful reconciliation.

In July, I had the opportunity to attend the Indigenous Safety Cultural training session put on by I.SPARC (Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity & Recreation Council). Through the common language of sport, a group of 25 participants in varying areas of leadership in sport, we were whisked through a journey of learning, unlearning and ultimately came away equipped with some tools for action in our respective organizations. Part of CASI’s Vision is to be the global leaders in instructor education that is synonymous with a diverse and accessible snow sports industry. So, with that in mind, here’s a quick recap on some of the workshop’s takeaways.

The schedule was split into two distinct themes: Truth on day 1, Reconciliation on day 2. We learned that reconciliation for the trauma caused by colonization, residential schools, racialized violence (etc) can not happen until we understand the historical truths as well as the recent and still-present truths.

Change attitudes with Mutual Experiences

In snowboard instruction, we put a lot of emphasis on the “why.” Explaining or at least intrinsically knowing why we teach our students certain techniques and movements forms the foundation for understanding and ultimately, performance. So, to truly reconcile with our historical missteps with Indigenous Peoples, the foundation for the why lies in the truth .

A common theme throughout the teachings at the workshop centred on a path of togetherness. To move towards reconciliation, Indigenous people welcome the idea of walking together. One side can’t tell the other to change their attitude, but attitudes DO change through shared experience. In other words, independent research is great, but the fruits of that labour come alive when it is shared.

Here’s where the work starts, knowledge of what happened. This is obviously not an exhaustive list, that’s not the point. We’re all on our own journey of learning/unlearning so let’s ride through a few truths together! But first, dive into this quick video, laying out the truths in a lighthearted way:

• Colonialism is the process through which foreign people establish control over a territory, not just a historical event but, for many Indigenous Peoples, an ongoing system of power that continues to affect rights, land and culture.
• Kairos Blanket Excercise: This is not a “truth,” but a powerful exercise that teaches the effect of colonization, the history of Canada we rarely learn. In a scary way, it really showed the effects of introduction of disease, land theft and how it tore communities and families apart.
• Residential Schools (1920-1996): the forceful removal of First Nations children from their families in an attempt to assimilate them into white Canadian society.
• 60s Scoop: the act of children being “scooped” from their homes in the 1960s and sent away to be fostered and adopted by white families.
• The Indian Act: a policy designed to assimilate First Nations Peoples into mainstream Canadian society giving power to the government to regulate and control Indian status, bands and reserves. There were devastating repercussions at the time and they still exist on some levels today.
• Intergenerational Trauma: the culmination of much of the above, carried forward from generation to generation.
• Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirited People (MMIWG2S)
• Sports Mascots: The 2-dimentional (mis)representation of Indigenous Peoples.

Privilege

People with privilege have the power to be disruptors, to be the leaders of change. Race, gender, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, religion are some key indicators of privilege depending on your answers. This is not meant to get political, just to raise awareness of your one’s own ability to alter systemic issues. The key is to not feel ashamed of your power that you didn’t choose, but to use it for good.

Not in all cases, but many of us in this snowboard community possess privilege that can power change. The next section on reconciliation will give you some ideas on how to use privilege and this education for positive steps forward.

Reconciliation

Now that we’ve explored and understand some of the truths, the journey towards reconciliation can begin.

Action for reconciliation

Land acknowledgements: this is not news! But, finding a way to work this into your presentations as a snowboard instructor will be very powerful. Be creative and genuine in these statements, avoiding regurgitating a script.

• How to: check out https://native-land.ca/ to find out who’s land you are fortunate enough to play on!
• Example: My home mountain is located on the land of the Algonquin People where there is actually a run called Algonquin! Doing a warm up run there with students in a lesson would be a great way to tie in a land acknowledgement and doing so in a meaningful and appropriate way.

Create opportunity for Indigenous People in snowboarding. There is a historical and present lack of access to snowboarding for Indigenous People.

• CASI has supported Indigenous participation on certification courses and will continue to do so wherever possible. We already have a few scholarships set up for the 2025/26 season.

Support Indigenous led initiatives. Here are a few we can recommend: Indigenous Women Outdoors, WiSH – World Indigenous Sports and Health Society, The Skwelk̓wélt Indigenous Snowsports Team, etc. Stay tuned for details on CASI’s plans to support groups like these in a future blog post.

Present and share knowledge from the heart, it can’t come from a feeling of obligation. Going beyond protocol makes every difference in the effect it will have.

Continue your journey of learning through listening to Indigenous podcasts, reading Indigenous authors, follow Indigenous artists on Instagram and support their missions etc.

Check out 94 Calls to action: published by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada as a way to redress the legacy of residential schools and advance the process of Canadian reconciliation. Specifically for us as a group of snowboarders, numbers 87-91 directly apply to sport.

Conclusion

We are all on our own unique journey and the experience summarized in this blog post can’t possibly be an all encompassing education on the topic. These are my unique takes and you’ll continue to see CASI’s reconciliation efforts through our various communications outlets as a result.

The workshop closed with this simple, yet profound statement:

“What we do to acknowledge Indigenous People and our bounties benefits everyone.”

In other words, do good for Indigenous Peoples and we all win. Increase your own knowledge of the truths, share the experience with others and implement reconciliation on whatever level you can. Use your privilege to be a disruptor to the system.

ROB WHELAN
Communications & Engagement Manager
CASI Evaluator

The Global Syndicate of Mountain Bike Coaches (GSMBC) and CASI-ACMS are proud to announce a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), effective August 25, 2025. This collaboration represents a significant step toward supporting multi-sport instructors and coaches through cross-disciplinary professional development, knowledge sharing, and enhanced member benefits.

This new partnership is another positive step forward as we continue to work towards the goals within our current Strategic Plan. Specifically, under Trail 3: Enhancing Industry Relations & Development, working with GSMBC in a formal capacity will aid in elevating professional advocacy and development.

Shared Vision

Both organizations are united by a commitment to raising the global standard in instructor and coach education. By working together, GSMBC and CASI-ACMS will:

• Encourage instructors and coaches to expand their professional development across both summer and winter sports.
• Share technical, strategic, and educational expertise to strengthen course delivery and engagement.
• Promote a culture of collaboration to benefit the broader coaching and instructing community.

“We’re thrilled to join forces with CASI-ACMS. Together, we’re building pathways for instructors to grow their skills across both seasons and raise the bar for coach education worldwide.”

Paul Howard, GSMBC President & Education Director

Member Benefits

One of the most exciting aspects of the MOU is the reciprocal membership discounts:

• For CASI members: 15% off all GSMBC in-person courses + 20% off GSMBC online education courses
• For GSMBC members: 15% off CASI in-person courses + 20% off CASI yearly membership dues

These benefits make it easier than ever for dedicated instructors to stay active and connected across multiple disciplines.

Collaboration in Action

In addition to discounts, both organizations have committed to:

• Coordinated promotional efforts through newsletters, websites, and social media
• Sharing innovations and content development opportunities
• Meeting twice annually to evaluate progress and plan new initiatives

“This collaboration reflects our shared belief that strong, well-supported instructors and coaches elevate the experience for athletes and participants in every sport.”

Jeff Chandler, Executive Director of CASI-ACMS

Looking Ahead

This MOU is effective for two years and will be reviewed regularly to ensure it continues to meet the evolving needs of our communities. It represents not just a partnership between two organizations, but a broader movement toward recognizing the value of year-round professional development for coaches and instructors.

I use analogies all the time when I teach. They bring together something the student is familiar with, and a snowboarding concept. This will create a clear image of what is trying to be achieved. It has added benefits of making lessons personalized and create a link between something they are passionate about and snowboarding. From an instructor standpoint, this helps create a better connection between you and your guest. This is also a fun way to challenge your own teaching and understanding.

Children can have a very difficult time understanding some of the outcomes we are trying to create. Analogies, again, offer a different perspective on the outcome. It can turn the outcome into a game. This really helps with engagement and will help them progress, while still having fun. Kids have an amazing imagination, and analogies are a powerful tool to unlock that potential.

Sometimes meaningful analogies can be challenging to come up with. Most sports share common stances, or movement patterns. What if your client isn’t very active? Here are some I have used in the past.

For someone who enjoys cooking, relating the snowboard to a knife is a great way to create a mental picture of different ways we can use the edges, such as cutting vs smearing. The image of cutting a steak versus spreading butter on toast easily relates to how snowboard edges can be used. 

If your student is a musician, playing the piano, just like snowboarding, takes rhythm and tempo. Musicians are great at counting, and you can use that talent to time certain movements. I have also compared the skills to notes. Each skill on its own is a single note, and we can start combining them into different chords. Changing the order can change the sound, or the outcome. 

For small kids, I have asked them what their favorite animal is. Next, ask them what that animal eats (you get some hilarious answers). Now when you go to try sideslipping, the snowboard becomes the animal’s mouth. Show them how to open and close its mouth by tipping or using the ankles (depends on age and development). Next, I’ll slide in front of them and use my free foot to make some dots in the snow. The dots are the food, and they try to slide along and use the “snowboard’s mouth” to eat the food.

These are just a couple of examples, but the possibilities are endless. Go out and try it. It’s like playing “Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon.” You have a start and end point, but you get to find a way to make the connection. It can be a great way to challenge your own understanding by looking at the sport from a totally different perspective.

by: Chris Scharf
CASI Level 3 Instructor, L2/P1 Evaluator

Get ready for a new season of learning, progression, and time on snow. From certification changes to new tools and fresh approaches, here’s what’s ahead for 2025-26 and beyond.

New! Stay Current By Completing Your Online Update

Starting this season, member profiles will include an indication of whether the Online Update workshop has been completed or not. Keep yourself up to date by logging in and completing this online course!

This isn’t about ticking a box… It’s about staying connected to the high standards that define you as a professional in our community. When you complete your update, you’ll get:

• A direct line to evolving CASI-ACMS standards
• Access to new training info and tools
• Guidance on your certification journey

Once your membership dues are paid, you can access your Online Update anytime through your member profile.

Carving Instructor Course: Now 3 Days

The Carving course now runs three full days (18 hours) to give more time for deeper technical development, space for coaching-based learning, and personalized feedback.

Designed for instructors with carving experience and passion, this course helps you to teach intermediate and advanced carving, build long-term strategies to continue developing your carving game and even prepare for Level 3 or 4 (especially long turns). Successful candidates earn the CASI Carving Pin and the title of Carving Specialist.

This course will also be offered internationally by our International Course Providers.

Level 1 & 2: Retest Days

New! In busy resort areas, your best option to retest might be a dedicated retest-only day. Check the Course Schedule this fall for available dates and locations.

You can still retest during most regular courses. 

Level 3 Certification: New Modular Format

There are some big changes for Level 3 this season. Certification now runs in a modular format:

• Three 2-day training modules: Instructor Training, Riding, and Teaching
• Separate exams for Riding and Teaching
• Evaluation is on-going during the Instructor Training Module

You can complete the modules in any order, at your pace,  giving you time to reflect and grow before tackling exams.

Reminder: Park 1 is required before attempting the Riding or Teaching Modules.

New this year in the Level 3 exam:
A Park task has been added to the Riding Exam. It builds on the Park 1 standard, with the same expectations in terms of manoeuvres evaluated at a more refined level than Park 1. 

Notes:

• If you’ve already completed the Level 3 Instructor Course in the past you can go directly to the exams.
• If you need to retest the Instructor Training component, you’ll need to register for your retest (2 days) on the two-day session module, which includes ongoing evaluation.
• The exam and retests for the Instructor Training component take place during the regular two-day module, through continuous assessment.
• Level 3 candidates can attend the training modules as many times as they wish, allowing them to revisit specific components of the certification as needed.
• A new Level 3 Standards Video drops this fall!

Level 4 Freestyle Task — New Jam Format

The Level 4 freestyle evaluation is moving to a ‘jam-style’ format. Candidates will be able to choose from a list of required maneuvers and ride them in a continuous, adaptive environment while being evaluated at the creation of variation level (I.A.C.R.CV). 

This change brings more flow, realism, and clarity, while keeping expectations high.

Park Instructor 1: Now 3 Days

The Park 1 Course has been expanded from 2 to 3 days. More time on snow = more progression. Updates also include even clearer freestyle task expectations and refined descriptions and evaluation guidelines.

New! Online Module: Teaching Children

Perfect for those new to working with kids or looking to level up.

Launching in 2025–26, this 2–4 hour online module gives Level 1 instructors tools to work more effectively with kids and includes a certificate of completion. This will include learning about how kids move and learn; strategies for safety, fun, and building confidence, and practical teaching tips. All self-paced and flexible.

Minimum AGE changes for Level 1 & 2 Instructor courses

Level 1 – The minimum age to attend the Level 1 Instructor course was reduced to 14 (previously 15), allowing younger participants to get started on their teaching journey earlier. Teaching beginner lessons as a high school student is an amazing opportunity for personal growth and long term success in and outside the snowboard industry!

Level 2 – To encourage more experience in teaching prior to enrolling on the Level 2 Instructor course, we’ve implemented a minimum age of 16.

On-Snow Member Sessions – More topic-specific sessions 

Our on-snow member sessions will continue to be offered across the country. Dates and locations will be added on an ongoing basis throughout the season. 

Check the schedule regularly to stay in the loop and make sure to check the topic of the session you are registering for as well as the prerequisites.

Online Member Sessions

Short and focused, these sessions will feature guest speaker interviews, tech chats with the National Technical Team, analysis and improvement tips as well as ideas for season prep and exam readiness. 

The full schedule will be announced soon on our socials and newsletter.

Instructor Mentorship Program

The IMP will be back for another season after a successful pilot. We’re currently reviewing feedback from both mentors and mentees to help improve and continue to grow the program. 

New! Rookie Evaluator Development Module (REDM)

The evaluator pathway is getting an update and will include the new REDM (Rookie Evaluator Development Module). 

You’ll find full details in the Evaluator Training section of the website.

Scoop! Coming in 2026: Big Mountain Course

Something big is dropping next year… We’re building a new experience that blends freeride technique, alpine safety and group management in technical terrain.

Launching as an invite-only pilot in 2026, then open to all members in 2026–27. This course is designed for in-resort and slackcountry environments. 

Stay tuned!

Questions?

Complete course details will be available in the updated Course Guides all available this fall.

We will discuss these changes in one of our coming Online Member Sessions. 

Here’s to a season of learning, progression, and great turns!

Geneviève Pilotto, CASI Director of Education and Programs

The three-day event was structured with morning and afternoon sessions each day, offering topics such as steeps, park and pipe, mountain exploration, and carving. 

The Canadian team was also invited to deliver a one-hour indoor presentation to AASI members, which was well received. In addition, we were occasionally asked to assist with session leading and to observe sessions in order to gather insights to bring back to the Canadian membership. 

Guest Service and Safety 

Guest service was a major highlight of the trip. Copper Mountain, home to a Woodward facility, proved to be a world-class destination for the event. 

Participants could purchase an event package that included daily breakfast and lunch. Breakfasts were held in a conference center, while lunch involved using vouchers at various mountain venues, promoting social interaction throughout the day. 

Two après events were organized to encourage community bonding in a relaxed, fun environment.

A daily group ride closed each day, reinforcing a strong sense of community. Safety was well managed at every stage of the event. 

An additional evening session was held in the Woodward Barn, giving participants the chance to practice freestyle skills off-snow.

The Canadian team was housed with the American team, maximizing opportunities for professional exchange and snowboard education sharing. 

Lesson Structure and Communication 

The event placed a greater emphasis on rider experience rather than detailed technical instruction. 

Specific session goals were rarely presented; instead, leaders employed guided discovery techniques to respond to riders’ questions and needs. 

Communication often involved complex technical concepts — for example, “twisting the femur inside the hip joint” to adjust turn shape, or examining the moment when “the unweighting of the centre of mass initiates the new edge arc.” 

AASI instructors use the acronym DIRT (Duration, Intensity, Rate, Timing) to guide lesson planning and communication. 

Demonstrations 

The AASI National Team demonstrated strong riding skills, with a distinct freestyle influence evident across all levels. 

Key demonstration styles included: 

● Level 1: Flex up at edge change (up-unweighting) 

● Level 2: Flex down at edge change (down-unweighting) 

● Level 3: Retraction turns (fast unweighting) 

High-level piste demonstrations emphasized quick retraction to unweight the board and initiate a new arc. Off-piste demonstrations, in contrast, promoted a more relaxed freeride style.

The Americans strongly favour a “duck stance” and prominently use the “cowboy knees” position, which supports effective retraction movements in their demonstrations. 

Analysis and Improvement 

The AASI exam system is divided into three parts: Riding, Teaching, and Movement Analysis. 

Movement Analysis requires candidates to observe a rider, describe what they see, and suggest improvements. 

Generally, the analysis and improvement approach had more of a coaching tone, with less direct attachment to the AASI’s six fundamentals. 

The United States is divided into eight snowboard regions, each with slightly different teaching and analysis approaches based on local terrain and conditions. AASI is actively working towards standardizing their system across all regions by May 2027, ensuring consistency in exam duration, cost, and technical expectations. 

Technical Content 

AASI’s system is built around six fundamentals: 

1. Tilt (edging) 
2. Pivot (controlling rotation via pivoting and flex/extension) 
3. Twist (torsional flexion and pedaling) 
4. Pressure Management divided into three categories: 
   • Along the board (longitudinal) 
   • Across the board (lateral)
   • Board-snow interaction (flexion/extension) 
5. Retraction (down-unweighting) is taught as the fastest way to change edges and is considered a more advanced skill. 
6. Up-unweighting (flexing up at edge change) is seen as an entry-level skill appropriate for beginners (Level 1). 

Technical focus is heavily placed on edge change management — particularly the mechanics of unweighting. 

One of the most noticeable differences between the Canadian and American technical models is the sequencing of angulation before inclination in AASI’s system. 

Additionally, there appears to be a philosophical gap between alpine race boarding and soft boot freeride snowboarding, with distinct movement patterns emphasized for each. 

Conclusion 

Rider Rally 2025 was a tremendous success. 

It clearly demonstrated the importance of community building and professional development within a national association. CASI could greatly benefit from hosting a similar event to foster these same values among its members. 

The Americans delivered a welcoming, well-organized event, with exceptional guest service and hospitality. 

Their strong emphasis on freestyle elements and social connection left a lasting impression, and we are excited to share our insights with the Canadian snowboarding community.

Article by Breen Trott

CASI National Technical Team Member 

Breen Trott is a CASI Level 4 / Park 2 evaluator. He started teaching snowboarding in 2002 at Glen Eden, Ontario and then spent several years at both Sun Peaks and Fernie, BC before finally settling back in Ontario at Mount Pakenham. When he’s not teaching, you can find him shredding with his 5 and 8 year old children.