Quick Access:
Level 1 Tracks Level 2 Level 3 Trainer Level 4
Pro Days Pathway Migration Methodology
CSIA Certification Pathway
Welcome to the Canadian Ski Instructors’ Alliance! The following is a step by step guide to the CSIA Certification Pathway.
The Pathway includes four Levels of Instructor Certification and a Trainer Designation. The training offered within the Pathway is the perfect way to develop skills and expand knowledge, while practical teaching experience within a Snow School will provide you with the opportunity to implement these skills to truly hone your craft. Real world teaching is exciting, fulfilling and offers invaluable experience as you target new goals.
Level 1 Certification Course or Snow Park Certification Course
You can begin your journey with either a 3 day Level 1 Certification Course or Snow Park Certification Course. Some Snow Schools in Canada also offer a Level 1 Apprentice Development Program offered over a longer term, in conjunction with on-the-job experience.
Level 1 Certification Course description click here.
Level 1 Candidate Guide click here.
Snow Park Certification Course description click here.
Skiing and Teaching “Tracks”
The Level 2 and Level 3 Programs are offered in Skiing and Teaching “Tracks”. To acquire the complete Level 2 or Level 3 Certifications, Members must pass both of the related Skiing and Teaching components, however independent development in either of the tracks is also possible.
Level 2 Certification Program
As a Level 1 Certified or Snow Park Certified Ski Instructor, you can take advantage of the Level 2 Certification Program, which is comprised of the following:
Level 2 Skier Development (2 days)
Level 2 Teacher Development (2 days)
Level 2 Exam (2 days – Teaching and Skiing)
Level 2 Certification Program description click here.
Level 2 Candidate Guide click here.
Level 3 Certification Program
As a Level 2 Certified Ski Instructor, consider embarking on the Level 3 Certification Program, which is comprised of the following:
Level 3 Skier Development (3 days)
Level 3 Teacher Development (3 days)
Level 3 Exam (2 days – Teaching and Skiing)
Level 3 Certification Program description click here.
Level 3 Candidate Guide click here.
Trainer Designation
As a Level 3 Certified Ski Instructor, you are encouraged to attain the Trainer Designation which helps build skills valuable in training new Ski Instructors and is a step toward becoming a Level 1 Course Conductor for the CSIA. Please contact your Education Program Coordinator (EPC) for more information, email communication is preferred.
The Trainer Designation is comprised of the following:
Trainer Development (2 days)
Trainer Exam (1 day)
Trainer Designation description click here.
Level 4 Certification Program
As a Level 3 with the Trainer Designation, the highest level of CSIA Certification is within reach. Extensive professional experience inside and outside the Ski Industry are valued and strongly recommended for those embarking on the Level 4 Certification Program which is comprised of the following:
Level 4 Academy Application Submission
Level 4 Academy Selection Camp (2 days)
Level 4 Academy (3 x 4 day Camps, Online components)
Level 4 Certification Program description click here.
NEW Pro Days
Throughout your journey as a Ski Instructor and CSIA Member, we invite you to attend Pro Days regularly as part of your individual training plan. Pro Days are full day Programs offered throughout the country providing further education opportunities tuned to your individual development needs and interests. Check out the schedule in your Region using Search and Register to find the Pro Day nearest you!
Pro Days description click here.
Pathway Migration
Are you an Existing Member? Wondering how your situation in the previous Pathway translates to this new format? Find out what the next step of your development is, in the grid below.
Mobile users, click here for a PDF version.
At the end of the 2019-2020 season, you had completed: |
In the NEW Pathway, your position is: |
The next steps to explore are: |
L1 Certification |
L1 Certification |
L2 Skier Development AND/OR L2 Teacher Development |
Snow Park Certification |
Snow Park Certification |
L2 Skier Development AND/OR L2 Teacher Development AND/OR L1 Certification |
L2 Training (with or without 10 credits) |
L2 Skier Development & L2 Teacher Development |
L2 Ski Exam AND/OR L2 Teach Exam |
L2 Ski Exam (with or without 10 credits) |
L2 Ski Exam |
L2 Teach Exam AND/OR L3 Skier Development |
L2 Teach Exam (with or without 10 credits) |
L2 Teach Exam |
L2 Ski Exam AND/OR L3 Teacher Development |
L2 Certification |
L2 Certification |
L3 Skier Development AND/OR L3 Teacher Development |
L3 Training |
L3 Skier Development |
L3 Teacher Development AND/OR L3 Ski Exam |
Advanced Teaching Module |
L3 Teacher Development |
L3 Skier Development AND/OR L3 Teach Exam |
L3 Training & 40 Education Credits |
L3 Skier Development & L3 Teacher Development |
L3 Ski Exam AND/OR L3 Teach Exam |
L3 Ski Exam |
L3 Ski Exam |
L3 Teach Exam |
L3 Teach Exam |
L3 Teach Exam |
L3 Ski Exam |
L3 Certification |
L3 Certification |
Trainer Development |
Trainer Development Module |
Trainer Development |
Trainer Exam |
Trainer Development Exam |
Trainer Exam |
Level 4 Academy Application & Selection Camp |
L4 Training |
L3 Certification |
Trainer Development AND/OR Trainer Exam THEN/OR Level 4 Academy Application & Selection Camp |
L4 Ski Exam |
L4 Academy Selection Camp |
Level 4 Academy Application |
L4 Teach Exam |
L3 Certification |
Trainer Development AND/OR Trainer Exam THEN/OR Level 4 Academy Application & Selection Camp |
Methodology
- A Prescriptive Beginner / Intermediate Zone
- The Performance Skiing Zone - a detailed look at the mechanics within the parallel domain
- Situational Skiing - exploring off-piste and the associated tactics
- A Concepts Zone - which delves into ideas both related to and specific to skiing