Canadian Association of Snowboard Instructors

What Canadian Association of Snowboard Instructors does

Canadian Association of Snowboard Instructors (CASI) is a Canadian not-for-profit, founded in 1994, that operates as the national certification body for snowboard instructors in Canada and several international markets. CASI serves aspiring instructors (typically 14+ years old) and working professionals through a hierarchical four-level certification framework (Level 1 through Level 4), augmented by Park 1-2 and Carving Instructor specializations. The organization also serves 200+ ski resorts and snow schools across Canada by supplying pre-trained instructors, standardized curriculum (the proprietary QuickRide 5-phase teaching methodology), and a Snow School Directory of 167+ schools. International reach is delivered through approved International Course Providers in China, Japan, and South Korea, with Level 4 instructors eligible for ISIA international recognition.

CASI's intellectual property rests on the QuickRide system - a 5-phase methodology (Basics, Sliding, Control, Turning, Flow) developed over 30 years and the modular Level 3/4 framework. Operational technology is conventional: an online member portal (members.casi-acms.com) for course registration, pro-deals access, tax receipts, and profile management, plus a Snow School Management login (mms.casi-acms.com). Distribution occurs via three regional Program Managers covering Canada, 200+ resort partnerships, and international channel resellers.

Revenue is generated primarily through membership dues (Regular $112.42/year, Supporter $40, International Affiliate $175.84) and certification course fees (Level 1 $542-596, Level 2 $681-749, Level 3/4 modular $381-529/component, Park $570-627) with retest fees of $164-180. Supplementary revenue streams include exam prep courses ($151.68), member sessions ($99.28 after first free session), and value-added benefits (Pro Deals 30-50% equipment discounts via 40+ suppliers, health insurance, $300 scholarships, and the First Tracks Fund endowment). The organization is governed by a member-elected board and led by Executive Director Jeff Chandler with a small national team.

Name

Canadian Association of Snowboard Instructors

Legal name

Canadian Association of Snowboard Instructors

Website

https://casi-acms.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1994

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

5,001–10,000 employees

Short description

Canadian Association of Snowboard Instructors (CASI) is a Canadian not-for-profit, founded in 1994, that certifies snowboard instructors domestically and internationally through a four-level framework, Park and Carving specializations, and the proprietary QuickRide teaching methodology. It serves aspiring instructors, 200+ resort partners, and international course providers across China, Japan, and South Korea.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Snowboard Instructor Certification Services

NAICS

Sports and Recreation Instruction (611620), Sports and Recreation Instruction (61162), Professional and Management Development Training (611430)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Membership Sports & Recreation Clubs (7997)

akta.pro primary industry

Ski & Snowboard Schools (Instruction & Coaching) (THAAAJAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Winter Sports & Snow Training Schools (Ski, Snowboard, Ice Sports) (MPAKAJAI), Coach Education, Certification & Clinics (HSADAEAO), Referee, Umpire & Coach Education/Certification Academies (MPAKAJAN)

Keywords

• Snowboard instructor certification
• Sports education training
• Professional certification services
• Winter sports instruction
• Membership association

Headquarters

HQ city

Collingwood

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues: Annual membership fees from Regular, Supporter, and Affiliate members. Membership runs June 1 - May 31. Fees range from $40 (Supporter) to $175.84 (Affiliate 1-year) plus $112.42 for Regular membership. Includes revenue from 7,500+ active members.
2. Instructor Certification Courses: Course fees for Level 1-4 Instructor, Park 1-2, and Carving Instructor certifications. Early pricing and regular pricing tiers. Level 1: $542-596, Level 2: $681-749, Level 3: $381-419 per module, Level 4: $481-529 per module. Re-test fees additional at $164-180.
3. Prep Courses and Member Sessions: Exam prep courses for Level 3 & 4 ($151.68). Free member sessions for first attendance, $99.28 for additional sessions.
4. Pro Deals Program: Equipment discount program where suppliers provide 30-50% off retail prices to members. Revenue not directly stated but creates member value and engagement.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

CASI is a not-for-profit national certification body that trains and certifies snowboard instructors in Canada through a four-level certification system (Level 1–4), Park instructor certifications, and a Carving specialization based on its proprietary QuickRide 5-phase teaching methodology. The organization also operates membership programs, supplementary training, and an online job board connecting certified instructors with resorts.

Product overview

The Canadian Association of Snowboard Instructors (CASI) is a not-for-profit professional certification body founded in 1994 that trains and certifies snowboard instructors across Canada and internationally. The organization offers a hierarchical certification system with four levels of Instructor Certification (Level 1 through Level 4), supplemented by Park Instructor certifications (Park 1 and Park 2) and a Carving Instructor specialization. CASI provides the QuickRide System, a 5-step snowboard teaching methodology, and the Rider Improvement Program (RIP) for ongoing rider development. Additional offerings include Prep Courses for exam preparation, Member Sessions for free supplementary training, Evaluator Training for developing course evaluators, and Trainer Update programs. The organization operates an Instructor Job Board and Snow School Directory to connect certified instructors with employment opportunities, and provides a Resort Support Program offering 40% course discounts to partner resorts. CASI also administers member benefits including a Pro Deals Program (30-50% equipment discounts), Health Insurance Plans, Scholarship Program, and the First Tracks Fund endowment. International courses are delivered through approved providers in China, Japan, and South Korea. CASI members can apply for ISIA (International Ski Instructors' Association) recognition upon reaching Level 4 certification.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Level 1 Instructor Course Introductory 3-day (18+ hours) certification course teaching candidates to teach beginner snowboarders up to the Novice Turn level. Prerequisites: 14 years of age and intermediate riding skills.
• Level 2 Instructor Course Intermediate 4-day (24+ hours) certification course developing skills-based teaching for intermediate snowboarding. Prerequisites: Level 1 Instructor, 16 years of age, and 45 hours recommended teaching experience.
• Level 3 Instructor Course Professional-level modular certification with three 2-day components: Teaching, Riding, and Instructor Training. Covers advanced teaching methodologies, technical riding development, performance analysis, and session planning. Prerequisites: Level 2 and Park 1 Instructor certifications.
• Level 4 Instructor Course Expert-level modular certification with three components: Teaching, Riding, and Instructor Training. Requires extensive full-time teaching experience. Level 4 members play a key role in determining CASI training, technical, and policy standards.
• Park 1 Instructor Course Introductory 3-day (18 hours) certification teaching candidates to safely introduce students to terrain park and freestyle snowboarding. Prerequisites: Level 1 Instructor and ability to ride intermediate terrain with basic park features.
• Park 2 Instructor Course Intermediate certification for developing students' freestyle snowboarding skills on small and medium terrain park features. Prerequisites: Park 1 Instructor and ability to demonstrate on intermediate freestyle terrain.
• Carving Instructor Course 3-day (18 hours) course developing advanced riding and teaching skills for intermediate to advanced carving. Prerequisites: Level 2 Instructor and ability to ride intermediate and advanced terrain.
• QuickRide System License Proprietary 5-step snowboard teaching methodology (Basics, Sliding, Control, Turning, Flow). The fastest, easiest, and most comprehensive way to introduce beginners to snowboarding. CASI instructors are trained to use this system.
• Rider Improvement Program (RIP) Multi-stage rider improvement program delivered by resort snow schools, designed to be flexible for group lessons, private lessons, or multi-week programs. Includes progress reports and an instructor guide.
• Pro Deals Program Equipment discount program helping working snowboard instructors save 30-50% on major equipment from partner suppliers including Burton, Nitro, Rossignol, The North Face, Patagonia, and 40+ other brands.
• Health Insurance Plan Member Health Plan offering health, drug, dental, and travel insurance coverage at favorable rates. Includes prescription drugs, physiotherapy, massage therapy, semi-private hospital, dental, and vision coverage.
• Instructor Job Board Online job board connecting certified snowboard instructors with employment opportunities at resorts across Canada. Listings include positions for various certification levels and roles.
• Snow School Directory Comprehensive directory of snow schools across Canada, searchable by location, name, or region. Includes contact information and details for over 167 snow schools.
• Resort Support Program Program providing resorts with course discount codes (40% off) and customized Member Session training for snow school instructors. Includes Resort Support Vouchers valid for 2025-26 season.
• ISIA Certification International Ski Instructors' Association recognition available to Level 4 Instructors. Requires 320 hours of training including Level 3 certification, Avalanche Skills Training, and First Aid Certification.
• Evaluator Training Program Training pathway to become CASI Evaluators, including Rookie Evaluator Development Module (REDM), Evaluator Development Module, Advanced Evaluator Module, and Freestyle Evaluator Module. Evaluators are responsible for training, mentoring, and certifying new snowboard instructors.

Quantifiable outcome

• 30-50% equipment discount through Pro Deals program
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

20 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Nitro SnowboardscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerOfficial Partner of CASI. Provides pro deals to certified instructors and supports the snowboarding instructor community.
• IPA CollectivecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerOfficial Partner of CASI. Industry partner supporting snowboard instructors.
• Atlantic Ski Areas AssociationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational industry partner - CASI is actively involved as member/partner.
• Canada West Ski Areas AssociationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational industry partner - CASI is actively involved as member/partner.
• Canadian Ski CouncilminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational industry partner - CASI is actively involved as member/partner.
• Canadian Ski Instructors' AlliancecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSister organization for ski instructors. CASIA has authority to issue ISIA minimum standard international stamp to CASI members. Dual ski/snowboard instructors receive annual discount on membership dues.
• Canada~SnowboardcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational snowboard governing body. CASI members receive 25% coaching memberships with proof of membership.
• National Snow Industries AssociationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational industry partner - CASI is actively involved as member/partner.
• Canadian Adaptive Snowsports (CADS)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCADS dual members (Snowboard only) receive discount on dual membership fees. CASI Members volunteering as snowboarders with CADS eligible.
• Canadian Avalanche AssociationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerISIA recognition requires Avalanche Skills Training (AST). CASI is actively involved as member/partner.
• GSMBC (Global Syndicate of Mountain Bike Coaches)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerReciprocal membership discount: CASI Members receive 15% off in-person GSMBC courses and 20% off online courses.
• O-Pro Consulting (China)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorInternational Course Provider (ICP) for CASI Level 1, 2, Park 1, Carving, and Level 3 Modules in China.
• Snowsports Unlimited (China)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorInternational Course Provider (ICP) for CASI Level 1, 2, Park 1, Carving, and Level 3 Modules in China.
• Evergreen Outdoor Center (Japan)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorInternational Course Provider (ICP) for CASI Level 1, 2, Park 1, Carving, and Level 3 Modules in Hakuba, Japan.
• Half Cab JapancoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorInternational Course Provider (ICP) for CASI Level 1, 2, Park 1, Carving, and Level 3 Modules in Tangram/Madarao, Japan.
• Japan Outdoor Institute: Freeride JapanminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorInternational Course Provider (ICP) for CASI courses at various locations across Japan.
• Team KASSI (South Korea)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorInternational Course Provider (ICP) for CASI Level 1, 2, Park 1, Carving, and Level 3 Modules in South Korea.
• Indigenous Women OutdoorsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFirst Tracks Fund supported organization for 2025-2026. Initiative supporting Indigenous leadership and participation.
• Routes to RootzminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFirst Tracks Fund supported organization for 2025-2026. Initiative providing access to snowboarding.
• Whistler BlackcombminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFirst Tracks Fund supported organization for 2025-2026. Partnership enhancing connection to snowsports industry.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Others

• Canadian Adaptive Snowsports (CADS): Canadian adaptive snowsports organization offering dual-membership discounts with CASI for snowboard instructors. CADS is an adjacent, enabling peer in the Canadian snowsport ecosystem rather than a direct certification competitor.
• Interski International: The international federation of national ski and snowboard instructor associations. CASI has been a member representing Canada since 1995 and participates in the Interski Congress every four years; it functions as the umbrella organization rather than a competitor.
• Canada~Snowboard: The national governing body for competitive snowboarding in Canada. CASI has a mutual partnership with Canada~Snowboard offering 25% off coaching memberships, and the two serve complementary roles (governing body vs. instructor certification).

Direct peers

• British Association of Snowsport Instructors (BASI): UK national snowsport instructor certification body covering both ski and snowboard. BASI is an ISIA-member counterpart that issues certifications recognized internationally, competing with CASI for instructors who want European credentialing.
• Canadian Ski Instructors' Alliance (CSIA): The Canadian national ski instructor certification body and CASI's sister organization. CSIA and CASI share the Canadian market and offer reciprocal dual-membership discounts, making them the closest direct peer for instructor certification in the same geography and customer base.
• Australian Professional Snowsport Instructors (APSI): Australia's national snowsport instructor body covering ski and snowboard. APSI is an ISIA-affiliated peer with a similar multi-level certification structure and is one of the recognized foreign credentials for CASI's Affiliate membership.
• New Zealand Snowsports Instructors Alliance (NZSIA): New Zealand's national snowsport instructor alliance covering ski and snowboard. NZSIA is an ISIA-recognized peer whose certification is accepted into CASI's Affiliate pathway, and it shares the multi-level certification model.
• American Association of Snowboard Instructors (AASI): The US national snowboard instructor certification arm under PSIA. AASI is the closest international direct peer to CASI in terms of discipline focus (snowboard-only certification), curriculum structure (multi-level), and ISIA-affiliated recognition.

Regional players

• Ski Japan School: A Japan-based snowsport school operator. While not a national certification body, it competes for instructor talent and student attention in Japan — one of CASI's stated International Course Provider markets — and represents regional competitive pressure.

Broad incumbents

• Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA): The US national umbrella for snowsport instruction (encompassing AASI for snowboard). PSIA is a larger, broader incumbent offering overlapping capabilities but as part of a wider portfolio rather than a snowboard-only niche.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/CASIACMS
• YouTubeyoutube.com/casiacms
• Facebookfacebook.com/CASIACMS
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/casi-acms
• Instagraminstagram.com/casiacms

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Canadian Association of Snowboard Instructors